When Mary Sarah became pregnant in the midst of her budding music career, admittedly, it was shocking.
The three-plus years that have followed since her daughter, Avalyn, was born have not only calmed any fears she had at the outset, they’ve proven to be a blessing, one she has chronicled in the music video for her new single, “Baby Mama.”
Though she didn’t write the song, she feels God dropped it in her lap, and she delivered the touching song with every bit of emotion she felt when she became a mother. And with a music video that follows her journey through pregnancy and videos of her daughter, it’s hard to keep a dry eye.
We chatted with Sarah all about “Baby Mama,” its music video, motherhood, new music and more!
Pro Country: You became pregnant with your daughter back in 2020, in the midst of building your music career. What emotions came over you and your family after receiving such unexpected, life altering news?
Mary Sarah: In all honesty, a lot of fear at first. I was in the middle of making music, and I’ve always been very career driven. Mitch and I had only been dating for four months, so it was an absolute shock. But, with all that said, it’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. I had no idea it was what was “missing” in life for me.
PC: Do you remember hearing the songwriters’ demo for your new single, “Baby Mama,” for the first time? What emotions hit you as you made your way through the song?
MS: Oh, YES. Back before hearing the song, I was pregnant, and I had the hardest time writing music. Especially about being pregnant. I felt ashamed, only because how was I unable to write about the “best thing to ever happen to me”? When looking back, I realize it was very circumstantial. It being an accident made everything feel so BIG, I struggled to find the words. Fast forward to Avalyn being born and I had started picking back up in music. My producer and I decided to see what songs were out in the world and did what we call a “Pub Crawl.” We set a date for publishers in Nashville to pitch us songs from their writers. I remember walking in, and both my producer and I had told everyone that we didn’t want to hear “Mommy songs.” I wasn’t ready for that ERA, per sé, but boy was I wrong. Chandler Thurston took a chance and started playing us “Baby Mama.” I kid you not, as the song continued to play, I audibly heard God say “You didn’t have to write it, because I was writing it for you”.
PC: You’ve said that you consistently hear about how “Baby Mama” is impacting people who have heard the song. As an artist, what does it mean to hear those stories and to have played a part in affecting people that way?
MS: Absolutely the best feeling. I had prayed before releasing the song that if just one person needed to hear it, that is enough for me. But, to watch the outpouring of stories is truly incredible. I truly believe as artists, the music we make is not just for us.
PC: You just released the music video for Baby Mama,” which features video clips from your pregnancy and your daughter growing up before she joins you on set. What was it like for you re-living you the moments in those clips when putting together the video, and being able to have your daughter be a part of something that will live eternally?
MS: I still cry watching the video. To me, it reminds me of how far we’ve come. I am thankful to my team for helping to put the vision together for the video. I wanted to give people an inside look to what life was like then, considering I was pregnant during COVID, so no one truly got to SEE me.
PC: In just over a month since its release, “Baby Mama” has already become one of your top-streamed songs on Spotify. How encouraging has the response to the song been out of the gate, especially since the song means so much to you?
MS: It’s beyond encouraging. It has also given me more healing realizing I was not alone in a lot of the fears at first. I am truly grateful I was blessed to have and release this song. I couldn’t help but have the fear that music was over after becoming pregnant. But, the thing I thought would end my career has been the best thing to happen to it. I am a better artist and person because of my daughter.
PC: Your daughter is now three years old. What has been your favorite part about motherhood over the last three years?
MS: EVERYTHING. I’m not kidding when I say that. Every stage has been incredible to watch. Watching a baby become a young child is truly watching God. I cannot wait for every season of being a mom, even the hard ones.
PC: You have launched the limited “Baby Mama Podcast,” which allows you to speak to fellow mothers candidly about their journeys. What have you liked most about having those open conversations and sharing them?
MS: The “Baby Mama Podcast” has been one of the coolest parts so far with the song. I would have never said back when hearing the song that one day I’d have a podcast based on it. I love getting to hear the stories of other parents. It is a space to hear that we as humans go through a lot of the same things. To me it was so nice to know I haven’t been alone. I am truly thankful to my team for encouraging the podcast and helping to bring it to life. And, to every guest, I am grateful they are willing to be vulnerable and share their stories.
PC: With “Baby Mama” now released, what do you have planned for the rest of 2024 and going into 2025?
MS: Well, the holidays are here. Which is wild! Time flies way too fast. I actually dabble in the acting world, and I am pumped to be a voice on an animated Christmas movie called “Steal the Naughty List.” I voice the character “Polly,” and the film will be out mid-November this year. As far as music, I am currently writing a LOT and looking to jump back into the studio to be ready for new releases come the beginning of 2025. I am so excited honestly. We are also looking at starting to get on the road to perform everything we are putting out. My first love has always been performing, so it will be nice to be back at it more often.
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