Chris Wallin, a multi-platinum Nashville songwriter known for some of country music’s biggest hits, has teamed up with teenage singer Rachel Holt to release a pro-life song written from the perspective of a baby who never had the chance to be born.
Mr. Wallin—who has written songs for country music greats such as Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, and the late Toby Keith—told The Epoch Times that he wrote “I Was Gonna Be” to inspire others to speak up for unborn babies.
“I wanted to give a voice to the voiceless,” said the 53-year-old, who serves as an executive partner and head of artists and repertoire for the music group Baste Records.
‘It Was a God Thing’
The Tennessee native said that when he started writing the song, which is sponsored by Patriot Mobile, he didn’t think anyone would have the courage to sing it.“It was one of those things where I knew I just had to get it out of me. I was halfway through writing the song when I was introduced to Rachel. It hit me like a ton of bricks that she was the perfect person to sing that song,” he shared. “And I was 100 percent correct. She loved it as much as I did, and her first words were, ‘I have to sing that song.’ It was a God thing for sure.”
Speaking with The Epoch Times, newcomer Ms. Holt, 18, credited her Christian upbringing for her decision to record the single. “It’s just the way I was raised,” she explained. “I hope that the public just takes a second to listen and really feel the song.”
A portion of the lyrics go: “Some don’t believe I’m a living soul, just a bad mistake that needs to go. If my mama coulda just seen my face, maybe she woulda had me anyway.” The song continues: “All I wanted was a chance, to learn to love and laugh and dance. But I was gone before I arrived, sent back to heaven on a starlight flight.”
Ms. Holt, who grew up singing in her local church choir, signed with Baste Records in December 2023, releasing her debut album, “Missin' Home,” the following month. The singer is currently wrapping up her forthcoming EP, which she said will be released shortly.
Chart-Topping Success
“I Was Gonna Be” has already captivated many listeners, landing in the No. 5 spot on the iTunes Country Charts just two days after its release, according to Patriot Mobile.Glenn Story, the chief executive officer of the Texas-based Christian wireless provider, said in a June 26 statement that the song “aligned perfectly with [the company’s] beliefs about the sanctity of life.”
“It’s really a beautiful song,” he continued. “And we need more conservative messaging in the arts as the music industry is a very important part of today’s culture war.”
Ms. Holt said she knew the song was special, but was surprised at how quickly it rose to the top of the charts—a sentiment echoed by Mr. Wallin, who said he felt honored to be a part of bringing the track to life.
“This was going to be one of those songs that I just pulled out every now and then and played for myself. It’s amazing how God works and how His timing led to where we are today,” he shared. “I’m also so proud of Rachel for actually standing up for what she believes so early in her life. It’s extremely rare for someone her age to know who they are.”
Mr. Wallin, who has spent over two decades in the music industry, also expressed his gratitude for his music group, where the singer-songwriter said his creative freedom isn’t constrained.
“With Baste Records, I can create something that I truly believe people need to hear without a committee telling me, ‘We can’t say that.’ It’s very freeing to be able to tell the truth through music,” he said. “If this song can save one life, cause one baby to be born that was otherwise doomed, then all of this is worth it.”
