Introduction:
Ella Langley Finally Releases Long-Awaited Cover of Toby Keith’s “Wish I Didn’t Know Now”
After months of anticipation, Ella Langley has officially released her emotional cover of Toby Keith’s 1994 classic “Wish I Didn’t Know Now” across all streaming platforms as of September 30 — answering the call of thousands of fans who had been demanding it since summer.
Langley first performed the song during Apple Music Nashville Sessions: Toby Keith Covered, a tribute honoring the late country legend following his passing in February 2024. The collection featured powerhouse names like Ashley McBryde, Riley Green, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, and Tucker Wetmore, but it was Langley’s hauntingly tender rendition that stole the spotlight.
“I knew instantly that ‘Wish I Didn’t Know Now’ was the song I wanted to do,” Langley explained. “Toby is truly a legend, and getting to put my own spin on this classic was an incredible opportunity.”
Her version trades Toby’s rugged tone for something softer yet just as powerful — a performance that drips with heartbreak and quiet strength. Whiskey Riff praised the cover as “remarkably smooth,” noting that Langley’s female perspective added “considerable depth” to the already gut-wrenching lyrics.
Originally released in 1994 as the fourth single from Keith’s debut album, “Wish I Didn’t Know Now” became one of his defining ballads, peaking at No. 2 and earning a gold certification. It showcased the deeper, more vulnerable side of a man better known for his rowdy anthems like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and “As Good As I Once Was.”
Langley clearly understood that delicate balance — honoring Toby’s legacy while making the heartbreak her own. The result is a rendition that feels both timeless and new, a fitting tribute to one of country music’s most enduring storytellers.