Sugarland Turns a Broken Heart Into a Strong Song Called ‘Babe’
Keeping the recording secret for quite some time, Swift even gave Sugarland's rendition of "Babe" her blessing.
While some people wallow in the sorrow of a break-up, Sugarland turned the idea of heartache into a powerful track by the name of “Babe.”
Calling up former country star and acclaimed songwriter Taylor Swift to send over something good for their next single, Sugarland embraced her lyrical story of leaving the one you love after infidelity strikes the relationship. Although the singer in subject looks upon the move as not wanting to be the one that got away, the rhythm brings through the theme of empowerment and security within the decision to walk away.
LAS VEGAS – APRIL 18: (L-R) Jennifer Nettles, Kristian Bush of Sugarland and Taylor Swift pose from the audience at the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 18, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christopher Polk/ACMA2010/Getty Images for ACMA)
The move of putting Swift’s “Babe” on Sugarland’s upcoming record was a first for the duo to reach out to someone outside of their realm for help, but the two resonated with the pop star’s message and felt as though it would stand out alongside the rest of their anticipated project. They even enjoyed the small bits of Swift’s voice running behind their own vocals, as a unique harmony to the mix.
“We’ve never put someone else’s song on a Sugarland record, but we were immediately interested in ‘Babe’ the first time we heard it!” said Jennifer Nettles of the group. “This one really felt like it belonged so we saved it for the final afternoon of our recording session; a special time for us.”
It wasn’t until recently, though, that the duo let their friends and business people know that Swift wanted to partner with them after years of separation, causing the tensions to run high. Thankfully, everything ended up working together in a positive manner and Sugarland’s version of “Babe” received her blessing.
“We didn’t tell anybody about it until we got finished and she liked it, thank God, ‘cause it’s a good song,” Kristian Bush joked to Sounds Like Nashville and other media backstage at the ACM Awards.
This marks the second single off the forthcoming album from Sugarland, in which they kicked off their reunion with a track called “Still the Same.”
“Babe” is available everywhere now.
