It was just a joke about lunch. That’s how the biggest song of 2022 started. Thomas Rhett was out on the road, hanging on the bus with his dad, Rhett Akins, and songwriters Josh Thompson and Will Bundy. They had just finished a sentimental track called "To the Guys That Date My Girls" and were feeling pretty productive. Then someone asked the age-old question: "Hey, do we want to go grab some food or maybe hit the gym?"
Josh Thompson looked up and said the words that would eventually top the Billboard Country Airplay chart. "Man, half of me wants a cold beer and so does the other half."
Everyone stopped. They didn't go to lunch. They didn't go to the gym. They sat down and wrote Thomas Rhett Half of Me in about 35 minutes flat. It’s funny how that works in Nashville. You can spend months over-analyzing a bridge or a hook, but the ones that really stick—the ones that feel like an instant classic—usually just "fall out" of the sky.
The Milestone Most People Missed
You might think it’s just another "bro-country" anthem about drinking, but for Thomas Rhett, this track was a massive career marker. When the song hit number one in November 2022, it became his 20th chart-topper.
That is a staggering statistic.
He managed to snag 20 number-one singles in just ten years. Honestly, the math on that is wild. Since his debut with "It Goes Like This" in 2013, he’s been on a tear that few artists in the history of the genre have ever matched. Thomas Rhett Half of Me wasn't just a summer jam; it was the victory lap for a decade of dominance.
Why Riley Green was the "Only Choice"
Rhett is known for being a bit of a chameleon. He’ll do a pop-leaning track one day and a soulful R&B-influenced ballad the next. But for this specific song, he wanted something that felt like 1990s country. He wanted that "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" energy.
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He knew he needed a partner who lived and breathed that traditional sound.
Riley Green was the first name on the list. They had become buddies over the last few years, mostly through hunting trips. Rhett sent him the demo, and Green was sold immediately. When it came time to record, Riley showed up at the producer's house, knocked out his vocals in three takes, and left. Total professional move.
The contrast between Rhett’s polished, melodic tone and Green’s grit is basically what makes the song work. It’s got that warm steel guitar humming in the background and a lyric that name-checks Alan Jackson. It’s nostalgic without being cheesy.
Deep Dive into the Lyrics and Vibe
The song lives on Rhett’s sixth studio album, Where We Started. If you look at the tracklist, it’s a bit of a departure from the experimental stuff he was doing on Center Point Road. This was a return to his roots.
The lyrics are simple, sure.
- "The sky and the mountains are blue."
- "I kinda need to wash my truck, but hell, I kinda don't care."
But the "blue mountains" line is a clever nod to the Coors Light cans—a classic country trope that fans picked up on instantly. It’s a "play on words" song. It sets up a conflict (should I be productive?) and then solves it with a punchline (I’d rather drink).
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Behind the Scenes: Production Credits
If you're a gearhead or a credits nerd, the sound of this record comes down to two powerhouses: Dann Huff and Jesse Frasure.
Huff is a legend. He’s the guy who helped define the modern country-rock sound. Frasure, on the other hand, brings that rhythmic, catchy "earworm" quality. Together, they made a song about doing nothing sound like a high-energy event.
The track was released via The Valory Music Co. on June 6, 2022. It didn't take long to climb. By the time the "Bring the Bar to You" tour kicked off in New Hampshire that summer, the crowd was already screaming every word back at him.
What the Critics Got Wrong
Not everyone loved it. Some reviewers felt it was "too simple" or a bit of a "wasted opportunity" for two big stars. One critic even gave it a 5/10, saying they'd forgotten it existed before the review was over.
But that misses the point of a "beer song."
Country music has always had two sides: the heart-wrenching storytelling and the Saturday night escape. Thomas Rhett Half of Me isn't trying to be "Marry Me" or "Die a Happy Man." It’s the sonic equivalent of a Friday afternoon when you've finally clocked out.
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The fans clearly disagreed with the critics. The song was certified Platinum and stayed in heavy rotation long after 2022 ended. Even now, in 2026, it’s a staple of country radio "throwback" blocks.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Musicians
If you're an aspiring songwriter looking at this track, there's a huge lesson here: Don't overthink the "joke" songs. 1. Listen for the natural hooks. Josh Thompson wasn't trying to write a hit; he was just hungry and wanted a beer. The best titles usually come from real-life conversations.
2. Collaborate with your opposites. Rhett and Green are very different artists. That tension creates interest. If they sounded exactly the same, the duet would have been flat.
3. Pacing is everything. The song is exactly 3:03 long. It doesn't overstay its welcome. It gets in, hits the hook, gives you a solo, and gets out.
If you want to experience the track the way it was intended, go back and watch the "Making Of" videos on YouTube. You can see the genuine friendship between Rhett and Green. They aren't faking the chemistry. That’s why it worked.
To really appreciate the evolution of this sound, compare "Half of Me" to Rhett's earlier drinking songs like "Drink a Little Beer" (which featured his dad). You can hear how his production has matured even when the subject matter stays lighthearted.
If you're planning a playlist for a backyard BBQ or a lake day, this is still the gold standard. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best decision you can make is a "bad" one—like skipping the gym for a cold one with your buddies.
For those looking to dig deeper into the Rhett catalog, keep an eye on his 2026 tour dates. He’s been known to bring out surprise guests for this track, and there’s always a chance Riley Green might pop up if they’re in the same zip code.