Introduction
In June 2025, at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest, legendary country duo Brooks & Dunn delivered one of the most electrifying moments of the festival: a surprise collaboration on their iconic anthem “Play Something Country” with Lainey Wilson. The unexpected duet kicked off their opening-night set and sent the crowd of nearly 60,000 into a frenzy, making it one of CMA Fest’s standout highlights.
Originally released as the first single from their 2005 album Hillbilly Deluxe, “Play Something Country” soared to number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in September 2005, becoming Brooks & Dunn’s twentieth—and to date, final—chart‑topping hit . Co‑written by Ronnie Dunn and Terry McBride, the track was inspired by a vivacious “ballsy chick” persona, modeled on Gretchen Wilson, whose bold energy gave birth to the song’s spirited hook: “play something country!” .
Fast forward to 2024–2025: Brooks & Dunn revisited their catalogue for Reboot II, an album full of reimagined classics featuring contemporary country stars. Their version of “Play Something Country,” featuring Lainey Wilson, was released as the lead single and immediately reignited interest in the song . According to Kix Brooks, Wilson entered the studio “head‑to‑toe in flames, bell‑bottoms and all,” infusing the rework with her signature Louisiana swagger and high-voltage vocal presence .
When CMA Fest rolled around in early June 2025 (the festival ran June 5–8), Brooks & Dunn used their opening-night platform to unveil this reinvigorated duet live. Lainey Wilson’s surprise entrance wasn’t on the official lineup, which amplified its impact—and the chemistry they shared onstage captured national attention through the festival’s ABC broadcast and subsequent streaming special .
This live performance blends the nostalgic rush of a classic hit with bold contemporary energy. It underscores how Brooks & Dunn remain vibrant figures in country music, and how Lainey Wilson continues to elevate the genre’s next generation—together crafting a live moment that both celebrated the past and pointed to country music’s evolving future.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Yes, she blew through the door like TNT
Put her hand on her hip, pointed a finger at me
Said: “I’m a whiskey drinking, cowboy chasing, helluva time
“I like Kenny, Keith, Alan and Patsy Cline
“I’m a full grown Queen Bee looking for honey
“Ha-ooh-hoo, aw, play something country.”
Yeah, the band took a break
The DJ played P Diddy
She said: “I didn’t come here to hear
“Something thumping from the city.”
Said: “I, I shaved my legs, I paid my money
“Ha-ooh-hoo, play something country
“Ha-ooh-hoo, aw, play something country.”
[Chorus]
Crank up the band, play the steel guitar
Hank it up a little, let’s rock this bar
Threw back a shot; yelled: “I’m a George Strait junkie
“Ha-ooh-hoo, play something country
“Ha-ooh-hoo, aw, play something country.”
[Verse 2]
Yeah, the bartender yelled: “Y’all, it’s closing time.”
She got this wild look on her face
An’ said: “Your truck or mine
“I know a place down the road
“It’s kinda funky
“Ha-ooh-hoo, all out in the country
“Ha-ooh-hoo, now, play something country.”
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[Chorus]
Crank up the band, play the steel guitar
Hank it up a little, let’s rock this bar
Threw back a shot; yelled: “I’m a George Strait junkie
“Ha-ooh-hoo, play something country
“Ha-ooh-hoo, aw, play something country.”
[Chorus]
Crank up the band, play the steel guitar
Hank it up a little, let’s rock this bar
Threw back a shot; yelled: “I’m a George Strait junkie
“Ha-ooh-hoo, play something country
“Ha-ooh-hoo, aw, play something country.”