Behind the song: Bailey Zimmerman’s ‘Where It Ends’

Bailey Zimmerman’s ‘Where It Ends’ is a bombastic track that mixes country with pop punk. It’s hardly surprising, looking at the team that put the song together though; there’s the producer, Austin Shawn, alongside three writers, Zimmerman himself, Grant Averill and Joe Spargur (also known as Joe London). Debuting at number seven in the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, the 2023 single stands out amongst the other tracks on Zimmerman’s ‘Religiously. The Album.’ LP. It’s thoroughly country rock, unlike the softer tracks on the record, and shows off Zimmerman’s more growling, intense vocal abilities. It is, however, connected to the rest of the body of work by Zimmerman’s ability to express raw emotions, whether loving or that ‘I’m-through-with-this’ swagger that ‘Where It Ends’ embodies. It’s no wonder the track is a fan favourite. 

Zimmerman himself describes the inspiration behind the track as “wasted energy” on a relationship that is doomed to fall apart and finally walking away from it. There’s a sense of enjambment to the lyrics; Zimmerman doesn’t seem to need to breathe between the lines – perhaps a suggestion that the intensity of his emotions means he needs to ‘spit it all out’ or that he’s venting. 

The songwriting team behind ‘Where It Ends’ deserves special mention. Grant Averill, known for his ability to weave heartfelt narratives into his lyrics, brings a depth to the song that resonates with listeners. His background in country music is evident in the way the story unfolds, capturing the essence of heartbreak and resolution. Joe Spargur, or Joe London, adds his own flair to the mix. As a seasoned songwriter and producer with a knack for creating chart-topping hits across genres, Spargur’s contribution to ‘Where It Ends’ is palpable. His experience in blending different musical styles is key to the track’s unique sound, merging country with an edge of pop punk seamlessly. 

As for the production, it’s loud and somewhat violent (not in a bad way). Shawn is renowned for big drums, defined, clear vocal lines and memorable melodies. Shawn collaborates heavily with Zimmerman, producing his first radio single ‘Fall In Love’ and working together on Zimmerman’s debut EP, ‘Leave The Light On’. The special relationship between the two highlights the country elements in Zimmerman’s career; Shawn hails from Fort Worth, Texas, an area renowned for providing great country musicians. The Red Dirt influence is clear in Shawn’s production; it’s grittier than Nashville country, usually defined as ‘country with an attitude’ – and ‘Where It Ends’ certainly has buckets full of attitude. Shawn’s production style in ‘Where It Ends’ complements the rawness of the lyrics. The use of heavy drums and sharp guitar riffs amplifies the emotional weight of the song. The track’s arrangement allows Zimmerman’s vocal delivery to shine through, making the listener feel the intensity of every word. The synergy between the production and the songwriting is evident, creating a powerful listening experience that sticks with you long after the song has ended. 

Currently, Zimmerman is captivating audiences on his completely sold-out international headlining tour, ‘Religiously. The Tour.’ The tour’s success is fuelled by the nearly four billion streams of his music globally, a testament to his widespread appeal. Fans are drawn to his authenticity and the raw emotion he brings to his performances. ‘Where It Ends’ is a highlight of his live shows, with audiences connecting deeply to the song’s message of letting go and moving on. The success of ‘Where It Ends’ can also be attributed to its relatability. Many listeners have experienced the frustration of investing time and energy into a relationship that ultimately fails. Zimmerman’s ability to capture this universal feeling in his lyrics makes the song resonate on a personal level. The track’s anthemic quality, with its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, invites listeners to sing along and feel a sense of catharsis. 

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Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine
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