Summary of the Relationship and Key Facts
Little Big Town is an American country group known for tight harmonies and member-driven songwriting. Taylor Swift is not a regular writer for Little Big Town, but she has a verified co-write on their song "Better Man," released in 2016 as part of their album The Breaker. Outside that single collaboration, Little Big Town’s songs are written by group members, other country songwriters, and occasional co-writers, not by Swift. This overview separates confirmed credits from rumors and explains how the Swift connection fits into the group’s broader catalog.
Little Big Town Songwriting Process and Typical Credits
Little Big Town frequently co-write with trusted songwriters and band members. Understanding their standard credits helps clarify Taylor Swift’s limited role.
- Primary writers: Group members Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Phillip Sweet, and Kimberly Schlapman
- Frequent external co-writers: Steve McEwan, Megan Mullins, and Blair Daly
- Approach: Collaborative workshops and demos focused on vocal harmony and narrative storytelling
Common Myths vs. Verified Practices
The group’s close-knit writing style can create assumptions about outside contributors. Verified credits show a disciplined collaboration process centered on the group’s sound rather than star-driven features.
Confirmed Taylor Swift Co-Writes for Little Big Town
As of the latest reliable publishing and label sources, Taylor Swift has a single verified writing credit on a Little Big Town recording.
| Song | Writer(s) | Release Year | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better Man | Taylor Swift, Hillary Lindsey, and Lori McKenna | 2016 | Lead single from The Breaker; won Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance |
How Better Man Came Together
Swift co-wrote "Better Man" with established country songwriters Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna. The track was pitched to Little Big Town and developed in the studio, aligning with the group’s theme of resilience and maturity. Swift’s involvement was a specific co-write session rather than a catalog donation or ongoing partnership.
Other Songs Sometimes Cited in Connection with Swift
Certain Little Big Town tracks are sometimes mentioned alongside Swift due to timing, style, or shared collaborators, but verified credits do not list Swift as a writer. Rumor risk is moderate for these titles because of fan speculation and media overlap.
- Girl Crush: Written by Hillary Lindsey, Luke Laird, and Lori McKenna (no Swift credit)
- Boondocks: Written by Wayne Kirkpatrick, Tom Douglas, and Little Big Town (no Swift credit)
- Tornado: Written by Ed Hill, Jamie Moore, and Little Big Town (no Swift credit)
Context and Industry Perspective
Swift’s catalog management and publishing decisions make singular co-writes more common than broad licensing. For Little Big Town, the Swift connection centers on one well-crafted, award-winning collaboration rather than a continuing arrangement. Industry observers note that such targeted co-writes can raise a song’s profile without implying wider involvement.
Quick Comparison: Little Big Town vs. Swift Co-Writing Habits
| Artist/Group | Primary Writing Mode | Notable Collaboration with Swift | Publication Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Big Town | Member-led + chosen co-writers | Better Man (co-write with Swift, 2016) | Occasional targeted co-writes, no ongoing publishing tie |
| Taylor Swift | Solo or selected co-writes | Few external co-writes; catalog control focus | Strategic co-writing for specific projects |
Reliable Sources and How to Check Credits
To verify songwriting credits for Little Big Town or any recording, consult the following authoritative resources. These sources are updated by rights organizations and label metadata teams.
- BMI Repertoire search by title or writer name
- ASCAP Songview database for member-only lookups
- Music metadata providers (Gracenote, Apple Music, Spotify credits)
- Label press kits and album liner notes for precise acknowledgments
Summary and Key Takeaways
Little Big Town writes most songs internally or with selected co-writers. Taylor Swift’s only verified Little Big Town writing credit is "Better Man" alongside Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna. No ongoing songwriting relationship exists between Swift and the group. Understanding this helps clarify catalog ownership, collaboration patterns, and rumor risk around future pairings.