Behind the Meaning of Ian Munsick and Lainey Wilson’s Country Ballad, “Feather In My Hat”

There are many ways to say “I love you.” Country music has displayed countless options since the genre’s inception. Ian Munsick and Lainey Wilson recently delivered yet another with “Feather In My Hat.” Uncover the meaning behind this country ballad below.

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Behind the Meaning of “Feather In My Hat” by Ian Munsick and Lainey Wilson

In my younger years, I knew nothing
I’d be gone before the morning’s first light
Until I got a taste of your loving
Now I stay to watch you sleeping in in the sunrise

Thank God I got
A woman who makes me who I wanna be

You’re the ground ‘neath my boots
You’re the one I run to
When I feel like riding away
You’re the wind in my sails
The wings on my back
Angel, you ain’t just a feather in my hat

Earning a “feather in your hat” usually denotes some kind of accomplishment. When used in relationship terms, it can feel a bit impersonal. Not many people would want to be resigned to being just another tally tick in their partner’s life. That’s the idea Munsick and Wilson portray here.

You’re the wind in my sails / The wings on my back, Munsick sings of his love interest in this track. The heart-swelling language he uses denotes a lasting love–something he aimed for while penning this song.

“There’s the image of the feather in my hat, but the way I’ve always viewed it is that it’s more like a trophy,” Munsick recently explained. “If you tie it in with love, though, you’re saying, ‘Hey, you’re not just a trophy. You’re my lover, you’re the wings on my back. You’re not just a feather in my hat.’”

Duet with Lainey Wilson

The addition of Wilson’s vocals adds an extra layer to this track. Though they both are signing about their respective partners, having two perspectives in this love song adds an intimacy that does not go unnoticed. Many of the greatest country love songs are duets, and this song capitalizes on that innate advantage.

“Lainey obviously has her own relationship with Duck, and she wears a feather in her hat, too, so I knew that was going to be a soft spot,” Munsick added. “It just kind of felt like it would be a man and woman duet, so it was kind of a no brainer. The power that comes from that song feels like an award show moment.”

Check out this Munsick and Wilson duet, below.

You’re forever tucked in this Stetson
Saying I’m with you makes me proud
You’re the closest I’ve been to heaven
Yeah, you get my heart racing and you settle me down

You’re the ground ‘neath my boots
You’re the one I run to
When I feel like riding away
You’re the wind in my sails
The wings on my back
Angel, you ain’t just a feather in my hat

(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Audacy)