His second album, 2009's Carolina, produced three more singles: "Smoke a Little Smoke" and his first top 10 hits, "Love Your Love the Most" and "Hell on the Heart". 2011's Chief, his first #1 album, gave him his first two #1 singles, "Drink in My Hand" and "Springsteen", and the hits "Homeboy", "Creepin'", and "Like Jesus Does". His third #1 single was "The Only Way I Know", which he, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan recorded for Aldean's album Night Train.
A fourth album, The Outsiders, was released in February 2014. It produced five new singles between 2013 and 2015 with the title track, "Give Me Back My Hometown", "Cold One", "Talladega" and "Like a Wrecking Ball". "Talladega" and "Give Me Back My Hometown" each reached #1 on the Country Airplay chart. Eric Church got his sixth #1 hit with Keith Urban in May 2015 with the single "Raise 'Em Up". His fifth studio album, Mr. Misunderstood, was released in November 2015 and went on to produce two #1 singles with "Record Year" and "Round Here Buzz".
On July 13, 2018, Church released the first single and title track of his album Desperate Man, which was released in October 2018.
In April 2021, Church released the double album set Heart & Soul.
Desperate Man
Eric Church Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
I've seen the Joshua Tree
Got down on my knees
Threw the Virgin Mother a prayer
I've walked glass barefooted
I've tried everything, I swear
Oh, but hey (hey), what can I say?
I'm a desperate man
I said hey (hey), what can I say?
I'm just a desperate man
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
Fortuneteller told me
"No more last chances
You got no future at all"
Oh, but I ain't listenin'
To black-hearted gypsy
Nailed a crucifix to a different wall
Hey (hey), what can I say?
I'm a desperate man
I said hey (hey), what can I say?
I'm just a desperate man
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
Yeah, I'm a half-cock, full-tilt
Scarred hands to the hilt
Don't push me, grown-ass man
Yeah, flashin' light, caution
Careful where ya cross, son
'Til she comes back again
Yeah, hey (hey), what can I say?
I'm a desperate man
Oh, hey (hey), what can I say?
I'm just a desperate man
Oh, hey (hey), I said hey (hey)
Whoa, what can I say? I'm a desperate man
Oh, hey (hey), I said hey (hey)
I'm just a desperate man, oh, yeah
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
Grown-ass man
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
(Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo)
In the song "Desperate Man," Eric Church explores the theme of desperation in the face of adversity. The lyrics depict a person who has tried everything possible to get out of a difficult situation, but nothing seems to be working. The opening lines, "I've seen the Joshua Tree, got down on my knees, threw the Virgin Mother a prayer" indicate that the singer has tried to find spiritual solace to get out of his despair. He has also "walked glass barefooted" and "strolled 'cross the devil's hot coal" indicating that he has gone through a lot of physical and emotional pain.
The second verse talks about how a fortuneteller has told the singer that he has no future left. But the singer is not willing to give up and "nailed a crucifix to a different wall." This suggests that the singer is willing to try new things to escape his desperation. The bridge of the song is where the singer warns people around him to be careful and not push him. He is a "grown-ass man" and does not want to be messed with.
The repetition of the phrase "hey, what can I say, I'm a desperate man" indicates that the singer has accepted his situation and is not ashamed of it. The song ends with the singer repeating the phrase, "hey, what can I say" as he embraces his desperation and asserts his strength.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen the Joshua Tree
I have travelled and seen things
Got down on my knees
I have been humbled
Threw the Virgin Mother a prayer
I have sought divine intervention
I've walked glass barefooted
I have endured pain
Strolled 'cross the devil's hot coal
I have faced danger and adversity
I've tried everything, I swear
I have exhausted all options
Oh, but hey (hey), what can I say?
Despite all of this, I am still struggling
I'm a desperate man
I am in a difficult situation
Fortuneteller told me
I have sought guidance from others
"No more last chances
I have been warned that I am out of options
You got no future at all"
I have been told there is no hope
Oh, but I ain't listenin'
I am determined to keep fighting
To black-hearted gypsy
But I have encountered those who wish me ill
Nailed a crucifix to a different wall
I have tried unconventional solutions
Yeah, I'm a half-cock, full-tilt
I am passionate and driven
Scarred hands to the hilt
I have been through many difficulties
Don't push me, grown-ass man
I am not to be underestimated
Yeah, flashin' light, caution
I am aware of potential dangers
Careful where ya cross, son
And I am ready to defend myself
'Til she comes back again
Until things get better
Oh, hey (hey), I said hey (hey)
I am still struggling
Whoa, what can I say? I'm a desperate man
My situation is difficult
I'm just a desperate man, oh, yeah
I am doing everything I can to get through this
Grown-ass man
I am an adult and can handle my own problems
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ray Wylie Hubbard, Eric Church
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Zach Anderson
My girlfriend collects vinyl and she loves this album. I ordered her the vinyl for Christmas 2018 and it came with a handwritten letter signed by Eric Church himself! This guy cares about his fans like no one else. Thanks for always making amazing music Eric!
Neil Hibbard
That's awesome
Jeffrey Hortman
Yes sir he does. I've got all but 1 vinyl of his. Become a member of the fan club if you haven't.i will buy you tickets to a show if you've never been. Church is it!
HandmeDown Carron
Never been to one of his concerts😭
Ryan Andres
@HandmeDown Carron you have got to go. We saw him in Lexington for his first show of the tour and he pours out his soul for his fans. We will be seeing him again in February in Louisville. Hands down best live show out there
Wizardsoul23
Such a great guy. Great song
thegreat
Nobody in country music is like this guy , Eric has such a unique amazing southern voice!! My favorite singer , 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amber Walker
Great song! It's great to see a country music singer who thinks for himself. Your true fans will never go away.
Alexus Aldridge
I love how old school this song sounds. I love love love it!
Justice Harrison
Hello there Alexus nice meeting you here