This song takes me Back to the Wood

Ryan Klein, the writer, guitarist and background vocalist for The Lowdown Drifters, said in an exclusive interview with Music & Lyrics that he wrote "Back to the Wood" to explain the good things his small hometown brought out in him.

"I wanted to tell people the positive things that the town had brought out in me and the way it shaped me into the person I am."

He said most people, while they're in their small towns, only see the limitations and "then come to appreciate all the things that make your town unique."

Klein said it's all about home for him.

"There might be opportunities, but there's only one place you call home."

As a writer, he said, "songs either come in five minutes or five months." If it is a "five-minute" song, it'll start with "an idea and it all just spills out."

"Back to the Wood" was a "five-minute" song and "came out pretty fast," Klein said.

I think this song has an authentic country rock feel. 

Lead vocalist John Cannon's scruffy-but-cool voice lends itself well to a song about "the wood," like sandpaper  on the wood, really - in a good way.

Accompanying that voice and Klein's guitar and voice, there is Tyler Alumbaugh on lead guitar, Galen Bailey on drums, and Eric Gehrke on bass. 

While the name of the song makes you immediately think it will be super country/folk song with banjos and such, it's pretty smooth rock -  with an accent, of course.

Klein said the song sounds like a cross between "Fly Over States," by Jason Aldean and "More Than Miles," by Brantley Gilbert.

And besides those performers, Klein said Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbel, and Jamie Johnson are just a few of his influences. 

"There's a lot of meaning behind their lyrics," Klein said. "They're not just shoe-horning in 'six-pack' and 'gun rack.' There is thought behind it."

Klein said his favorite lyric is from the first verse, where it says, "I got this small town pride, From a preacher and his bride, And that Spartan head right there on my jersey."

Because Klein's father was a pastor, whenever the band plays this song, Klein always says it's his shoutout to his dad.

"I've been to Nashville and California, but at the end of every trip, I just wanted to go home."

Find the lyrics to this awesome song about small towns below.


Well I grew up,
In a little hick town,
Folks 'round here all call it God's country.
I got this small town pride,
From a preacher and his bride,
And that Spartan head there on my jersey.

It's where I'm from
And where I'll raise my sons
And hope that they turn out just like my daddy
So when we raise a toast,
And we'll all start to boast
You'll know it ain't just the whiskey talking

'Cause I can take a red eye down to Nashville,
Road trip to LA,
Drive right pat those redwood trees,
And sing on the Opry stage.
But I know son,
Where I come from,
Where I'll be and where I always should,
So you can take me back to the wood,
Take me back to the wood.

I spent four years

In a college town

Where the Busch you know it flowed just like water

But it was too dang cold

And those wheat fields were getting old

And back home you know the grass is always greener

'Cause I can take a red eye down to Nashville,
Road trip to LA,
Drive right pat those redwood trees,
And sing on the Opry stage.
But I know son,
Where I come from,
Where I'll be and where I always should,
So you can take me back to the wood,
Take me back to the wood.

If you ever come to visit, 

I'll take you down an old dirt road,

To a bonfire where the angels dance, 

And the beer is nice and cold

'Cause I can take a red eye down to Nashville,
Road trip to LA,
Drive right pat those redwood trees,
And sing on the Opry stage.
But I know son,
Where I come from,
Where I'll be and where I always should,
So you can take me back to the wood,

Take me back to the wood.

Wildest Dreams: A 4-minute love story by Taylor Swift

"Say you'll remember me standing in a nice dress staring at the sunset babe... say you'll see me again, even if it's just pretend..."

This song is so absolutely fantastic,.T. Swift has done it again.

And the sad part is it is getting tainted by some stupid people who think she's purposefully trying to make a political statement. The only statement is she wants to give the proceeds from the video to Africa.

Seriously. People just need to stop with all the hate. Swift is amazing with her fans and the media and her music is phenomenal. Just drink the kool-aid people, it's better on her side.

So "Wildest Dreams" came out on her genre-changing album 1989 but the video just came out at the VMAs. And it's perfect. The video basically tells the story the lyrics are leading you to. It stars Swift (of course) and the beautiful (and talented) Scott Eastwood - yes, that Scott Eastwood.

I won't ruin the video because you absolutely need to watch it. But the premise is this:

Swift and Eastwood are actors who are shooting on location in Africa and they're having a love affair in this magical place. And being apart from Hollywood, it lets them be together... but of course, they can't live happily ever after because they have to wake up at some time. But in their wildest dreams, they can be happy and together and she wants him to remember her that way forever...

Isn't that just the greatest, most tragic love story??

"Some day when you leave me, I'll bet these memories, Follow you around..."

It's a beautifully tragic story about a Hollywood romance that couldn't last.

And what's even worse is that she knows they can't have their happily ever after:

"I can see the end as it begins..."

But then again, can you blame her for taking advantage of the happiness while she can have it?

The music is great, too. This song is not just about the lyrics. The background gives it a very dreamy quality while maintaining the pop-ish vibe she was going for on her new album.

What it lacked, though, was any real African influence IN THE MUSIC. (Don't make that anything about the stupid issue she's dealing with.) It didn't seem to have any drums or any hint of that kind of culture.

But it's not about Africa, it's about a Hollywood romance in a place where dreams can come true - at least for a little while.

I'll share the lyrics below, but I just want to reiterate again: THIS IS NOT SOME POLITICAL STATEMENT. She just wants to share this 4-minute love story with you.

Please devour these lyrics like I have:

He said, 'Let's get out of this town, drive out of the city, away from the crowds."
I thought heaven can't help me now,
Nothing lasts forever.
But this is gonna take me down.
He's so tall and handsome as hell.
He's so bad, but he does it so well.
I can see the end as it begins,
My one condition is...

Say you'll remember me,
Standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset babe,
Red lips and rosy cheeks,
Say you'll see me again, even if it's just in your
Wildest dreams ahhhh
Wildest dreams ahhhh

I said "No one has to know what we do."
His hands are in my hair, his clothes are in my room.
And his voice is a familiar sound,
Nothing lasts forever.
But this is getting good now.
He's so tall and handsome as hell.
He's so bad but he does it so well.
And when we've had our very last kiss,
My last request is...

Say you'll remember me,
Standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset babe,
Red lips and rosy cheeks,
Say you'll see me again, even if it's just in your
Wildest dreams ahhhh
Wildest dreams ahhhh

You'll see me in hindsight,
Tangled up with you all night,
Burning it down.
Some day when you leave me,
I'll bet these memories,
Follow you around.
You'll see me in hindsight,
Tangled up with you all night,
Burning it down.
Some day when you leave me,
I'll bet these memories,
Follow you around.

Say you'll remember me,
Standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset babe,
Red lips and rosy cheeks,
Say you'll see me again, even if it's just pretend...

Say you'll remember me,
Standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset baby,
Red lips and rosy cheeks,
Say you'll see me again, even if it's just in your
Wildest dreams ahhhh
In your wildest dreams ahhhh
Even if it's just in your
Wildest dreams ahhhh
In your wildest dreams ahhhhhhhhh...

Jacob Martin Band members say they aren't that kinda country...

(Photo from Facebook)

You know how some bands come together because they grow up together or they met at a random concert or so-and-so had a friend of a friend, yada yada yada?

Yeah... that's not what happened with the Jacob Martin Band.

I'll give you one guess on how they got together.

If you didn't just guess Craigslist, you're wrong.

Josh Carlson, the drummer and backup vocalist, told Erin Grigson of Music & Lyrics that after he met Jacob Martin, the lead vocalist/front man, they tried flyers, word of mouth and even took to Craigslist, where they found Mike (and Jeff??)

And just like their untraditional way of coming together, JMB members all have varying musical backgrounds that brought them to the rock country genre.

Josh grew up listening to classical music: orchestral, Broadway, ballet and opera. Of course, there was the rock, pop and early rap, but he played in orchestra fulltime for five years. However, one day he decided he just wanted to play drums.

Jacob grew up listening to 80s hairbands and George Strait. And, according to Josh, his favorite artist and group are Garth Brooks and U2.

Jeff's mom was a music teacher, so he grew up singing in choir and playing piano, but later learned guitar because he always wanted to play rock music. When he moved to Nashville was when he learned to love country.

(Photo from Facebook)

When asked who each member would collaborate with if given the chance, here were the responses:

Mike (via Jeff): Slash and Miles Kennedy.
Jeff: Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty), Altar Bridge, and the original lineup of Third Eye Blind
Josh: Def Leppard
Jacob (via Josh): Garth Brooks and U2

Both Josh and Jeff said their favorite JMB song is "This Ain't That Kind of Kiss."

JMB has shared the stage with some pretty big names in country music, including Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, Justin Moore, and Thomas Rhett, the latter apparently came by at the shared show and hung out and had a beer.

"Those are our favorite shows," Jeff said. "It's a different type of crowd. Those people spent lots of money on those tickets."

They said the energy and the professional environment just add to the excitement of those shows.

"Those guys, they've mastered their art," Jeff said of playing with the big names.

JMB has mastered their own art in their own way.

Both Josh and Jeff said that what really makes JMB unique is Jacob's voice and that they aren't "super twangy country."

But that doesn't mean they can't rock out a country show.

See their favorite song below and look them up at their website jacobmartinband.com.

LOCASH: 'We just want to make music that people can relate to and that touches their hearts.'

Preston Brust of LOCASH (formerly LoCash Cowboys) gave Music & Lyrics an exclusive interview.

Brust talked with founder and editor Erin Grigson about music and his journey in getting where he is today.

Right out of the gate, Brust said something that made the rest of his words even more genuine:

"We just want to make music that people can relate to and that touches their hearts."

Isn't that the coolest thing an artist could say? That they just want to make a difference in their audiences' lives?

He went on to explain how he and partner Chris Lucas try to fulfill that dream.

"We have a song called, 'Best Seat in the House,' from back in the day - a couple years ago - that people still come up to us and say it's their favorite song because they lost someone special in their lives and that song helps them remember that they've still got the best seat  in the house and they're still with them."

As the LoCash Cowboys, the duo released both "Best Seat in the House" and "Keep In Mind," which Brust said is also one of those songs he hopes touch hearts.

"Songs like 'Keep In Mind' are about the relationship of parents and their kids or just someone that you love that goes away and they've always got a spot in your heart and they've always got a spot back home with you."

He also mentioned the duo's newest single, "I Love This Life," which made it to No. 1 on Sirius the HIghway on July 11, 2015.

"And our song right now, 'I Love This Life,' our current single, is all about no negativity, just all the things that you love in your life and I think in the end, I hope we're remembered for those kinds of messages as well as just being fun and being great entertainers on stage."

He stressed, though, that LOCASH takes their music and their performances serious, but they can have fun, too.

"We take it real serious. We want to go out there and have a great show every single night and help people forget about their problems for a few hours, just get up there and have a good time. I think that would be a really great legacy in this entertainment business for us."

What a great legacy indeed.

This photo was posted to
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"crazyflight Parmalee #LOCASH #ILoveThisLife"

He went on discuss why LOCASH and their music is so unique. The pair of musicians is great, but couldn't be more different when it comes to their musical backgrounds.

"We come from two different backgrounds. Chris was secular music with all kinda of 80s rock and Frank Sinatra and Chris, he knows I call him the human jukebox because he's the king of karaoke. He knows every word to every song ever. And then on the other side, I have the gospel. My dad is the preacher for the Church of Christ, so I grew up in the church with a hymnal in my hand everyday. So it's like I have all the gospel stuff and he's got all the secular and together we've got just about everything. It's crazy."

It is crazy... Crazy awesome! 

Brust's great uncle wrote "I'll Fly Away," a well-known Christian song, which, Preston realized while talking to Erin, is a bit ironic considering that "You Gonna Fly," (a song that Brust co-wrote for Keith Urban) was his first No. 1 hit.

"My great uncle wrote 'I'll Fly Away,' the gospel song and I think I grew up always just you know, appreciating that song so much because it was part of our family history, and I just loved that song. And it's kindof ironic that our first No. 1 was 'You Gonna Fly,' - 'I'll Fly Away,' it's kinda funny now I've stopped to think about it. It's a great parallel there."

Yes. Yes it is.

Preston said his biggest influence as far as songwriting is Baby Face, who is from close to the area Brust grew up in.

"The ways that [Baby Face] captured just every aspect of love... I think he's one of the greatest songwriters of all time."

From discussing his influences, he moves to talking about his favorite songs he'd helped write.

This photo was posted to
Facebook with the caption:
"#TBT Nothing we love more than
crowds like this…#ILoveThisLife
#Weloveyall

"I have a song on Scotty McCreary's album called, 'The Dash.' And I wrote it with Kyle Jacobs and I think that song says a lot. It's about the most important thing on a tombstone is not the year you were born or the year you died; it's the dash in between, what did you do with that dash? I also love 'Best Seat in the House,' as far as LOCASH. I think 'Best Seat in the House,' and 'I Love This Life,' are two of the most... I mean 'I Love This Life,' is kindof simple in that it's just a laundry list of things we love. But man, sometimes simple is the best because you forget about those little things and you take them for granted, so I really love 'I Love This Life' and I really love 'Best Seat in the House,' so I have a few that kindof hang in there at the top."

Then Brust got really serious about the music business.

"This music business can be really tough on you and there's a lot of highs and there's a lot of lows and there's probably more lows than highs in the music business, but I think that the way we've learned to ride the waves when it's good and not get too low when it's bad and just kinda hang in the middle and kinda at the medium and keep writing songs and keep just putting good music together throughout all of it. And I don't know, I think that's probably the most proud I am of everything."

Did I mention the duo has written not one but TWO chart-topping songs? They wrote "You Gonna Fly" for Keith Urban and "Truck Yeah" for Tim McGraw. Still, that is not what Brust said they are most proud of.

"You know, I could sit here and say number one songs and top 10 songs and things like that and I'm very very proud of those things, but I think the biggest thing that I'm proud of so far is our resilience and our just never giving up attitude."

Stay tuned to Music & Lyrics for more from that awesome interview!

The words of "The Words" are the icing on the cake

I know that these are fighting words, but I do believe I've found my new favorite song of all time.

Now, now, before the war breaks out, let me explain why I feel this way:

Like every other person who saw Breaking Dawn: Parts 1 and 2 in theaters, I adored "A Thousand Years," and the way it was used to wrap up the entire series. And for a long while, it was a huge song for Perri. (It landed her at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100.)

"A Thousand Years" may have brought Christina Perri to her peak on the charts, but artistically, I don't know if she can get much better than "The Words"...but I can't wait to see how she'll try top this. (FYI, I also LOVE "Arms," and "Human," but not as much as "The Words.")

As with most of Perri's music, the background instruments are simple: piano, some string instruments such as violins, etc. No harsh metallic instruments or computerized/electronic anything. Just simple, beautiful, natural sounds. Her voice and emotion does the rest.

I've always thought she had a voice like Norah Jones - bluesy-er, but in a sweet way.

The biggest difference between this song and other Perri songs is that there is this huge climax. Where others just have a bit more emotion at a certain point, this one is not like that. She pours her heart into that final chorus and you can hear her pleading with this man to just tell her how he feels, just "let the words slip out of your mouth."

But what's interesting with the music here is that to create such a huge effect, she utilizes silence. And silence is a musician's best friend - and worst enemy.

And in her hauntingly beautiful voice, the change in the final refrain, "Let my love be the light that guides you home," is a plea for the love that, I'm really not sure, was answered.

The lyrics, the actual words, are so raw and real. They're overwhelming in their simplicity. The ease in the way they flow together and flow out of her mouth, it's just amazing.

The first verse makes it seem that this is an unrequited love:

"All of the lights land on you, The rest of the world fades from view, And all of the love I see, Please, please say you feel it, too."

But then again, it could be that this is all a dream (which might make a bit more sense when you see the music video).

Then the second verse is almost saying he's the calm to her storm:

"And all of the noise I hear inside, Restless and loud, unspoken and wild, And all that you need to say, To make it all go away, Is that you feel the same way, too."

I won't walk you through the entire song because I want some of it to really hit you while you hear it, but I do have to say that the writing of the chorus is purely genius.

But don't take my word for it; listen to it. Please. For the love of all that is good and holy.

(The video, of course, is a whole other thing, but I fell in love with the song when i saw the video, which was the first time I'd heard it. It stars Colin O'Donoghue (Once Upon A Time) and Perri. And it's eye-opening, so don't forget to check it out, too.)



All of the lights land on you.
The rest of the world fades from view,
And all of the love I see,
Please, please say you feel it, too.

And all of the noise I hear inside,
Restless and loud, unspoken and wild,
And all that you need to say,
To make it all go away,
Is that you feel the same way, too.

And I know,
The scariest part is letting go,
'Cause love is a ghost you can't control,
I promise you the truth can't hurt us now,
So let the words slip out of your mouth.

And all of the steps that led me to you,
And all of the hell I had to walk through,
But I wouldn't trade a day for the chance to say,
My love, I'm in love with you.

And I know,
The scariest part is letting go,
'Cause love is a ghost you can't control,
I promise you the truth can't hurt us now,
So let the words slip out of your mouth.

I know that we're both afraid,
We both made the same mistakes
An open heart is an open wound to you,
And in the wind there's a heavy choice,
Love has a quiet voice,
Still your mind, now I'm yours to choose

And I know,
The scariest part is letting go,
Let my love be the light that guides you home.

And I know,
The scariest part is letting go,
'Cause love is a ghost you can't control,
I promise you the truth can't hurt us now,
So let the words slip out of your mouth.

'I Love This Life' is what we love

In the next week or so, I'll be interviewing a country duo by the name of LOCASH.

In preparation for that interview, I was listening to their music and fell in love with their song, "I Love This Life." It's one of those catchy songs, but not in an annoying way; it gets stuck in your head and you're singing it all day.

As a Southern girl, country has a special place in my heart, but that doesn't mean I like all the music of that genre (just as I don't necessarily like all rock music, etc.).

However, this song tells exactly what we love about country living.

"I love my small town world, I love a country girl, I love a Friday night, Man, I love this life."

As I'm from a small town (Paris, Kentucky), I am a country girl, and Friday nights are the best nights, I have to agree; What's not to love??

Another thing I love about this song? The range of the guys voices. They cover a pretty big range and the high notes are dead on. No shying away from those notes. They belt them out in the best, most rockin' way.

I also love the sound of this song. While it's got a distinctly country sound with the banjo and guitars, the percussion makes it way rock, which gives it a very unique feel. This is not twangy rock like you sometimes hear. It's country with a rock feel. And I love it.

And I love these two lines from the second verse: "I love a fresh cut field with a first frost on, How it shines like gold when the sun turns on."

The way the pair strings the words together, it just paints a picture! Also the harmonies in the second verse and after are fantastic.

I really love the third verse, though.

"I love that ragged old barn that my grandpa made, It was my whole world back in my innocent days, I love that little white church out on 109, It's where I hit my knees and thank the Lord for this life of mine."

I can just see them getting down on their knees and thanking them for their life, because, well, they have some pretty great lives!

The pair, consisting of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, have made a name for themselves as writers. They penned Keith Urban's "You Gonna Fly," which reached No. 1 on Billboard's Country charts  and they also did a little song, "Truck Yeah," for a guy y'all might know: Tim McGraw.

He's kindof a big deal. People know him.

HOLY STARFISH, BATMAN! How had I not heard of these guys before??

Now that I've heard the news, I'm sharing it: CHECK THESE GUYS OUT!

Did I mention all the things I love about this song? If I forgot something, forgive me - there's just so much to love!

Listen to "I Love This Life," by these awesome writers and performers and look for my interview with them coming soon!


I love my boots broke in, I love my camo hat,
Don't mind a little paint on my jeans, yeah I roll like that,
I love driving my truck across the railroad tracks,
If you hit it too quick, it'll hit ya right back

I love a fresh cut field with a first frost on,
How it shines like gold when the sun turns on,
I love the sound of them wheels with my baby singing along,
When "The Boys of Summer" comes on.

I love my small town world,
I love a country girl,
I love a Friday night, Man, I love this life.
The sound of an ol' dirt road,
Rolling through my mind,
Man I love, Man I love,
I love this life.

I love that county line bar where they all know my drink,
The way she throws her hands up when that cover band plays,
I love that taste of her lips when she's been sipping that wine,
I still get drunk on her every time.

I love my small town world,
I love a country girl,
I love a Friday night, Man, I love this life.
The sound of an ol' dirt road,
Rolling through my mind,
Man I Love, Man I love,
I love this life.

Oh-o-o-o-oh
Man I love this life,
Oh-o-o-o-oh
Man I love this life,
(I love this life, I love this life, I love this life)

I love that ragged old barn that my grandpa made,
It was my whole world back in my innocent days,
I love that little white church out on 109,
It's where I hit my knees and thank the Lord for this life of mine.

I love my small town world,
I love a country girl,
I love a Friday night, Man, I love this life.
The sound of an ol' dirt road,
Rolling through my mind,
Man I Love, Man I love,
I love this life.

Oh-o-o-o-oh
Man I love this life,
Oh-o-o-o-oh
Man I love this life.

Oh-o-o-o-oh
Man I love this life,
Oh-o-o-o-oh
Man I love this life.

'See You Again' says it all

One of the most beautiful songs of the year, "See You Again" brought tears to my eyes the first (and second and probably the third) time I heard it.

And then after my grandmother died, it meant even more to me. The idea of "I'll tell you all about it when I see you again," makes me sad, but, at the same time, gives me hope.

Thinking about Paul Walker, the person the song is written in memory of for the soundtrack of Fast and Furious 7, the song makes perfect sense. But then when you watch the video, it will bring even more tears.

So now to the music:

Charlie Puth has created this beautiful layer of light melody with the refrain that he lays down in the beginning. For his first big song, it's pretty fantastic that it has been No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks and counting.

Now at this point, y'all probably know I'm not usually a huge fan of rap. But I do love what Wiz Khalifa has done for this song. His verses are respectable and thoughtful. And his annunciation is very articulate, which can sometimes be difficult to find in a rapper.

The foundation of the entire song is based a beautifully simple melody, which is what makes the whole thing come together so nicely. The solo piano at the beginning sets up the refrain for Puth. And then there's silence. Not enough for you to think that it's over, but just the right amount to set up the other side of the song. With heavier percussion, a good amount of bass and the rap, of course, the song keeps the underlying feel that connects all the little pieces.

The whole pre-chorus just outlines the message of Walker in the song: "How could we not talk about family when family's all we got? Everything I went through you were standing there by my side, And now you gonna be with me for the last ride."

But the bridge, sung by Puth in his beautiful falsetto, brings the flood (of tears, in case that was unclear).

"So let the light guide your way, hold every memory as you go, and every road you take, will always lead you home..."

How does that not make you just seep every emotion you have ever had?? If it doesn't, then I'm sorry, but you aren't alive.

Get out your tissues for this one, people, because if you haven't heard it, you just might shed a tear.



It's been a long day without you my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again

Damn who knew all the planes we flew
Good things we've been through
That I'll be standing right here
Talking to you about another path I
Know we loved t hit the road and laugh
But something told me that it wouldn't last
Had to switch up look at things different see the bigger picture
Those were  the days hard work forever pays now I see you in a better place

How could we not talk about family when family's all we got?
Everything I went through you were standing there by my side
And now you gonna be with me for the last ride

It's been a long day without you my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again

First you both go out your way
And the vibe is feeling strong and what's
Small turn to a friendship, a friendship
Turn into a bond and that bond will never
Be broken and the love will never get lost
And when brotherhood come first then the line
Will never be crossed established it on our own
When that line had to be drawn and that line is what
We reach so remember me when I'm gone

How could we not talk about family when family's all we got?
Everything I went through you were standing there by my side
And now you gonna be with me for the last ride

So let the light guide your way, hold every memory as you go
And every road you take will always lead you home

It's been a long day without you my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again