Ella Langley is quickly cementing her place as one of country music’s fastest-rising stars. As her songs climb the charts, the spotlight has followed—along with plenty of fan speculation about her personal life and the real-life stories behind her music. From lyrics to cover art, listeners have tried to read between the lines. But with her latest single, “Choosin’ Texas,” there’s no guessing required. This time, Ella is sharing the story herself.
The song was co-written with her friend and Texas native Miranda Lambert, and its instantly catchy hook was inspired by Miranda’s larger-than-life personality. Ella recalls the moment the idea came together during a writing retreat about a year ago.
“I had the amazing opportunity to sit down in a room with Miranda, Luke Dick, and Joybeth Taylor,” Ella explained. “We wrote a bunch of songs, but the second one really stuck with me. Miranda started telling one of her wild stories about drinking and doing something ridiculous, and I said, ‘Well, she’s from Texas—I can tell.’ We all just looked at each other like, yep…that’s it. That’s the song.”
The phrase quickly became the heart of the track, telling the story of a woman who recognizes exactly where her cowboy’s loyalty lies. Ella admits she immediately connected to the concept. “She’s from Texas, the girl he went with—and I thought, well…you know I love a song like that.”
The collaboration earned more than just a co-writing credit. Miranda also lends background vocals to the track and has been vocal about her admiration for Ella’s artistry.
“Ella may have grown up in Alabama, but she has a rowdy, fiery side that us Texas women recognize and respect,” Miranda shared. “She’s an artist through and through, and it was important to me to let her artistry shine—from co-writing to co-producing. I’m so proud of how ‘Choosin’ Texas’ does that.”
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of quiet realization and heartbreak:
She’s from Texas, I can tell by the way
He’s two-stepping ’round the room
Judging by the smile that’s written on his face
There’s nothing I can do…
With “Choosin’ Texas,” Ella Langley continues to define her voice and point of view—this time with the guidance and support of one of country music’s most iconic artists.