Behind Redneck

Writing Redneck was an interesting experience. I had literally just gotten home from work, it was summer, I was dirty, sweaty, sunburnt and tired. Before I could get too cleaned up, my kids were very emphatic that they were “starving”, so I started boiling water for my daughter’s favorite, mac and cheese. While waiting for the pot to boil, I thought about my day. My shoulders and my neck were on fire, it was a sunny August day, and I was burnt. My daughter commented that my neck was red.

I’d been hearing a melody in my head all day. I started thinking about how accurate the term “redneck” was. Hard working blue collar guys, working hard out in the sun. Farmers who put food on our table. How those hardworking individuals or “rednecks” are the backbone of this country. I started writing. Before I knew it, the lyrics were all on paper, and the water started to boil.

While the noodles cooked, I took out my Alvarez. By the time the kids were fed, I had a song. I had never (and haven’t since) written a complete song so quickly and easily. I think it’s because I relate to all those hardworking Americans out there that have a literal, and figurative, Redneck.

*after thought- so I only thought about this the other day and I thought I would share with you. Saturday, July 1st, 2017 we performed on 2nd street in Ottumwa in front of Ridgeway Electric for a 4th of July thrown by Ridgeway. We were in the process of recording our first album. We had a hell of a crowd and they were rocking along with us. Kevin had a great idea... When Lee yelled out his customary "Can I get a Yeehaw!?" Kevin recorded the crowds response. For good measure we repeated it. So there's a chance if you were at that show and you listen closely you might be able to hear yourself yelling "Yeehaw" not once but twice on the final cut of the song on our album.