Time flies. We hear it all the time, but it doesn’t really hit until one day you look back and wonder where the years went. XOLEX, the Iowa-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter, is here to remind us that those words aren’t just a cliché—they’re a gut punch. On her latest single, “Time Won’t,” she takes that feeling of nostalgia, regret, and realization and turns it into something hauntingly beautiful.
With her signature mix of country storytelling, pop hooks, and a little rock ‘n’ roll grit, XOLEX delivers a song that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. “Being a songwriter, I wanted to write something that was laying heavy on my heart recently,” she shares. “When I was younger, everyone would always tell me ‘time flies.’ Now that I’m grown, that saying haunts me every day.” And you can feel that weight in every lyric, every note, every breath of “Time Won’t.”
From the very first strum, the song sets a reflective tone. The arrangement is stripped back just enough to let her raw, addictive vocals shine. There’s a vulnerability in her delivery that brings to mind Kelsea Ballerini’s “Rolling Up the Welcome Mat,” but with the smoky, impassioned power of Adele’s 30. It’s not just a song—it’s a conversation with the past, a plea to the present, and a warning to the future.
The lyrics hit hard: “Wish I could go back to 1997 / So I could see my grandma once again.” It’s the kind of line that sneaks up on you, making you want to pause whatever you’re doing and just be. That’s exactly what XOLEX hopes for: “I want people to listen to this song and recognize we should never take time for granted—to be where your two feet are and take in every moment.”
XOLEX has never been one to shy away from real, honest storytelling. Whether she’s belting out anthems about toxic relationships (“Ain’t Buyin’ It”), reclaiming her wild side (“Rebel Child”), or embracing her country-rock swagger (“Daisy Dukes”), her music always comes with an unfiltered edge. “Time Won’t” is no exception—it’s not just a song about time slipping away, it’s a reminder that we have the power to be present.
The production, helmed by Nashville veteran Bobby Terry (who’s worked with legends like Garth Brooks and Faith Hill), perfectly complements the song’s message. It’s intimate yet expansive, allowing XOLEX’s voice to do most of the heavy lifting. No overproduction, no unnecessary frills—just a beautifully crafted song that feels like a late-night drive through memories you didn’t realize you missed.
XOLEX isn’t just making music—she’s creating moments, the kind that linger long after the last note fades. And if Time Won’t is any indication of where she’s headed, she’s not just another rising country star—she’s an artist with something to say. “No matter what, my energy speaks for itself and I hope that people can feel that and connect with me through my music, to know they’re not alone.” Mission accomplished, Lex.
Mindy McCall
