Introduction
I still remember the first time I heard Scotty McCreery’s voice—it was back in 2011, when he won American Idol with that deep, soulful tone that felt wise beyond his years. Fast forward to 2022, and his single “It Matters to Her” hit the airwaves, pulling me right back into that warm, nostalgic feeling. There’s something about this song—a tender country ballad born from a late-night chat between friends—that feels like a love letter not just to McCreery’s wife, Gabi, but to anyone who’s ever tried to be a better partner. It’s personal, it’s real, and it’s a story worth telling.
About The Composition
- Title: It Matters to Her
- Composer: Scotty McCreery, Lee Thomas Miller, Rhett Akins
- Premiere Date: Released as a single on September 12, 2022
- Album/Opus/Collection: Same Truck (fifth studio album)
- Genre: Country
Background
“It Matters to Her” emerged from a heartfelt conversation between Scotty McCreery and co-writer Rhett Akins about their marriages. As McCreery shared with Music Mayhem magazine, the song reflects lessons learned from their wives—small, everyday acts of love that mean the world. Teamed up with Lee Thomas Miller, the trio crafted a track inspired by the timeless sound of Brooks & Dunn, blending classic country vibes with a modern twist. Released as the third single from McCreery’s 2022 album Same Truck, it marked another chapter in his evolution from Idol champ to seasoned country storyteller. Though it peaked at number three on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in June 2023—his first single since 2015’s “Southern Belle” not to hit number one—it still resonated deeply with fans, earning a Gold certification from the RIAA.
Musical Style
“It Matters to Her” is quintessential country—simple yet profound. Clocking in at a tight 2:51, it’s built on a foundation of acoustic guitar strums and a steady, understated rhythm that lets McCreery’s rich baritone shine. The instrumentation is classic: think steel guitar flourishes and a soft drumbeat that evoke the 90s country sound of Brooks & Dunn, a clear influence McCreery has cited. There’s no over-the-top production here—just enough polish to keep it radio-friendly while retaining an intimate, front-porch feel. The melody is catchy but unhurried, mirroring the song’s message of slowing down to notice what matters. It’s a masterclass in restraint, letting the lyrics and vocal delivery carry the emotional weight.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “It Matters to Her” are a tender ode to the little things that strengthen a relationship. Lines like “When you hang up that phone, you better put it down slow” and “It matters to her when you’re there by her side” paint a picture of quiet devotion. Co-written with Rhett Akins and Lee Thomas Miller, the words feel conversational—like advice from a friend who’s been there. The theme is universal: love isn’t just grand gestures, but the daily choices that show you’re paying attention. Paired with the song’s warm melody, the lyrics hit home, especially for anyone who’s ever felt the gentle nudge of a partner’s unspoken expectations.
Performance History
Since its release on September 12, 2022, “It Matters to Her” has been a staple in McCreery’s live sets, often accompanied by a sweet nod to his wife, Gabi, who stars in the song’s music video. The track climbed the charts steadily, reaching number three on Billboard Country Airplay and number 13 on Hot Country Songs by mid-2023. While it didn’t snag the top spot like his prior hits “Five More Minutes” or “Damn Strait,” its consistent airplay and Gold certification (500,000 units sold/streamed) speak to its staying power. Fans have embraced it as a wedding song and a sentimental favorite, cementing its place in McCreery’s catalog.
Cultural Impact
Beyond the charts, “It Matters to Her” taps into a broader cultural craving for authenticity. In an era of flashy pop-country anthems, this song’s back-to-basics approach feels refreshing—a throwback to when country music was about storytelling. Its inclusion of Gabi in the music video added a personal layer, making it a social media darling among couples sharing their own “little things” stories. While it hasn’t yet popped up in movies or TV, its relatable message makes it ripe for future placements in romantic dramas or Hallmark-style scenes. It’s a quiet cultural touchstone, reminding us that love songs don’t need to shout to be heard.
Legacy
As of March 10, 2025, “It Matters to Her” remains a standout in Scotty McCreery’s repertoire—a testament to his growth as an artist who can blend personal experience with universal appeal. Its enduring relevance lies in its simplicity: it’s a song about showing up, about love in the mundane, and that never goes out of style. For McCreery, it’s a bridge between his early hits and his maturing sound, proving he’s more than an Idol alum—he’s a country voice for the long haul. Years from now, it’ll likely be remembered as one of those tracks that quietly shaped his legacy, touching listeners who see their own relationships in its chords.
Conclusion
For me, “It Matters to Her” is a gentle reminder of what matters in my own life—those small acts that say “I see you” without saying much at all. There’s a warmth to it that feels like home, and I can’t help but smile thinking of Scotty and Gabi’s story woven into every note. If you haven’t given it a spin, I recommend checking out the official music video on YouTube—it’s a sweet glimpse into the heart behind the song. Or better yet, catch it live if McCreery rolls through your town. Trust me, it’s worth the listen.
Video
Lyrics
When you say, “I love you” ‘fore you hang up the phone
When you buy her favorite wine on your way home
When you kiss her in the kitchen, when you kiss her on the street
When you kiss her when she’s still asleep
It matters to her, it stays on her mind
When you put her first every single time
When you think she don’t see, when you think she don’t care
When you think she don’t notice what you’re doin’ there
Every little look, every single word
Oh, it matters to her
When you pull her in close when she had a bad day
When you shut up and listen to what she has to say
When you tell her she’s stronger than the storm blowin’ in
When you’re there when she just needs a friend
It matters to her, it stays on her mind
When you put her first every single time
When you think she don’t see, when you think she don’t care
When you think she don’t notice what you’re doin’ there
Every little look, every single word
Oh, it matters to her
Yeah, it matters to her
Oh, it’s the little things that a man might miss
Oh, it’s the little things that she never forgets
Oh, it matters to her, it stays on her mind
When you put her first, oh, every single time
When you think she don’t see, when you think she don’t care
When you think she don’t notice, oh, what you’re doin’ there
Every little look, every single word
Make her feel like she’s the only woman in the world
It matters to her
Yeah, you know it matters to her
Oh yeah, it matters to her