Finding the Spark Again: Mem Davis’s “Being A Kid” is a Joyful Reminder to Play
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News Internatioal Magazine
Emerging singer-songwriter Mem Davis is back with her second single, “Being A Kid,” a vibrant and joyful anthem that’s a much-needed reminder to slow down and reconnect with the simple wonders we often leave behind. Released on June 20, this track is a departure from her 2023 debut, showcasing a brighter, more playful side of the artist. It’s a song that feels like a warm hug and a gentle push all at once, encouraging listeners to embrace the freedom and wild imagination of childhood.
The journey of “Being A Kid” is as inspiring as the song itself. Davis revealed that the initial spark for the track came from a place of defiance. Having been told throughout her life that a career in music was an impossibility, she initially set out to write an anthem that declared, “Wanna bet? Watch me.” But the song stalled, spinning its wheels until she attended the DAG Songwriters Retreat. There, collaborating with fellow artist Chris Matthews, the song found its true voice.
With Matthews’s help, the track evolved from a quiet declaration of defiance into a bright, uplifting ode to the freedom and boundless imagination of childhood. “This song reminded me to go back to the version of myself who did things just for the fun of it,” Davis shared. This change in perspective was a direct result of a nightly meditation practice, where she felt a constant nudge to “go and have more fun—look at the stars, jump in puddles, do something just because it brings you joy.” This newfound clarity became the heart of the song.
Produced by Golden Guitar winner Roger Corbett, “Being A Kid” is a masterclass in musical storytelling. Corbett not only produced the track but also played nearly every instrument on it, creating a rich, layered soundscape that perfectly complements Davis’s heartfelt lyrics. The production is clean and crisp, allowing her voice to shine while the instrumentation weaves a tapestry of nostalgic, feel-good vibes. It’s a song that sounds exactly how it feels: like a sunny afternoon spent without a care in the world.
The lead-up to the single’s release also brought a full-circle moment for Davis. Inspired by the song, she asked her parents for childhood footage and rediscovered old videos of herself “hamming it up and singing for the camera.” Watching the tapes reconnected her with a forgotten childhood friend and, more importantly, with the pure joy that first drew her to music. “It brought me full circle—reminded me why I wanted to do music in the first place,” she laughed. This experience solidified the track’s message and her own artistic purpose.
Davis’s growth as an artist is palpable in “Being A Kid.” Since her time at the CMAA Academy of Country Music, she’s moved past seeing music as a side hobby and is now fully committed to her career, gigging every weekend and determined to push her limits. “The Academy gave me the confidence to just get out there and do it. And the more you do it, the more you believe in yourself,” she said. This confidence radiates from every note of her new single.
“Being A Kid” is more than just a song; it’s a mission statement. It’s a call to action for anyone who’s lost touch with their inner child, a reminder that the world is full of simple, accessible joys. Davis’s passion and conviction are evident in every word, making this single a powerful and genuinely moving piece of art. It’s a triumphant second step in what is sure to be a long and successful career for this promising singer-songwriter.