Will Tyler Childers Ever Release “Jersey Giant”? Fans Clamor for the Studio Version Amid Years of Teasing
In the world of country music, few songs have captured the collective imagination of fans quite like “Jersey Giant.” Written by Tyler Childers over a decade ago, the heartfelt ballad about love, distance, and longing has become a staple in live sets and covers by other artists—but Childers himself has yet to drop an official studio version. As 2025 draws to a close, the question on every fan’s mind remains: Will Tyler Childers ever release “Jersey Giant”?
The song’s origins trace back to around 2012, when Childers shared an early recording that quickly gained traction among his early followers. Though not formally released on any of his albums, “Jersey Giant” exploded in popularity through covers, most notably Elle King’s 2022 rendition, which featured a live collaboration with Childers himself in Lexington, Kentucky. Evan Honer’s 2022 version with Julia DiGrazia has racked up over 132 million streams on Spotify alone, proving the track’s enduring appeal. Yet, despite its viral status, Childers has kept his own studio take under wraps, leading to endless speculation and pleas from his devoted fanbase.
This year brought renewed hope—and subsequent disappointment. In April 2025, Childers performed “Jersey Giant” solo for the first time in years during a sold-out show at Kroger Field in Lexington, sending the nearly 50,000-strong crowd into a frenzy. The moment went viral on social media, reigniting calls for an official release. Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their excitement and frustration, with one user posting, “can tyler childers release his cover of jersey giant please,” encapsulating the widespread sentiment. Another lamented, “Do u think Tyler Childers knows how awesome it’d be if he released his version of Jersey Giant,” highlighting the song’s potential impact.
The buzz peaked in June when Childers announced his new album, Snipe Hunter, set for a July 25 release. Pre-album hype included teases like, “Babe wake up we’re about to get Jersey Giant by Mr Childers himself,” from enthusiastic fans online. However, when the tracklist dropped on July 2, “Jersey Giant” was conspicuously absent, leaving supporters deflated. One X user captured the collective groan: “it’s 8am and i’m stressing out about is tyler childers gonna release jersey giant.” Another drew parallels to other long-awaited tracks, saying, “okay now that chappell roan released the subway, i need tyler childers to release jersey giant.”
Childers has addressed the holdout in interviews and fan interactions. In a 2022 Reddit thread, he reportedly explained his reluctance, noting a preference for live renditions over studio polish and hinting at personal reasons for keeping it unreleased. A Whiskey Riff op-ed from June 2025 argued against a release, suggesting that the song’s mystique lies in its rarity: “Sorry, But I Don’t Want Tyler Childers To Release ‘Jersey Giant’ On His Upcoming Album… Here’s Why.” Fans echo this mixed feeling; while many crave a polished version, others appreciate the raw, bootleg charm. As one X post put it, “i beg everyone i know to listen to Jersey Giant but specifically the tyler childers version at least once in their life. it will change you.”
Regret over missed live opportunities also fuels the discourse. After a April 2025 concert where Childers played the song, a fan shared, “I didn’t buy Tyler Childers tickets last night and I regret it so badly because he played jersey giant😭.” Another attendee raved, “Jersey Giant??? Live by Tyler Childers? With ME in the audience????? I am unwell.” Even creative expressions have emerged, with fans blending the song into art and memes, like one user who combined it with other hyperfixations: “combining my two hyperfixations #ttc #tylerchilders #jerseygiant #okonarro.”
Pessimism persists among some, with posts like, “I don’t know that he’ll ever drop it and the longer it wait the less it may sell tbh. He gotta get out his own head,” reflecting doubts about a future release. Childers’ history of unreleased gems—compiled by fans into playlists featuring tracks like “Jolene” and “Woodward Creek”—suggests “Jersey Giant” might remain in that elusive category.
As Childers continues to evolve his sound, from the raw Appalachia roots of Purgatory to the introspective Snipe Hunter, fans hold out hope for a surprise drop. But if history is any guide, “Jersey Giant” may stay a live treasure, its absence only amplifying its legend. For now, devotees can stream covers or hunt for bootlegs, all while echoing the plea: “tyler childers if u release that one recording of Jersey Giant i will give u my first born.” Whether it ever hits streaming platforms remains anyone’s guess, but the fan fervor shows no signs of fading. For updates, keep an eye on Childers’ socials or here on sadcountry.com
