Lady A’s Hillary Scott Opens Up About Writing “Like a Lady” — A Song That Became an Anthem for Women Everywhere
A Fresh Collaboration That Sparked Something Special
When Hillary Scott of Lady A stepped into a Nashville writing room in the fall of 2020, she had no idea she was about to create one of the band’s most empowering tracks. The song, “Like a Lady,” was born from a spontaneous collaboration with Michelle Buzz, Martin Johnson, and Brandon Paddock — three co-writers Scott had never worked with before.
“It’s kind of a fun story of just, ‘Never be afraid to go into a room and write with people that you’ve never worked with before,’” Scott told Country Now and other outlets. “Brandon and Martin had started this track that really became the song. It was so energetic, and the second I heard it, I thought, ‘This has female anthem written all over it.’”
The writers immediately leaned into that concept, crafting an upbeat celebration of confidence, femininity, and self-assurance.
A Band-Wide Celebration of Empowerment
While “Like a Lady” is sung from a woman’s perspective, both Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood were fully behind the message.
“I’m so proud of Hillary,” Haywood said. “Charles and I, in all our masculinity, love singing along and doing harmonies on this tune. It’s such a jam, and we’re so proud of our girl — our leading lady — on this one. She crushes it.”
The band saw the song not only as a statement of strength but also as a reminder of the energy of live performances — something they had deeply missed during the pandemic.
Written with the Stage in Mind
“Hillary sent it to Charles and me, and immediately I was transported to the stage — the summer amphitheaters we love,” Haywood continued. “We were all just ready to get back out there. We hope this song is the one that carries us to that point — something positive that gets people ready for shows again.”
With its upbeat rhythm and empowering lyrics, “Like a Lady” was crafted for exactly that — to get crowds dancing and singing along, celebrating self-confidence and joy.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For Hillary Scott, “Like a Lady” carries a deeply personal meaning beyond the stage lights. As a mother of three young daughters, she hopes the song’s message of strength and kindness will resonate with them as they grow.
“The example I want to set for them is that grace — giving grace to yourself and to others — is a great way to live,” she explained. “Our girls are at the ages where they’re watching everything I do and everything I say. The way I talk to myself, the way I talk about myself — they’re paying really close attention.”
Staying Grounded and Leading by Example
The past few years have taught Lady A valuable lessons about leaning on one another and staying grounded in what truly matters.
“We know what we stand for. We know what example we want to leave for our kids,” said Kelley.
Scott added that she’s been focusing on self-reflection and inner growth:
“Over these last several months, I’ve really tried to dig into the personal work — to be the strongest I can be for them.”
“Like a Lady” is more than a song — it’s a declaration. A reminder that being confident, kind, and unapologetically yourself is something worth singing about.