About Jersey on the Wall (I'm Just Asking)

When Tenille Townes released her debut EP, Living Room Worktapes, she introduced herself as the kind of songwriter who was unafraid to tackle the most difficult of subjects. Her first single, “Somebody’s Daughter,” told the story of a homeless woman through precise and potent lyrics full of empathy. Then there was “Jersey on the Wall,” written as a reflection on grief and how great loss can challenge one’s faith. It’s not a love song or a party song, but a moment of country music existentialism. While Living Room Worktapes‘ version of “Jersey on the Wall” is raw and acoustic, the new single — released today and produced by Jay Joyce — finds it propelled by heartbeat percussion and contemplative piano. Inspired by real events, Townes manages to both test her faith and fortify it all at once. “If I ever get to heaven/you know I got a long list of questions,” the Canadian-born Townes sings in her unique quiver. “How do you keep this big rock spinning?/Why can’t you stop a car from crashing/? Forgive me, I’m just asking.” Currently on the road with Dierks Bentley before she joins Miranda Lambert’s Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars tour in late September, Townes talks about the genesis of the song, what it means to be a vehicle for the pain of others, and how she felt singing with Brandi Carlile.