Kacey Musgraves Reflects on ‘Merry Go ‘Round’

Kacey Musgraves recently took a moment to reflect on her official debut single, “Merry Go ‘Round,” in celebration of its fifth anniversary.

The song, which kickstarted Musgraves’ mainstream success, first hit radio in 2012 and became the first single from her major-label debut, Same Trailer Different Park.

On Twitter, the singer-songwriter reflected on the struggle of getting the song released as a single.

“On this day in 2012, “Merry Go ‘Round” started ot be released to radio,” she wrote. “I was exhausted from the radio tour but really excited. I was 24. I had just written this with Shane McAnally and Josh Osbourne down in Texas. I had fought like hell for this song to be my first single. I was explicitly told that it was ‘too depressing’ and ‘slow’ for a new female artist to ever come out of the gate with. I was prepared to go down in flames.”

All Musgraves’ determination paid off in ways she couldn’t have imagined. “Merry Go ‘Round” went on to win a Grammy and became one of her signature songs.

“I knew the song connected with people because it connected with me but I never dreamed it would win a Grammy for (Country) Song of the Year and be the most successful song I’ve had at radio to date. Forever grateful for all of you who proved me right and made this little thing spin.”

She also shared a clip from the song’s music video, and poked fun at her throwback appearance.

“Thank you so much for all your love and support, even though my hair looked like this,” she wrote.

Musgraves is currently prepping to join pop star Harry Styles on his arena tour, which starts in 2018. Her most recent LP, Pageant Material, was released in 2015.