Country’s North Star: Baylee Lynn Delivers a Tender and Uplifting Message with “That’s What I’ll Be”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
At just 17 years old, Baylee Lynn is quickly proving why she is one of country music’s most promising new voices. The Greeneville, TN-bred, Nashville-based singer/songwriter continues her impressive run of single releases with “That’s What I’ll Be,” a beautifully moving ballad that perfectly showcases her captivating, mature-beyond-her-years vocal talent. More than just a song, it’s a full-hearted message of empathy and reassurance delivered with the kind of immense sensitivity that spotlights the core of her artistry.
The Rise of a Country Powerhouse
Baylee Lynn’s journey to the forefront of the country scene is a testament to her inherent talent. She got her start singing in church and, hailing from a long line of musicians, taught herself guitar at six before taking up the piano soon after. Tapping into longtime inspirations like Dolly Parton and Faith Hill, she penned her first song at 13, quickly uncovering a unique perspective on life and love that resonates deeply with listeners.
Her recent hot streak kicked off triumphantly with her debut single, “Cautiously Optimistic.” Billboard hailed the wildly fun anthem as “an incredibly charming opening statement that…harkens back to the turn-of-the-century country-pop stylings of Faith Hill and the Chicks,” immediately cementing her presence. This was followed by the playfully unapologetic “John, Dear” and the soul-stirring country-pop powerhouse “Heart On My Sleeve,” which, according to Baylee, was intended to “remind young women to remember their worth and to never let a heartbreak define them.” Her rising profile also saw her join a star-packed lineup including Ella Langley and Kacey Musgraves on Nobody Wants This Season 2: The Soundtrack.
The Heart of the New Single
“That’s What I’ll Be” is a significant addition to this stacked catalog, showing the emotional breadth of her songwriting. Co-written by Baylee alongside Jenna Shuffler, AJ Pruis, and Mia Mantia, the song is built on a simple, yet profound, concept.
“As soon as we wrote ‘That’s What I’ll Be,’ I knew that the world needed to hear it,” says Baylee. “When you’re going through a hard time, sometimes all you need to help you through is to hear that everything’s going to be okay.”
Produced by the GRAMMY-nominated AJ Pruis (known for his work with Megan Moroney and Maddie & Tae), the arrangement is deliberately understated, allowing Baylee’s vocals and the poetic lyrics to shine. It features soulful piano melodies and a softly tumbling acoustic guitar, creating a gentle bed for her tender expression of devotion.
The song’s beauty lies in its universality. After a sensitive opening line acknowledging autonomy (“I know you know that I know that you don’t need saving”), the chorus delivers a cascade of sweetly poetic promises:
“If your head’s underwater, I’ll be your float / If you’re feeling lost, I’ll be your north star home / If your heart’s broke in two, I’ll piece you back together / Whatever you need, baby, that’s what I’ll be.”
This bittersweet and quietly uplifting chorus transcends simple romantic love, proving that Baylee’s intention—that the message could be for “a friend, a family member, a romantic partner, or anyone else you really care about”—is deeply embedded in the lyrics.
The Visual Companion
The song’s gentle intensity and heavy-hearted mood are perfectly mirrored in the accompanying music video, directed by ashtronot. The visual opens with a starkly lit, evocative nighttime shot of Baylee standing by a window in a house deep in the woods. Cycling through subtly evocative vignettes, the video masterfully employs the interplay of shadows and light. It centers on Baylee’s achingly genuine performance of the track, endlessly revealing her rare ability to shine a bright light in the dark.
With “That’s What I’ll Be,” Baylee Lynn proves that lessons from love and life aren’t reserved for the old. She is a powerhouse talent with girl-next-door charm, solidifying her place as one of country’s most exciting young stars ready to offer comfort and phenomenal music to all who listen.