This memory only marks one of the upbeat mid-westerner’s childhood performances. “I’ve loved performing from a very early age. I performed to “Thriller” and “Men in Black” at my elementary school talent show. My mom would make up choreography to go along with the songs. It was great,” recalls Baldridge. “I would take to the dance floor at wedding reception even if no one was dancing just to be able to perform in front of people. That’s when I learned how to win over a crowd. They would all be applauding by the end of the song,” says Drew with a smile.
Standing at 6’1", Drew grew up playing basketball and baseball, but would perform the “National Anthem” at all his games. “The high school I went to was too small for a band, but no one thought anything of me being a jock and a singer. I used any and every outlet I could to share my passion with others. The openly Christian teenager joined a quartet at church singing bass while his father sang tenor. Later on he began playing acoustic gigs at a nearby bar on Saturday nights. “My Dad stood by me and my preacher told me Jesus didn’t just preach in church, and I could be that light through my music.”
“It made perfect sense to become a country artist. I like to tell stories, and singing about where I come from,” explains Baldridge. He recalls his father buying a Dodge Intrepid when he was five years old and the owner threw in a cassette tape with the deal. “Alabama’s ‘Born Country’ was the first country song I fell in love with. We played that cassette over and over. The song rang true to me because my grandpa’s childhood home was just down the road, where the house that his father built by hand still stands.” Four generations of Baldridge’s family have lived and farmed that land in rural Illinois.
“If you have to describe my music in 3 words, I would have to say it’s fun, real, and positive,” says the singer/songwriter. “I love what Keith Urban says about creating music; ‘We don’t make music to impress, but to inspire.’ I truly believe that you know.” One of his favorite songs he recently worked on is “God’s Front Porch,” which was released on Easter of this year and is featured on Crossing County Lines Vol. II. “What a blessing it would be to be in the presence of the Lord on his front porch.”
In 2013, Drew signed with THiS Music, joining the ranks of Nashville’s most prominent and prolific songwriters. He went on to release his debut EP, All Good and his singles “BYOB” and “She’s Taken” became Midwestern radio staples. His new music project, Crossing County Lines is being released in three installments throughout 2015. The first volume was released this past December and debuted at #15 on the iTunes Country Chart. CCL Vol. II released April 7.
Known as much as a performer as a singer, Drew brings a rousing, energy-packed show to every opening or headlining date. “I am so very excited for my fans and future fans to hear my song ‘Dance With Ya.’ I went into the songwriting session with this melody in my head, and I said I want something that I could dance to. That’s what we created,” says Baldridge. The tune features a horn section, hypnotic chorus and topped off with Drew’s signature dance moves, “Dance With Ya” is destined to be a crowd-pleaser.
“I want to build my career the way Eric Church built his. He has an incredible fan base that he gained out on the road, which is similar to what we are doing. “Team work makes the dream work’ is the motto me and my band go by.” Catch up-and-comer Drew Baldridge and his band on the road in a city near you.
Middle of Nowhere Kids
Drew Baldridge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Couldn't wait to graduate
Spray can painted Chevrolets
An FFA patch on your jacket
This is for the summers stacking hay
Calling shotgun and your first taste
Of ice cold beer and girls to chase
Around that nothing but a map dot
This is for the middle of nowhere kids
Thinking that there's gotta be more than this
Cussing the dust and the wind and the red on your skin
And that one stop light
All you raised on a John Deere plowboys
A song for all you cowboys
Yeah I know right where you live
All you middle of nowhere kids
Heres to leaving and calling home
Your daddy handing your mom the phone
Man you miss that first kiss town
That home team crowd miss running around
Your stomping grounds since you've been gone
This is for the middle of nowhere kids
Thinking that there's gotta be more than this
Cussing the dust and the wind and the red on your skin
And that one stop light
All you raised on a John Deere plowboys
A song for all you cowboys
Yeah I know right where you live
All you middle of nowhere kids
This is for the middle of nowhere kids
Man there ain't nothing better than this
Yeah I grew up, I grew up just like you did
All you raised on a John Deere plowboys
A song for all you cowboys
Yeah I know right where you live
All you middle of nowhere kids
Nowhere kids
The song "Middle of Nowhere Kids" by Drew Baldridge is an anthem for those who grew up in rural areas and small towns. The lyrics describe the nostalgia and memories of high school days spent hanging out with friends, driving around in spray-painted cars, and chasing after girls. The song speaks to the restlessness and desire for something more that many young people in these areas feel, but also acknowledges the deep connection and pride they have for their hometowns and the people they grew up with.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the rural American experience, referencing the FFA and John Deere tractors, as well as the harsh elements of dust, wind, and red skin from working outside. The chorus repeats the line "This is for the middle of nowhere kids," emphasizing the sense of shared experience among those who grew up in similar circumstances, while also acknowledging the uniqueness of each individual's story.
Through its relatable lyrics and catchy country melody, "Middle of Nowhere Kids" speaks to a larger cultural narrative about rural America and the people who call it home. The song recognizes the challenges and limitations of growing up in a small town, but ultimately celebrates the tight-knit community and sense of belonging that comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
This is for the counting down the days
Looking forward to something in the future and marking the days until it comes
Couldn't wait to graduate
Eager to finish school and move on to the next chapter in life
Spray can painted Chevrolets
Cars customized with spray paint, reflecting the style of the time and place
An FFA patch on your jacket
Wearing an agricultural organization patch as a symbol of pride and community
This is for the summers stacking hay
Working hard and making money during the summer months by stacking hay
Calling shotgun and your first taste
Taking the front passenger seat in the car and experiencing something new for the first time
Of ice cold beer and girls to chase
Drinking cold beer and pursuing romantic interests
Around that nothing but a map dot
Living in a small, rural town that may not even be on the map
This is for the middle of nowhere kids
The song is about young people who live in isolated, rural areas
Thinking that there's gotta be more than this
Believing that life has greater opportunities and experiences than what their current surroundings offer
Cussing the dust and the wind and the red on your skin
Expressing frustration with the hardships of living in a rural area, such as dusty roads, windy weather, and sunburned skin
And that one stop light
Living in a town so small that it only has one stoplight
All you raised on a John Deere plowboys
Growing up in a farming community, where John Deere machinery is commonly used
A song for all you cowboys
The song represents the experiences and struggles of cowboys, who are also a part of the rural culture
Yeah I know right where you live
The singer is intimately familiar with the struggles and joys of rural life
Heres to leaving and calling home
Acknowledging the need to leave home and experience life elsewhere, while still staying connected to family through phone calls
Your daddy handing your mom the phone
The tradition of fathers handing the phone to mothers to talk to their absent children
Man you miss that first kiss town
Nostalgia for the small town where the singer had his first romantic experience
That home team crowd miss running around
Missing the camaraderie and fun of participating in local sports teams and events
Your stomping grounds since you've been gone
The singer's hometown and all the memories associated with it, even after leaving for a new life
Man there ain't nothing better than this
Despite the challenges of living in a rural area, the singer deeply values this way of life
Yeah I grew up, I grew up just like you did
Acknowledging that the singer had the same experiences and challenges as those who live in small towns
Nowhere kids
An affectionate term for young people growing up in isolated, rural areas
Writer(s): Tony Lane, Randy Montana, John Pierce
Contributed by Bailey J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.