Five Things Melanie Dyer Would Tell Her Younger Self

Melanie Dyer

Today is a big day for Melanie Dyer: she’s releasing the poignant, personal new single, If She Only Knew. To celebrate, she’s caught up with Countrytown to share five things she’d tell her younger self.

Out today, If She Only Knew has been crafted as an anthem for anyone who has ever doubted their dreams or their path in life. Increasing the song’s power, Dyer acknowledges that while she’s “made it” in music, her journey has still come with hardships, relationship struggles, and self-doubt.

“If She Only Knew is like sitting on the front porch beside my younger self and holding her hand,” Dyer explained in a statement.

“I started playing guitar and writing songs when I was 12 years old. 20 years on, this song is my way of reaching back to that little girl, the big dreamer, and reassuring her that she has the strength she needs to follow her dreams and do great things, even when she doubts it most.”

She continued, “I wrote If She Only Knew in Nashville with two of my absolute Favorite co-writers, Karen Kosowski and Emma-Lee. Our history goes back to 2018 when we wrote Memphis T-Shirt together. As fellow Canadians living in Music City, they truly understand the weight of packing up your entire life to chase a wild dream in a new country.

“They’ve helped me unpack those heavy emotions, creating the most nurturing, understanding space to bring this song to life. Ultimately, we all related to that deep wish: wanting to reach back in time, hug our younger selves, and tell her to be brave and keep believing.”

You can check out If She Only Knew below, but before you do, find out what five things Melanie Dyer would tell her younger self.

Melanie Dyer - If She Only Knew Single Artwork

5 Things I’d Tell My Younger Self - Melanie Dyer

The “overnight success” will take 10 years (and then some).

Throughout your teens and twenties, you’ll threaten yourself with a Plan B if you haven't "made it" by thirty. Girl, strap yourself in because we’re in this for the long haul!!!

You don’t have to "arrive" somewhere to have made it. The truth is, there is no final destination where all the stars align, and you suddenly feel complete. The journey itself is a gift. Every ‘no’, every closed door, and every crossroad is part of the grand landscape only you can design.

You are going to arrive exactly when and where you are supposed to—but don't wait until then to start celebrating. You are making it right now, simply by having the courage to honour your dream.

Be kind to the girl who didn't know any better yet.

It’s easy to look back on the early days and cringe or regret some choices. The bad business deals, the blind loyalty to people who didn't deserve it, the songs you wish you could re-write, questionable fashion choices… and boyfriends - it’s easy to beat yourself up about it.

But honestly? Cut yourself some slack. If you had known better back then, you would have done better. You were operating on pure survival and passion, doing the absolute best you could with the tools and maturity you had at the time. Forgive yourself for the messy learning curves - they made for some great songs and shaped the artist and woman you are today.

I know you get restless in the peace and quiet, but take it in while you can.

At 12 years old, those days on the farm feel like time is dragging. Watching the crops grow from your bedroom window, the bus ride to town that seems to take forever, and the crunch of gravel under your feet walking up the long driveway - it all feels so slow.

But trust me, when the chaos and hustle of life and this career kick in, these moments of stillness you have back home on the farm are the exact moments you will draw from to stay grounded. You’ll realise in time how deeply that upbringing and the place you call home are interwoven into your bloodstream. The place you were raised becomes the compass that will steer your authenticity and remind you to stay true to yourself.

Protect the magic and joy of creation.

You don't know it yet, but one day, the ‘success’ of your songs will be dictated by an algorithm (Yeah, seriously). When what you love becomes a business, promise me you won't write for metrics and data or chase a trending hashtag. Fight for that raw, innocent joy you feel right now, writing songs in a notepad on your bedroom floor. Always treat songwriting like the magic you’ve felt since you wrote your first song, and never forget to just have fun doing it.

Keep your clothes!

If only you knew right now that fashion always comes back around! Seriously, do not throw out your stage outfits, your first pair of cowgirl boots, those tan leather jackets, or anything with tassels. Just like you, your music and style are gonna change and evolve (And yeah, there’s a Converse and sparkles phase coming!). But trust me, fashion always finds its way back home. More than that, those pieces aren't just fabric; they tell your story! Keep it all.

If She Only Knew is out now.