Jon Pardi doesn't really do the whole "chase the trend" thing. While half of Nashville was busy trying to sound like a lo-fi hip-hop playlist, Pardi was out there doubling down on fiddles and steel guitar. But when Jon Pardi Your Heart or Mine hit the airwaves as the second single from his 2022 album Mr. Saturday Night, something felt a little different. It wasn't just another neotraditional "honky tonk" anthem.
It had a groove. A serious one.
Basically, the song became a massive turning point for him. It eventually climbed all the way to No. 1 on the Mediabase Country Airplay chart in August 2023, marking Pardi's sixth career chart-topper. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time in a bar with a jukebox lately, you’ve heard those opening claps. It's the kind of song that makes you want to move before you even realize you’re listening to a story about a relationship that probably shouldn't be happening.
The "Gangster Groove" Behind the Song
Most people assume Jon Pardi writes everything he records, but he's actually a big believer in the "best song wins" philosophy. He didn’t write this one. The credit goes to Bart Butler, Justin Ebach, and John Pierce. Pardi has been quoted saying the song just had "swagger." He even called it "gangsterous" in an interview, which is a hilarious way to describe a country song, but it fits.
The production is where the magic happened. Pardi co-produced the track with Butler and Ryan Gore. They intentionally leaned into a 1970s R&B soul vibe, specifically with those heavy handclaps and a driving drum kit. It’s a rhythmic departure from his usual shuffle, yet it never loses that "Pardi" stamp.
The lyrics tackle that messy, late-night "should we or shouldn't we" tension.
Is it the whiskey or the wine? Is it your heart or mine? It’s about the unknown. That magnetic pull toward someone when you know it might just be a temporary fix for a long-term loneliness. Pardi captures that "push and pull" perfectly without making it feel like a cliché heartbreak ballad.
Filming in San Miguel de Allende
If the song sounds like a sultry night out, the music video looks like a cinematic fever dream. Directed by Carlos Ruiz, it was filmed in the colonial city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. If you haven't seen it, the visuals are stunning. The narrow cobblestone streets, the glowing Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel cathedral, and the vibrant colors of the town provide a backdrop that makes the whole thing feel like a short film.
The video stars Pardi alongside Paula Montes, a former Miss World Peru. The storyline follows a classic "whirlwind romance" trope:
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- Pardi meets a waitress who just quit her job after a fight with her boss.
- She drops a necklace; he returns it (classic).
- They spend a spontaneous night drinking, dancing through a street festival, and riding in the back of a pickup truck.
- It ends with a skinny-dipping scene and Pardi giving her his iconic white cowboy hat as the sun comes up.
It’s fun. It’s sexy. It’s exactly what the song needed to bridge the gap between a radio hit and a visual experience.
Why "Your Heart or Mine" Stuck the Landing
Timing is everything in country music. Coming off the back of "Last Night Lonely," Pardi needed something that proved Mr. Saturday Night wasn't a one-hit wonder of an album. He found it here.
According to Billboard and RIAA data, the single wasn't just a radio success; it was a streaming powerhouse, helping the album earn a Gold certification. Pardi is the only California native in the Grand Ole Opry for a reason. He knows how to take those "dusty" traditional sounds—the stuff your grandpa liked—and make them feel like they belong in a modern club.
The song's structure is deceptively simple.
It’s short. Barely over two and a half minutes.
In an era where attention spans are cratering, "Your Heart or Mine" gets in, does its job, and leaves you wanting to hit the repeat button.
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Technical Mastery in the Studio
For the gearheads and production nerds, the credits on this track are a "who’s who" of Nashville talent. You’ve got Jenee Fleenor on the fiddle (who is basically a legend at this point) and Brent Mason on electric guitar. These aren't just session players; they are the architects of the modern "neo-traditional" sound.
The mix, handled by Ryan Gore, keeps the vocals front and center while ensuring the "70s claps" don't overpower the country instrumentation. It's a delicate balance. If the drums were any louder, it would be a pop song. If the fiddle were any louder, it might feel too old-school for mainstream radio. They hit the "Goldilocks" zone.
What This Means for Pardi's Legacy
By the time Pardi was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in October 2023, "Your Heart or Mine" had already cemented its place as a staple of his live set. It showed he could do "sultry" just as well as he could do "party."
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The song proves that neotraditional country doesn't have to be stuck in 1989. You can have the twang, the hat, and the steel guitar, but you can also have a beat that makes people want to dance in a way that isn't just a two-step.
To really appreciate what's happening here, you should listen to the track on a good pair of headphones. Pay attention to the way the bassline interacts with the claps in the second verse. It's a masterclass in building tension. Then, go watch the music video to see how the lighting in those Mexican streets matches the "smoky" tone of the lyrics.
If you're looking to build a playlist that captures this specific vibe, try pairing this track with "Heartache Medication" or Midland's "Longneck Way to Go." It sits right in that sweet spot of modern country that actually respects its roots.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Listen to the "Western Version": Pardi often releases stripped-back versions of his hits. Check if a "Western" or acoustic version has dropped on your streaming platform for a more intimate take on the lyrics.
- Check the Tour Dates: Pardi is a notorious road warrior. If you want to see if the "swagger" translates to the stage, look for his 2026 tour schedule, as "Your Heart or Mine" is a guaranteed highlight of the setlist.
- Explore the Writers: If you like the "gangster groove" of this song, look up other tracks by Justin Ebach or Bart Butler. You'll likely find more of that rhythmic country style you're looking for.