Introduction:
”Barefootin'” is a lively track by country artist Scotty McCreery, featured on his 2018 album Seasons Change. Co-written with David Lee Murphy and Frank Rogers, the song pays homage to the rich tradition of Carolina beach music, a genre deeply rooted in the culture of the southeastern United States. McCreery, a native of North Carolina, grew up immersed in this musical style, which significantly influenced his artistic development.
The inspiration behind “Barefootin'” stemmed from McCreery’s desire to craft a song that encapsulates the essence of beach music, particularly its association with shag dancing—a popular dance in the Carolinas. During the writing session, McCreery introduced Murphy to the genre, aiming to create a track that resonated with the beach music scene. The collaboration resulted in a song that blends traditional beach music elements with McCreery’s country roots, featuring upbeat rhythms and prominent horn sections that evoke the feel of a coastal celebration.
Upon its release, “Barefootin'” garnered significant attention within the beach music community. Despite not being released as a single, the track climbed to the No. 1 spot on the Beach Music Top 40 Chart in September 2018, reflecting its popularity among fans of the genre. This achievement underscored McCreery’s successful fusion of country and beach music, bringing regional sounds to a broader audience. In recognition of its impact, the song was honored as the National Song of the Year at the 2018 Carolina Beach Music Awards, a testament to its embrace by the beach music community.
“Barefootin'” stands as a celebration of McCreery’s roots and the vibrant culture of Carolina beach music. Its infectious energy and homage to coastal traditions have solidified its place as a favorite among fans, bridging the gap between country and beach music genres.