McPherson grew up in rural southeastern Oklahoma, on a cattle ranch near the town of Talihina. His father was a farmer and ex-army while his mother was a church minister. He took up the guitar at age 13. In high school he played in a number of local punk rock bands and began writing his own songs. He has stated that he has never not been in a band of some sort since he was 16 years of age.
During this time, McPherson also developed a strong interest in 1950s rock and roll after being exposed to the music of Buddy Holly. This went on to shape his song writing and sound for bands he was in such as The Poison Okies and The Starkweather Boys.
He studied visual arts in college, earning a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Tulsa, and later worked as an art and technology teacher. After deciding to pursue music more seriously, McPherson sent a demo to Jimmy Sutton of the small independent record label Hi-STYLE Records, which specialized in roots music. Sutton agreed to produce McPherson's debut album: this became 2010's Signs and Signifiers. On 19 November 2012, Rolling Stone labelled McPherson an "Artist to Watch" in a 3½ star (out of 5) review of Signs and Signifiers after its wider release through Rounder Records.
The band played the acoustic stage at the Glastonbury Festival 2015 on Friday June 26, before continuing their European tour in the Netherlands.
In October 2015, JD McPherson and band appeared (in animated form) as musical guests performing a new and original song "Crazy Horse" for the DreamWorks animated TV series, The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show on Netflix.
Shy Boy
JD McPherson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And when the winter wind is blowing cold
I got a big old heart, one malicious remark
Just might hit me like a lightning bolt
They said I was shaky from the day that I started to walk
I carry such a heavy load
You know, you do a lot of damage when you talk that talk
I'm headed to the wall at the top of the steps
Feeling like a smoking gun
Talking to the voices that don't talk back
It's you and me that I'm running from
They said I was shaky from the day that I started to walk
I carry such a heavy load
You know, you do a lot of damage when you talk that talk
'Cause don't you know I'm a shy boy
A little baby cries out when he meets the world
The new day fears the setting sun
Talking to strangers always scared me to death
And now here I am talking to one
They said I was shaky from the day that I started to walk
I carry such a heavy load
You know, you do a lot of damage when you talk that talk
'Cause don't you know I'm a shy boy
Can you truly take this fear away?
I keep it under lock and key
What if I make a mistake? I might not know what to say
Why do you put this burden on me?
They said I was shaky from the day that I started to walk
I carry such a heavy load
You know, you do a lot of damage when you talk that talk
'Cause don't you know I'm a shy boy
In JD McPherson's song Shy Boy, the lyrics describe the struggles of a shy individual who finds it difficult to communicate with others. The song talks about how even the slightest of comments can affect the individual's emotions and self-esteem, and how they often retreat into isolation to avoid confrontation. The lyrics capture the internal dialogue of the shy individual, reflecting on their fear of interacting with people, and questioning whether their fear will ever subside.
The first verse describes how the individual's heart is susceptible to being hurt by malicious comments from others, even though they have a big heart. The second and third verse talk about how the shy individual feels trapped, wanting to avoid conversations and interactions, but ultimately struggling with their fear of being misunderstood or rejected. The final verse poses a question, asking if it is possible to overcome this fear and how difficult it is to open up and communicate with others.
Overall, Shy Boy is a relatable song that provides insight into the minds of people who struggle with social anxiety and shyness.
Line by Line Meaning
This thing trips on the shortest of lips
Small comments or negative remarks can have a significant impact on me.
And when the winter wind is blowing cold
My sensitivity is heightened during tough times.
I got a big old heart, one malicious remark
Despite my tough exterior, I am deeply affected by negative comments.
Just might hit me like a lightning bolt
Negative comments can have a severe and sudden impact on me.
They said I was shaky from the day that I started to walk
I have been sensitive and nervous from a very young age.
I carry such a heavy load
The weight of my emotions can be overwhelming at times.
You know, you do a lot of damage when you talk that talk
Negative comments can cause significant harm to my emotional well-being.
'Cause don't you know I'm a shy boy
I may come across as confident, but I am actually very shy and vulnerable.
I'm headed to the wall at the top of the steps
I feel like I am trapped and unable to move forward in certain situations.
Feeling like a smoking gun
I feel guilty and like I have done something wrong, even though I haven't.
Talking to the voices that don't talk back
I often talk to myself and my own thoughts, seeking comfort and reassurance.
It's you and me that I'm running from
I am scared of being vulnerable and opening up to others.
A little baby cries out when he meets the world
Just like a baby, I am sensitive and vulnerable to the world around me.
The new day fears the setting sun
I am often anxious about the end of the day and what it may bring.
Talking to strangers always scared me to death
I get extremely nervous when interacting with people I do not know.
And now here I am talking to one
Despite my shyness, I am pushing myself to talk to others and make connections.
Can you truly take this fear away?
I am seeking reassurance and hope for relief from my anxiety.
I keep it under lock and key
I try to hide my anxiety and emotions from others.
What if I make a mistake? I might not know what to say
I am afraid of saying the wrong thing and being judged by others.
Why do you put this burden on me?
I feel overwhelmed by the expectations and pressure placed on me in social situations.
Contributed by Cameron G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@alexolia7679
This thing trips on the shortest of lips
And when the winter wind is blowing cold
I got a big old heart
One malicious remark just might hit me like a lightning bolt
They said I was shaky from the day that I started to walk
I carry such a heavy load
You know, you do a lot of damage when you talk that talk
'Cause don't you know I'm a shy boy
I'm headed to the wall at the top of the steps
Feeling like a smoking gun
Talking to the voices that don't talk back
It's you and me that I'm running from
They said I was shaky from the day that I started to walk
I carry such a heavy load
You know, you do a lot of damage when you talk that talk 'cause don't you know I'm a shy boy
A little baby cries out when he meets the world
The new day fears a setting sun
Talking to strangers always scared me to death and now here I am talking to one
They said I was shaky from the day that I started to walk
I carry such a heavy load
You know, you do a lot of damage when you talk that talk
'Cause don't you know I'm a shy boy
Can you truly take this fear away?
I keep it under lock and key
What if I make a mistake?
I might not know what to say
Why do you put this burden on me?
They said I was shaky from the day that I started to walk
I carry such a heavy load
You know, you do a lot of damage when you talk that talk
'Cause don't you know I'm a shy boy
@rancherodave
His music is so good!!
@busstopabortions6057
I like it!
@muddobbermuddobber8118
.....i love it.....
@bhoover1953
Nice!!
@chandleralbers7253
Cant beat JD!
@joshuaingobo1559
Grandfathered brought me here.
@muddobbermuddobber8118
.....LAPDANCE.....