Since the band's establishment during college, Barefoot Truth has been developing this signature sound that has virally spread through a grassroots following. With their lead singer on drums, and an array of unlikely roots-based instrumentation, the band translates their originality to their ever-evolving live show. The quintet features Will Evans on lead vocals and drums, John Waynelovich on piano, Jay Driscoll on Weissenborn slide guitar, Andy Wrba on upright bass, and Garrett Duffy on harmonica. It is not unlikely for members of the band to switch instruments mid-show, or even begin playing a didjeridoo, adding to the dynamic of the band's sound.
Mixing a strong environmental message with the lofty theme of humankind's interconnectedness on their 2010 studio album 'Threads', Barefoot Truth reached #21 on the iTunes Rock Charts, momentarily stepping ahead of bands such as Dave Matthews Band and The Fray. The new disc was noted as "The best independently released album of 2010" by ThisIsModern. Barefoot Truth happily credits Pandora Radio for their crucial role in growing the band’s silent army of listeners, as Driscoll recently stated in a USA Today article, "Pandora has basically created an avenue for us to have a career in music".
Since taking the band 'full-time' in 2007, after finishing college, Barefoot Truth has earned spotlight attention on many levels, including an invitation to play at President Obama's pre-debate rally in New York, where they performed between Bruce Hornsby and Crosby and Nash. They were asked to lend several songs from their new album 'Threads' to the internationally acclaimed film 'Nature Propelled', in addition to scoring original music for the film. Barefoot Truth also lent their song 'Threads' to the video game 'Rock Band' (MTV Games). The band has also made appearances at major festivals such as Summerfest, 10,000 Lakes Festival, and FloydFest, in addition to tallying over 100 college and prepschool performances in the Northeast. Fans of Barefoot Truth can be confident that the quiet success of this small band will grow increasingly louder, one listener at a time...
Broken Road
Barefoot Truth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He lived there six months
too long
Only ten out of jail
He looked at me his eyes were haggard and pale
His skin was tarnished and torn
just like a rusted old nail
Well some people pass through
But Johnny mingled in its
company again and again
He said he wanted to see
paradise and travel so far
All he'd seen of it was standing
hind' those ugly prison bars
So many people they come
good people they come,
from a broken road
So many good people they come,
from a broken road
So many good people they come
good people they come,
they come and they go
Johnny hailed from the city
of thieves
He'd cut his teeth down
backwards alleys since 1973
He said he'd had trouble run
that was easy to see
He traveled East to West
didn't miss a single penitentiary
From the Bronx over to Queen's
down in South Jersey
I-95 to West Virginia
well they caught up in Cincinnati
Crossed the Mason Dixon border
Kansas City, Oklahoma
The Devil on the shoulder of a
good hearted man
(Chorus)
Woah' can you out-run the
weight of the world,
the wight of the world
when it's holding you down?
Woah can you out-last the pain
of the fall, the pain of the fall
when you fall to the ground?
(Chorus)
So many good people they
come good people they come,
from a broken road
So many good people they
come good people they come,
they come and they go
The song "Broken Road" by Barefoot Truth tells the story of a man named Johnny who has had a difficult life, filled with trouble and pain. The song starts by describing how Johnny was born again on an island, but he stayed there for six months too long. He spent ten years in jail, and when he came out, his eyes were haggard and pale, and his skin was tarnished and torn. Johnny wanted to travel and see paradise, but all he had seen so far were the ugly prison bars.
As the song continues, it becomes clear that Johnny has had a long and troubled past. He comes from the city of thieves and has had trouble running with the law. He has traveled from the Bronx to Queens, down to South Jersey, and as far west as Kansas City and Oklahoma. Throughout his travels, the weight of the world and the pain of his past have followed him, always holding him down and causing him to fall.
Despite all of this, the song ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that many good people come from a broken road. The chorus repeats the phrase "So many good people they come from a broken road, they come and they go," suggesting that life is full of challenges and struggles, but there is still hope for those who persevere.
Overall, "Broken Road" is a poignant and insightful song that explores the theme of resilience and the human ability to overcome adversity. It is a reminder that even when life gets tough, there is still beauty and hope to be found.
Line by Line Meaning
Born again on a island of sale
Starting fresh on a remote island that was up for sale
He lived there six months too long
Staying on the island for too long and not moving on
Only ten out of jail
Recently released from prison
He looked at me his eyes were haggard and pale
Appearing tired, worn out, and unhealthy
His skin was tarnished and torn just like a rusted old nail
His skin appeared damaged and worn out like a rusty nail
Well some people pass through this world with no pain
There are some people who do not experience much hardship in life
But Johnny mingled in its company again and again
Johnny experienced pain and difficulties multiple times in his life
He said he wanted to see paradise and travel so far
Johnny had a desire to travel and see new places
All he'd seen of it was standing hind' those ugly prison bars
Johnny had only seen the inside of prisons and had not yet experienced the beauty of the outside world
So many people they come good people they come, from a broken road
Many people come from difficult backgrounds or experiences
Johnny hailed from the city of thieves
Johnny was from a place known for its high crime rates
He'd cut his teeth down backwards alleys since 1973
Johnny had been involved in illegal activities since 1973
He said he'd had trouble run that was easy to see
Johnny had a history of difficulties and problems that were evident to others
He traveled East to West didn't miss a single penitentiary
Johnny traveled across the country and had been to many different jails
From the Bronx over to Queen's down in South Jersey
Johnny had been to different places in the northeast region of the United States
I-95 to West Virginia well they caught up in Cincinnati
Johnny had been caught and arrested in Cincinnati while traveling on I-95 to West Virginia
Crossed the Mason Dixon border Kansas City, Oklahoma
Johnny had traveled to different states and regions, including crossing the historic Mason Dixon border and visiting Kansas City and Oklahoma
The Devil on the shoulder of a good hearted man
Johnny struggled with temptation and addiction despite having a good heart
Woah' can you out-run the weight of the world, the wight of the world when it's holding you down?
Can you escape or overcome the burdens and struggles that weigh you down in life?
Woah can you out-last the pain of the fall, the pain of the fall when you fall to the ground?
Can you endure and recover from the challenges and hardships you face when you hit rock bottom?
So many good people they come good people they come, from a broken road
Despite facing difficulties, many good and positive people come from challenging backgrounds or experiences
So many good people they come good people they come, they come and they go
Many positive and inspiring people come and go throughout life
Contributed by Maya A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Susan Bryce
The drums! This is rock n roll masterpiece . BT gave us so much joy, we will never forget them. My face would hurt from smiling so big all night long during their shows. The weary world could benefit from the happiness these guys imparted. Alas, time matches on ……
bacondust
I'm gonna miss seeing you guys so much! :( You have been a true inspiration and a huge influence in my life. Thank you so much for a great 16 shows. I hope to make it to 2 of the last 4 but we will see where life takes us. Will, Wayno, Jay, Garrett, and Andy, you guys rock! Everyone, this is the best band ever. The most talented bunch of guys I have ever seen. Thank you for making my life way better.
Mary Loves Music
I had the ultimate pleasure of seeing them recently in North Hampton MA ! It was one of the most 'feel good' 'good energy' sold out fun concerts from a band that I've ever been to (and I've been to a lot of different ones) . Thank you Barefoot Truth for your music, lyrics, good energy! ps~ PLEASE play out more often, I would love to see another show!!!
Hudi Moskowitz
Still one of my all-time favorites.
Steve Holden
This is still one of my favorite songs by BFT and one of the best versions of it.
Sara Marie Swan
Beyond amazing!! This video got me off my ass and stomping my feet and dancing around the living room! Ahhh just amazing guys!!
Katey Sutton
sweet jammin!! if anyone has the opportunity to see these guys live.. DO IT!!! you will not regret it!
lala125
barefoot truth is amazing and i love them :)
Jessie S
Freaking amazing!
jannieisrad
I was there! Such a good show. Can't wait to see you guys back here this month!!