Ingram was born in Houston, Texas. He started writing songs and performing while studying psychology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he was member of Alpha Tau Omega.
Jack Ingram began his music career singing at a privately owned bar near the TCU campus of Fort Worth, Texas, which was owned by his friend John Clay Wolfe. Later, during the early 1990s, Jack toured the state of Texas opening for Mark Chesnutt and other acts. His first release was his self-titled album in 1995 via the Rhythmic label, followed by 1995's Lonesome Questions. Warner Bros. Records eventually signed him and released a live album entitled Live at Adair's, and re-issued his first two indie albums.
In 1997 he had his first and only time on the 22nd season of Austin City Limits. That same year, he released Livin' or Dyin' via Rising Tide Records, which produced his first chart single in the No. 51-peaking "Flutter". Two years later came Hey You via Lucky Dog, a division of Epic Records, which accounted for a No. 64 country single in "How Many Days". In 2000, he collaborated with Charlie Robison and Bruce Robison for the live album Unleashed Live.
Electric, his second album for Lucky Dog, was also his first album to enter Top Country Albums, despite not producing a chart single. This album was supplemented a year later by an EP entitled Electric: Extra Volts before he left Lucky Dog. Two more live albums followed before he signed to Columbia Records for the release of Young Man in 2004, which accounted for no singles. Another live album, Acoustic Motel, was issued in 2005.
On Sunday, February 3, 2013, H-E-B premiered their 'Texas Myths' Super Bowl commercial featuring Jack Ingram.
In 2005, Ingram signed to the independent record label Big Machine Records. Under the Big Machine banner, Ingram released a predominantly live album entitled Live: Wherever You Are. His first single release on that record label, "Wherever You Are", became Ingram's first top 40, and later his first Number One single on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, as well as the first Number One for the Big Machine label. "Love You", the only other studio track on Live: Wherever You Are, was also released as a single, peaking at No. 12 on the charts. This song was also recorded by Trent Summar & the New Row Mob (whose frontman, Trent Summar, co-wrote it) on their 2005 album Horseshoes & Hand Grenades. This is also where he met famous country music artist Taylor Swift. Jack stated they were developing a relationship though she wasn't interested.
In late 2006, Ingram released a cover of Hinder's song "Lips of an Angel". Ingram's cover peaked at No. 16 on the country charts "Lips of an Angel" was the lead-off single to This Is It, his second album for Big Machine. This album also produced the No. 18 "Measure of a Man" (a Radney Foster co-write) and the No. 24 "Maybe She'll Get Lonely".
In 2008, Ingram appeared at the Argyle Education Foundation Black Diamond Affiar.
He won the Academy of Country Music award for top new male vocalist on May 19, 2008. Ingram also filled in for radio host Bob Kingsley on the countdown show "Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40" for the week of September 20–21, 2008.
According to CMT, Ingram's Big Dreams & High Hopes album has "more guts" and Ellis Paul's "The World Ain't Slowing Down" may be the song that takes Ingram to the "next level". Ingram says "It'll be fun for me to expose people to a fantastic song from an artist who's had a 20-year career of being a very successful folk artist." The song was cut from the album. Its lead-off single "That's a Man" charted in the Top 20, followed by "Barefoot and Crazy," which became his second Top 10 hit. The album's next three singles all failed to enter the Top 40: "Seeing Stars" (a duet with Patty Griffin), "Free" and a re-recording of "Barbie Doll" with guest vocals from Dierks Bentley.
On August 26, 2009, Ingram set a Guinness record for the most radio interviews in one day, when he was interviewed 215 times.
Ingram and Big Machine amicably parted ways in late 2011.
As a sideline, Ingram does voice imaging for a number of country stations, including KRYS-FM Corpus Christi; WSIX-FM Nashville; WMIL-FM Milwaukee; KWJJ-FM Portland, Ore.; and KSCS Dallas.
In 2013, Jack teamed up with actor Matthew McConaughey and University of Texas at Austin football coach Mack Brown to create a fundraiser for their favorite children's charities. Dubbed Mack, Jack & McConaughey, the affair was held April 11–12 at Austin's ACL Live at the Moody Theater and featured a gala, golf tournament, fashion show and two nights of music. Mack, Jack & McConaughey returned in 2014.
Keep On Keepin' On
Jack Ingram Lyrics
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Drive yourself crazy being misunderstood
Sometimes you want to throw the towel in
But you come out swinging like you just might win
You gotta keep on, keep on keepin' on
Push it on down the line
Keep on, keep on keepin' on
Some days you wonder what it all means
Some nights it ain't as bad as it seems
Sometimes you think you been had
Run yourself ragged in a world gone mad
Keep on, keep on keepin' on
Push it on down the road
Keep on, keep on keepin' on
Still got a ways to go
Ya you gotta keep on, keep on keepin' on
Push it on down the line
Keep on, keep on keepin' on
Keep from gettin' further behind
Some things ain't meant to be
The best things in life are free
And tomorrow is another day
Funny how the truth sounds so cliche
You gotta keep on, keep on keepin' on
Push it on down the road
Keep on, keep on keepin' on
Keep from gettin' further behind
Keep on, keep on keepin' on
Push it on down the line
You gotta keep on, keep on keepin' on
Still gotta ways to go
Keep on, keep on keepin' on
Keep on, keep on keepin' on
Keep on
Keep on
The lyrics of "Keep On Keepin' On" express the need to persevere and keep moving forward despite the challenges and obstacles that one may face. The first verse acknowledges that sometimes life can be tough and one feels defeated, but the message is to keep fighting and pushing forward. The chorus emphasizes the importance of persistence, to keep on moving, and not get further behind.
The second verse touches on moments of uncertainty when one is not sure of their purpose, but it also recognizes that things aren't always as bad as they seem. The third verse suggests that there may be times when it feels like one is being taken advantage of or working endlessly, but the overall message is to keep going because it is worth it.
The song concludes by reiterating the importance of persistence and referencing common phrases like "the best things in life are free" and "tomorrow is another day." The idea is that even though it may sound cliché, these phrases hold truth and should be remembered as one continues to push through life's challenges.
Overall, "Keep On Keepin' On" is an encouraging and motivating song that emphasizes the importance of perseverance and not giving up on oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes you get beat up good
There are times when circumstances beat you down mercilessly
Drive yourself crazy being misunderstood
Being misunderstood by people can sometimes make you feel insane
Sometimes you want to throw the towel in
There are moments when you feel like giving up entirely
But you come out swinging like you just might win
You try to fight back with renewed vigor, thinking that you may still win
You gotta keep on, keep on keepin' on
It is essential to persevere through hard times, no matter what
Push it on down the line
Keep going forward, and don't look back
Keep from gettin' further behind
Do not fall behind; keep up with the pace of life
Some days you wonder what it all means
Occasionally, you may feel lost and wonder what your purpose is
Some nights it ain't as bad as it seems
Things may not be as terrible as they appear at times
Sometimes you think you been had
At times, you may feel like you've been taken advantage of
Run yourself ragged in a world gone mad
Living in a chaotic world can exhaust you physically and mentally
Push it on down the road
Keep moving ahead, even if it seems difficult
Still got a ways to go
You have not yet reached your destination, so there is a long journey ahead
Some things ain't meant to be
Some things are not meant to happen, no matter how hard you try
The best things in life are free
The most valuable things in life do not come with a price tag
And tomorrow is another day
You can always start afresh the next day
Funny how the truth sounds so cliche
It's amusing how common phrases hold profound truths behind them
Keep on
Just keep moving forward, no matter what happens
Keep on keepin' on
Persevere through challenging times and do not give up
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: LANA MOORER, MICHAEL JACKSON, JERMAINE DUPRI, A.D. ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind