Up Down (Morgan Wallen song) explained

Up Down
Cover:UpDownMorganWallen.png
Type:single
Artist:Morgan Wallen featuring Florida Georgia Line
Album:If I Know Me
Genre:
Length:3:16
Label:Big Loud
Producer:Joey Moi
Chronology:Morgan Wallen
Prev Title:The Way I Talk
Prev Year:2017
Next Title:Whiskey Glasses
Next Year:2018

"Up Down" is a song written by Michael Hardy, Brad Clawson, and CJ Solar, and recorded by American country music singer Morgan Wallen along with country music duo Florida Georgia Line. The song is Wallen's second single release overall, and it appears on his 2018 studio album If I Know Me. "Up Down" has reached number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and number five on the Hot Country Songs chart. It also reached number 49 on the Hot 100 chart. The song was certified 5× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and has sold 267,000 units as of August 2018. It achieved similar chart success in Canada, reaching number one on the Canada Country chart.

An accompanying music video for the song, directed by Justin Clough, features Wallen and both members of Florida Georgia Line partying on a beach, and in concert.

Composition

Hardy, a close friend of Wallen's, wrote the song with Brad Clawson (son of Nashville songwriter Rodney Clawson)[1] and CJ Solar. Originally Wallen had intended to sing the song solo, but he contacted Florida Georgia Line to ask for their opinion of the song, and the duo chose to sing guest vocals on it. Wallen said that he identified with the song's theme of having a good time in a small town because of his own upbringing.[2] [3]

Commercial performance

The song was certified Platinum on July 31, 2018 and 2× Platinum on February 25, 2020 for two million combined sales and streams units. It has sold 333,000 copies in the United States as of September 2018.[4]

Music video

The song's music video features Wallen and both members of Florida Georgia Line partying at Perdido Pass in Orange Beach, Alabama and in concert at The Wharf Amphitheater on Orange Beach, Alabama.[5] It was directed by Justin Clough.[6]

Parodies

In July 2018, country music parodist Cledus T. Judd released a parody of the song titled "(Weight's Goin') Up Down, Up Down". The parody has its own music video, directed by Judd himself and featuring members of his family.[7]

Charts

Year-end charts

Chart (2018)Position
US Country Airplay (Billboard)[8] 20
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[9] 10

Notes and References

  1. Clawson, Clawson & Galyon: Small Family Makes Big Impact On Country Charts. Roland. Tom. February 26, 2018. Billboard. March 13, 2018.
  2. Morgan Wallen Talks 'Up Down' & How Florida Georgia Line Wanted to 'Pay It Forward' by Collaborating. Weatherby. Taylor. February 22, 2018. Billboard. March 13, 2018.
  3. How 'Up Down' Singer Morgan Wallen Went From Singing at Bonfires to Collaborating With Florida Georgia Line . April 19, 2018 . Tatiana . Cirisano . .
  4. News: The Top 30 Digital Country Singles: September 25, 2018. RoughStock. Bjorke. Matt. September 25, 2018. October 21, 2018.
  5. Web site: Morgan Wallen and Florida Georgia Line Relive Summer Fun in 'Up Down' Video. Houghton. Cillea. Taste of Country. March 13, 2018.
  6. Web site: 'Turning Up Down!' Behind the Scenes of Morgan Wallen's New Music Video Featuring Florida Georgia Line. People Country. March 13, 2018.
  7. Web site: Cledus T. Judd releases parody single. July 27, 2018. The Herald-Dispatch. July 30, 2018.
  8. Country Airplay – Year-End 2018. Billboard. December 7, 2018.
  9. Hot Country Songs – Year-End 2018. Billboard. December 7, 2018.