It's hard to believe it's only been a few years since Jimmie Allen was formally introduced to the country music world. Since his debut album was released in 2018, he's landed multiple number one hits on the country charts, the CMA Award for New Artist of the Year, and has toured with Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. After releasing his third studio album, Tulip Drive, he's headlining his first major tour in 2022, continuing to bend genres with his many unique collaborations while honoring his roots through personal songs about his family and upbringing. His career is on fire, but it all started with one song. His very first single, "Best Shot," was a number one hit on the billboards twice.
Though it seems like an overnight success story, Jimmie Allen worked hard for his success. He had actually been in Nashville for a decade before he landed his big record deal that led to his debut album. Considered 'to0 country' for pop music and 'too pop' for country, it took a lot of waiting until someone finally discovered how special Allen really is. He's one of the many new artists inspired by various genres of music while keeping it country at its heart. The end result is really great music that resonates with traditionalists as well as modern fans. Part of the magic of Mercury Lane, named in honor of the street he grew up on, is it was heavily inspired by his family. More specifically, it was Allen's beloved late grandmother who helped inspire the concept behind "Best Shot," which he co-wrote with pals Josh London and JP Williams.
"My grandma, she would always say, 'At the end of the day, women just want to know you care and you're trying consistently,'" Allen explained in an interview with Rolling Stone. "I wanted to take all the things I learned from my grandma and my mistakes, and I wanted to do better and I put it in a song: 'No matter how hard it gets, I'll always give you my best shot.'"
Allen explained in another interview with Billboard, that his son Aadyn, to whom the song is dedicated, also played a part in influencing the lyrics.
"We wanted to write a song about taking each day as an opportunity to be better for a person you have in your life. I have a son, so for me, every day is an opportunity to be a better dad. I have siblings that look up to me, so the fear of them giving up on their dream because I gave up on mine is what kept me going for so many years. Ash [Bowers, Allen's manager] was like, "why don't we just strip everything back to where people can focus on your voice and what you're saying?" We went in, and you have the version you have now."
It's one of 15 songs on the album about lessons learned, inspiring listeners to be the best versions of themselves. It stands out, still, as one of Allen's strongest songs to date. After it was released, "Best Shot" was an instant number one hit. It stayed at number one for two weeks, fell to number two, and returned to its number one place for another week. It was the longest time a solo male artist's debut single stayed at number one since Blake Shelton's "Austin" in 2001. A pretty impressive feat for a guy who spent the better part of a decade trying to get people to listen to his music. "Best Shot" continues to be a prime example of why Allen is one of the most popular new artists in country...he gets personal in his music and it really resonates with fans.
"Best Shot" Lyrics
And I've earned a couple scars
I've let once in a lifetime kind of things slide right out of my arms
I've struck out, I've been knocked down more times than I can count
But that don't matter now
I see the sun sink down on a coast out in California
And there's no doubt
Because of you, I'm not the man I was before you
I'm not saying that I'm perfect
Oh 'cause girl you know I'm not
But I'll love you with everything I've got
Girl, I'll give you my best shot
Your good morning eyes, they get me high
Girl you're always on my mind
I see the sun sink down on a coast out in California
And there's no doubt
Because of you, I'm not the man I was before you
I'm not saying that I'm perfect
Oh 'cause girl you know I'm not
But I'll love you with everything I've got
Girl I'll give you my best shot
I knew I'd found amazing grace
It's like angels singing every time I hear your name
And there's no doubt
Because of you, I'm not the man I was before you
I see the sun sink down on a coast out in California
And there's no doubt
Because of you, I'm better than I was before you
I'm not saying that I'm perfect
Oh, God knows I'm not
But I'll love you with everything I've got
Girl, I'll give you my best shot
I'm gonna give, I'm gonna give you, yeah
Oh oh oh yeah
READ MORE: Inside Jimmie Allen and Wife Alexis Gale's Fairytale Love Story
