Lainey Wilson recently revealed how a much-needed retreat to Miranda Lambert’s Tennessee farm led to a restorative 13-hour nap and sparked the creation of their hit collaboration, ‘Good Horses,’ showcasing a deep friendship built on shared values and unwavering support in the demanding world of country music.
The country music landscape is often defined by powerful voices and compelling stories, but sometimes, the deepest connections are forged away from the spotlight. Such is the case with superstar artists Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert, whose friendship extends beyond collaboration into genuine camaraderie and mutual support. Their bond was recently highlighted by an intimate revelation about a much-needed rest at Lambert’s secluded farm, which inadvertently led to the creation of their critically acclaimed song, “Good Horses.”
A Sanctuary for Songwriting: Lambert’s Ranch Invitation
In a revealing episode of the Biscuits & Jam podcast, Lainey Wilson, 33, shared a candid look into her demanding schedule, admitting she had slept in her own bed only 15 nights during a particularly “crazy busy” year. It was during this period of exhaustion that Miranda Lambert, 41, extended an invitation that would prove invaluable.
Lambert urged Wilson to visit her farm in Nashville, a place known for its scarce cell service, offering a sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation. “I want you to come out to my farm where there’s hardly any cell phone service, and I want you to take a nap and we’re gonna feed you,” Wilson recalled Lambert saying, noting that Lambert’s husband is a “great cook.”
Wilson accepted the offer, settling in for what she expected to be a short rest. Instead, she slept for a remarkable “13 hours,” prompting a concerned Lambert and her husband to check if she was “alive.” This anecdote, first detailed by Daniela Avila for People, highlights the genuine care and supportive environment Lambert provides for her friends.
The Birth of “Good Horses” and a “Bluebird” Sign
The restful retreat quickly transitioned into a collaborative songwriting session with Luke Dick, who also joined them at Lambert’s 400-acre Tennessee farm. Wilson, remembering the specific date as her granny’s birthday, May 17th, described the atmosphere as a relaxed “writer’s retreat” where the focus was on well-being as much as creativity. The concept for “Good Horses” had been brewing in Wilson’s mind for some time, inspired by an episode of the hit show Yellowstone.
The setting for their creative process was particularly serendipitous: a balcony of one of Lambert’s small cabins, famously the same spot where Lambert’s chart-topping hit “Bluebird” was penned. As they worked on “Good Horses,” a magical moment unfolded. Three bluebirds appeared, a chilling sign that both Lambert and Dick immediately recognized.
They explained to Wilson that a similar trio of bluebirds had graced their writing session for “Bluebird.” This shared experience underscored the special nature of their new tune, a sentiment that resonated deeply with Wilson. The song’s powerful hook, “horses come home,” reflects Wilson’s own upbringing on horseback and her commitment to staying true to her roots, as reported by Southern Living.
“Good Horses” was eventually featured on Wilson’s latest studio album, Whirlwind, released in August 2024. The track was first previewed to fans during Wilson’s sold-out performance in Las Vegas on December 15, 2023, where Lambert made a surprise appearance, performing “Kerosene” before debuting their new collaboration.
More Than Music: A Sisterhood Rooted in Western Life
The bond between Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert runs deeper than their musical collaborations. Wilson often refers to Lambert as her “country music big sister,” a title earned through years of shared experiences and unwavering support. They share a profound “love for the Western way of life” and a mutual understanding of the importance of grounding themselves amidst the whirlwind of fame.
Wilson articulated their shared philosophy: “Also our love for coming home and planting our feet and filling our cups back up so we can go back out and pour ’em out.” Lambert consistently provides sage advice, reminding Wilson of the need to balance ambition with self-care. “She’s always been that voice over here just being like, ‘You can’t do it all. You can’t do it all. You gotta come home and you gotta saddle your horse, and you gotta make sure that you’re scooping the poop on the farm and doing all the things that make everything else worth it,'” Wilson shared.
Shared Values and Trailblazing Paths
Both artists are widely regarded as strong trailblazers in country music, celebrated for their authenticity and commitment to their individual journeys. Wilson credits Lambert as a significant influence on her career, echoing a sentiment many female artists in Nashville share. “I don’t know any female in this town who’s moved here in the last 15 years who can’t say that Miranda Lambert has not influenced them in some kind of way,” Wilson stated.
Lambert, in turn, praises Wilson as a “genuine and authentic human,” expressing her joy in watching Wilson’s dreams come true. The song “Good Horses” itself encapsulates their shared values, representing “all the people that love the comfort of home, but also need to be free.” It’s a testament to finding one’s way back to what truly matters, regardless of where life’s journey takes you.
Their collaborative spirit extends beyond “Good Horses.” In May, they also teamed up with country legend Reba McEntire for the release of “Trailblazer,” further solidifying their impact on the genre. These collaborations and their evident bond highlight a powerful alliance in country music, one built on mutual respect and shared artistic vision.
Off-Stage Moments: Cigarettes, Bars, and Personal Life
Beyond the recording studio and the stage, Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert enjoy a friendship that includes relatable, candid moments. Wilson once playfully admitted on the Taste of Country Nights: On Demand podcast with Evan Paul that her “bad habit” with Lambert involves smoking “too many cigarettes.” Wilson, who generally doesn’t smoke, confessed that Lambert’s menthol cigarettes have a way of enticing her back to the habit.
Their connection also touches their entrepreneurial ventures in Nashville. Wilson’s branded bar, Bell Bottoms Up, is located just down the street from Lambert’s own establishment, Casa Rosa, creating a vibrant hub for country music enthusiasts in the city.
While their professional lives often intertwine, both artists maintain their personal boundaries. Wilson has slowly become more comfortable sharing glimpses of her relationship with former NFL player Devlin Hodges, with whom she made her first public appearances at the 2023 ACM Awards and CMA Awards. She’s also known for her strong personality, famously setting a “firm rule” for kissing actor Ian Bohen during her time on Yellowstone, showcasing her commitment to her values both on and off screen.
The deep and authentic friendship between Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert serves as a testament to the power of connection and mutual support within the music industry. From nurturing creativity on a tranquil farm to collaborating on chart-topping hits and sharing invaluable life advice, their bond enriches both their personal lives and the vibrant tapestry of country music.
