Charles Kelley Recounts Addiction Journey In Powerful New Ballad, ‘As Far As You Could’

/by

Charles Kelley. Photo: Hodges Usry

Following his decision to begin addiction treatment for alcohol, Charles Kelley, one third of Lady A, has released, “As Far As You Could,” a personal new song and goodbye letter to alcohol.

Co-written and produced alongside bandmate Dave Haywood and Jimmy Robbins, the ballad captures the inner conflict many experience as Kelley recalls the steps along his path. The single relies solely on piano played by Haywood.

Kelley co-wrote the redemptive ballad and confessional new single following months filled with reflection, accountability and songwriting, with the powerful track marking a turning point in his recovery.

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 10 percent of Americans will struggle with addiction at some point in their lives, with ripple effects that touch almost everyone else. Through sharing his story, Kelley hopes it will help spread support and understanding for others.

“For me, the biggest word I’ve been holding on to is gratitude, not pride,” Kelley says “I’m grateful. I finally see the light and am connecting with what life is all about. Some days are hard, but the good so outweighs those bad moments. There’s some beauty in all this and I’ve had time to reflect, time to get healthy, time to write. I’ve probably written 50 songs this fall, and I feel like all of it was leading to this one song.”

Lady A is scheduled to return to the stage for the U.K.’s C2C Festival in March.

Lorie Hollabaugh
Latest posts by Lorie Hollabaugh (see all)