The text Keith Urban sent to Lainey when he asked her to collaborate

Keith Urban’s collaboration with Lainey Wilson on “Go Home WU” apparently started over a year ago with a simple text message.

The “Messed Up as Me” singer asked Wilson to be part of the song and even sent her a demo on April 21, 2023. He shared the exchange with fans on social media.

“Hey ya Lainey,” he writes in the text. “It’s Keith (Urban) here. I hope you’re doing well. Would you like to sing along to one of my songs at your convenience?!”

“It’s been on my mind for a while and I think you’d like it… and I’d love to hear from you more,” he continues. “It’s in the chorus… and different bits and pieces… a chill sing-along vibe in the bar.”

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Urban’s lyrics read very respectfully and politely, but also as if he is not one of the greatest country singers in the world. It’s a true sign of humility that he asks her to join in on the song, which speaks to his understanding that the song has to be mutually beneficial for it to work.

In other words, his request is super professional.

Wilson responded by asking if he would send her the song and thanked him for thinking of her.

Keith Urban and Lainey Wilson’s collaboration for “Go Home WU” began in 2023

As the date on the text message thread indicates, “Go Home WU” as we know it today began taking shape in April 2023. Apparently, it didn’t take long for Wilson to accept the offer and throw her vote in for it. Urban said Taste of the country that he had been working on a duet for his new album since last summer.

“There’s one duet on the record, coming out later this year, that I’m super excited about,” he shared with Taste of Country Nights host Evan Paul in March. “It was frustrating because we completed it in June last year.”

“So I’ve been on this thing ever since, it’s driving me crazy, I just want to get it out,” he adds.

“Go Home WU” is available on Friday, May 3.