Lainey Wilson is fully embracing the Halloween spirit with a poignant and stripped-down cover of YUNGBLUD’s deeply emotional track, “Zombie.” The country music star shared a video on Instagram where she lent her voice to the song while seated on a front porch, dressed in a sleek black cowboy hat and fringe leather jacket, and clutching a striking red acoustic guitar.
In her Instagram caption, Wilson expressed her sentiment about the song, saying, “In honor of Halloween…I’ve had this one stuck in my head lately.” The original song, co-written by YUNGBLUD, whose real name is Dominic Harrison, dives into profound themes such as pain, loss, and transformation. Harrison has previously shared that the narrative of “Zombie” was inspired by his personal experience watching his grandmother endure a traumatic injury, which profoundly changed her.
“This song is about the feeling of deterioration and ugliness; shutting out the world and the people we love out of the fear of becoming a burden or an embarrassment,” he explained. The emotional weight of the song resonates deeply, addressing the universal desire to find comfort amid turmoil.
Wilson’s rendition captures that same emotional essence. While she may be stepping outside her usual country genre, her Louisiana drawl imbues the cover with a haunting warmth that amplifies the poignant lyrics. She skillfully conveys the inner struggle described in the song, revealing a vulnerability that many listeners can relate to.
The song opens with Wilson articulating the conflict of pushing pain down to protect others, capturing an intimate moment of honesty. As she moves through the chorus, she reflects on the pain of loving someone who faces insurmountable challenges, showcasing her ability to transcend genres while staying true to her roots.
“Zombie” is part of YUNGBLUD’s latest double album, Idols, which was released in June.
Looking ahead, Lainey Wilson is set to host the CMA Awards solo for the first time next month, a role that promises to bring excitement and entertainment to the event. Additionally, she is in the midst of a massive headlining tour, which will conclude in Orlando, Florida, on November 8, with one final performance slated for Las Vegas on December 7. This marks a significant and busy year for the award-winning artist, as she continues to captivate audiences across the country.