Morgan Evans surprised fans when he released the poignant and vulnerable “Over For You,” written about the end of his marriage to Kelsea Ballerini. Now, the Australian has released a five-part documentary series, sharing the journey of the viral song, which he debuted at CMC Rocks QLD Festival.
“This new song is the most personal thing I’ve ever written, and the most personal thing I’ve ever shared. It scared the sh– out of me,” Evans says in the first video of “Over For You.” By his own admission, Evans had no idea how the song would resonate with his fans, but was unprepared for the way “Over For You’ resounded with people, all over the world.
“The connection I’ve had with people on the internet, since I did it, seeing people even in person at the show — not that I open my eyes all through the song — but even afterwards, has been so unreal,” Evans admits. “It’s interesting; when you share something that’s the most personal thing you’ve ever shared, so many other people can relate to it. It’s one of those things you’ve heard a million times. But then to actually feel that, it’s really pretty wild.”
Evans remained largely quiet in the aftermath of his split from Ballerini. But sharing “Over For You” was, perhaps surprisingly, healing for Evans in a way he didn’t expect.
“I didn’t realize I was going to feel this, but after I played it at CMC Rocks, I did feel a weight off of my chest,” says the singer. “I felt like I told it in the most honest, real and most positive way possible. It’s the only song I’ve written since I’ve gone through all this sh–. It felt like channeling all of that awfulness into something positive.”
Evans loved the reaction he received for “Over For You,” even if it was a lot more than he anticipated.
“I’m sort of paralyzed by all of it, because I don’t know what the right thing to do is, because it’s the most authentic thing I’ve ever communicated in country music,” Evans concedes. “I don’t want to tarnish that by however we share it. I’m not sure what the right way to do that is. Playing live has always been my favorite part of this thing, and so that’s what we’re going to do.”
The 37-year-old acknowledged after the news of the divorce was announced that it had been a challenging season for him.
“It’s been a rough few months in my life,” Evans tells Billboard. “Writing this song kind of helped me sort through that. The first time I played it at a festival in Australia called CMC Rocks. I didn’t have any expectations for it. I just felt like I needed to get it off my chest. The reaction to that was kind of overwhelming … I’m really proud of that song.”
Ballerini released her own film series and EP, Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, about her feelings over the end of her marriage to Evans. She also spoke about her view on the end of their marriage on the Call Her Daddy podcast, saying she was “blindsided” by the release of “Over For You,” and revealing the couple had already been separated when she asked for a divorce.
After its release, fans of Evans were quick to defend him — even at her expense — which he quickly asked them to stop.
— Morgan Evans (@Morgan_Evans) February 21, 2023
“It’s really sad for me to see this person, who I spent so much of my life with, and loved with all my heart, saying things that aren’t reality and that leave out what really happened,” Evans wrote. “She knows I’m not the type of guy to speak on those things publicly. If this is what she needs to heal, I hope it helps. All I ask is that if you’re on my pages, please don’t be mean. Don’t be mean to Kelsea. Don’t be mean to each other. Life’s too short.”
Watch the five-part documentary of “Over For You” here. Find all of Evans’ music and upcoming shows can be found at MorganEvansMusic.com.