Morgan Evans released the heartbreaking ballad he wrote in the midst of his split from Kelsea Ballerini, his wife of nearly five years. Evans debuted “Over For You” during a live performance last week.

“I wrote this song 3 weeks ago and we hit record at our show in Melbourne, Australia last Thursday,” Evans wrote in an Instagram caption on Friday (October 7). “It was only the 2nd time I ever played it. The videos, comments and messages I’ve received from you all since have been overwhelming. It felt like the right thing to share it like this.”

“Over For You” sees Evans questioning the relationship in hindsight: “How long have you been waiting to take our pictures down/ How long have you been breaking, why am I just finding out?” Later in the song, he sings: “It would be easier if I hated you/ But I still miss the person that I thought I knew.”

“I would’ve searched the whole world over for you/ Took a flight, through the night/ To be that shoulder for you/ I would’ve let go if you wanted me to/ How many times did you say you loved me when it wasn’t true/ I’m just wonderin’, how long has it been over for you?”

Ballerini was the first to publicly confirm that she and Evans were splitting up (later, she seemed to switch up her song lyrics during a New York City concert to reflect the divorce). She said on her Instagram story at the time: “Friends, I’ve always tried my best to share my life with you in a real and vulnerable way, while also protecting layers of my personal life as they unfold. This is now public record so I wanted you to hear from me directly that I am going through a divorce. This deeply difficult decision is the result of a journey of love, growth, and effort that ultimately has come to an end. It’s hard to find the words here…but I feel extremely grateful for the years of marriage to Morgan and hopeful for the next seasons. With very active schedules coming up, please be mindful that we are both fragile, actively healing, and showing up the best we can. Kels.”

Evans followed up with his own statement later that day: “I am very sad to confirm that after almost 5 years of marriage, Kelsea and I are parting ways. I wish it were otherwise but sadly it is not.” He also seemed to reference the divorce in an Instagram post: “Despite the sadness, I feel very grateful, and want to say a huge thank-you to you all for the messages of love and support on here.”

Tess Connell