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

Billy Joe Shaver first caught Waylon Jennings’ eye at Willie Nelson’s Dripping Springs Reunion back in 1972 while passing a guitar around backstage and picking “Willy the Wandering Gypsy and Me.” Waylon immediately stopped in his tracks, learned the chords on the spot, and promised to record the material. Instead of a quick cut, Shaver found himself stuck in Nashville for six months trying to collect on that promise while dealing with empty pockets and a songwriter dodging his calls. A sympathetic DJ eventually smuggled him right into one of Waylon’s studio dates. Still trying to brush him off, Waylon handed over a hundred-dollar bill with strict instructions to clear out. Shaver was broke enough to desperately need the cash, yet his pride won out. He fired the money right back with a harsh insult, prompting a furious Waylon to storm out into the hallway surrounded by a crowd. Shaver stood his ground and told him straight: listen to the songs, or catch a beating right there in front of God and everybody. Waylon finally sat down and listened. One track led to another until Jennings scrapped his own plans and built an entire record around Shaver’s writing. Released in 1973, Honky Tonk Heroes packed nine of Billy Joe’s compositions and turned into a crown jewel of the outlaw movement. The recording room stayed just as volatile, with Shaver loudly arguing over arrangement choices and accusing Waylon of altering his vision. Yet that exact friction gave the record its teeth. Waylon had just fought RCA for total creative freedom, and Billy Joe Shaver proved stubborn enough to demand that exact same respect for the words on the page.