When Brett Young released “Chapters” in 2020, fans quickly realized it wasn’t just another love song—it was a piece of his soul. Known for ballads that explore heartbreak (“Mercy”) and devotion (“In Case You Didn’t Know”), Brett took a more reflective turn with “Chapters.” This track became a deeply personal look at the winding path that led him to country music, framed by the metaphor of life as a book, written one chapter at a time.
Co-written with Gavin DeGraw (who also sings on the track) and Ashley Gorley, the song draws on Brett’s own story—one that didn’t follow the straight line most fans might expect. Before Nashville, Brett was on track for a career in baseball, playing as a college pitcher with dreams of making it big in the pros. But after a career-ending elbow injury, he was forced to let go of that dream. It was a devastating moment, the closing of one chapter he thought would define his life.
But, as the lyrics suggest, “every page you turn is a lesson learned.” That injury, painful as it was, opened the door to another destiny—music. Brett leaned into songwriting and performing, eventually moving to Nashville and pursuing the career that would make him one of country’s most beloved modern voices. “Chapters” tells that story honestly, without sugarcoating the heartbreak of losing a dream but also celebrating the beauty of finding another.
Gavin DeGraw’s presence on the track adds another layer of depth. A longtime friend and musical hero to Brett, Gavin’s gritty, soulful voice blends perfectly with Brett’s smooth delivery. Together, they tell a story that isn’t just about Brett—it’s about anyone who’s ever had to pivot, to start over, to turn the page when life doesn’t go as planned.
For older listeners, the song resonates in profound ways. By the time you’ve lived through a few decades, you’ve learned that life rarely unfolds the way you imagined. Careers change, relationships shift, health falters, and dreams evolve. “Chapters” isn’t about regret—it’s about acceptance. It’s about recognizing that every disappointment, every detour, becomes part of your story, shaping you into who you’re meant to be.
The production matches the weight of the lyrics. Soft piano, steady percussion, and heartfelt harmonies make the song feel intimate, almost like sitting with Brett as he reads aloud from his own diary. There’s no flash or overproduction—just honesty. And that’s what makes it powerful.
When performed live, “Chapters” often becomes one of the most emotional moments in Brett’s set. Fans sway, eyes closed, reflecting on their own journeys. Some think of careers they left behind, others of loves they lost, and others still of the unexpected blessings that came when life forced them to change direction. In that shared space, the song becomes more than Brett’s story—it becomes everyone’s.
That’s why “Chapters” endures as one of Brett Young’s most meaningful songs. It reminds us that life isn’t one straight story—it’s many. Each chapter, whether filled with triumph or trial, has its place. And though we can’t control every page, we can trust that the book is still worth reading. Through Brett’s voice and Gavin DeGraw’s harmonies, the song becomes a gentle reminder: your story isn’t over yet—the next chapter may be the one that changes everything.
