David Nail Reflects On His Song "Why" And Its Journey Through Time

David Nail says that had he released "Why" soon after he wrote it 20 years ago, it’d have been a hit. However, he believes it wouldn't have truly resonated at that time. During that period, Nail was in a relationship that, like many before he met his wife Catherine, was negatively affected by mental health struggles he didn’t know how to confront or manage. This lack of awareness played a significant role in his songwriting process.

As he battled with personal demons, Nail penned several dark songs that he has chosen not to release. Among them, "Why" stood out, not just for its lyrical content but for the pride he felt in completing it. "The reality of that is it probably caused me to not see what in the world I was writing about," Nail shared in an interview. This self-reflection highlights the importance of awareness in creative expression.

Originally, "Why" was considered as Nail's debut single with Mercury Nashville, but the label ultimately opted to release "Memphis" instead. This decision was rooted in the belief that "Memphis" would better introduce the young artist to the public, although it didn’t achieve the desired impact. Nail's first attempt at a major label album was scrapped, leading to his departure from Mercury before eventually signing with MCA Nashville, where he found success with hits like "Let It Rain" and "Whatever She’s Got."

Despite being buried for years, "Why" was never forgotten by Nail, especially after he sought advice from an old label friend about recording it. Her enthusiastic response provided the encouragement he needed to move forward, although he felt the song was missing a certain element. This journey illustrates how artists often grapple with their past works and the growth that comes from revisiting them.

Aubrie Sellers, who lends her voice to the track, has a long-standing musical connection with Nail, dating back to when she provided backing vocals on his song "Brand New Day." Both artists have been candid about their mental health struggles, which creates a deeper resonance in their collaboration. Nail expressed his admiration for Sellers’ vocal style and her approach to harmonies.

While it's misleading to claim that Nail has completely overcome his mental health challenges, his openness about these issues now fuels some of his most powerful songwriting. His wife, Catherine, has been a key support system for him, making certain lyrics in "Why" particularly poignant, even though they originated when he was just 21 years old.

“For the things I do / For the things I see / And why I tell you that I love you / But I treat you this way / Oh if I had the answers / Heaven knows we’d never fuss or fight / But I don’t know why.”

Interestingly, as Nail reflects on "Why" now, he admits to feeling a sense of nostalgia rather than emotional proximity to its message. "It’s different now. I’m not as emotionally close to the song’s message. I’m more nostalgic for how long the song has hovered over me," he stated. This revelation underscores how artists evolve alongside their work, often gaining a new perspective over time.

The personal nature of "Why" allows listeners to connect their own stories to its themes. After debuting it at the Grand Ole Opry in August, Nail expressed excitement about sharing it with more fans in 2024 and beyond. His journey with "Why" exemplifies how music can transcend personal struggles and resonate with a broader audience.