Nashville duo Thelma & James release “Happy Ever After You,” a viral ballad of heartbreak and love, now streaming everywhere.
Thelma & James, the Nashville-based duo made up of MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge, have released their first duet, “Happy Ever After You.” The track, written during their first co-writing session in more than a decade, tells a deeply emotional story of love and heartbreak.
The song became an overnight sensation after the couple shared an informal video performance that quickly garnered over five million views. Fans and fellow artists, including John Mayer, Luke Combs, and Natasha Bedingfield, praised the heartfelt track, prompting its official release.
The chorus captures the emotional weight of the song:
“I got a hole in my heart damn near the size of Texas and I think you left it
I got a picture of you and me circa 2019
Don’t know why I kept it
I got a story I tell myself until my face is in the blue
But I got no happy ever after you.”
Porter and Etheridge explained, “We’ve always pursued separate careers, but this song was special. It’s amazing how something so personal can strike such a universal chord.”
The single comes after a milestone year for Porter, who released her 19-song debut album, co-hosted the CCMA Awards, and toured with Keith Urban.
Now streaming on all platforms, “Happy Ever After You” introduces the authentic and emotional storytelling of Thelma & James to listeners worldwide.
