Bartender was released to country radio via Capitol Records Nashville on May 12, 2014
as the lead single from the group's fifth studio album.
Charles Kelley told The Tennessean:
"I think it's always cool when you can capture what feels like a fun track where the lyrics are a little darker.
You really listen to the lyrics. It's definitely a head-bobber, but then you kind of listen and you're like,
'Man, this girl is talking about literally drinking the pain away.' I think those songs are cool when you can
have that juxtaposition."
Hillary Scott, lead vocalist on the song, said:
"As a female, I love the fact that it's not this song about her [saying], 'My hearts been broken, it's so sad,
he did me wrong.' It's not about going and rebounding with some other guy. She's just going out with her friends
and having a night to forget about what this dude just did to her. I love that as a woman, kind of taking the
reins in a situation and getting over it in a fun way."
Dave Heywood said: "The song, 'Bartender,' actually started with a title Charles had on his phone, and a
little idea I had on my phone, and we pulled 'em all out. It was one of the last writing sessions
we had on the road for this record."
Released:
May 19, 2014
Format:
Digital download
Genre:
Country pop
Length:
3:18
Label:
Capitol Nashville
Writers:
Dave Haywood
Charles Kelley
Hillary Scott
Rodney Clawson
Producers:
Nathan Chapman
Lady A
Music video:
"Bartender" on YouTube
The music video was directed by Shane Drake and premiered on the Today Show on June 19, 2014.
It co-stars model Kate Upton and Veep/Arrested Development actor, Tony Hale.
Charles Kelley said about the video:
"I think we definitely captured the spirit of the song, but we also threw in some unexpected twists that the fans
will love. Kate and Tony took what could have been just another music video to a really cool place.
I mean, pretty much every guy in America is in love with Kate Upton. And if I'm being totally honest,
Dave and I now both have a little man-crush on Tony too
he's hilarious! Hands-down my favorite video we've ever done."
Lady A Tour Dates: