MUSICAL "DIRT"
This song exemplifies KISS. KEEP. IT. SIMPLE. SONGWRITER.
It is basically two main chords, "D" and "G" throughout the verse and the chorus. It throws a "B" minor" in which is a relative minor chord. It is very subtle, but the ear denotes a change from the first two.
It also uses "deliver two lines.... then pause, in the verses:
You get your hands in it, plant your roots in it
Dusty Headlights, put your boots in it...
There is a musical pause right here. It gives you a "RELAX" feel about it. Like taking a breath. It also presents the "PROSODY' of more laid back, rural life.
You write her name on, spin your tires on it
Build your cornfield whisky bonfires on it...
ANOTHER PAUSE....
You bet your life on it
THE CHORUS
Now the chorus does something that is very interesting yet, a very modern thing. The chords DON'T change (I always try to change mine), but the lyrics pick up and ELEVATE THE MELODY, also shifting into a more rapid paced lyrics:
...elm shade, red rust clay you grew up on
That plowed-up ground that your dad damned his luck on
That post-game party field you circle up on
And when it rains you get stuck on
Drift a cloud back behind county roads that you run up
The mud on her jeans that she peeled off and hung up
Her blue-eyed summertime smile looks so good that it hurts
Up to here it is all the same "D" to "G" chord patterns. Then it changes right here.:
Makes you wanna build a ten percent down white picket fence house on this dirt
This indicates the set up for the hook line on the chorus. DIRT. It holds that one word out there as the MOST IMPORTANT THOUGHT of the song. It is where everything comes down and is all keyed around this line. The chord changes are "B minor to "A", then back to the "D".
You know you came from it and someday you’ll return to this...
The entire song is simplicity. But it makes the point that the most important thing is HOME. That is what DIRT means in this song.
THE VIDEO
Anything with John David Souther as a character in the video is great with me. It makes some reallhy cool points, about her saying she didn't want to travel cause the world would come to her. It did, with their family, and good life.
Throughout the video, they are using DIRT, to spread on each other, play with, dig in, use in every aspect of their lives. It is told in the story form and the visuals sinc up with every line.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Usually, when a song really catches fire, you start hearing about it in the songwriting community. This one has been talked about for a while. I heard it on the radio once or twice, but didn't pay a lot of attention, because it was in the background. Now that I have been drawn to it by Phil, I recall it has been on in bars, resturants, and in many places.
That is what hit songs do. They kind of show up everywhere. Look for this to be a commercial for some jeans company. Wranglers or Levis, watch out!
*This is a GREAT example of how hit songs are written. They are pretty simple.
*They pick a very few central themes and support those through corresponding visuals.
*The videos support the central theme and don't waver too far.
*It has GRAPHIC DETAILS that bring the listener in and challenge their mind.
*It has a HUGE SINGABLE CHORUS that bring the listener into the song and let them sing along.
*It reinforces the hook around every 30 seconds.
*It creatively pauses, or refreshes the listener every 15-20 seconds.
*It is well paced, and doesn't waste any time.
*The listener does not have to work hard to figure out what it is about.
*It is MUSICALLY SIMPLE so that the STORY STANDS OUT!
*It wraps up the action and doesn't say anymore than it absolutely HAS TO!
*It uses cliches in a different way and AVOIDS two of the biggest.
Hit songs are hit songs for a reason. This is one. I do like it.
Thanks Phil, for bringing it up. If you guys want to discuss this, I'm willing to share.
A side note:
I noticed on the YOU TUBE comments section, some people say THIS IS NOT COUNTRY MUSIC. They don't know what they are talking about. THE STORY DICTATES WHAT IS AND IS NOT COUNTRY MUSIC. This story talks about RURAL THEMES, FAMILY, HOME, A LIFELONG LOVE. I don't know what is NOT COUNTRY on this.
Congratulations Rodney, Chris and Fla. Georgia Line. YOU DONE GOOD BOYS!!!
MAB