What's The Song In The 9-1-1: Nashville Trailer? Its Meaning & Importance Explained

9-1-1: Nashville’s first trailer gave an exciting glimpse into the tone of the upcoming spinoff, but the song choice could be especially telling for upcoming plots. While many believed 9-1-1: Lone Star might sabotage Nashville due to being set in the same region, the second spinoff series is well-prepared to make its unique mark. The upcoming first-responder drama seems poised to distinguish itself from the Lone Star state by leaning into one of Tennessee’s most defining qualities: its country music scene.

Even 9-1-1: Nashville’s cast of characters echoes this sentiment, with country music legend LeAnn Rimes billed as a main character alongside Jessica Capshaw, Michael Provost, and Chris O’Donnell as Blythe, Ryan, and Don Sharpe, respectively. Additionally, Hailey Kilgore’s Taylor is described as a talented singer. While music will serve a diegetic purpose within 9-1-1: Nashville, its employment in promotional materials isn’t coincidental. Even in the first teaser trailer for the spinoff, the background music could be incredibly meaningful foreshadowing.

9-1-1: Nashville's 1st Trailer Features "Ring Of Fire"

The Fiery Cover Evokes A Classic Country Song

A burning guitar featured in the teaser for 9-1-1: Nashville

In the first promo for 9-1-1: Nashville, a short clip of “Ring of Fire” accompanied the imagery of a burning guitar. In the first official trailer for the Nashville spinoff of 9-1-1, the cover— now expanded beyond the original 15-second snippet— plays as fire engines traverse what seems to be downtown Nashville. The most recognizable iteration of “Ring of Fire” was recorded by Johnny Cash, an iconic artist who found popularity during the rise of "Rockabilly" culture in mid-20th century Tennessee.

"Ring of Fire” was recorded by Cash in Nashville in 1963 and went on to earn universal acclaim. Though many covers have been subsequently released, Cash’s remains a seminal hit, with the song even being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. By using a cover of the classic country song in its promotional materials, 9-1-1: Nashville pays homage to its roots while insisting it will offer something new, starting with its cover— speculated to be performed by cast member LeAnn Rimes, as ABC has yet to release the trailer's version.

"Rings Of Fire" Hints At How 9-1-1: Nashville Will Lean On Romance For The Spinoff's Story

Both The Lyrics & The Story Behind The Hit Point To Love

Chris O'Donnell as Callen in NCIS Los Angeles

Aside from being meaningful to Tennessee’s country music history, “Ring of Fire” could indicate key themes for the spinoff ahead of its pilot season. The lyrics of the classic song imply that romance will be at the forefront of 9-1-1: Nashville, with the titular “ring of fire” referring to the feeling of falling in love. Other lyrics expand on this, opening with “love is a burning thing” and starting the second verse with “the taste of love is sweet.” All the while, there’s a burning intensity that will presumably be present in 9-1-1: Nashville.

Already, 9-1-1: Nashville is breaking a franchise trend by having a married couple at the forefront in the form of Blythe and Don. Previous franchise installments had couples, but their love stories bloomed on-screen rather than starting in media res. Yet, the ferocity of “Ring of Fire” indicates a more fiery romance will bloom— perhaps some combination of Ryan, Taylor, Blue (Hunter McVey), and Roxie (Juani Feliz), the four main firefighters beneath Captain Sharpe. Similarly, sparks may fly within the central couple, with obstacles potentially testing their marriage or making it stronger.

What Else To Expect From 9-1-1: Nashville

The Location Will Be Pivotal To The Plot

Image made by Milica Djordjevic

Combined with the captivating “Ring of Fire” cover, there are elements of the first trailer that set the scene for 9-1-1: Nashville’s overarching plot and biggest emergencies. Similar to 9-1-1’s ridiculous beenado, the trailer included what appeared to be a tornado made of fire (a well-documented event called a fire whirl). Some of the buildings paved with cast members' names additionally confirm that country music will be a significant part of the spinoff's plot. It’s possible that Taylor has musical aspirations, and Rimes may take on a mentor role.

9-1-1: Nashville will air on ABC in fall 2025 and be streamed on Hulu following its initial premiere.

On the other hand, 9-1-1: Nashville may avoid music career storylines in order to preserve the heart of the series: chronicling first responders and the intense, absurd, and dangerous calls they respond to. If the spinoff chooses that route, 9-1-1: Nashville could do a musical episode here or there but have singing remain a secondary passion. Nevertheless, regardless of how it’s incorporated, the “Ring of Fire” cover is surely only the beginning of 9-1-1: Nashville’s inclusion of country music.

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