By 2019, Colt built a series of staggering successes as he rose to mainstream notoriety. He notched five consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart with Declaration of Independence bowing at #1 in 2012. Two years later, Thanks for Listening ascended to the Top 10 of the Top 200, with the album reaching #1 on Billboard Rap & Independent charts. Meanwhile, he lobbed six songs onto the Hot Country Songs Chart with “Back” [feat. Jake Owen] going Top 40. Among many accolades, Ford received a nomination in the category of “Vocal Event of the Year” at the Academy of Country Music Awards for “Cold Beer” with Jamey Johnson.
Selling over 3 million albums, attracting millions of followers on social media and hitting 1 billion-plus streams, the country rap pioneer’s dynamic discography spans collaborations with everyone from Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, and Jermaine Dupri to members of No Doubt, Lit, and Lady Antebellum. Additionally, he co-wrote Jason Aldean’s #1 hit “Dirt Road Anthem” and Brantley Gilbert’s #1 hit “Country Must Be Country Wide” as a behind-the-scenes force in the studio. Moreover, Ford’s solo tradition of genre-blurring continued on Love Hope Faith in 2017 by way of cuts such as “Reload” [feat. Taylor Ray Holbrook], his We The People, Volume 1 album and on into his Keys to the Country EP in 2021 with Kevin Gates, RVSHVD and more.
The dynamic Keys to the Country EP was produced by Noah Gordon and Colt Ford, with Shannon Houchins serving as Co-Producer (Colt and Shannon co-own Average Joes Entertainment). In between a marathon tour schedule, they recorded at Colt’s studio in Nashville. Throughout the process, the star pushed himself like never before, maintaining the hallmarks of his signature style, charting new territory, and hitting his most prolific stride to date alongside rapper, Kevin Gates in their well received track, “Hood” with Jermaine Dupri.
On the Keys to the Country EP, Ford continues to evolve his artistry and—as only he can—amp things up even further. Fittingly, he introduces the EP with the first single “When Country Comes Back,” as the world was ending a near global shutdown.
“The Keys to the Country EP is really me,” he elaborates. “So much of my success is a result of the fact that I am my songs. You’re getting me in the lyrics! I don’t have chauffeurs, ten sports cars, or my own jet. That’s all cool, but I’m just Colt Ford. It’s relatable.”
Ford continued to blur the lines of what country rap with “Hood” featuring world renowned rapper, Kevin Gates, and Jermaine Dupri. At heart, it’s a song about unification—no matter race, color, or religious affiliation. Music has a way of bringing people together, and that’s the exact message in this song.
Overall, the EP doubles as a soundtrack for positivity and living life to the fullest for these times. Of course, Ford preserves the right amount of grit and wit to liven and light up any party as his blend of Southern rock, modern country, and rap remains downright unbeatable. Alongside guests such as Vince Gill [“Keys to the Country”], Josh Mirenda [“My Town”], Matt Stell [“Bad Beer“], and more, his lead vocals and raps remain as robust and uniformly strong as ever. Nevertheless, “If I Didn’t Know Better” featuring Jana Kramer marks an emotional high watermark for the Keys to the Country EP. This vulnerable, vibrant, and vital ballad illuminates Ford’s impressive range as he carries a heart-wrenching hook to the heavens and back.
“I have to say ‘If I Didn’t Know Better’ is a real, true, and defining moment for me,” he admits. “It’s how I sing and where I feel good at. It’s a straight-up country power ballad that honestly every man in the world should listen to and realize what mistakes not to make. It changed a lot for me. Having Jana Kramer on the track was just icing on the cake. She is an incredible singer and fun to work with.”
As Ford kicks off his next powerful chapter, he holds nothing back on the Keys to the Country EP.
“Listen to these tracks…you’ll know exactly who I am,” he leaves off. “Colt Ford is about God, family, friends, and America. I’m just a guy who loves life. I love people. I love knowing I could make a difference in somebody else’s life with a song. I hope you walk away with a smile on your face. I poured my heart and soul into this one. This ain’t a hobby. It’s life. The fans are the reason I’m here. I’m going to keep doing it for them. I feel like the luckiest man on planet earth, so I’m not stopping,” he laughs.
Reload
Colt Ford Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Don't take my silence for ignorance, oh no
So if you're into steppin' over lines, stompin' on my way of life
There's two things you need to know
We don't retreat, we reload
Always into givin' a helpin' hand, but never take a handout
Shakin' hands to sign a deal, that's what we're still about
In hopes for makin' a future for the ones that we care about
It's a tradition, passed down like hand-me-down jeans with stitches
That humble background is rollin' through our system, flowin' like a river
Bred to be a hero and never play the victim
Never start nothin', but we will finish it
So don't be so quick to run your lips
'Cause you could get slapped by the same hand that I woulda helped you with
Somebody tell 'em
Don't take my kindness for weakness
Don't take my silence for ignorance
So if you're into steppin' over lines, stompin' on my way of life
There's two things you need to know
We don't retreat, we reload
A lot of times we don't speak, we just listen
Silence is a virtue, try it and find out what you been missin'
Although we keep our distance, I peak over the fence
And think the world needs a little John Wayne in it
Respect is earned, we say ma'am and sir
Salute those who served, 'cause it's well deserved
The first to call you out if you're lyin'
But the last to kick ya out if you're tryin'
We're the worst folks to those who kick us when we're down
But the best to those who've always been around
Friends for life, trespassers get shot once
Survivors, shot twice
Don't take my kindness for weakness
Don't take my silence for ignorance
So if you're into steppin' over lines, stompin' on my way of life
There's two things you need to know
We don't retreat, we reload
Nah we don't retreat, we reload
The lyrics of Colt Ford's song "Reload" convey a strong message about not underestimating someone based on their kindness or silence. The opening verse warns against mistaking kindness for weakness and emphasizes the importance of not confusing silence for ignorance. The singer asserts that if someone crosses boundaries and challenges their way of life, their response won't be to retreat but to reload, indicating a readiness to stand firm and defend themselves.
The lyrics go on to describe a hardworking and self-sufficient attitude, where a helping hand is offered but never expected in return. The imagery of shaking hands to seal deals and working diligently with sweat on the brow reflects a commitment to traditional values and building a better future for loved ones. The reference to a humble background and the passing down of values like hand-me-down jeans highlights the importance of heritage and the strength that comes from generations of resilience.
The song also touches on the significance of respect and integrity, with a nod to old-fashioned values of addressing others with manners and showing appreciation for those who have served. There is a clear distinction between those who are truthful and those who are deceitful, with a firm stance against those who betray trust. The lyrics suggest a sense of loyalty to those who have always stood by them, contrasting sharply with the treatment of those who seek to take advantage or cause harm.
In the chorus, the repeated refrain drives home the central theme of not backing down in the face of adversity. The declaration "we don't retreat, we reload" serves as a declaration of resilience and determination in the face of challenges. It encapsulates the idea that while they may face hardships and opposition, they will always stand their ground and be ready to defend themselves and their way of life. Overall, the lyrics of "Reload" showcase a blend of resilience, loyalty, and a strong sense of self-identity amidst a changing world.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jared Sciullo, Charlie Farley, Austin Jenckes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
GJ5 Films
Lyrics:
Don't take my kindness for weakness, oh no
Don't take my silence for ignorance, oh no
So if you're into steppin' over lines, stompin' on my way of life
There's two things you need to know
We don't retreat, we reload
Always into givin' a helpin' hand, but never take a handout
Shakin' hands to sign a deal, that's what we're still about
Keep sweat on our brow and dirt on our plow
In hopes for makin' a future for the ones that we care about
It's a tradition, passed down like hand-me-down jeans with stitches
That humble background is rollin' through our system, flowin' like a river
Bred to be a hero and never play the victim
Never start nothin', but we will finish it
So don't be so quick to run your lips
'Cause you could get slapped by the same hand that I woulda helped you with
Somebody tell 'em
Don't take my kindness for weakness
Don't take my silence for ignorance
So if you're into steppin' over lines, stompin' on my way of life
There's two things you need to know
We don't retreat, we reload
A lot of times we don't speak, we just listen
Silence is a virtue, try it and find out what you been missin'
Although we keep our distance, I peak over the fence
And think the world needs a little John Wayne in it
Respect is earned, we say ma'am and sir
Salute those who served, 'cause it's well deserved
The first to call you out if you're lyin'
But the last to kick ya out if you're tryin'
We're the worst folks to those who kick us when we're down
But the best to those who've always been around
Friends for life, trespassers get shot once
Survivors, shot twice
Don't take my kindness for weakness
Don't take my silence for ignorance
So if you're into steppin' over lines, stompin' on my way of life
There's two things you need to know
We don't retreat, we reload
Nah we don't retreat, we reload.
God Bless Us All!
Nickole Mae Varner
Colt I've listened to your music for years, since Mudd Diggers....
I've listened to your music evolve over the years and grow as you have!
Last year I was blessed enough to surprise my Momma for her birthday to see you, Justin Moore & Brantley Gilbert on Father's Day (June 19th) in Bristow, Virginia! I had bought the tickets off line and got ripped off; I was told they were fantastic seats and when we got there we were in the nose bleed seats I kept apologizing to my Momma saying how sorry I was that I had ruined her birthday and she kept saying it was fine, she was happy, a birthday she'd never forget and the best birthday present ever.... I don't know if it was luck, coincidence, or the security guard over heard it all because right after you got done playing he upgraded us to the PIT! Let's just say at that point she didn't have to lie to me anymore to make me feel better, I know she had the best night!
We have both bought Four Lane Gone and are both fans of Taylor Ray Holbrook as well (seeing as we live near the Mason Dixon Line, PA), so when we found out y'all were doing a song together I screamed, she laughed at me!
But we absolutely love both songs; Four Lane Gone & Reload, my 8 year old epileptic son loves your music as well! I cannot wait to hear the rest of the album and purchase it, and hopefully catch you in concert again!
You are an inspiration, I'm not sure if this was a rumor or if it was an interview and you had said it.. but I remember hearing said if your one album didn't take off the way you wanted it to, you were done... you were tired of being taken as a joke in the country music industry, you knew you had talent and that's what you wanted people to see.
Well love, weather it was a rumor or something you truly said....
we're seeing you're very talented!
♡ Love Hope Faith ♡
Nickole Mae Varner
Waynesboro, Pennsylavnia 17268
Alpha Hellwolf
I feel this song in my soul bro. It's like my medicine lately in a world where my values and morals are constantly put to question by people with none. Today was a day I needed to listen more than once. Ya'll speak to me through music and sometimes that's all I need to get by. So thank you for this.
John Smith
I’m an old guy but I just love Tyler Ray’s voice its a share mainstream music have their favorites. Thank you Colt Ford for giving Tyler a chance to show what he has in style and range! Don’t either of you give up or give in! God bless you both and the U.S.A.
[REDACTED]
@Brandon S Who gives a sh*t. We knew what he meant.
Brandon S
It's TAYLOR NOT TYLER
Paul Morkunas
I really love Colt Ford, his patriotism, and his music. He's the best example of an American man.
jayden kraus
love this song taylor and colt ford sound great together
Josh Avino
It's colt ford
Colton Bocock
@Josh Avino Colt Fort? LOL 😂
Ibar Ibar
Yes mam
John Smith
Love Taylor Ray”s voice