Bailey Marie Turns Rebellion into a Revival with “Honky Tonk Hallelujah”

When life handed Bailey Marie a suspension slip, she turned it into a song. “Honky Tonk Hallelujah,” is a country-pop banger that proves faith and fun can share the same dance floor. Instead of moping about being kicked out of school for performing at Coyote Joe’s, Bailey did what every true artist does: she spun her story into a celebration.

The track kicks off like a Southern sermon flipped on its head. Electric guitars meet gospel flair, and Bailey’s vocals come in strong, confident, and just the right amount of rebellious. She paints the picture: “Two blocks down past the Church of Christ / where the road turns to dirt / yeah, it’s on the right / where the faithful gather on a Saturday night…” It’s Miranda Lambert grit with Kelsea Ballerini brightness, equal parts sass, soul, and Southern charm.

Her voice drips with charisma, turning honky-tonk tradition into something modern and self-aware. The chorus hits like a holy shot of adrenaline: “Raise your glass and sing along / the music’s loud and the drinks are strong…” It’s the kind of anthem that makes you want to two-step barefoot under neon lights, even if you’ve never set foot in a small-town bar.

The music video only fuels the energy, featuring viral comedian Ginger Billy adding his own dose of country chaos. Together, they turn the scene into a party that feels half revival, half rodeo, and fully unforgettable.

Bailey Marie’s story is one of hustle and heart. From her Apollo Theater debut at just 10 to collaborations with Nashville heavyweights and producer Kent Wells (Dolly Parton’s longtime producer), she’s been grinding in the spotlight for years. “Honky Tonk Hallelujah” feels like her breakthrough, that moment where the backstory meets the big stage.

It’s not just a song; it’s Bailey’s philosophy: laugh through the mess, find joy in the wreckage, and dance your way through it all. In her own words: “I wanted to turn it into something fun that people could sing and dance to. Honky Tonk Hallelujah is my way of laughing through it all.”

You said this song came from getting kicked out of school. What was going through your head when that happened? 

When I was kicked out of school or received the email, my heart sank, and I immediately felt a sense of crushing disappointment, thinking about the senior moments that I wouldn’t get to do with my friends. It was tough on me at first, but I was able to turn it around and finish strong with a new school and a new set of friends. A year and a half has passed, and now I have moved on from school, successfully working towards my music career and college goals. 

“Honky Tonk Hallelujah” boldly mixes faith and fun. How do you balance both sides of that message? 

I have a very strong faith in God. I am very involved with the church, and I believe that shining that light can happen anywhere, including a bar—the place where our light should shine the most. The song is fun and mimics what you might find in a bar scene in a light and enjoyable way. 

What was it like filming the video with Ginger Billy? 

He is absolutely hilarious. What you see online is exactly how he is in real life. He is very genuine, and he didn’t have to come be a part of the video, but he chose to, and I’m grateful for that. 

You’ve already shared stages with Lainey Wilson and Gwen Stefani. Who’s next on your dream collab list? 

I would love to share the stage with Ella Langley or Luke Combs. I’d love to work with Luke because he’s from our area, and he’s just a simple guy that I relate to. 

What do you hope fans take away from this song: rebellion, redemption, or just a good time? 

I hope that people take away from this song a good time. Just something fun to make you laugh and to take the seriousness out of this harsh world. We all need laughter, and I wanted to write a song that makes you smile rather than think about the negatives.