Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus Shares Musical Memories of His Late Father
Rascal Flatts’ current single is the reflective anthem “How They Remember You,” and it’s a pretty fitting choice since the iconic trio are in the process of bidding farewell to their 20 year career. But the song is especially meaningful to the band’s Jay DeMarcus.
Last week, the songwriter and multi-instrumentalist lost his father following a long illness, and its made DeMarcus think of the life they shared together. Speaking with his record label, Big Machine Label Group, he explained that their relationship wasn’t perfect, but one thing always kept them connected.
“My dad was always musical,” DeMarcus explained. “So, the bond that we’ve always shared that has kept us close is music and we play music together. I try to go back, not so much in the last couple of years because his health has been deteriorating. But I would go back and play some little clubs with him with his band that he had back in the late ’70s. And it was a way for me to stay connected to my father and share that bond with him. There is a lot about my father that I will always cherish and love.”
Written by Marc Beeson, Josh Osborne and Allen Shamblin “How They Remember You,” thinking about their own legacy. With soaring vocals, thick harmonies and the same plush country sound they’ve had their whole career, the track marks a a bittersweet send off for the trio — who no doubt will be cherished and loved by their fans.
“Did you stand or did you fall? / Build a bridge or build a wall? / Hide your love or give it all? / What did you do? What did you do? / Did you make ‘em laugh or make ‘em cry? / Did you quit or did you try? / Live your dreams or let ‘em die? / What did you choose? What did you choose? / When it all comes down / It ain’t if, it’s how they remember you,” goes the self-questioning chorus.
“How They Remember You” is the title track of Rascal Flatts’ 2020 EP, which came out in July. The trio are still planning to hang up their microphones this year, even though plans for their farewell concert tour have been scrapped due to COVID-19.
