Rachel Holt’s pro-life country song “I Was Gonna Be” has surged into the top 5 on the iTunes Country Charts, marking a significant achievement for the 18-year-old artist and the song’s writer, Chris Wallin.
The song’s popularity soared after Holt and Wallin performed it live on Timcast. Baste Records, known for producing “Hunter Got High,” also produced this poignant track. During her Timcast appearance, Holt shared with TPM editor-in-chief Libby Emmons the backlash she faced in her hometown. Holt recounted, “Some of the worst things, like … ‘We shouldn’t care what she thinks.’ Just like people that you wouldn’t suspect to say such things. Like, they can have their own opinion but the second that I do it’s terrible.”
Chris Wallin, an acclaimed songwriter for artists like Toby Keith and Garth Brooks, expressed his surprise and gratitude for the song’s success in an interview with Breitbart News. “I’m just humbled honestly. When I first started writing this song I didn’t think anyone would ever actually sing it. I wrote it because I thought something had to be said,” Wallin said.
Inspiration and reception
“I Was Gonna Be” is written from the perspective of an unborn baby and was released to coincide with National Celebrate Life Weekend. Wallin initially doubted anyone would have the courage to sing it until he met Holt, who immediately embraced the song. The track quickly climbed the charts, reaching as high as #9 on the iTunes Country Charts.
Community support and impact
Wallin credited patriotic organizations for their support. “With the help of patriot organizations like Breitbart, Timcast IRL, and Patriot Mobile we are currently sitting at #9 on the iTunes Charts,” Wallin explained to Breitbart. “Thank you for actually standing behind your values with actions. It’s rare these days.”
The success of “I Was Gonna Be” highlights the impact of powerful storytelling in music and the importance of platforms that support diverse voices and messages.
