In the middle of the 2020 chaos, when the world felt like it was basically held together by duct tape and hope, a specific song dropped that felt like a deep breath. You probably remember it. Thomas Rhett released "Be a Light" on his 30th birthday, but he didn't do it alone. He brought in a powerhouse squad: Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, Keith Urban, and the queen herself, Reba McEntire.
Honestly, seeing Reba McEntire be a light during that period wasn't just a career move; it felt like a necessity for country fans. Reba has this way of grounding a track. Her voice carries a kind of "big sister" or "cool aunt" authority that makes you actually listen to the lyrics instead of just humming along to the melody.
The Story Behind the Song
Thomas Rhett actually wrote the song in 2019. It wasn't originally intended to be a "pandemic anthem." He co-wrote it with Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson, and Josh Miller because he was feeling a bit overwhelmed by the negativity he saw on social media and in the news.
Then 2020 happened. Nashville got hit by devastating tornadoes in early March, and then the world shut down. Rhett realized the message he’d tucked away was exactly what people needed to hear right then.
Bringing Reba into the mix was a stroke of genius. While the song is technically a Thomas Rhett track, her presence shifted it from a contemporary country pop tune into something that felt timeless. When Reba sings about "making it right" when you do someone wrong, you believe her. There's no fluff there.
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Why the Reba Collaboration Worked
Collaboration in Nashville can sometimes feel like a corporate checklist. You get the young star, the legend, and the crossover artist to maximize radio play. But "Be a Light" felt different.
Reba McEntire's career has always been built on a foundation of resilience. From the 1991 plane crash that took her band to her high-profile divorce and subsequent career rebirth, she’s lived the "be a light" philosophy. She doesn't just sing about being peace in a time of war—she’s lived through enough personal and professional "wars" to speak from a place of genuine E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).
- The Vocal Dynamics: Rhett's voice is modern and polished. Reba’s is textured and unmistakable.
- The Universal Appeal: By adding Chris Tomlin (Christian music) and Keith Urban (guitar god/global star), the song reached far beyond the standard country charts.
- The Mission: All proceeds from the song were donated to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. This wasn't a cash grab.
Breaking Down the Lyrics
The lyrics are simple. Some critics at the time—like those at The Berean Test or Kyle's Korner—actually thought they were a bit too simple. They called them "bland platitudes" or noted the lack of specific religious doctrine despite Chris Tomlin's involvement.
But simplicity was the point. When people are scared, they don't want a complex theological lecture or a politically charged manifesto. They want to be told to slow down.
The line "In a race that you can't win, slow it down" hits differently when the entire global economy has literally stopped. Reba’s parts in the song emphasize the human connection. She helps drive home the idea that there "ain't that much difference between you and me." In a polarized world, that's a radical statement, even if it sounds like a greeting card.
Performance Milestones
If you really want to see the impact, go back and watch the 2020 CMA Awards performance. Reba co-hosted that year with Darius Rucker. It was a weird, socially distanced ceremony at Music City Center rather than the usual Bridgestone Arena.
Rhett, Reba, and Chris Tomlin performed the song live (Hillary Scott had to stay home due to a COVID exposure in her family). Seeing Reba on that stage, standing a few feet away from the others, singing about being a light in the dark while the room was mostly empty... it was a vibe. It was arguably the emotional peak of the night.
The song eventually went to #1 on the Mediabase/Country Airplay Chart. It was Thomas Rhett’s 16th number one, but for Reba, it was another entry in a multi-decade streak of relevance that most artists can only dream of.
What People Get Wrong About the Message
A lot of people think "Be a Light" is just about being nice.
It’s actually more about personal accountability. The lyrics don't say "Wait for the world to get better." They say:
- In a time full of noise, just listen.
- When you do somebody wrong, make it right.
- In a place that needs a change, make a difference.
It’s an active song. Reba’s involvement reinforces this because she’s never been a passive figure in the industry. She’s a mogul. She’s a survivor. She’s an actress. She’s a mother. When she tells you to "not hide in the dark," she’s speaking as someone who has spent fifty years in the spotlight’s heat.
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Taking Action Today
The world isn't in a lockdown anymore, but the "noise" and "hate" mentioned in the lyrics haven't exactly disappeared. If anything, things feel more frantic now than they did a few years ago.
The best way to honor the intent of the song—and the reason Reba lent her voice to it—is to pick one of the "litany of proverbs" in the lyrics and actually do it. Maybe that means finally apologizing to that friend you "did wrong." Or maybe it just means shutting up and listening when someone else is talking.
Next Steps for Your Playlist and Life:
- Listen to the "Friends Don't Let Friends Sing Alone" version: This 2024 release brings the track back into focus for a new audience.
- Check out Reba's book "Not That Fancy": If you like the "Be a Light" philosophy, her book covers her "simple" approach to life, food, and family that mirrors the song's message.
- Support MusiCares: The organization that benefited from the song still helps musicians in crisis. You can donate or volunteer to keep that "light" going in the industry.
The song serves as a reminder that being a light isn't about being perfect. It's about choosing to be slightly better than the darkness around you. As Reba has shown us for decades, that’s how you build a legacy that actually lasts.