It was such an emotional performance because the Grand Ole Opry is the mecca for country artists. Getting invited to perform at the Opry is a huge honor and she wrote this song specifically for her performance on the Opry I believe as a bit of a middle finger to all the people that told her she's wasting her time trying to be a musician.

I think she got emotional because she's probably been told that she was a girl going nowhere, that she'd never make it and to be able to perform at the mecca of Country music, it had to be a dream come true to be there. To stand in the circle where so many other artist before her have stood. I'm sure singing a song like that was pretty emotional. Especially when she got to the part "Where they said I'd never be is exactly where I am".

The emotion is because she had a high school teacher tell her a career in music was not smart! She proved her wrong!

Yay so glad you enjoyed it! Grand ole opry is a huge deal for country/bluegrass performers.

She wrote this song for this particular performance - her first performance on the Opry. This performance always makes me cry. She was about to sing the line about stepping into the circle. The circle is a circle that was cut from the floor of the old home of the Grand Old Opry. Her mic stand was in the circle she was singing about.

I think others have said but she wrote that song to sing at her Grand Ole Opry debut before they had ever heard about her or invited her to perform. She wrote it about her high school math teacher that told her "That is stupid. Remember where you are from and have a really good back up plan." when she mentioned that she was going to move to Nashville and write songs and they would be on the radio. Even though the whole song was written for the debut that specific line that she said was really difficult to sing (when I step into this circle with a Gibson in my hand) she ONLY sings at the opry. Never sings it in live performances and it's not on the studio recording.

Can you imagine her emotions standing on that stage realizing her biggest dream is coming true. She co-wrote this. A teacher told her she shouldn't do this as a career. Remember where you're from and have a really good backup plan. Can you imagine! TeamAshley

The Grand Ole Opry is the mother church of country music. That wooden cutout circle in the center is from the floor of the original location of the Opry, the Ryman Auditorium. Every country act you’ve ever heard of has stood on that wood and played and sang. She had a teacher that told her she’d never make it when Ashley said she wanted to be a singer. This song is a big “F you” to all those that discouraged her along the way.

She co-wrote this song with my brother. His first Grammy nomination for this one.

They took this video offline. This is the only place we can still watch it😭

I’m from TX and I can’t get over how you said “Grand Ole Opry”. I love it!! P.S. Ashley’s work is amazing. I’m glad I found her when she was just starting as it’s been exciting seeing her journey and getting the recognition she defiantly deserves. P.S. there is a live version on another channel where she tells the backstory for this song. The Opry originally had it in the clip before she started singing , but for some reason cut it out so it’s just the song. I, personally think the backstory helps connect the audience and artist even more, but they decided to edit it out.

That's a big stage to be standing there alone with a guitar singing such a personal song!

I don't think I would be able to get a single word out of my mouth in that circle. So much history there. It would be so overwhelming.

She wrote this song due to a teacher who told her she needed a massive backup plan because she’d never make it and her dad always doubted her and told her should couldn’t do it and the music business was no place for her

Please react to her Live performance at the CMT award ceremony 2019!! Ashley is a new - ish country singer and she's great! Eric Church discovered her and made sure she was going to get the attention she deserved!! "The Snake" is about the Nashville Corporation and how they try to make All singers sound a certain way!! Please react to the Live version of them signing it; and remember what it's about and you'll get it!!: Eric Church is considered an "outlaw country music artist" The Opry is a spiritual experience in country/Bluegrass in general! I've been there on a tour then ending with the show later that evening! I'm no artist but when you stand in that circle; it's absolutely magical! So, I can understand (somewhat) what she was feeling!! She is going somewhere!! Straight to the top!!

Please do some research on the Grand Ole Opry. If you understand the history of her performing in the venue, the emotion she showed in the performance will all make sense.

Ashley, paid her dues !

Where is the original video? I think they took it down. Boo! BTW I love the way you say Eric’s name.

Please PAUSE if you're gonna comment. It is very bad form to talk over a songwriter, cus you're missing the lyrics......... argggg