About the Song

Joey+Rory were known for their genuine, heartfelt approach to country music, and one of their standout tracks, “That’s Important to Me,” perfectly exemplifies their ability to blend personal stories with universal themes. Released as part of their 2012 album His and Hers, this song encapsulates the simplicity and beauty of their relationship, both as musical partners and as a married couple. Written and performed with warmth and sincerity, “That’s Important to Me” speaks to the importance of finding joy in the simple things in life—those moments and values that truly matter, and that shape who we are.

In this song, Joey Feek’s sweet and pure vocals, complemented by Rory’s distinctive voice, create a sense of intimacy that draws listeners in. The lyrics are tender yet profound, reflecting the couple’s deep appreciation for life, love, and faith. The song’s central theme revolves around the idea that material wealth and worldly success are secondary to the meaningful experiences and relationships that define our lives. Whether it’s the quiet moments spent with family, the love shared between a couple, or the faith that anchors them through life’s challenges, these are the things that truly matter.

What makes “That’s Important to Me” so special is the honesty and authenticity with which Joey and Rory deliver their message. The song is not just about their personal values but resonates with anyone who holds dear the simple, meaningful aspects of life. The gentle country instrumentation, with its acoustic guitar and soft rhythm, adds to the song’s comforting and intimate feel, creating an atmosphere that is both soothing and uplifting.

For Joey and Rory, the song also served as a reminder of what was most important to them during a period of personal struggle, as Joey was battling terminal cancer at the time of the album’s release. Their unwavering faith and love for each other shone through in the song, making it even more poignant and meaningful for their fans.

“That’s Important to Me” is not just a song—it’s a heartfelt reflection on what truly matters in life, a message that continues to resonate with audiences long after Joey’s passing. It reminds us all to focus on the things that bring us true happiness, the relationships and moments that make life worth living. Joey+Rory’s legacy lives on through songs like this, filled with love, faith, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from living a life that truly matters.

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Lyrics: That’s Important To Me

Not planning our day around a TV set
Paying our bills and staying out of debt
That’s important to me
That’s important to meOpening the windows and letting in air
Holding hands when we’re saying a prayer
That’s important to me
Yeah, that’s important to meHaving somebody to share my life
Loving my husband and being a wife
And the very best mother I can be
That’s important to meTelling the truth and being real
Feeding my family a home cooked meal
That’s important to me
That’s important to mePlanting a garden and watching it grow
Keeping it country on the radio
That’s important to me
Yeah, that’s important to me

Always having you to hold
Being beside you when we grow old
And they plant us ‘neath that big old tree
That’s important to me

Always having you to hold
Being beside you when we grow old
And they plant us ‘neath that big old tree

Believing our dreams will take us somewhere
Still being ourselves if we ever get there
That’s important to me
That’s important to me

Yeah, that’s important to me
That’s important to me

That’s important to me

 

You Missed

Dust motes danced in the golden light filtering into the Texas studio, the air heavy with expectation. Beth Nielsen Chapman stood frozen as the rhythm she had meticulously crafted for months simply vanished into thin air. Instead of the forward-moving tempo she envisioned, drummer Paul English struck a loose, rhythmic shuffle. Willie Nelson began to sing, his gravelly voice draping over the unexpected melody. Beth watched closely, her eyes fixed on his worn guitar, Trigger. She had originally sculpted the feel of Nothing I Can Do About It Now based on the relentless drive of On the Road Again, even using a dulcimer struck with a bedroom slipper for her demo’s percussive foundation. Yet, here it was—transformed. Doubts clouded her mind, leading her to timidly ask Willie to reconsider her original vision. He glanced at English, who simply shrugged, confirming the new tempo felt right. They kept the shuffle. To her amazement, the track became a chart-topping country hit from Willie’s 1989 album, A Horse Called Music. When she first heard her own voice paired with Willie’s on the radio while driving, she cranked the volume so high she became oblivious to the world outside. She rolled right past a stop sign, drawing the attention of an officer. Even as she tried to explain the spellbinding nature of the song, the officer remained unmoved, issuing a ticket. She ended up paying the fine with the very royalties the song generated. It was a surreal full-circle moment. The experience taught her that artistry is not just about the rigid structure of the notes one writes, but the courage to let go. Willie had stripped away her planned pace, leaving behind the raw heart of the lyrics. In that displacement, a masterpiece found its footing, forever marking a transition from her private demo into the public consciousness as an enduring classic of the genre that defied all initial expectations.