This story is about how an old song found new life. Together Again was written in 2008 by country star Jamey Johnson, radio host Gerry House, and hit songwriter Keith Follesé. Even though the song was good enough for Alan Jackson to hold onto it, it was never recorded.
Now, young duo Ryan and Rory bring it back, with Jamey Johnson himself joining in. It shows how a strong song can wait years to find its perfect match.
The Song’s Origin
Back in February 2008, Jamey Johnson and his co-writers created Together Again. It captured deep feelings after a breakup—images like a scarecrow losing its hay or Humpty Dumpty breaking and not fitting back. These ideas compare emotions with old stories to make the sadness seem bigger.
Jamey remembers working with Gerry House and Keith Follesé. He says it was a special time and he thinks of them as some of the best writers he’s met. Even though Alan Jackson considered the song, he never recorded it—a strange twist, since the song was so powerful.
Why Ryan and Rory Chose It
Keith Follesé’s songwriting history runs deep—his son Ryan, from pop band Hot Chelle Rae, loved the song since he was a teen. For Ryan, it was unlike any country song he’d heard. He felt its honesty made it perfect. Partner Rory agreed, saying it didn’t feel like a borrowed song—it felt like it was meant for them.
Jamey Johnson joined in too. He praised their arrangement, saying the duo made the lyrics and feelings come alive. Now, the track includes Jamey’s voice, bringing the story full circle.
What Makes the Song Special
The song captures heartbreak in a universal, timeless way. Its images of scattered hay and cracked eggs aren’t just vivid—they give a sense of “home” suddenly lost. For a young duo hungry to prove their depth, this song hit differently.
Rory said that cutting this song made them feel like they were wearing an old, worn glove—comfortable and real. It’s grown-up in its sadness, something not easy to write unless you’ve lived through real heartbreak. The duo believes this song shows they have range and maturity beyond their years.
The Making and Impact
Produced by Dann Huff, the song sounds both modern and classic. Fans who know the duo from viral hits like Truck Stop are hearing a whole new side of their musical range. The song adds emotional depth to their image—and thanks to Jamey and Keith, it bridges the gap between old-school and new-school country.
Keith’s pride is clear. He told PEOPLE that good songs don’t age. Whether it’s two years old or twenty, if it’s right, it still moves people. This song proves that time can’t ruin a great story.
Together Again proves how a song’s life can stretch across decades. What started as a powerful ballad in 2008 found its perfect voice years later in Ryan and Rory, with one of its original writers joining in. The track stands out for its emotional honesty and timeless images.
It’s a win for everyone involved—the writers, the producers, the performers, and listeners who feel its heartbreak and hope.
