Exploring The Nostalgia Of Runaway June's "We Were Rich"

Runaway June's Naomi Cooke isn't joking when she says you'll never cry alone in a room with bandmate Jennifer Wayne. The trio's dark-haired vocalist learned that lesson — again — the first time she heard the lyrics to "We Were Rich," their new radio single. The song, penned by three of Nashville's top songwriters, Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon, and Ashley Gorley, takes listeners on a sweet journey of country nostalgia. During a time when the pandemic tightened its grip, "We Were Rich" emerged as an anthem that needed to be heard.

The opening lines of the song, "Reynolds wrap, old rabbit ears / TV tray, back in the day we'd watch 'The Wonder Years'," set a vivid scene that resonates with many. As Natalie Stovall, the newest member of Runaway June, points out, “This song is really a conversation.” It evokes memories that listeners can't help but share, igniting a sense of belonging and reflection.

Listeners will relate to the lyric, “And that old couch / We’d pull the cushions off if we found 50 cents / We’d go crazy, we thought we were rich.” This line captures the essence of childhood simplicity, reminding us of the joy found in small treasures. Each band member shares their personal connections to the lyrics, demonstrating how the song bridges generational gaps.

Biography of Runaway June

Name	Role	Background
Naomi Cooke	Lead Vocalist	Fifth of 10 siblings, grew up in a poor household.
Jennifer Wayne	Vocalist	Brings a unique perspective to the group.
Natalie Stovall	Vocalist	Joined the band recently, adding fresh energy.

What "We Were Rich" Represents

The lyrics of "We Were Rich" evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Cooke's upbringing in a large family, sharing everything from toys to space, gives her a unique perspective on the song’s message. She reflects, “Even though we didn’t have anything — we had one bike to share between all of us. I always felt loved, I always felt protected.” This sentiment speaks volumes about the emotional value of family and love over material possessions.

Stovall echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the power of the song for parents, saying, “For a parent to hear a song like this saying, ‘We didn’t have it all but looking back we know how hard you guys tried to make us feel safe and make us happy,’ is so powerful.” The song doesn’t just reminisce about the past; it validates the struggles and sacrifices made by parents.

The Creative Process Behind the Song

"We Were Rich" is featured on Runaway June's album Blue Roses, released in 2019. Cooke and Wayne mentioned that the track closely resembles Copperman's demo, indicating that the original vision was preserved. Stovall, who joined the group after the recording, added her parts this spring, contributing to the song’s rich texture.

Stovall shared, “To me, I could hear fiddle on it the second that I heard the song. So it didn’t feel forced.” This organic addition of instruments enhances the song's nostalgic feel, allowing listeners to connect on a deeper level. The lyrics, combined with the melody, create a beautiful tapestry of shared memories and experiences.

Emotional Resonance and Connection

As the trio sings about their childhood experiences, they tap into universal themes of love, family, and nostalgia. The lyrics, "Got a few more dollars in my pocket / Since the day I left that cotton town," resonate with listeners who have left their hometowns yet still feel a strong connection to their roots. This tug at the heartstrings is especially poignant during times when family separations have become more common due to circumstances like the pandemic.

The song's conclusion hints at the individual stories of each band member, emphasizing that while they may not have grown up in cotton towns, they all understand the significance of home and family. As listeners immerse themselves in the song, they might find it ranks among the Top 10 country songs of 2020, not just for its sound, but for its heartfelt message.