Jon Pardi's most traditional-sounding single to date, "She Ain't In It," suits a mini-movie that tips its hat to time-tested Western storytelling.
Pardi told Entertainment Tonight that a proposed music video for his breakout single "Dirt on My Boots" inspired the black-and-white tale of a love-stricken cowboy. "The treatment almost reminded me of the movie Hud, starring Paul Newman," Pardi said to ET. "This is definitely the most cinematic video to date and leans toward the emotion behind the song and the nostalgia of long-lost love."
It's no coincidence that the song sounds like a would-be 61st chart-topper for George Strait. Songwriters Clint Daniels and Wynn Varble held the song for King George before Pardi recorded it for 2016 sophomore album California Sunrise.
The single best demonstrates Pardi's talents as a singer and song interpreter. Its video magnifies the already palpable feeling behind one of the better recent old-school country songs issued by a major label. Both should impress fans of Pardi's honky tonk heroes without alienating admirers of the young singer's heavier, guitar-driven material.
Pardi's no slouch as an actor, either. While others might've brought in a professional for their video's main character, Pardi stepped in as a convincing California cowpoke.
"She Ain't It" Lyrics
Appreciate your call, means a lot and all
Yeah, I got a minute
You and me can talk about anything you want
As long as she ain't in it
Say, it's been at least a month since I've had any fun
Buddy, I'll admit it
Yeah, I might be going out
Think I'm ready for a crowd
As long as she ain't in it
Don't wanna hear her name
I don't wanna see her face
I swear
I know it's gonna hurt
If I run into her somewhere
We could hit that place down by the interstate
Out past the city limits
Hangout all night long
Hear a country song
As long as she ain't in it
Don't wanna hear her name
I don't wanna see her face
I swear
I know it's gonna hurt
If I run into her somewhere
I can drink and I can dance
I can party, I can live
But no matter how you spin it
Everything has changed
My life won't be the same
As long as she ain't in it
As long as she ain't in it
Oh
Hmm
