Doin' This

Lore & Background

The song serves as a direct response to questions about life outside of touring. In a press release following its CMA Awards performance, Combs stated that singing and songwriting were "always the plan for his life," emphasizing there was "never a plan B." He explained that regardless of his success level, music is what makes his blood pump and gets him out of bed. The lyrics reflect this sentiment, with Jon Freeman of Rolling Stone describing it as an ode to making music despite fame or riches. Tricia Despres of Taste of Country noted the lyrics convey that Combs would be "doing exactly this" whether playing in a no-name town or on the Grand Ole Opry stage.

In Their Own Story

The music video, created by TA Films, adopts a behind-the-scenes approach where a director asks Combs what he would do if not for his current path. This prompts Combs to recall a journalist asking him the same question in an interview. The narrative then introduces Adam Church, a friend and fellow singer from Appalachian State University who currently holds a 9-to-5 job while filling bars in western North Carolina. Church is described as "a married father with an ordinary 9 to 5 kind of job" who is still "a pretty big deal in Boone, N.C." The video also depicts a small-town musician who never made it big, ending with him playing for his wife and young daughter on their couch before Combs welcomes him onto a stadium stage to perform alongside him.

Reader's Guide

"Doin' This" achieved significant chart success after its official promotion. It peaked at number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart dated May 21, 2022. This achievement marked Combs' fourteenth consecutive number one single on that specific chart. Additionally, it became the first single by a solo act to reach the top of the chart in six weeks, breaking a streak where the previous four chart-toppers were all collaborations.

Did You Know?

• The song was first debuted at the CMA Awards before its official release.
• It charted for several months based entirely on unsolicited airplay.
• Luke Combs co-wrote the song with Drew Parker and Robert Williford.
• Adam Church, a friend from Appalachian State University, appears in the music video.
• The video features a scene where a small-town musician performs for his wife and daughter on their couch.