Introduction
A Gentle Man’s Guide to Mending a Broken Heart
Rory Feek’s live rendition of “Whatcha Gonna Do With That Broken Heart” was recorded in 2021 at the intimate Hardison Mill Homestead Hall in Columbia, Tennessee—an acoustic haven reflecting Feek’s enduring passion for raw, heartfelt performance. Emerging from his 2021 solo album Gentle Man, the song captures both Feek’s Americana roots and his evolving artistry since the passing of his wife and musical partner, Joey, in 2016 .
Penned by seasoned country songwriters Tim Johnson, James E. McCormick, and Jim McCormick, the song’s lyrics pose deeply reflective questions about the aftermath of heartbreak—highlighting choices that shape healing, self-understanding, and emotional resilience . Lines like “Are you gonna pick up the pieces or just leave ’em where they are?” spotlight Feek’s strength as an interpreter of narrative country music, conveying universal human experience through intimate storytelling .
Performed live alongside collaborators Ben Isaacs and Mike Rogers—who add rich vocal harmonies—the version at Hardison Hall offers a stripped-back, authentic feel that underscores the song’s emotional intensity . At around four minutes, this live take emphasizes Feek’s soulful vocal delivery and the song’s blend of acoustic warmth and country poignancy .
Visually released on platforms like YouTube (garnering over 87,000 views) and Apple Music in 2022, this performance has resonated deeply among fans. It stands as a touching milestone in Feek’s solo journey—melding personal authenticity with collaborative artistry. The setting of Hardison Mill Homestead Hall, with its historical resonance, amplifies the song’s themes of reflection and rebirth, adding a sense of place to its emotional narrative.