Little Big Town strike a nerve with Grammy-nominated song

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Little Big Town’s Grammy-nominated song “The Daughters” struck such a nerve with its pointed lyrics about double standards for women that a protester even showed up at one of their concerts. The song, which they debuted at the Academy of Country Music Awards last April, features a chorus with the lyrics, “I’ve heard of God the son and God the father/I’m still looking for a God for the daughters.” Some fans took offense, but Grammy voters nominated the track for best country duo/group performance — an award the band has won three times. I mean, you’re talking about four people who grew up with faith in the church.” Singer Kimberly Schlapman had one response to the protester: “No, we’re not.” Fairchild, Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet have had some experience with generating a bit of controversy with their songs, but it’s worked out well for them in the long run. They worked with some new co-writers including Daniel Tashian, best known for co-producing Kacey Musgraves’ Grammy-winning “Golden Hour,” on the spacey and vibey title track, “Nightfall.” And the Northern Irish artist Foy Vance, who is signed to Ed Sheeran’s label, helped them write a gospel-soul-country track, “Forever and a Night,” in which Sweet takes the vocal lead.