Lauren Talley’s “While There’s Time” began as a tribute to the Nelons. Then a health emergency gave its message an unexpected urgency. The single, co-written with Dave Clark, arrives Nov. 13 through Horizon Records.

According to Talley, Clark suffered a heart attack the day after they wrote the song. He recovered, but their next conversation brought the writing session into sharper focus. Clark told her that expressing love was something he wanted this song to accomplish, even if he never wrote another.

The Story Behind ‘While There’s Time’

In the label’s announcement, Talley connects the song to the uncertainty of everyday life. Plans can change before people have said what they intended to say.

That concern shapes the song’s emphasis on forgiveness, friendship and affection. Its narrator wants to offer mercy, ask forgiveness and stop allowing the past to stand between people.

Although the writing began with loss, Talley describes a message directed toward the relationships people still have. The song asks what they can do with the time available to them.

“Hold your loved ones close and say the things that are important to say,” Talley said.

Lauren Talley Continues the ‘Walls’ Series

Jason Webb produced the recording, which the label describes as a piano-led song that builds toward a larger finish. He also produced “Walls (Part One),” Talley’s six-song EP released in August.

That project brought Southern Gospel, worship and contemporary influences together. Its songs ranged from the more assertive title track to quieter material such as “Mercy” and “Little Faith.”

“While There’s Time” belongs to the upcoming “Walls (Part Two)” EP. It continues the partnership between Talley and Webb, this time with a song rooted in Talley and Clark’s shared experience.

Talley’s solo recordings follow her years with the Talleys. Here, however, the focus stays on a specific conversation and the importance of having it before the opportunity passes.

Listen to “While There’s Time” on your preferred music service.