But if you ask JB when the band really started, he’ll reflect back to a time rooted less in music and more in his unfulfilled dreams.
“My son, Parker, is the reason this band exists,” he explains. “Because when I learned I was going to be a father, I knew I wanted to be able to tell him he can be whatever he wants to be as long as he sets his mind to it and works hard. But I realized there was something I had wanted to do that I never had the guts to try—being a singer/songwriter. And I thought to myself, if I’m ever gonna tell my kid that he can be whatever he wants to be, then I’d better at least give this a shot. Thankfully, it has worked out. But, succeed or fail, you’ve gotta try.”
Since taking the plunge into the music business, JB and the guys have seen enough success for JB to realize he’s already accomplished his first set of goals. In just over three years, JB has written a couple of tunes that wound up atop the Billboard Texas music charts and he and the band have recorded and released two acclaimed albums—Ain’t Goin’ Back to Jail and the current Beer for Breakfast on the Average Joes Entertainment label. They’ve also been pounding the road playing shows all over the country.
So, what’s the secret to the band’s success thus far in its young career? JB thinks it comes down to two simple things: band chemistry and his commitment to staying true to himself as a writer and artist.
“When I was a teenager and saw Willie Nelson, I was awestruck,” he recalls. “And I especially liked how his band is basically like his family. My band and I are friends, first and foremost, and secondarily, we play music together. I’ve been very fortunate to have such a good group of guys.”
And the combination of the band’s great chemistry and JB’s excellent songwriting gives these East Texas boys instant credibility wherever they play. Whether cranking out no-holds-barred honky-tonk drinking tunes or throttling back to sing about matters of the heart, JB and the Moonshine Band tunes have the ring of truth. Need proof? Check out JB’s lyrical take on the perfect hangover cure from the title cut of Beer for Breakfast:
I’ve seen ‘em all hunched over prayin’ to that toilet seat Not knowin’ all they had to do was pop a top and drink
But on the other end of the spectrum, “The Only Drug,” also from Breakfast, has plenty of romance, with just a touch of that trademark JB grit:
If you’re thinkin’ I’m addicted, I guess it’s kinda true, but they can keep their drink, their smoke, their pills and their cocaine, too . . . ‘cause your love’s the only drug I do.
While the band has achieved great success in Texas and is beginning to see it blossom in other parts of the country, JB knows he has to be careful not to forsake what’s made them popular in their home state in order to gain fans elsewhere.
“I have the responsibility to myself and to my fans to be myself on my records. That’s first and foremost to me. And that’s what’s brought us this far. I just have to always remain true to myself.”
The good news is fans are loving the music on Beer for Breakfast and the response to the CD’s summer single “No Better Than This” has been beyond great.
“We did a show recently and a bunch of people were all up at the stage and singing our songs—even songs that have never even thought about being singles. There’s no better feeling on stage than to look out at a sea of people singing a song that you wrote. That’s just the ultimate to me. And I’m fortunate and blessed to be able to experience that."
So, what about those new goals?
“I want to write a song that goes Top 10 in the Billboard charts,” declares JB with a smile. “And if I got a No. 1, that’s it. I can retire. All my wildest dreams would have come true.”
That would be great for JB, but as far as his fans are concerned, they’d probably be happy with a long string of No. 2 hits . . . to keep him out there playing more great music for years to come.
The Only Drug
JB and the Moonshine Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Doing everything I wanted to every which way I could,
As long as it felt good,
But there's nothing that can make me feel the way you can,
So I gave up my addictions,
I'm a brand new man, it's true,
Cause all I really want is you!
Nothing gets me high on life or drunk on love the way you do,
So if your thinking I'm addicted,
I guess it's kinda true, but they can keep their drink,
Their smoke, their pills, and their cocaine too,
Because your loves the only drug I do!
The lyrics of JB and the Moonshine Band's The Only Drug reveal a narrator who has been living his life the way he wanted to, rolling up and down that lost highway and doing everything he ever wanted to do, as long as it felt good. However, he has realized that there's nothing that can make him feel the way his lover does. He has given up his addictions and is now a brand new man, who only wants to have his lover by his side. He proclaims his love by saying "Baby you got what I need, nothing else'll do, Nothing gets me high on life or drunk on love the way you do", and confesses that he is addicted to his lover's love, and is willing to leave behind any other kind of addiction.
The song speaks to the power of love and how it can be the strongest addiction of all. The singer has realized that nothing else he could do or consume, whether it be drugs, alcohol or anything else, could ever match the high he gets from being loved by his partner. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, and are accompanied by a catchy melody that perfectly complements the message of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I been rolling up and down that lost highway,
I've been living recklessly and without direction in life, going through different experiences and getting myself lost.
Doing everything I wanted to every which way I could,
I've been living without any restrictions and doing anything I want, without any concern of the consequences.
As long as it felt good,
I did things as long as it made me feel good, without considering the long-term effect of those actions.
But there's nothing that can make me feel the way you can,
I realize that no amount of drugs or other pleasures can replace the happiness that being with my loved one gives me.
So I gave up my addictions,
Having realized the depth of my feelings for my loved one, I have deliberately chosen to stop my reckless and addicting habits.
I'm a brand new man, it's true,
I have turned over a new leaf in life and feel reinvigorated because of my decision to give up my past bad habits.
Cause all I really want is you!
My love for my partner is the only thing that matters to me now, and I want to spend my life with them.
Baby you got what I need, nothing else'll do,
My partner is the only source of happiness I will ever need, and nothing else can satisfy me.
Nothing gets me high on life or drunk on love the way you do,
The love and companionship of my partner is the only thing that can elevate my mood and keep me content in life.
So if your thinking I'm addicted,
I agree that my love for my partner might seem like an addiction, but it is a healthy and fulfilling one.
I guess it's kinda true, but they can keep their drink,
It's true that I might be addicted to my partner's love, but I am not interested in any other addictive substances or habits.
Their smoke, their pills, and their cocaine too,
I do not want to indulge in or be dependent on any substances that might harm me or my loved ones.
Because your loves the only drug I do!
The only kind of addiction I am willing to indulge in is the love and affection of my partner.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rick Atkins
JB is my classmate. He and his band are doing big things!
Rhett Corbin
Keep making songs like this and you'll be at the top of the board in no time:)
Rhonda Dalton
This is one of the first songs I had on my first mps player. I loved this song! Still do. It's the greatest
creamerie
Love this song!!!
Mike105
Ive been to every show including their first preformance at Billy Bobs in Ft Worth, TX and I saw a sneak peak of this video...Im telling you they are on their way. I love them theyre my favortie band and I will follow them always! Love you guys!
Michael Riddle
It’s too bad these guys aren’t signed to a major label. I’d love to hear their music on the radio. I love their sound.
trukr82281
great song and a really good video to go along with it. nice work guys
Savannah Carroll
Absolutely LOVE this song ::))
kdawg812
This is my very favorite song. Please make more amazing songs!!
Mason Hill
Love this song