Kaitlin Butts Releases Western-Inspired Music Video For Viral Hit, “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me)”

Known primarily for her feature on Flatland Cavalry’s certified-gold hit, “A Life Where We Work Out,” Kaitlin Butts has proven time and time again that she brings a whole lot more to the table than simply being a collaborator with the Texas band. Her 2022 project, What Else Can She Do, was downright phenomenal, and she followed it up with another stellar album last year, Roadrunner! Though the record was filled top-to-bottom with stellar tracks such as “Wild Juanita’s Cactus […] The post Kaitlin Butts Releases Western-Inspired Music Video For Viral Hit, “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me)” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

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Kaitlin Butts Releases Western-Inspired Music Video For Viral Hit, “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me)”

Known primarily for her feature on Flatland Cavalry’s certified-gold hit, “A Life Where We Work Out,” Kaitlin Butts has proven time and time again that she brings a whole lot more to the table than simply being a collaborator with the Texas band. Her 2022 project, What Else Can She Do, was downright phenomenal, and she followed it up with another stellar album last year, Roadrunner!

Though the record was filled top-to-bottom with stellar tracks such as “Wild Juanita’s Cactus Juice,” the Vince Gill collaboration, “Come Rest Your Head (On My Pillow)” and the heartbreaking closer, “Elsa,” none caught the attention of those online quite like “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me).”

Going viral on TikTok back in May, the song has been used over 45,000 times, most famously by the likes of fellow country stars, Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson, Avery Anna, Aaron Watson and more. Notably, Ella Langley’s video sparked a whole lot of controversy, racking up over 10 million views and 865,000 likes amid all the rumors surrounding her and Riley Green.

Flash forward to this past Sunday, and Butts announced the release of a brand new music video for the viral hit. In the caption, she told fans to “expect dancing, blood, a rattlesnake, and revenge,” and she delivered on all four fronts:

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For the music video, Butts called upon long-time collaborator, Chris Beyrooty, who also directed past videos for tracks such as “Other Girls (Ain’t Havin’ Any Fun),” “Hunt You Down” and “Wild Jaunita’s Cactus Juice.” Beyrooty, who is an award-winning writer, director and producer, has also worked with the likes of Wheeler Walker Jr., Florida Georgia Line and Laci Kaye Booth on past projects.

What results is an incredibly fun, western-inspired romp that delivers on all fronts with Butts herself stating that it was inspired by westerns such as Django Unchained and Holes as well as the crime film, Chicago.

“Making this music video was something I’ve wanted to do since I put out this album. I’ve had the treatment for it since January 2024, when I was writing the videos for ‘Wild Juanita’s,’ ‘Hunt You Down’ and ‘Other Girls.’ When ‘You Ain’t Gotta Die’ started to have its viral moment, I was so excited to create something I’ve had in my head for so long. We looped in director Chris Beyrooty to help me bring it all to life and I could not be more pleased with how it turned out. I took some inspiration from some of my favorite movies, Holes, Django Unchained and Chicago. Expect a little dance with a side of blood, lipstick and justice.”

Starting out with Butts shooting the finger off of a character, aptly named Fingerless Prick, Butts proceeds to round up the town drunk and husband, Cleto Cordero’s character. Though the Flatland frontman escapes out the back of a horse-drawn jail wagon, the other two aren’t as lucky as the “White River” singer leaves them for dead in an abandoned field with nothing but a rattlesnake and a poisoned pie.

Filled to the brim with some fantastic lighting by Beyrooty and director of photography, Gary Long, great costume and set design and some fun visual gags, “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me)” is a serious contender for music video of the year. I can’t imagine anyone but Butts delivering a music video as fun as this one. It just confirms the fact that Butts is not only one of the creative musicians working today, she’s also one of the most creative artists period.

Watch here: