Walker Hayes' Viral Hit "Fancy Like": Breaking Down The Summer Anthem

Rare is the carefree, summer song that doesn't lean heavy on rhyme, but Walker Hayes has one with his viral smash, "Fancy Like." There are more brand references than actual rhymes in this song, but that doesn't mean his phrasing won't stick in your ears until the leaves fall. In a world where catchy hooks often dominate, Hayes takes a different approach, creating a tune that resonates beyond traditional songwriting norms.

Take the first verse, where "bangin'" and "maintenance" are coupled. Similar sound? Sure, but that's no rhyme. Same for "Can't keep her off me" and "fries in her Frosty" in the first verse, and then "Tesla to impress her" and "Vespa" in the second. Each line falls out with a twangy, hip-hop patter that melts like butter when it hits you. Bedazzled production elements keep their shine even when set against blue-collar, even rural themes. No, the Kardashians aren't eating Bourbon Street steak at Applebee's, but country folk are!

Hayes' mind works in curious ways that at times leave him on the outside looking in as other more radio-friendly songwriters score hits. Somehow, he's never compromised what makes him unique, and thank goodness. If anything, songs like "Fancy Like" show his delightfully stubborn intent on bending the genre to him. A TikTok video of Hayes dancing to "Fancy Like" with his daughter went viral, leading to the August 2021 radio release of the song.

Walker Hayes' "Fancy Like" Lyrics

My girl is bangin' / She's so low maintenance / Don't need no champagne poppin' entertainment / Take her to Wendy's / Can't keep her off me / She wanna dip me like them fries in her Frosty / But every now and then when I get paid / I gotta spoil my baby with an upgrade

Chorus:
Yeah, we fancy like Applebee's on a date night / Got that Bourbon Street steak with the Oreo shake / Get some whipped cream on the top, too / Two straws, one check, girl, I got you / Bougie like Natty in the styrofoam / Squeak-squeakin' in the truck bed all the way home / Some Alabama-jamma, she my Dixieland delight / Ayy, that's how we do, how we do, fancy like, oh.

Fancy like, oh / Fancy like, oh / Fancy like, oh

Uh, don't need no Tesla to impress her / My girl is happy rollin' on a Vespa / Don't need no mansion to get romancin' / She's super fine, double wide, slow dancin' / But every now and then when I get paid / I gotta spoil my baby with an upgrade

Repeat Chorus

Fancy like my new, clean blue jeans without the holes in 'em / Country kisses on my lips without Skoal in 'em / Yeah, she probably gon' be keeping some Victoria's Secrets / Maybe a little Maybelline but she don't need it / In the kitchen light radio slows down / Boxed wine and her up-do goes down

Repeat Chorus

Top Country Songs of 2021

You'll find much more than just the Top 10 Country Songs of 2021 on this list. Our team has sourced fans to create 10 superlatives for this mid-year version of the year-end songs list. Best Country Tearjerker? Best Country Baby-Maker? Best Country Breakup Song of 2021? Keith Urban, Carly Pearce, Chris Bandi and more help make up this portion of the Top Country Songs list, while hitmakers like Thomas Rhett and Little Big Town lead the 10 best songs portion.

Did your favorite song of 2021 make this list? To be considered, the song must have been released in 2021 or have actively charted for a portion of the year. New artists including Lainey Wilson, Breland, and Triston Marez crack the Top 10.