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.
Twisted
Colt Ford Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It ain't rained in a month
Mama done took a job part time at the five and dime
Lord, times is hard, Daddy's pride is really hurtin', feelin' less than a man
Workin' dark to dark, how much more can he stand?
I ain't never seen him cry now I'm seventeen
Quarterback, first train, gave my high school ring
To the prettiest little girl, green eyes and red hair.
I ain't never been so torn, should I stay or leave?
Get out of this small town, am I lettin' 'em down?
I could even play ball somewhere in the fall
Live the big city life, I guess I could have it all
Lord, I'm twisted, I feel the stress that's hangin' on me,
And all this pain in my family they all depend on me.
Lord, I'm twisted, I feel the stress that's hangin' on me,
And all this pain in my family they all depend on me.
Lord, I'm twisted.
Man, how do you decide between real life and a dream?
Lovin' ya Ma and Pa, ya girl, and ya team
Trying to figure out the next move to make,
Trying to figure out the right road to take.
Dying to get out, but still afraid to roam.
Is it wrong to wanna leave the only place I've known?
Life as I know it is just simple and plain:
Chores, school, and practice, everyday is the same.
I'm tired of the routine and everyone knowing me.
I'm dreaming of everything the t.v. is showing me.
They promised me a full ride to UCLA,
But that's a whole 'nother world for small town G.A.
Lord, I'm askin', I hope you hear my prayer
'Cause I'm torn between here and what I see over there
I pray someway that you could give me a sign
Tell me which way to go 'cause I sure don't know
Lord, I'm twisted, I feel the stress that's hangin' on me,
And all this pain in my family they all depend on me.
Lord, I'm twisted, I feel the stress that's hangin' on me,
And all this pain in my family they all depend on me.
Lord, I'm twisted.
Lord, we're one win away from winning it all,
And I'm a plane flight away from seeing my first ball
I can finally see the ocean and stars of Hollywood
Say bye to this damn farm, get a tattoo on my arm
Forget these dirt roads and the way I was raised
Chase the bright lights of the California nights
Sports cars and sushi is all I see
When I order some sweet tea they start laughin' at me
Boy, this new life ain't what I thought it would be
Maybe the city life ain't made for me
Now I'm wishing I was fishin' on the lake with Dad,
And starting to realize being country ain't bad
I miss that ol' farm and that red headed girl
Waking up before the sun to help Daddy get it done.
I'm packed and headed back to the place I was born
Proud to be country and no longer torn
Lord, I'm twisted, I feel the stress that's hangin' on me,
And all this pain in my family they all depend on me.
Lord, I'm twisted, I feel the stress that's hangin' on me,
And all this pain in my family they all depend on me.
Lord, I'm twisted. yeah yeah
Lord, I'm twisted
I don't know, I don't know, I don't know
If I should wait or should I go, I just don't know
This song is for everybody, no matter whether you're from a small town,
The hood, the big city, it don't matter everybody's got their dreams they wanna follow
Some people are ashamed of where they're from, they don't know where they're supposed to be
Everybody find your place in life, be proud of who you are
Don't let nothing hold you back
Just bring me home
I'm twisted, so twisted
I'm so twisted
The song "Twisted" by Colt Ford is a heart-wrenching country ballad that explores the trials and tribulations of growing up in a small town and yearning for something more. The singer is a 17-year-old boy with a promising future in football, who is struggling to make a life-altering decision. On the one hand, he loves his family, his girlfriend, and his hometown, and wants nothing more than to stay and make a life there. On the other hand, he dreams of big-city living, bright lights, and fame, and feels torn between his loyalty to his roots and his longing for the unknown.
The lyrics perfectly capture the angst of adolescence and the weight of responsibility that comes with growing up. The boy feels that he has to take care of everybody, including his hardworking mother and father, and his fledgling football team. He is caught between two worlds, his simple life on the farm and the glamorous life he imagines living in L.A. The constant pressure to succeed and provide for his loved ones is weighing on him, and he feels twisted up inside. He prays for guidance from God, hoping that a sign will show him which path to take.
Overall, Twisted is a powerful, emotionally charged song that speaks to the universal experience of growing up, of making tough choices, and of chasing your dreams while staying true to who you are.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh oh oh oh
Introductory line
It ain't rained in a month
The environment is dry
Mama done took a job part time at the five and dime
The singer's mother has taken a part-time job
Lord, times is hard, Daddy's pride is really hurtin', feelin' less than a man
The artist's father is feeling less manly due to financial hardship
Workin' dark to dark, how much more can he stand?
The father is working long hours, and it's taking a toll on him
I ain't never seen him cry now I'm seventeen
The singer has never seen his father cry, but he's now seventeen
Quarterback, first train, gave my high school ring
The singer is a quarterback and has given his high school ring to his girlfriend
To the prettiest little girl, green eyes and red hair.
The artist's girlfriend is the most beautiful girl with green eyes and red hair
I think I might ask her to marry me tonight at the fair.
The artist is considering proposing to his girlfriend at the fair
I ain't never been so torn, should I stay or leave?
The artist is unsure whether to stay in his hometown or leave
Get out of this small town, am I lettin' 'em down?
The singer is unsure if it's right to leave his small town
I could even play ball somewhere in the fall
The artist could play football elsewhere
Live the big city life, I guess I could have it all
The singer is contemplating the idea of having everything in the big city
Lord, I'm twisted, I feel the stress that's hangin' on me,
The singer is feeling stressed and confused
And all this pain in my family they all depend on me.
The singer feels like his family is depending on him and his decisions
Man, how do you decide between real life and a dream?
The artist is struggling to choose between the life he has and the life he dreams of
Lovin' ya Ma and Pa, ya girl, and ya team
The artist loves his family, girlfriend, and football team
Trying to figure out the next move to make,
The singer is trying to figure out what to do next
Trying to figure out the right road to take.
The singer is trying to figure out the right path to take
Dying to get out, but still afraid to roam.
The artist wants to leave but is scared to
Is it wrong to wanna leave the only place I've known?
The artist is questioning if it's wrong to want to leave his hometown
Life as I know it is just simple and plain:
The artist thinks his life is dull and ordinary
Chores, school, and practice, everyday is the same.
The singer's day-to-day life feels repetitive and boring
I'm tired of the routine and everyone knowing me.
The artist is tired of his routine and wants a change
I'm dreaming of everything the t.v. is showing me.
The singer dreams of having everything he sees on TV
They promised me a full ride to UCLA,
The singer has received a promise of a full ride to UCLA
But that's a whole 'nother world for small town G.A.
Going to UCLA is a whole different world for someone from a small town in Georgia
Lord, I'm askin', I hope you hear my prayer
The artist is praying for guidance from God
'Cause I'm torn between here and what I see over there
The artist is struggling with choosing between his hometown and the potential opportunity elsewhere
I pray someway that you could give me a sign
The singer is asking for a sign from God
Tell me which way to go 'cause I sure don't know
The singer is lost and needs direction
Lord, we're one win away from winning it all,
The artist's football team is one win away from winning everything
And I'm a plane flight away from seeing my first ball
The artist is a plane flight away from experiencing a brand new world
I can finally see the ocean and stars of Hollywood
The artist is dazzled by the thought of seeing the ocean and stars in Hollywood
Say bye to this damn farm, get a tattoo on my arm
The singer is excited to leave the farm life and get a tattoo
Forget these dirt roads and the way I was raised
The artist wants to forget his upbringing
Chase the bright lights of the California nights
The singer is ready to go after the bright lights of California
Sports cars and sushi is all I see
The singer is fixated on the idea of sports cars and sushi
When I order some sweet tea they start laughin' at me
The singer feels out of place when he orders a drink not common in his hometown
Boy, this new life ain't what I thought it would be
The artist realizes the new life he's been longing for isn't exactly what he expected
Maybe the city life ain't made for me
The artist is doubting if the city life is for him
Now I'm wishing I was fishin' on the lake with Dad,
The singer realizes he misses the simple life of fishing with his dad
And starting to realize being country ain't bad
The singer is realizing his country roots aren't all that bad
I miss that ol' farm and that red headed girl
The artist misses his home farm and his girlfriend
Waking up before the sun to help Daddy get it done.
The artist misses waking up early to help his father on the farm
I'm packed and headed back to the place I was born
The artist is heading back to his hometown
Proud to be country and no longer torn
The singer is proud of his country roots and no longer torn between his hometown and the big city
This song is for everybody, no matter whether you're from a small town,
The song is for everyone, regardless of where they're from
The hood, the big city, it don't matter everybody's got their dreams they wanna follow
Everyone has their own dreams to follow
Some people are ashamed of where they're from, they don't know where they're supposed to be
Some people are ashamed of where they come from and don't know their place in life
Everybody find your place in life, be proud of who you are
Everyone should find their place in life and be proud of their background
Don't let nothing hold you back
Don't let anything hold you back from pursuing your dreams
Just bring me home
The artist wants to return to his hometown
I'm twisted, so twisted
The singer is feeling conflicted and confused
I'm so twisted
The singer is really struggling with his decision
I don't know, I don't know, I don't know
The artist is unsure and confused
If I should wait or should I go, I just don't know
The artist doesn't know if he should wait or leave his hometown
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KINGSLEY BROWN, ADDO SLACK, GETHIN RHYS DAVIES, LUKE SPILLER, JED ELLIOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mary Flowers
I am going through a tough time but this is helping me thank you Colt Ford
Jalynn Littrell
It might sound weird but this song just so happened helped me finish high school. I did it online. I was so bound and determined to give up and drop out but i listened to this and it made me think of my little boy & how my parents and family depended on me. Needless to say , i am now a 16 year old high school graduate . Love Colt Ford (:
Bryson Mears
i just might download this song
John Yoolie
21 now ! Keep believeing Brother!
Melissa Green
I love colt ford!!! The songs have a lot of meanings!!!
Kevin Barrios
this song fits me like crazy I work 65 hours a week and it feel like no one cares and always keeps me stressed out it helps me make throw a 12 hour shift thanks colt I'm a big fan of you
ImTooRaw
What do you do man? Me n my pops listen to this... I’ve been working a little now I’m only 17 but I’ve been goin in at 4am but I work my ass off. It’s worth it but music like this helps
Hope Martin
Love it
Wild Hog Productions
Why is Country music so damn good, I mean I cant get enough of it. The best genre around by far, they sing about life, love, money, women & beer. This is real music, not like the crap made by most people now days!! :D
Courtney Boggs
This man is a country artist...country is not just a sound its what the song means to whoever is listening to the song...colt ford is a badass artist and this big city sound mixed with small town meaning is extremely hard to make sound good...i havent heard a colt ford song that i didnt like.