“He Stole My Best Lyric!”: Eric Church’s Five-Year Secret After Morgan Wallen’s Unfinished Song Became a Hit

For country music star Eric Church, one of his sharpest lyrics nearly disappeared into obscurity—until it reemerged, unexpectedly, on a chart-topping album by his friend Morgan Wallen. The story behind “Quittin’ Time,” a fan-favorite from Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album, is a case study in Nashville’s unique brand of musical serendipity—and a testament to the good-natured rivalry that often fuels the industry’s biggest hits.

An Unfinished Gem and a Secret Kept

Years before Dangerous broke sales records, Eric Church wrote what he later described as one of his “best” lyrics, sketching out the beginnings of “Quittin’ Time” alongside his co-writer Luke Laird. But creative momentum stalled, and the unfinished track was quietly shelved. For nearly five years, Church’s lyric sat dormant—known only to a handful of Nashville insiders.

The twist came when Laird, seeing potential in the abandoned song, shared it with Morgan Wallen. Wallen was instantly captivated, teaming up with Laird and Josh Thompson to finish the song and bring it to life in the studio. When Wallen’s version of “Quittin’ Time” finally reached Church’s ears, the reaction was a mix of astonishment, humor, and a hint of mock indignation.

“He stole my best lyric!” Church would later joke, admitting that the lyric’s journey from his notebook to Wallen’s platinum record had been a well-kept secret for years.

A Lyric Reborn—and a Record-Breaking Album

“Quittin’ Time” became a standout deep cut on Dangerous: The Double Album, which was released in 2021 to critical and commercial acclaim. The album itself made history:

• Billboard Domination: Dangerous debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200, spending an unprecedented 10 consecutive weeks atop the chart—a feat unmatched by a country album since 1992.

• Enduring Appeal: The album remained in the top 10 for 97 non-consecutive weeks, setting a new record for a solo artist.

• Massive Sales: By late 2023, Dangerous had accumulated over 4.2 million equivalent album units in the U.S., securing its place as one of the most successful country albums of the decade.

For Church, hearing his lyric resonate with millions of new listeners was both a surprise and a compliment. What began as a fleeting spark in a writing session became part of a cultural phenomenon.

Collaboration and Camaraderie in Nashville

The “Quittin’ Time” story is more than a tale of a misplaced lyric. It reflects the collaborative spirit that defines Nashville’s songwriting community, where unfinished ideas can find new homes—and sometimes, new voices. Far from causing a rift, the episode deepened the mutual respect between Church and Wallen.

In fact, their professional friendship soon blossomed into official collaboration, with the pair joining forces on “Man Made A Bar” for Wallen’s 2023 album One Thing At A Time. Any “fury” over the lyric was, Church confirmed, purely in jest—a playful nod to the unpredictable journey of great songwriting.

A Nashville Tradition: Songs That Find Their Moment

Eric Church’s five-year secret is a reminder that in country music, the best lines sometimes just need a little more time—and the right voice—to reach their audience. Thanks to a twist of fate and the tight-knit community of Nashville, one of Church’s proudest creations made its way to the top, proving that even a “stolen” lyric can be a win for everyone involved.