Songfacts®:

• Thomas Rhett wrote this inspiring piano ballad with Josh Miller, Josh Thompson and Matt Dragstrem toward the end of 2019. The lyrics find him trying to uplift others amid all the world's negativity and sadness.
  
  In a world full of hate
  Be a light
  When you do somebody wrong
  Make it right
  
  Rhett explained to his followers on Instagram Live: "This song was really just about being a light in a dark place; being an encouragement to people."
• In early March 2020, a devastating tornado swept through Nashville, destroying much of the city. A couple of weeks later, the entire world found themselves caught up in the coronavirus pandemic. Rhett felt he needed to share the song's message, so he persuaded his label to release the track on his 30th birthday, March 30, 2020.
• Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Keith Urban and Chris Tomlin join Rhett on the song. Each of the performers sings a portion of the tune, with McEntire and Scott trading vocals on the chorus. Said Rhett: "The voices who join me on this track are some of the brightest lights I know. I hope this song serves as a reminder that we are all in this together."
• Proceeds of sales of "Be a Light" will go to benefit the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund aids members of the music industry who have been diagnosed with coronavirus and those in need of financial aid due to losing jobs because of the pandemic.
• Thomas Rhett premiered the song live during the ACM Presents: Our Country special on April 5, 2020. He performed the song solo from his home during the show, which was broadcast in lieu of the postponed ACM Awards.
• Chris Tomlin and show co-host Reba McEntire joined Rhett to perform the song onstage at the 2020 CMA Awards. Hillary Scott was also scheduled to perform, but had to drop out due to COVID-19 exposure.