When Lady Antebellum released “What I’m Leaving For” from their latest Ocean album, they had no idea that, while the song would be climbing the charts, the trio would be staying home, self-isolating along with much of the rest of the world due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But while Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott are each grateful for the opportunity to be with their families, they realize that some –– such as those in the medical field –– aren’t so fortunate, which is why the song now has a new meaning for the threesome.
“Now living in this pandemic, we’ve really dedicated this song to the doctors and nurses and all the health care workers that are out there on the frontlines really risking it, walking into these hospitals, walking into the ER, and really taking a huge risk to protect us,” Dave shared with their record label. “That song has been resonating with them, when you really listen to the words. We wrote it about leaving our families for touring, but really, getting up, looking at your beautiful family and then walking out that door.
“That’s what they’re leaving for,” he added. “And so it’s really resonated with the health care community during this coronavirus time and I really think it’s taken on a completely new meaning for us.”
Dave and his wife Kelli are the proud parents of 5-year-old Cash and 2-year-old Lillie, which means his days at home are anything but idle.
“We’ve got a five year old a two year old, so pre-K,” Dave reflected. “So, the worksheets and the homework are not too terribly long. I mean, we do like 30 minutes of stuff and then everyone’s hit their quota. Honestly, it ends up being a lot of Frozen 2 and Trolls movies and just all kinds of kids’ movies half the day.
“But we’re trying to do some arts and crafts, let the kids play outside in our yard,” he continued. “And we’re trying to fill our time as best we can, but we have watched every movie that Disney has ever put out, I can tell you that.”
Dave also revealed that he is working on some new Lady Antebellum songs as well. In addition to “What I’m Leaving For,” the trio also dropped “Champagne Nights,” which was the winning song from Songland. Lady A’s Ocean 2020 Tour, originally scheduled to begin in May, has been postponed until July 2, due to coronavirus concerns. Updates can be found at LadyAntebellum.com.