Some songs arrive as reflections, while others become quiet reminders of how we want to live. Erin Duvall’s new single, “Wide Eyed Wonder,” falls firmly into the latter category, inviting listeners to reconnect with curiosity, imagination, and hope in a world that often rewards the opposite.
Released on June 19, the heartfelt track continues Duvall’s evolution as one of country music’s most emotionally honest storytellers. Co-written with three-time Grammy winner Pete Sallis and acclaimed songwriter Brian White, “Wide Eyed Wonder” explores the idea that growing older doesn’t require letting go of the wonder that shaped childhood. Instead, the song argues that maintaining that perspective is an intentional choice.
For Duvall, the inspiration wasn’t tied to one defining experience. “There wasn’t one single moment as much as there was a growing realization,” she tells InMusic. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more aware of how easy it is to trade wonder for worry.“
That perspective became even more meaningful through motherhood. As a single mother of four, Duvall says watching her children experience everyday moments has completely reshaped how she views life. “They approach the world with such curiosity, imagination, and openness. A cardboard box becomes a castle. A firefly becomes a miracle. They remind me that wonder isn’t something we’re born with and then lose, it’s something we have to keep choosing.”
Throughout her career, resilience and family have remained central themes, but “Wide Eyed Wonder” marks a subtle shift in tone. Rather than focusing on overcoming hardship, the single embraces optimism after it.
That hopeful outlook extends beyond music. Alongside her recording career, Duvall continues expanding the Twice the Love Foundation while developing Aunty E, her children’s music project. Later this year, she will also release her upcoming EP, In the Flutter, which explores transformation and the space between “who we were and who we’re becoming.”
Read our full interview with Erin Duvall below as she discusses songwriting, motherhood, her upcoming EP In the Flutter, and why choosing wonder has become one of the defining themes of both her music and her life.
Your new single “Wide Eyed Wonder” explores the idea of holding on to curiosity and hope as we grow older. Was there a specific moment in your life that inspired you to write this song?
There wasn’t one single moment as much as there was a growing realization. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more aware of how easy it is to trade wonder for worry. Life fills up with responsibilities, heartbreaks, expectations, and endless distractions, and somewhere along the way we can lose touch with the parts of ourselves that once saw magic around every corner. The inspiration for this song came from reflecting on that contrast, especially through the eyes of my children. They approach the world with such curiosity, imagination, and openness. A cardboard box becomes a castle. A firefly becomes a miracle. They remind me that wonder isn’t something we’re born with and then lose, it’s something we have to keep choosing.
“Wide Eyed Wonder” became a love letter to that idea. It’s a reminder that while we can’t stop growing older, we don’t have to stop being amazed. We can still carry stars in our pockets, believe there’s more to discover, and greet the world with the same hopeful eyes we once had as children.
One of the song’s central themes is that wonder is something we actively choose rather than something we simply lose with age. When did that realization first become meaningful to you personally?
I think it became meaningful when I realized that wonder isn’t something that disappears overnight. It’s usually replaced little by little by routine, responsibility, fear, or self-doubt.
At some point, I began to understand that wonder is less about age and more about perspective. It’s a choice to stay curious. A choice to keep asking questions. A choice to notice beauty in ordinary moments. Once I understood that, I realized it’s something we can reclaim at any stage of life if we’re willing to remain open to it.
As a mother of four, you witness the world through your children’s eyes every day. How did motherhood influence the message and emotional perspective behind “Wide Eyed Wonder”?
Motherhood influenced every part of this song. Children have an incredible ability to find joy in the simplest things. They can turn a cardboard box into a castle or a backyard into an adventure. Watching my children experience the world has been a constant reminder of how powerful imagination and wonder really are.
As parents, we spend a lot of time teaching our children, but I’ve found that some of life’s greatest lessons have come from watching them. They remind me to slow down, stay present, and see the world with fresh eyes. That perspective is woven throughout this entire song.
Throughout your career, you’ve written about resilience, family, and personal growth. Where does “Wide Eyed Wonder” fit within your larger artistic journey, and what does it reveal about who you are today?
Every project I’ve released has reflected the season of life I was living through at a point in time. Earlier songs focused heavily on resilience, healing, and rebuilding. Those themes will always be part of my story.
“Wide Eyed Wonder” feels like a natural evolution of that journey. It’s less about overcoming something and more about embracing something. It reflects a chapter of life where I’m learning that strength and softness can coexist. It reveals someone who still believes there’s beauty to be found, even after experiencing life’s challenges. In many ways, it’s one of the most hopeful songs I’ve ever written.
What do you hope listeners will take away from this new song?
More than anything, I hope it reminds people of a part of themselves they may have forgotten. The part that was curious, imaginative, hopeful, and unafraid to dream.
Life changes all of us, but I hope this song encourages people to hold onto their sense of wonder. To keep asking questions, keep believing in possibility, and keep finding joy in the little things. I think the world could use a little more of that right now.
Looking ahead, can you give us a glimpse into what you’re currently creating and any plans you have for the months ahead?
I’m incredibly excited about the music I’m creating right now. “Wide Eyed Wonder” is part of a larger body of work that continues to explore themes of growth, perspective, family, and finding beauty in life’s journey.
I’m also preparing to release my upcoming EP, In the Flutter, later this year. The project explores transformation and the space between who we were and who we’re becoming.
Beyond music, I’m continuing to grow the Twice the Love Foundation and develop several creative projects that I’m passionate about.
Is there anything else you would like people to know?
I think we live in a world that often encourages us to move faster, do more, and focus on what’s next. “Wide Eyed Wonder” is my reminder to slow down and pay attention.
Wonder isn’t something reserved for childhood. It’s available to all of us if we’re willing to stay open to it. My hope is that this song encourages people to do exactly that.
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