Canadian country-pop artist Mandy McMillan has released her emotional new single, “Haven’t We All Been” – which is now available on all digital platforms.

Co-written by McMillan and Chris Roberts, “Haven’t We All Been” was produced in Nashville by Simon Gugala. It was influenced primarily by the styles and sounds of Sheryl Crow, Tom Petty, and John Mayer to create a song that intersects between alt-country and classic rock but is fueled by cathartic energy.

“The inspiration for this song came from my own path to self-love during a very trying time in my life. Creating ‘Haven’t We All Been’ was a healing exercise that helped to keep me grounded. It taught me to not be ashamed of any situation I have been in. Instead, I can transform the pain into a means of learning, growing, and – ultimately – living,” says McMillan.

“Reflective hopefulness” is how McMillan describes the lasting impact of the song that she wants her listeners to feel from it.

McMillan says, “I want people know that it is okay to be real and be open about their vulnerability. Every experience becomes a story, and these unique stories and struggles that make us who we are. The greatest gift that we can offer is to share our stories and find a connection – not through our common adversities, but from the helping others to find light through the darkness. With this song, I want to share understanding and compassion for others on a hopeful path to better days.”

The Edmonton-born McMillan’s own journey sent her from the small town of Stony Plain, Alberta to Nashville after she won a Country Music Television Canada Contest in 2008. High points like opening for Trisha Yearwood and Blake Shelton, releasing her 2014 self-titled EP, and making the Top 10 of ole’s “Play for Publisher” have been mixed with lower points of personal struggles and self-reflection. McMillan has ultimately made peace with herself through self-love, spirituality, trust in the universe, and let it shine through with a diverse offering of new music for others to form their own connections with.

“Haven’t We All Been” follows McMillan’s summer release, “Dream Catcher”, and is the newest single to be released from her upcoming album – also called “Dream Catcher” – due in 2021.

She will support “Haven’t We All Been” with a music video in November and a special alliance with Be Free Yoga – a Spruce Grove, Alberta foundation that emphasizes yoga and meditation as a means of healing for those faced with mental health challenges.

“Haven’t We All Been” is available now on all streaming platforms.

www.mandymcmillan.com/

HAVEN’T WE ALL BEEN (LYRICS)

Haven’t we all been
Drinking in the same bars
And haven’t we all been
Hiding the same old scars

We’re singing the same songs
About love gone wrong
Getting by getting high
Letting go of yesterday

Haven’t we all been here at least a time or two
Wiping away these tears we’re drinking away our blues
Falling in love and breaking up
Over and over again
Haven’t we all been

I’ve got a friend who
Is getting married next week
And i got another one getting alimony

I’ve had a heartbreak
Pulled close then pushed away
I’ve learned to fly i’ve learned ro cry
Aren’t we all doing the same dang thing

Haven’t we all been here at least a time or two
Wiping away these tears we’re drinking away our blues
Falling in love and breaking up
Over and over again
Haven’t we all been

A little lost along the way
A little up a little down
A little scared to leave the same small towns
A little whiskey kills the pain

But in the end we’re all ok
Tomorrows another day but for now

Haven’t we all been here at least a time or two
Wiping away these tears we’re drinking away our blues
Falling in love and breaking up
Over and over again
Haven’t we all been
Haven’t we all been