Introduction
“See You There,” performed by Joey Feek of Joey + Rory, is a deeply moving country ballad born from personal grief and familial love. Written by Joey and Rory Feek and first recorded in 2005 for Joey’s independent solo album (later widely released posthumously in 2017), the song reflects a raw and honest emotional experience .
Joey’s inspiration for “See You There” was the tragic death of her younger brother, Justin Martin, in a car accident when Joey was still a teenager . The lyrics capture a harrowing scene—“broken glass and blue lights everywhere”—and convey the shock and heartbreak of discovering a loved one in pain. Through this imagery, Joey honors her brother’s memory and processes her own grief, inviting listeners into an intimate, vulnerable moment (countrythangdaily.com).
Though the recording remained relatively unknown for years, Rory Feek later revived it as part of Joey’s solo-era collection titled If Not For You, released by Gaither Music Group in April 2017—more than a year after Joey’s death . Rory explained that the album, produced in 2005 alongside Bill McDermott, “quietly set on a shelf for the last 10 years” before he felt the right moment had come to share Joey’s heartfelt solo work with the world .
“See You There” stands out in this collection as a testament to Joey’s heartfelt songwriting and her ability to channel personal tragedy into universal emotion. Its inclusion in the album not only reveals her courage in sharing her authentic story but also enriches her legacy as a singer who brought truth and vulnerability to country music .
In summary, “See You There” is a touching tribute to Joey Feek’s brother Justin—a song born from real loss, quietly recorded years before turning into a poignant part of her solo album released after her untimely 2016 passing. Its inclusion provides powerful insight into her early artistry, setting a tone of sincerity and emotional depth.