Heads Carolina, Tails California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids "Heads Carolina, Tails California"
Single by Jo Dee Messina
from the album Jo Dee Messina
B-side	"Walk to the Light"
Released	January 22, 1996
Genre	Country
Length	3:29
Label	Curb
Songwriter(s)	Tim Nichols Mark D. Sanders
Producer(s)	Byron Gallimore Tim McGraw
Jo Dee Messina singles chronology
"Heads Carolina, Tails California" (1996) "You're Not in Kansas Anymore" (1996)

"Heads Carolina, Tails California" is a famous country song by American singer Jo Dee Messina. It was written by Tim Nichols and Mark D. Sanders. The song first came out in January 1996. It was Jo Dee Messina's very first single and was also the main song from her first album, which was called Jo Dee Messina. This song became very popular, reaching the top 10 on country music charts in both the U.S. and Canada.

Years later, in 2021, the band American Aquarium covered the song on their album Slappers, Bangers, and Certified Twangers: Vol 1.. The song became popular again in 2022. This happened when it was used as the main idea for Cole Swindell's number one hit song, "She Had Me at Heads Carolina". Because of this, the original song by Jo Dee Messina sold so well that it earned a platinum award from the RIAA.

What is "Heads Carolina, Tails California" About?

"Heads Carolina, Tails California" is a fast-paced and fun song. It tells the story of someone who wants to leave everything behind. They want to go on an adventure with the person they love. The song suggests they will flip a coin to decide where to go. "Heads Carolina" means they would go to North or South Carolina. "Tails California" means they would go to California. The main idea is that it doesn't matter where they end up. As long as they are together, any place is perfect.

The Music Video

A music video was made for the song. It was directed by Roger Pistole. The video was filmed in the Mojave Desert, which is a large desert area.

In the video, Jo Dee Messina performs the song. She is in a run-down wooden shack in the desert. She uses an old-fashioned microphone. You also see her leaning against the counter of a diner. She is dressed like a waitress.

Throughout the video, there are scenes of men traveling. They are on an old dirt road. They are pushing tires with them. These men are later seen sitting in the diner where Messina is. They are also shown outside a gas station in the countryside. The diner is located at this gas station.

How Popular Was the Song?

"Heads Carolina, Tails California" first appeared on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart on January 27, 1996. It started at number 70. The song quickly became very popular. It reached number 2 on that chart. The only song more popular at that time was "My Maria" by Brooks & Dunn.

Peak Chart Positions

Year-End Popularity

These charts show how popular the song was throughout the entire year of 1996.

Awards and Certifications

A "certification" means a song has sold or been streamed a certain number of times. For example, a "Platinum" certification means the song has reached 1,000,000 sales or streams. "Heads Carolina, Tails California" earned a Platinum award in the United States.