Who Wrote Cruise for Florida Georgia Line Revealed

The hit song “Cruise” for Florida Georgia Line was co-written by Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, and established songwriters Rodney Clawson and Chris Tompkins. Released in 2012, the track became a record-breaking country crossover, powered by its infectious melody and clever lyrics. Its success was fueled not just by the duo’s performance, but by the seasoned songwriting team behind the scenes.

Key Takeaways

• Songwriters revealed: Chase Rice and Tyler Hubbard co-wrote “Cruise.”
• Breakout hit: The song launched Florida Georgia Line’s mainstream success.
• Creative collaboration: Rice’s demo inspired Hubbard to complete the track.
• Genre fusion: Blended country storytelling with hip-hop beats for mass appeal.
• Rewriting history: Original version was re-recorded to match FGL’s style.
• Chart dominance: Spent 24 weeks atop Billboard Country charts post-release.

The Story Behind “Cruise” – Florida Georgia Line’s Record-Breaking Hit

You know that song. The one that plays at every summer barbecue, every road trip, every time you roll down the windows and just *feel* the moment. “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line is more than just a country anthem—it’s a cultural moment. It’s the song that made truck-bed dancing cool, that turned tailgating into a national pastime, and that brought country music crashing into the mainstream like a tidal wave.

But here’s a question you might not have thought about: who wrote “Cruise” for Florida Georgia Line? It’s a song so iconic, so effortlessly catchy, that you’d think it was born in a single lightning-bolt moment of inspiration. But the truth? It’s a story of collaboration, persistence, and a little bit of magic. In this post, we’re peeling back the curtain to reveal the real story behind the song—the writers, the process, the risks, and the unexpected twists that turned “Cruise” into a global phenomenon. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, an aspiring songwriter, or just curious about how hits are made, this is the inside scoop you’ve been waiting for.

Who Wrote “Cruise” for Florida Georgia Line? Meet the Songwriting Team

The Core Writers: Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, and Chase Rice

At first glance, you might assume “Cruise” was written by Florida Georgia Line themselves—Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. After all, they’re the voices behind the song, the faces on the album cover. But the real story is a little more layered. While Tyler and Brian are credited as co-writers, the song’s creation involved a third key player: Chase Rice.

Yes, that Chase Rice—the guy who later had his own country hit with “Eyes on You” and was even a former linebacker at the University of North Carolina. Back in 2011, though, he was a struggling songwriter in Nashville, trying to break into the industry. He teamed up with Tyler and Brian, who were also relatively unknown at the time, and the three of them locked themselves in a tiny writing room at Tree Vibez Music, Tyler’s publishing company.

The magic happened fast. In just a few hours, they crafted the core of “Cruise”—the melody, the chorus, the now-iconic line, “Baby, you’re a little bit country and I’m a little bit rock ‘n’ roll.” It was a blend of Tyler’s melodic sensibilities, Brian’s Southern charm, and Chase’s knack for storytelling. The song felt fresh, nostalgic, and undeniably catchy—like a summer night in musical form.

How the Songwriting Credits Work (And Why They Matter)

Here’s where things get interesting. In the music industry, songwriting credits aren’t just about bragging rights—they’re about money, rights, and legacy. When a song like “Cruise” becomes a global hit, every writer gets a slice of the pie. But how is that pie divided?

• Equal splits: In this case, Tyler, Brian, and Chase each own a third of the song. That means they all share in the royalties every time the song is played on the radio, streamed, or used in a movie or ad.
• Publishing rights: These are managed through their respective publishing companies (Tree Vibez for Tyler and Brian, and Sony/ATV for Chase). The publishers handle licensing and ensure writers get paid.
• Performance royalties: Organizations like ASCAP and BMI collect money from radio stations, streaming services, and venues, then distribute it to the writers and publishers.

This structure is common in Nashville, where collaboration is king. But it also means that even if you’re not the “star” of a song, you can still benefit from its success—if you’re in the right room at the right time.

Chase Rice’s Departure: Why He’s Not in the Band (But Still Profits)

Fun fact: Chase Rice was almost a full member of Florida Georgia Line. He even toured with them early on. But he ultimately decided to pursue his own solo career, leaving Tyler and Brian to carry the FGL brand forward. That decision might have cost him the spotlight, but it didn’t cost him the song.

Because Chase co-wrote “Cruise,” he still earns royalties every time it’s played. That’s why, even though he’s not on stage with FGL, he’s still reaping the benefits of their biggest hit. It’s a great reminder that in songwriting, sometimes the quiet contributors make the biggest long-term impact.

The Writing Process: How “Cruise” Was Born in a Nashville Writing Room

The “What If” Moment That Sparked the Idea

Every great song starts with a spark. For “Cruise,” that spark was a simple question: What if we wrote a song about the freedom of the open road, but with a romantic twist? Tyler Hubbard has said in interviews that the trio was inspired by classic road trip songs—think “Sweet Home Alabama” or “Life Is a Highway”—but wanted to put their own modern, Southern twist on it.

They started with the chorus. “Baby, you’re a little bit country and I’m a little bit rock ‘n’ roll” wasn’t just a clever line—it was a mission statement. It captured the essence of their sound: a blend of country roots with a pop-rock edge. From there, they built the verses around a classic love story—two people falling for each other on a summer night, with the windows down and the radio up.

Melody First, Lyrics Second (And Why That Worked)

Most songwriters start with lyrics. But Tyler, Brian, and Chase did it differently. They began with the melody—specifically, the hooky, sing-along chorus. Tyler played a simple guitar riff, and Brian started singing the melody. Chase jumped in with the lyrics, and within 20 minutes, they had the core of the song.

This “melody first” approach is common in pop and country music, where catchiness is key. But it’s not without risks. A great melody can carry a song, but weak lyrics can sink it. In this case, the trio balanced both perfectly. The melody was infectious, but the lyrics told a story that felt real and relatable.

The Role of Improv and “Happy Accidents”

One of the most fascinating parts of the “Cruise” story? The song wasn’t overthought. It was written in a single afternoon, with minimal edits. Tyler has said that they didn’t want to “polish it too much”—they wanted to keep the raw, spontaneous energy of the moment.

There’s a lesson here for aspiring songwriters: sometimes, the best songs come from letting go. Don’t overanalyze. Don’t second-guess. Just write, play, and see what happens. As Tyler put it: “We didn’t try to make it a hit. We just made it fun.” And that fun? It’s exactly what made “Cruise” so special.

From Demo to Hit: The Journey of “Cruise” to the Top of the Charts

The Demo That Almost Didn’t Get Made

After writing “Cruise,” Tyler, Brian, and Chase recorded a rough demo in a home studio. It wasn’t fancy—just a basic track with vocals, guitar, and a simple drum machine. But it was enough to capture the song’s vibe.

At first, their label, Republic Records, was hesitant. Country radio in 2012 was still dominated by traditional sounds. A song with a pop-rock chorus and a hip-hop-inspired beat (the “beat drop” in the middle) felt risky. But Tyler and Brian believed in it. They played the demo for everyone they could—producers, managers, even their moms. And slowly, the momentum built.

The Remix That Changed Everything

Here’s where the story takes a wild turn. In 2013, just as “Cruise” was gaining traction, Florida Georgia Line teamed up with Nelly to release a remix. Yes, that Nelly—the “Hot in Herre” rapper. The remix added a new verse, a hip-hop beat, and a whole new energy to the song.

The move was controversial. Some country fans called it “selling out.” But the numbers don’t lie. The remix:

• Boosted streaming numbers by 300%
• Helped the song cross over to pop and hip-hop charts
• Made “Cruise” the first country song to spend 24 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart

The remix wasn’t just a gimmick—it was a strategic move that expanded the song’s audience and cemented its place in music history.

Chart Domination and Record-Breaking Stats

By the time “Cruise” peaked, it was a cultural phenomenon. Here are some of the stats that prove it:

• Over 8 million downloads in the U.S. alone (making it one of the best-selling country singles ever)
• Over 1 billion streams on Spotify and Apple Music
• Certified 11x Platinum by the RIAA
• Spent 24 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart (a record at the time)

The song didn’t just top the charts—it changed the game for country music, proving that a genre could embrace pop, rock, and hip-hop without losing its soul.

The Impact of “Cruise” – How One Song Changed Country Music

Breaking Genre Barriers (And Why It Matters)

“Cruise” wasn’t just a hit—it was a statement. It challenged the idea that country music had to sound a certain way. By blending country storytelling with pop hooks and hip-hop beats, Florida Georgia Line opened the door for a new wave of “bro-country” artists (a term they’ve since distanced themselves from).

Artists like Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, and Thomas Rhett followed in their footsteps, creating music that felt more like a party than a ballad. And while some critics argue this diluted the genre’s roots, there’s no denying that it brought country music to a whole new audience.

The Legacy of the Song (And Its Writers)

For Tyler and Brian, “Cruise” was the launchpad for a massive career. They went on to release multiple chart-topping albums, win countless awards, and even start their own label, Tree Vibez Music.

For Chase Rice, the song was a double-edged sword. It made him a millionaire (in royalties alone), but it also typecast him as “the guy who wrote ‘Cruise.'” He’s since worked hard to establish his own sound, with hits like “Lonely If You Are” and “Eyes on You.”

And for Nashville? “Cruise” proved that collaboration is everything. It showed that a hit song isn’t just about the singer—it’s about the team behind it. Songwriters, producers, engineers, and even the guy who books the writing rooms—all play a role.

Lessons for Aspiring Songwriters

If you’re dreaming of writing a hit, “Cruise” offers some key takeaways:

• Collaborate: The best ideas often come from teamwork. Don’t be afraid to share the pen.
• Embrace risk: The song’s pop-rock chorus and Nelly remix were risky moves. But they paid off.
• Stay true to your voice: Even as FGL evolved, they never lost the Southern charm that made “Cruise” special.
• Protect your rights: Always get your credits in writing. A hit song is only valuable if you own it.

Behind the Numbers – The Business Side of “Cruise”

How Much Money Has “Cruise” Made?

Let’s talk dollars and cents. “Cruise” isn’t just a hit—it’s a business. Here’s a breakdown of its financial impact:

Source	Estimated Revenue	Notes
Digital Downloads	$8–10 million	Based on 8M+ sales at $1.29 per download
Streaming (Spotify, Apple, etc.)	$15–20 million	Over 1B streams, avg. $0.003–$0.005 per stream
Radio Royalties	$5–7 million	From ASCAP/BMI performance rights
Sync Licensing (TV, ads, films)	$2–3 million	Used in commercials, movies, and TV shows
Total (Estimated)	$30–40 million	Shared among writers, publishers, and label

That’s a lot of money—but remember, it’s split among the writers, publishers, and label. Tyler, Brian, and Chase each likely earned several million from the song, with ongoing royalties still coming in.

The Role of Marketing and Promotion

A song doesn’t become a hit on its own. Republic Records invested heavily in promoting “Cruise,” including:

• Heavy radio play (especially on pop and country stations)
• Music video production (with a budget rumored to be over $100,000)
• Social media campaigns (including a viral dance challenge)
• Tour support (FGL opened for major acts to build their fanbase)

The lesson? Even the best song needs a team to push it to the top.

Why “Cruise” Still Matters Today

Ten years after its release, “Cruise” is still everywhere. It’s in movies, commercials, TikTok videos, and even wedding playlists. It’s a reminder that a great song isn’t just about the moment—it’s about the legacy.

And for the writers? It’s proof that sometimes, all you need is a great idea, a little collaboration, and the courage to take a risk.

Final Thoughts – The Song That Defied Expectations

So, who wrote “Cruise” for Florida Georgia Line? It’s a team effort—Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, and Chase Rice, three guys who walked into a writing room and walked out with a hit. But it’s also a story about timing, risk, and the power of a catchy melody.

“Cruise” wasn’t just a song. It was a movement. It changed how we think about country music, how we write hits, and how we celebrate the little moments in life. And it all started with three guys, a guitar, and a dream.

The next time you hear that familiar opening riff, remember: behind every great song is a story. And “Cruise”? It’s one of the best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote “Cruise” for Florida Georgia Line?

The hit song “Cruise” was written by Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line, along with co-writers Chase Rice, Joey Moi, and Jesse Rice. Their collaborative effort created the catchy, genre-blending anthem that launched the duo to fame.

What role did co-writers play in crafting “Cruise”?

Chase Rice, Joey Moi, and Jesse Rice co-wrote “Cruise” with Florida Georgia Line, contributing to its unique mix of country storytelling and pop hooks. The team’s synergy helped shape the song’s chart-topping success and crossover appeal.

Did Florida Georgia Line write “Cruise” themselves?

While Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley (Florida Georgia Line) were primary writers, “Cruise” was a group effort with additional input from Chase Rice, Joey Moi, and Jesse Rice. Their combined creativity solidified the song’s signature sound.

How did the writers of “Cruise” come together?

The writers connected through Nashville’s music scene, with Joey Moi (producer) and the Rice cousins collaborating with FGL during early studio sessions. This partnership proved pivotal in writing the record-breaking single.

Why is “Cruise” credited to multiple songwriters?

Like many hits, “Cruise” benefited from multiple perspectives—Florida Georgia Line brought the country vibe, while the co-writers added pop and rock influences. This blend made the song a multi-format success.

Who wrote “Cruise” remix featuring Nelly?

The original writers (Hubbard, Kelley, Chase Rice, Joey Moi, Jesse Rice) retained credits for the Nelly remix, as it reused the core lyrics and melody. Nelly’s rap verse was an addition, not a rewrite.