Luke Bryan Reflects on Passing Up 'Sand in My Boots' on Bobby Bones’ BobbyCast
Country superstar Luke Bryan recently sat down with Bobby Bones on the BobbyCast podcast and shared a decision that, in hindsight, might have been a misstep—passing on recording Morgan Wallen’s hit song "Sand in My Boots". The song, penned by Nashville heavyweights Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, and Josh Osborne, was initially pitched to Bryan before ultimately finding a home with Wallen, who took it to the top of the charts.
During the conversation, Bryan candidly admitted that his reasoning for declining the song was largely influenced by his concern over fan perception.
“I mean, I passed—stupidly—on Sand in My Boots because it had ‘Chevrolet’ in it,” Bryan revealed with a laugh. “I just went through two years of my life where I was like, man, I sing about trucks a lot, I sing about tailgates, and I kind of got in my head a little bit.”
At the time, Bryan was feeling the weight of social media criticism, with some pegging him as a one-trick pony due to his frequent references to trucks and tailgate culture in his songs.
“I think I had a lot of negativity on socials, where I was getting pegged in that lane,” Bryan admitted. “You’re also a victim of your own success.”
Bones chimed in, agreeing that it’s a reality for artists who have reached Bryan’s level.
“Which I'll take that any damn day of the week,” Bryan added, embracing the idea that his past success had, in some ways, influenced his decision-making process.
While Bryan has no shortage of hits under his belt, "Sand in My Boots" went on to become one of Wallen’s most beloved songs, showcasing a more vulnerable side of the Dangerous: The Double Album singer. The ballad, which tells the story of a fleeting romance that ends with a wistful goodbye, resonated deeply with fans, proving that the song’s storytelling transcended any concerns about lyrical tropes.
Bryan’s reflection on the song serves as a reminder of the split-second decisions artists must make when choosing material and how even the most seasoned hitmakers occasionally second-guess themselves. As for whether he regrets the choice, Bryan seems to take it all in stride, knowing that in country music, there’s always another song around the corner.
One thing’s for sure—whether it’s tailgates, heartbreaks, or small-town nostalgia, Luke Bryan continues to be one of the most influential voices in modern country music. You can tune in to the full interview below.