Co-written by busbee and Shane McAnally, it was originally recorded for Hayes's self-titled debut studio album (2011) but was only included on the 2013 Encore edition re-issue.

[5][6] Bob Paxman at Nash Country Weekly described the chorus, which features firework and sunshine imagery, as "uplifting.

[7] Drawing influences from electropop[1] and dance-pop,[7] the remix features a more heavily processed vocal and synthesized backbeat.

[8] In 2012, the song was re-recorded and offered to fans for free through Hayes' official Facebook page as part of a partnership with Country Financial.

Marc Engel of Fox News praised the mainstream appeal of the song, noting that "with chiming guitars plus a sing-a-long chorus it’s easy to understand why “Light Me Up” has become a fan favorite.