Keith Urban Features Julia Michaels & Credits Merle Haggard In New Single ‘Coming Home’

Keith Urban’s newest single “Coming Home” is inspired by none other than Merle Haggard! 

The country music star dropped the new track off his forthcoming album “GRAFFITI U” on Wednesday and it features soaring vocals from multi-platinum artist Julia Michaels, but it also gives credits to Merle as a co-writer, because Keith was so inspired by the country great. 

“Coming Home” started with an idea I had of using the intro of one of my favorite Haggard songs “Mama Tried” – to build an entirely new song around it.  Then, I took the idea to J.R. Rotem and he put some chords around it. I jotted down the first words that the music made me feel, jumped on a mic and sang the chorus,” Keith shared. 

“Hearing that rolling Haggard guitar lick sparked memories of my childhood – and my dream to come to America.” added the 50-year-old singer.  “I knew right then the story (of the song) was about the struggles of being in a city where your dreams have brought you, but far from your home –  wherever, whomever and whatever that is for each of us.”

Keith said he was equally inspired by Julia and praised the “Heaven” singer’s songwriting talent. “Julia’s writing contribution extended into the idea of the need to want to physically be home. She summed up the whole story in one sentence. ‘Yeah, I know it’s only one call away, but it’s not the same.’ For me, that simple phrase said so much, especially when she sang it!” 

“Coming Home” was written by Keith, J.R. Rotem, Julia Michaels, Merle Haggard and Nicolle Galyon and was co-produced by Rotem and Urban.

Keith’s world tour for GRAFFITI U kicks off on June 15 in St. Louis.

Listen to the new music above! 

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