Luke Combs is transporting fans back to where it all began. Recently, the country star shared a video of himself performing his latest song, “Sleepless in a Hotel Room,” from a Los Angeles hotel room where the song’s seed was planted five years ago.
“Back in LA where it all started for this song 5 years ago,” Combs shared in the caption. “Only felt right to do a full video of ‘Sleepless’ this go-round from my hotel room.”
Released officially on Jan. 7 as part of the lead-up to Combs’ upcoming album, The Way I Am, set to be released on March 20, “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” has been a long time in the making. Originally conceived around 2020 while Combs was traveling and struggling to sleep, missing his then-girlfriend, now wife, Nicole Hocking.
The song’s journey began with a late-night moment of creativity during a lonely stretch on tour. Initially teased in an acoustic version years ago, “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” quickly became a fan favorite. Co-written by Combs alongside Randy Montana and Jonathan Singleton, the track beautifully captures the quiet ache of distance from home, with lyrics painting a vivid picture of a hotel room, TV on, sleep eluding, and thoughts drifting back to the person waiting at home.
The emotional resonance of the song is evident in its strong debut, as “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” entered Pandora’s Top Spins chart at number 4, the highest debut for that week.
Track 13 on The Way I Am, Combs’ sixth studio album and first full-length project since 2024’s Fathers & Sons, “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” is just one of the 22 songs featured on the album. Produced by Combs with Chip Matthews and Jonathan Singleton, the album is already making waves with hits like “Back in the Saddle,” which marked Combs’ 19th number one on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.
As the album gears up for release, Combs is also embarking on a major U.S. stadium tour starting on March 21 in Las Vegas. With dates across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and a finale at London’s Wembley Stadium, Combs’ busy schedule echoes the theme of “Sleepless in a Hotel Room,” emphasizing distance, love, and the idea of home.
Adding a personal touch to the moment, Combs and his wife are expecting their third child this winter, making the sentiment of the song even more poignant.
Returning to the same LA setting where the song was born, Combs not only reflects on the past but also highlights the growth both he and his music have experienced. Five years in the making, the sleepless nights now have a soundtrack that resonates with fans.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.