Brokenhearted (William Michael Morgan song)

Last updated
"Brokenhearted"
Brokenhearted - William Michael Morgan.webp
Single by William Michael Morgan
ReleasedOctober 26, 2018 (2018-10-26)
Genre Country
Length3:10
Label Sony
Songwriters
Producers
William Michael Morgan singles chronology
"Tonight Girl"
(2018)
"Brokenhearted"
(2018)
"Talking to a Girl"
(2018)

"Brokenhearted" is a song recorded by American country music artist William Michael Morgan. It was released as a standalone single on November 9, 2018, via Sony Music. The song was co-written by Rhett Akins, Marv Green, and J. T. Harding.

Contents

American country music artist Joe Nichols recorded and released the song as the third and final single from his tenth studio album Good Day for Living on June 19, 2023, via Quartz Hill Records. The song served as the follow-up to "Good Day for Living", which saw Nichols return to the top 20 on the charts for the first time since 2014.

History

"Brokenhearted" was co-written by Rhett Akins, Marv Green, and J. T. Harding at Green's office in 2018. [1] Country band Midland and Tim McGraw almost recorded their own versions, but it was eventually scrapped. [1]

The song was the second collaboration between Morgan and Akins, as Akins also co-wrote "Missing". [2]

The music video was directed by Colin Duffy. [3]

Content

The song is a mid-tempo, easygoing track that describes how country music as a genre has "abandoned the kind of heartbreak and hard times songs that once formed its backbone for lyrics about endless good times and fun." [4]

Critical reception

Morgan's version didn't gain traction and wasn't included on his future projects. [1]

Joe Nichols version

"Brokenhearted"
Brokenhearted - Joe Nichols.webp
Single by Joe Nichols
from the album Good Day for Living
ReleasedJune 19, 2023 (2023-06-19)
RecordedJanuary 2021
Genre Country
Length3:13
Label Quartz Hill
Songwriters
  • Rhett Akins
  • Marv Green
  • J. T. Harding
Producers
Joe Nichols singles chronology
"Good Day for Living"
(2022)
"Brokenhearted"
(2023)
"Better Than You"
(2024)

The song, and the album as a whole, were an attempt to return to a more traditional country sound. [5]

Nichols described "Brokenhearted" as a satirical song that disguises "a sad country song with a danceable beat," akin to Nichols' 2002 hit, "Brokenheartsville". [1] He also said the song was difficult to sing, due to there not being a lot of space to breathe. [6]

Nichols described the reaction to the song as "everything you would want, and more. People really reacted to it." [7]

Chart performance

Chart (2023)Peak
position
US Country Airplay ( Billboard ) [8] 46

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Roland, Tom (July 19, 2023). "Joe Nichols' 'Brokenhearted': How Its Creators Disguised a Sad Country Song With a Danceable Beat". Billboard. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  2. Liptak, Carena (November 22, 2018). "Story Behind the Song: William Michael Morgan, 'Brokenhearted'". The Boot. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  3. Sawyer, Bobbie Jean (October 31, 2018). "Hear William Michael Morgan Lament the Lack of Sad Country Songs in 'Brokenhearted'". Wide Open Country. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  4. Whitaker, Sterling (October 27, 2018). "William Michael Morgan's New Song Puts the 'Brokenhearted' Back in Country". Taste of Country. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  5. Nicholson, Jessica (February 16, 2022). "Joe Nichols Talks Reuniting With Benny Brown at New Label Home Quartz Hill, New Album: "It's a Fun Record, a Country Album"". Billboard. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  6. Palsa, Nicole (August 14, 2023). "Joe Nichols Talks 'Brokenhearted' And The Resurgence Of Traditional Country Music". Country Now. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  7. Papadatos, Markos (July 14, 2023). "Joe Nichols talks about his new country single 'Brokenhearted'". Digital Journal. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  8. "Joe Nichols Chart History (Country Airplay)". Billboard .