The Secret History: 7 Shocking Facts About Little Big Town’s “Better Man” And Taylor Swift’s Hidden Role

As of December 12, 2025, the enduring musical partnership between global icon Taylor Swift and the country quartet Little Big Town (LBT) remains one of Nashville’s most fascinating modern success stories. It all centers on a single song—the breakup ballad "Better Man"—a track that not only revitalized LBT’s career but also provided a stunning, secret glimpse into Swift’s unparalleled songwriting prowess. The song’s journey from a shelved Swift track to a CMA Award-winning hit for LBT is filled with surprising twists that many fans still don't fully appreciate, nearly a decade after its initial release.

This collaboration is far more than a simple hand-off; it’s a masterclass in musical trust, a testament to the power of a well-written lyric, and a key piece of the Taylor Swift re-recording saga. From its origins during the *Red* era to its eventual inclusion on *Fearless (Taylor's Version)*, the story of "Better Man" is essential for any fan seeking to understand the deep connections between country music's past and its pop-crossover present.

The Complete Story of "Better Man": A Timeline of Taylor Swift's Secret Gift

To truly understand the impact of "Better Man," one must first grasp the full context of how this perfect storm of songwriting and performance came to be. The connection between Taylor Swift and the members of Little Big Town—Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook—dates back many years, but the story of the song itself is a captivating chronological tale.

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Fact 1: The Song Was Originally a 'Red' Era Reject

Taylor Swift wrote "Better Man" intending for it to be included on her fourth studio album, *Red*, which was released in 2012. However, as often happens with prolific writers, the track did not make the final cut. Rather than letting the poignant lyrics and melody languish in her songwriting vault, Swift recognized that the song might be better suited for another artist, specifically one known for rich, complex harmonies—Little Big Town. This decision shows Swift's keen awareness of which artists could best serve her material.

Fact 2: The Pitch Was Made in Complete Secrecy

The initial pitch to Little Big Town was done discreetly to avoid any external pressure or media frenzy that would inevitably follow a public announcement of a Taylor Swift collaboration. Swift's manager contacted LBT’s team, and the song was sent over. The band members themselves were reportedly not told who the writer was until after they had heard the demo and unanimously decided they wanted to record it. This blind pitch allowed the song to be judged purely on its merit.

Fact 3: The Big Reveal Was a Shock to the Band

When the band finally heard the identity of the songwriter, they were stunned. Karen Fairchild, the band member who sings the lead vocal on the track, recalled the moment of the reveal as a major surprise. The group was immediately impressed by Swift’s ability to capture such a mature, retrospective breakup narrative, perfectly aligning with the emotional depth LBT often explores in their music, such as their earlier hit "Girl Crush."

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Fact 4: The 2016 Single Release and Immediate Success

Little Big Town released "Better Man" as a single in October 2016, and it quickly became a massive hit. It served as the lead single for their eighth studio album, *The Breaker*. The song peaked at number one on the US Hot Country Songs chart and was a commercial success, cementing its place as one of the most important tracks of the year.

Fact 5: The Song Swept the Major Country Awards

The critical acclaim for "Better Man" was just as significant as its commercial success. In 2017, the song won Song of the Year at the 51st Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. This was a huge win for LBT and a major accolade for Swift, who was nominated for the award as the sole songwriter. Furthermore, the song went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2018.

Fact 6: Taylor Swift Reclaimed It for ‘Fearless (Taylor's Version)’

One of the most significant updates to the song's history came in 2021. As part of her ongoing re-recording project to regain ownership of her masters from Big Machine Records, Taylor Swift included her own version of "Better Man" on *Fearless (Taylor's Version)*. She listed it as a "From The Vault" track, indicating its status as a song written during the *Fearless* era but never officially released. This allowed fans to finally hear the song as Swift originally envisioned it, sung in her own voice, adding a new layer to its legacy. The inclusion of "Better Man (Taylor's Version)" highlighted the song's original intent and its connection to her early career.

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Fact 7: LBT Continues to Praise Swift's "Cult-Like" Fandom

Even in 2025, Little Big Town members frequently speak about the song and their relationship with Taylor Swift. They have consistently praised her incredible songwriting talent and acknowledged that the song's success is largely thanks to her initial gift. They have also noted the dedication and passion of the "Swifties"—Swift's loyal fanbase—even describing the fandom as "cult-like" in its devotion, a testament to Swift's continuing cultural power nearly a decade after the song’s release.

The Impact of "Better Man" on the Country Music Landscape

The success of "Better Man" transcended a simple hit record; it became a pivotal moment in modern country music, bridging the gap between traditional country harmonies and pop-influenced songwriting. The song’s topical authority is rooted in two key areas: the power of the lyric and the quality of the performance.

The lyrics, penned by Swift, are a classic country trope: a woman wishing her ex-lover was a "better man" so she wouldn't have had to leave him. This vulnerable, yet strong, narrative resonated deeply with listeners. The emotional depth is palpable, featuring lines like, "I know I'm probably better off all alone / Than needing a man who could change his mind at any given minute."

Little Big Town's contribution was their signature, impeccable four-part harmony. Karen Fairchild's lead vocal is raw and heartfelt, perfectly complementing the songwriting's emotional core. The band members—Jimi Westbrook, Kimberly Schlapman, and Phillip Sweet—provide the rich, layered backing vocals that make the track sound distinctively LBT. This combination proved irresistible, showcasing how a stellar composition can elevate a great vocal group to new heights.

The song also highlighted the continued importance of the "vault tracks" concept, which Swift later fully embraced with her re-recordings. It proved that even her discarded material was high-quality enough to become a chart-topping hit for another major artist, solidifying her status as one of the most prolific and skilled songwriters of her generation.

Taylor Swift's Songwriting Prowess and Future Collaborations

The entire "Better Man" episode serves as a powerful case study in Taylor Swift’s songwriting prowess. Unlike many pop artists who rely on large teams of co-writers, Swift often writes alone or with minimal collaborators, showcasing a unique ability to tap into universal emotional truths. The song's success for LBT, followed by the success of her own re-recorded version, demonstrates the versatility and timelessness of her writing.

The enduring connection between Little Big Town and Taylor Swift keeps fans speculating about future collaborations. While Swift is currently focused on her re-recording schedule—with *Reputation (Taylor's Version)* and the highly anticipated *Taylor Swift (Debut) (Taylor's Version)* still on the horizon—the possibility of LBT appearing on a future "From The Vault" track remains a popular discussion point among Swifties and country music enthusiasts. Swift has a history of bringing in respected country artists, such as Maren Morris on *Speak Now (Taylor's Version)*, suggesting that a reunion with LBT for a new vault track is not out of the question.

Whether it’s a new song or simply LBT continuing to champion Swift's work, the legacy of "Better Man" is secure. It is a defining moment for both acts, demonstrating that in Nashville, a great song can always find its home, even if the world doesn't know who wrote it at first. The secret gift from Taylor Swift to Little Big Town remains one of country music's most successful and heartwarming stories of the last decade.