You Proof
"You Proof" is a country song written by Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, ERNEST, and Charlie Handsome, and recorded by American singer-songwriter Morgan Wallen. Released on May 13, 2022, as a promotional single through Big Loud Records, it serves as the lead track from Wallen's third studio album, One Thing at a Time (2023).[1] The song explores themes of heartbreak and failed attempts to numb emotional pain through alcohol, with lyrics centered on whiskey proving ineffective against lingering memories of a lost love.[2] Upon release, "You Proof" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, marking Wallen's sixth leader and fifth No. 1 debut on the ranking.[1] It also topped the Country Airplay chart for a record ten consecutive weeks, the longest reign in that chart's history.[3] On the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, the single peaked at number five, becoming one of Wallen's highest-charting releases.[4] The track's music video, directed by Justin Clough and featuring model Charly Jordan, premiered on September 9, 2022, and has garnered over 100 million views on YouTube.[5] "You Proof" contributed to the massive success of One Thing at a Time, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and broke records for the most streams in a single week by a country album. Certified multi-platinum by the RIAA, the song solidified Wallen's position as a dominant force in contemporary country music, blending traditional themes with modern production elements.Background and development
Writing and inspiration
"You Proof" was co-written by Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith (known professionally as ERNEST), and Charlie Handsome. The songwriting began during a 2-3 day brainstorming retreat in Florida with Gorley, Handsome, and ERNEST, where Handsome provided the title "You Proof" and a unique half-time trap/hip-hop beat with a country lick. It was completed in a Nashville session with Wallen present.[6] Gorley later described the combination of himself, Handsome, and ERNEST as a "super fun combo" that fueled the creative energy.[6] The song originated from an initial demo that Wallen shared in summer 2021, evolving from the core concept of "drinking to forget" a lost love—a classic country heartbreak trope reimagined with contemporary phrasing and emotional depth.[7] Lyrics developed around the idea of seeking alcohol strong enough to numb memories of an ex, but finding nothing sufficiently "you proof," blending traditional narrative elements with modern production influences in the sketches.[2] The completed song was released on May 13, 2022, coinciding with Wallen's 29th birthday, which he called a "birthday present to myself."[8] Producers later refined the demo for its final form.[9]Recording and production
The production of "You Proof" was led by Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome, longtime collaborators with Wallen.[10] The song runs 2:37 in length.[11]Composition
Musical elements
"You Proof" is a contemporary country song with pop-country crossover appeal, characterized by its mid-tempo pace of 120 beats per minute (BPM) in the key of A major.[12] The track's energetic rhythm and accessible melody contribute to its radio-friendly sound, blending traditional country motifs with modern production techniques that broaden its appeal beyond core country audiences.[13] The song follows a verse–chorus structure, opening with an intro, followed by two verses, pre-choruses leading into repeated choruses, a bridge for dynamic contrast, and a fading outro. Clocking in at 2:37, its concise length is optimized for commercial radio play, allowing for tight pacing without extended solos or instrumental breaks.[10] This format emphasizes emotional delivery over complexity, with seamless transitions that maintain momentum throughout. Instrumentation centers on a prominent acoustic guitar riff that drives the track's steely, rhythmic foundation, complemented by subtle electric guitar layers, steady bass lines, and punchy drums.[13] Keyboards add atmospheric depth, while programming elements provide a polished, contemporary sheen to the organic core. Morgan Wallen's baritone vocals take center stage, delivering a raw, emotive performance enhanced by harmonized backing vocals in the choruses for added intensity.[14] Stylistically, "You Proof" draws from traditional country drinking song tropes while incorporating modern production, creating a bridge between classic influences and current crossover trends.[15]Lyrics and themes
"You Proof" explores the central theme of post-breakup drinking as a futile attempt to immunize oneself against the persistent memories of an ex-partner, using alcohol as a metaphor for emotional resilience. The chorus hook, "I need something you proof," ingeniously puns on "proof" as the measure of alcohol's potency while signifying a desperate search for something impervious to the ex's lingering influence, underscoring themes of heartbreak and escapism. This motif portrays the narrator's self-deceptive cycle of drowning sorrows that ultimately fails to erase the pain.[2] The verses depict vivid bar scenes of failed forgetting, with the narrator lamenting in the first verse, "Yeah, I've been throwin' down the whiskey / I oughta get my money back / Someone said it drowns the memory / Aw, but it ain't doin' jack," highlighting the ineffectiveness of liquor against emotional turmoil. The second verse intensifies this with "Yeah, my mind's half blown / And the other half's gone / And I'm just tryin' to drown out the sound / Of your name in my head," illustrating the mental fragmentation caused by unresolved grief. The bridge emphasizes ongoing pain through lines like "Hey, I've been mixing liquors tryin' to get you gone / Aw, but I must be doin' somethin' wrong / 'Cause every time I reach for you, you seem to slip away," revealing the narrator's persistent, elusive attachment despite efforts to sever it.[10][16] Interpretations of the lyrics often highlight explorations of self-deception in relationships, where the narrator's reliance on alcohol masks deeper vulnerability rather than resolving it, contrasting with Morgan Wallen's more upbeat party anthems by introducing raw emotional exposure.[17] The song's structure features a simple AABB rhyme scheme in the verses for broad accessibility, complemented by repetitive phrasing in the pre-chorus and chorus—"I need something you proof / Yeah, I need something you proof"—to enhance catchiness and reinforce the central plea. This straightforward lyrical design prioritizes emotional relatability over complexity, aligning with country music's tradition of direct storytelling.[10]Release and promotion
Single release
"You Proof" was released as a promotional digital single on May 13, 2022, through Big Loud Records, Mercury Records, and Republic Records.[16] The track served as the lead single from Wallen's third studio album, One Thing at a Time, which was later issued on March 3, 2023.[16] It became available for digital download and streaming on platforms including Spotify and Apple Music starting from its initial release date.[18][19] The song was officially sent to country radio stations on July 18, 2022, as its impact date, aligning with a strategy to capitalize on summer airplay opportunities.[20] While no standalone physical single was produced, "You Proof" was included on the album's various formats, such as vinyl and compact disc editions.[21] Radio promotional materials were distributed to support its addition to playlists.[22] Labels positioned the release as part of Wallen's return to prominence following his 2021 controversy involving a racial slur, which had led to temporary industry backlash and removal from radio and streaming services.[23]Promotion and media features
The song "You Proof" gained mainstream exposure through its feature in the CBS drama series Fire Country. It debuted in season one, episode six, titled "Like Old Times," which aired on November 18, 2022, playing during a bar scene at Smokey's where characters Vince and Luke interact.[24][25] Wallen shared insights into the song's personal inspirations in a 2022 interview, describing it as rooted in the theme of using alcohol to cope with heartbreak, a recurring motif in his songwriting drawn from real-life experiences.[2] The track was announced on TikTok in early May 2022 ahead of its release, building anticipation among fans.[8] Promotion efforts aligned with Wallen's broader album rollout for One Thing at a Time, including announcements for the accompanying One Night at a Time World Tour in late 2022, where "You Proof" was positioned as a key single driving tour hype.[26] The song also appeared on major streaming playlists like Spotify's Today's Top Hits, contributing to its widespread digital reach. Following its July 2022 add to country radio, Wallen participated in summer radio promotions to spotlight the track.[27] Fan engagement extended to social media, where user-generated content and challenges using the song amplified its viral presence organically.[28]Reception
Critical response
Upon its release as the lead single from Morgan Wallen's 2023 album One Thing at a Time, "You Proof" garnered generally positive reviews from major music outlets, with praise centered on its polished production and relatable blend of heartbreak and resilience. Critics offered some reservations, however, often tying the song to broader concerns about Wallen's artistic formula and public image. In its review of the album, Pitchfork noted "You Proof" as emblematic of Wallen's repetitive motifs of love, loss, and drinking, with the title implying a search for a drink strong enough to numb emotional pain from a lost love. The review also addressed how Wallen's 2021 racial slur controversy continued to overshadow his music and raise questions about accountability in country music.[29] Country-focused outlets expressed stronger criticisms regarding genre authenticity. Saving Country Music criticized the album's modern production elements, arguing they prioritized pop and hip-hop appeal over traditional country roots.[15] The consensus positioned "You Proof" as a return-to-form for Wallen post-hiatus, lauded for its radio-friendly hooks and fan resonance despite debates over innovation and the artist's baggage.Accolades
"You Proof" achieved significant chart milestones, becoming the first song to spend 10 non-consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart from October 2022 to January 2023.[30] This record was later tied in February 2024 by Nate Smith's "World on Fire," marking the longest reign in the chart's 35-year history.[31] The song received formal recognition at industry awards, including being named the 2023 BMI Country Song of the Year at the BMI Country Awards, honoring its status as the most-performed country song of the year.[32] It was also nominated for Video of the Year at the 2023 CMT Music Awards.[33] While "You Proof" did not earn song-specific Grammy nominations, its success as the lead single from Morgan Wallen's album One Thing at a Time contributed to the broader acclaim that led to Wallen's win for Entertainer of the Year at the 2024 CMA Awards.[34] In terms of certifications, "You Proof" was certified four-times Platinum by the RIAA on July 6, 2023, recognizing four million units consumed in the United States.[35]Commercial performance
Chart performance
"You Proof" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated May 23, 2022, marking Morgan Wallen's record fifth number-one debut and sixth overall leader on the tally.[1] The track also reached a peak of number five on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of Wallen's top mainstream crossover hits.[4] On the Country Airplay chart, it ascended to number one for the first time on the chart dated October 15, 2022, after 17 weeks, and ultimately held the top spot for a record-breaking 10 consecutive weeks, the longest reign in the chart's history.[3] Internationally, "You Proof" experienced more modest success, reflecting its primary appeal within the country genre. It peaked at number nine on the Billboard Canada Country chart. In Australia, the song reached number 45 on the ARIA Country Hot 50.[36] The track also charted at number 20 on the Billboard Global 200, driven largely by U.S. streaming and sales. Among its milestones, "You Proof" marked Wallen's fastest ascent to number one on the Country Airplay chart compared to his prior radio hits. It ranked number 12 on the 2023 Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart, underscoring its enduring popularity. The song's performance received a significant boost from the March 2023 release of Wallen's album One Thing at a Time, which propelled it back into the Hot 100 top 10. As of late 2025, sustained streaming activity continued, fueled by buzz from Wallen's ongoing I'm the Problem Tour.Certifications and sales
"You Proof" has achieved significant commercial success, earning multiple certifications across various markets based on combined sales and streaming equivalents. In the United States, the song was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on July 6, 2023, representing 500,000 units sold or streamed.[35] As of November 2025, it had amassed over 913 million streams on Spotify alone, contributing substantially to its certification status.[37] Internationally, the track received 3× Platinum certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) in Australia (210,000 units) and 5× Platinum from Music Canada (400,000 units) as of February 26, 2025.[38] It was also awarded Platinum status in New Zealand by Recorded Music NZ (30,000 units) and Silver in the United Kingdom by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) (200,000 units). As of 2025, ongoing streams have continued to rise due to re-exposure from Morgan Wallen's tours.[39] These figures adhere to RIAA and IFPI methodologies, which equate units through a combination of physical sales, digital downloads, and on-demand audio/video streams.Music video
Production
The music video for "You Proof" was directed by Justin Clough and produced under the auspices of Morgan Wallen's label, Big Loud Records.[40][41][42] Filming took place in Humphreys County, Tennessee, utilizing rural locations such as the P&D convenience store on US 70 in McEwen and the road dead end at Trace Creek, to capture scenes involving rural roads and local bars.[40][43][41] The production emphasized a narrative-driven style with practical effects for the video's chase sequences, completed over a one-day shoot in late summer 2022.[43] The concept originated from Wallen's collaboration with the creative team to visually represent the song's themes of escapism through alcohol, aligning with the lyrics' portrayal of futile attempts to forget a lost love.[41] The video premiered on September 9, 2022.[42]Synopsis and themes
The music video for "You Proof," directed by Justin Clough, opens with Morgan Wallen arriving at a convenience store in rural Tennessee to purchase alcohol, setting the stage for his attempt to numb the pain of a breakup. As he enters his car, his imagination conjures his ex-lover, played by model Charly Jordan, who suddenly appears in the driver's seat and begins driving recklessly, forcing Wallen into the backseat where he is tossed about amid high-speed maneuvers through fields and near-misses with obstacles like barricades and trains.[44][5] In a desperate bid to escape, Wallen jumps from the moving vehicle, rolling into a ditch and fleeing on foot as the ex pursues him in the car, heightening the tension of his futile flight. The sequence culminates in Wallen realizing it was a hallucination, as the driver is revealed to be his friends who attempt to console him outside the store, underscoring the inescapable grip of emotional turmoil.[5][44] Visually, the video blends elements of stark realism—such as the grounded setting of the convenience store parking lot and the camaraderie among Wallen's friends—with surreal, hallucinatory sequences that depict the ex's menacing presence and the chaotic chase, creating a dreamlike dissonance that mirrors the song's exploration of alcohol-fueled denial. Recurring motifs include the speeding car as a symbol of lost control and empty rural roads evoking isolation and endless pursuit, which parallel the lyrics' theme of seeking stronger "proof" to drown out memories that refuse to fade.[44][5] Symbolically, the ex's sudden takeover of the vehicle represents the protagonist's inability to steer away from haunting recollections of the past relationship, transforming a simple drive into a metaphor for emotional entrapment and the futility of escapism through intoxication. The shift from the vivid, nightmarish chase to the reassuring reality of friendship highlights an arc of unresolved pain, emphasizing how heartbreak persists despite attempts at oblivion, much like the song's narrative of whiskey failing to provide relief.[44][5] The video has amassed over 103 million views on YouTube as of November 2025, reflecting its resonance with audiences and critical appreciation for how the surreal visuals amplify the song's heartbreak motif without overt exposition.[42]Live performances
Tour performances
"You Proof" made its live debut during Morgan Wallen's Dangerous Tour in 2022, with the first performance occurring on May 12 in Denver, Colorado.[45] The song became a regular feature on the tour, appearing in 36 out of 69 shows, typically positioned mid-set to energize the audience.[46] The track solidified its status as a staple during the One Night at a Time Tour (2023–2024), where it was consistently included in setlists, often around the fifth or sixth position after opening numbers like "Broadway Girls" and "I Wrote the Book."[47] Live renditions emphasized its anthemic quality, serving as a mid-show highlight that prompted strong crowd sing-alongs without significant alterations to the original arrangement.[48] In 2025, "You Proof" continued as a key element of the One Night at a Time Tour extension, maintaining its mid-set placement—such as the fifth song following "Love Somebody"—and functioning as a communal sing-along moment.[47] Notable performances included the June 28 show at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, where fan-recorded videos captured enthusiastic audience participation.[49] Similarly, on July 12 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, the song drew widespread crowd engagement, as evidenced by attendee footage.[50] At the Sand in My Boots Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama (May 2–4), it was performed as part of Wallen's set, reinforcing its role in festival environments.[51] Adaptations remained minimal across tours, with occasional acoustic encores featuring stripped-down versions to close shows, though the core rock-infused arrangement persisted as the standard.[52]Awards show and special appearances
Morgan Wallen made a notable return to major award shows with a performance of "You Proof" at the 2022 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards on November 9, held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.[53] This appearance marked his first at the CMAs since a 2021 controversy involving racial slurs, from which he had been temporarily banned by the organization; the rendition featured a soulful delivery backed by a full band, with Wallen wearing a backward white cap and gold chains, engaging the audience to their feet.[54] The performance highlighted the song's themes of heartbreak and resilience, aligning with its chart-topping success as Wallen's fastest-rising No. 1 hit at the time.[55] In television contexts, "You Proof" gained additional exposure through a sync placement in the October 7, 2022, episode of the CBS drama Fire Country, where it underscored a scene involving character interactions at a local bar, contributing to the song's broader cultural reach beyond live settings.[24] While live television performances of the track on late-night shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2023 focused on other material from Wallen's catalog, the song's prominence persisted through related promotional appearances. By 2024, the CMA Awards provided further context for "You Proof" via Wallen's wins, including Entertainer of the Year, recognizing the impact of its parent album One Thing at a Time, which featured the track and dominated country charts.[34][56] Special appearances in 2025 integrated "You Proof" into high-profile Nashville events. Grand Ole Opry slots throughout 2025, such as September and October dates at the Opry House, incorporated "You Proof" into multi-song sets alongside staples like "More Than My Hometown," emphasizing its role in Wallen's live repertoire during Opry integrations.[57] These events tied into awards buzz, with Wallen's 2024 CMA victories amplifying interest in his material. An additional performance occurred at the Grand Ole Opry on October 25, 2025.[58] The track's festival performance at the second annual Sand in My Boots event in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on May 4, 2025, further extended its visibility; headlining the beachside gathering curated by Wallen himself, he delivered "You Proof" to a crowd of thousands, blending it with high-energy staging that echoed award-show polish. Such appearances contributed to sustained streaming growth, with "You Proof" surpassing 900 million Spotify streams by September 2025, underscoring its enduring appeal post-2022 debut.[59]Credits and personnel
Songwriters
"You Proof" was co-written by four individuals: country music artist Morgan Wallen, prolific Nashville songwriter Ashley Gorley, singer-songwriter and producer ERNEST (Ernest Keith Smith), and producer-songwriter Charlie Handsome (Ryan Vojtesak).[60][61] These collaborators, who had worked together on previous Wallen projects, combined their expertise in country and crossover styles to craft the track's themes of heartbreak and futile attempts to drown memories in alcohol.[2] Morgan Wallen, born Thomas Morgan Wallen in 1993 in Sneedville, Tennessee, serves as the lead artist and a key co-writer on "You Proof." As a prominent figure in contemporary country music, Wallen has co-authored numerous hits for his own discography, including tracks like "Chasin' You" and "7 Summers," drawing from personal experiences to infuse authenticity into his lyrics. His contribution to "You Proof" reflects this approach, centering on the song's narrative of emotional struggle post-breakup, a motif consistent with his songwriting style across albums like Dangerous: The Double Album.[62][63] Ashley Gorley, born in 1977 in Danville, Kentucky, is one of Nashville's most successful songwriters, with a record 83 No. 1 singles on country radio as of 2025. A Belmont University alumnus, Gorley has penned chart-toppers for artists including Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan, often excelling in crafting relatable, hook-driven verses and choruses. For "You Proof," Gorley brought his signature structure to the song, helping shape its radio-friendly format and thematic depth, building on his prior collaborations with Wallen on hits like "Up Down" and "More Than My Hometown."[64][6][65] ERNEST, whose full name is Ernest Keith Smith and was born in 1992 in Nashville, Tennessee, is a rising country artist and songwriter known for blending hip-hop influences with traditional country elements. After surviving a heart attack at age 19 and initially pursuing baseball in college, he transitioned to music full-time, signing with Big Loud Publishing and co-writing No. 1 hits like "Flower Shops" for ERNEST and Morgan Wallen, as well as tracks for Florida Georgia Line and Kane Brown. On "You Proof," ERNEST contributed to the song's modern phrasing, leveraging his experience from co-writing 11 songs on Wallen's Dangerous: The Double Album to add fresh, conversational tones to the lyrics.[66][67][68] Charlie Handsome, born Ryan Vojtesak in 1989 in Atlanta, Georgia, is a genre-spanning producer and songwriter who began his career influenced by hip-hop and rock before pivoting to country. Self-taught on guitar from age 13, he has worked with artists like Post Malone, Drake, and Ariana Grande, but gained prominence in country through extensive collaborations with Wallen, credited on 15 tracks on One Thing at a Time, including co-producing four. For "You Proof," Handsome infused crossover production sensibilities into the demo phase, enhancing its appeal with subtle pop-leaning elements while maintaining a country core, as seen in his broader contributions to Wallen's sound.[69][70][71][70] The songwriting process for "You Proof" involved these four frequent collaborators working closely, resulting in equal credits and no reported disputes, a testament to their established creative synergy honed through prior joint efforts on Wallen's albums.[2][61]Production team
The production of "You Proof" was led by Joey Moi, a veteran producer who has collaborated extensively with Morgan Wallen on multiple albums, including overseeing the track's arrangement, instrumentation, and vocal recordings to capture Wallen's signature raw energy.[9] Charlie Handsome served as co-producer, contributing to the song's polished yet organic sound by refining the demo elements from the songwriters.[72][11] Recording engineer Josh Ditty handled the primary vocal and instrumental captures, with assistance from Sean R. Badum, ensuring precise layering of Wallen's performance alongside the session musicians.[73][74] Eivind Nordland provided editing support to streamline the takes for cohesion.[11] Joey Moi also took on mixing duties, balancing the acoustic-driven elements with subtle electronic touches to enhance the track's radio appeal.[11] The song features contributions from a tight-knit group of Nashville session players, including drummer Jerry Roe for the steady rhythm foundation, acoustic guitarist Todd Lombardo for the core riff, electric guitarist Tom Bukovac for added texture, and keyboardist Dave Cohen for atmospheric swells.[75] Ted Jensen mastered the final mix at Sterling Sound, delivering the crisp, dynamic finish that propelled the single's commercial success.[10] No major guest vocalists were involved, keeping the focus squarely on Wallen's lead delivery.[11]Charts
Weekly charts
"You Proof" achieved significant success on various music charts worldwide following its release in 2022. On the Billboard Hot 100, the song debuted at number 15 and reached a peak of number 5 in its 19th week, spending over 75 weeks on the chart as of November 2025.[76] It also topped the Hot Country Songs chart upon debut, marking Morgan Wallen's sixth number-one hit there, with a total run of over 160 weeks.[77] Additionally, it led the Country Airplay chart for a record 10 non-consecutive weeks, accumulating over 50 weeks overall by late 2025.[61][78][79][80] Internationally, the track performed strongly in Canada, debuting at number 3 on the Canada Country chart and ascending to number 1 for several weeks, with ongoing presence into 2025 at lower positions. In Australia, it entered the ARIA Country Hot 50 at number 35 and peaked at number 12, maintaining chart longevity with sustained rankings in the 20s and 30s through 2024 and into 2025. Other markets, such as the UK Country chart, saw modest entries peaking outside the top 20 but with extended weeks due to streaming momentum.| Chart | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 | 5 | >75 |
| Hot Country Songs | 1 | >160 |
| Country Airplay | 1 | >50 |
| Canada Country | 1 | 42 |
| ARIA Country Hot 50 | 12 | 28 |
Year-end charts
"You Proof" achieved notable placements on several year-end charts in 2022, reflecting its strong debut and radio dominance that year. On the Billboard Hot 100, it ranked at number 27, while topping the Country Airplay chart as the year's leading song by audience impressions. In 2023, the track saw continued success, bolstered by its inclusion on Morgan Wallen's album One Thing at a Time, which drove additional streams and airplay. It climbed to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart and number 3 on Hot Country Songs, highlighting its crossover appeal and endurance.[82] Internationally, "You Proof" ranked at number 45 on Canada's year-end Canadian Hot 100 in 2022, marking its presence beyond the U.S. market. The song did not achieve major year-end positions in 2024 or 2025 but has been recognized in broader decade-end compilations for its streaming impact.[83]| Chart (Year) | Position |
|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 (2022) | 27 |
| Billboard Country Airplay (2022) | 1 |
| Billboard Hot 100 (2023) | 12 |
| Billboard Hot Country Songs (2023) | 3 |
| Canadian Hot 100 (2022) | 45 |
Release history
| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | May 13, 2022 | Digital download, streaming | Big Loud, Mercury, Republic https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/morgan-wallen-you-proof-hot-country-songs-chart-debut-1235074502/) |
| United States | July 18, 2022 | Country radio | Big Loud, Mercury, Republic [[85]](https://pulsemusic.proboards.com/thread/211550/morgan-wallen-proof) |