Greyson Chance Explores the Complexity of Family and Love in ‘Haymaker’

In 2024, singer-songwriter Greyson Chance is beginning a brand new chapter as an artist, and his new single, "Haymaker," is one of his most heartfelt and emotional songs yet.

The folksy rock track channels Greyson's Oklahoma roots as he explores the aftermath of a real family conflict, diving into just how complicated love and hate between family members can be. Despite the hurt within the lyrics, there's also comfort in its rousing, country-tinged sound, serving as a reminder to all of us that if we're in a similar boat, we're anything but alone. We got the chance to catch up with Greyson to pick his brain about the song and learn more about what's next in the interview below.

The Story Behind 'Haymaker'

Greyson Chance: I come from a pretty traditional American family. Grew up in Oklahoma, close to my parents, and was always extremely close to my two older siblings, even into adulthood. "Haymaker" is about my brother and I's relationship completely collapsing during the pandemic. After a few months of fighting, things got physical between us. Emotionally, I had never experienced anything like that before; it was a really dark time. Besides a few words here and there, him and I haven't spoken in around three years.

 

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What 'Haymaker' Means

GC: I'm a true believer that expressing pain in art always finds a net positive in the end. We all have things in our family we wish we could change, scars and bruises we wish we could erase, actions we could undo. My hope for anyone listening is for them to be able to relate the song to their own experiences and know that they are not alone in it. That's music's purpose, I think.

 

Greyson's Favorite Lyric

GC: "I know you hate me, but I'll warn you, boy, I'll always love you." No matter what my brother could do or say to me, underneath it all, I have love for him and I always will. That's what makes this s*** so complicated and nuanced. But I like that lyric because I think it says the quiet part out loud.

(Image courtesy of Greyson Chance)

 

On Channeling His Oklahoma Roots in His Music

GC: I have been channeling Oklahoma into my music since I started writing songs. To channel Oklahoma and my roots isn't to be a specific genre—it's to be honest and raw in the songwriting. Everyone wants to say "Haymaker" is "country" because of where the culture is at right now; it's cool to do country right now. But this isn't a country song, if anything it's a rock song.

 

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What's Next

GC: There's a lot more music coming out this year, and with each song, I feel like I'm adding a few more miles into the world that I've built for this album. In a culture right now that feels so fast, chaotic and saturated with a lot of music, all I'm focused on is storytelling and getting that story right. I'll let the songs do the talking for me.

 

For more on the stories behind our favorite new music, click HERE to read our interview with Sheppard on their latest album, ZORA.