James Wesley puts those core values into his music with a whiskey-smooth voice and a timelessly winning way with a great country song. Wesley sings directly to real people about real things that profoundly affect real lives—and from his small-town upbringing to his blue-collar work ethic, he has a deep understanding of what those folks are longing to hear.
"I know there's more people out there than just me who want to hear something that grabs you and makes you go, 'Wow, that's me—that's how I feel, that's my day, that's my family,'" he says. "When you swing a hammer every day, when you're out there doing what you have to do, you learn a lot of compassion for the people that do it day in and day out."
Wesley grew up in tiny Mound Valley, a community of about 200 people in Southeastern Kansas. He first discovered country music via his grandmother's record collection, which included heaping helpings of classic crooners like Marty Robbins, George Jones and Ray Price. "We'd go over there on the weekends," he recalls. "She'd have the console set up and the records stacked up and we'd listen to them as they dropped. Those guys back then, they could sing. I thought, 'That's what I want to do.'"
His mother was the first to notice Wesley's own talent for singing when she overheard him belting out his favorite songs behind his bedroom door. "I thought if I shut my door I blocked everybody out, but evidently I didn't block Mom out," he says with a chuckle. "She heard me and said, 'I'd love to have you sing in church.' So that's what I did." Soon he taught himself to play guitar on an old Stella practice model. "I've got it to this day," he says. "You can still see where I wore down the D, C and G chords on the fretboard."
By his late teens he was singing in local nightclubs and beginning to think about making music his life. "I'd sit in my bedroom and stare out of the window and dream of being out there, getting to see the world," he remembers. His first move in that direction was to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where he performed in a nightly music and variety show.
There he met his wife, Mindee, with whom he now has two young children—and finally set his sights on Nashville. "I could have stayed in Eureka Springs for the rest of my life, but I just had to chase the dream," he says. "I had to follow my gut." He and Mindee sold their house and almost everything in it, rented a moving truck and headed for Music City. Once there, Wesley took a construction job to make ends meet and began learning the ropes of the Nashville music business. He met hit songwriter Rodney Clawson and producer Dan Frizsell, and the three began recording together.
Their work caught the attention of Broken Bow Records, which signed Wesley in December and quickly released the very first song on his original demo, "Jackson Hole," as his debut single. The tune (penned by Clawson and Monty Criswell) immediately began racing up the charts, driven by listeners who loved its vivid story of fleeting love in a snowy setting. "Jackson Hole" offered fans an upfront introduction to the more vulnerable aspects of Wesley's personality. "Growing up with three sisters, I've got a sensitive side too," he says with a smile. "But I'm proud that I have that side, that I'm not callous. The only thing calloused about me is my hands."
The breakout success of "Jackson Hole" instantly validated the enormous risk Wesley took in uprooting his family from Eureka Springs for an uncertain future in Nashville was worth it. "My family has seen all the ups and downs," he says. "There's been a lot of hard work. There's been times it wasn't easy, and they've been there the whole time. They're great." It also meant that Wesley's days of construction work were over. "Thank God I get to put the hammer down, at least for a while," he says with a laugh. "It's nice to be able to do what I love to do."
James Wesley hopes to do what he loves to do for a long time to come. "I want to be in it for the long haul," he says. "I want to do those songs that everybody wants to hear, and that everybody can feel. I want to be the guy who tells the stories, and tells it like it is."
Cornfield with Vegas Lights
James Wesley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
silver eagle burning through that diesel
rolling down that black top like a bullet shot from a twang town gun y'all
there's hand me down farm town
waiting on the sun to drop tops to pop
got their finger on a feel good trigger y'all
mayberry's got it right
(chorus)
a cornfield with vegas lights
two for one flashing marque sign
a parking lot full of pickup trucks
covered up in back road mud
county line girls in cut off jeans
that like to dance when they start to drink
that's my kind of gettin' right
a cornfield with vegas lights
quarters stop dropping in that juke box
when the band fire off a little hag a little cash a little walk this way y'all
all the farm boys and farmer's daughters
are getting loud and getting plowed
throwing down right up to last call y'all
mayberry's got it right
cause there ain't nothing like
(repeat chorus)
(bridge)
go on fire up that tractor
drop the gate on that barbwire fence
cut back about twenty acres
string some lights and flip that switch
mayberry's got it right
cause there ain't nothing like
(repeat chorus)
james wesley
brian davis
vicky mcgehee
040912
"Cornfield With Vegas Lights" is a country song by James Wesley that depicts the juxtaposition between the simplicity of rural life and the excitement and glamour of Las Vegas. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a small town where things are slow-paced and traditional, but they also long for a taste of the vibrant city life.
The opening lines "silver eagle burning through that diesel, rolling down that black top like a bullet shot from a twang town gun" describe a traveling experience, with the image of a fast-moving silver eagle (likely a bus or a motorhome) on a highway. The references to "twang town" and "hand me down farm town" imply the setting is in a rural area, potentially far away from the allure of the city.
The chorus, "a cornfield with vegas lights, two for one flashing marque sign, a parking lot full of pickup trucks covered up in back road mud" speaks to the desire for escapism. This juxtaposition between the natural beauty of a cornfield and the bright lights of Vegas reflects the longing for excitement and entertainment. The mention of the county line girls in cut off jeans dancing after a few drinks adds to the carefree and fun atmosphere depicted in the song.
The second verse further emphasizes the desire for a taste of city life, with the reference to the jukebox, bands playing classic songs by Merle Haggard, Aerosmith's "Walk This Way," and the crowd getting lively and uninhibited until the last call. The lyrics suggest that the farm boys and farmer's daughters are letting loose and enjoying themselves, breaking away from the routines of their daily lives.
The bridge encourages the listeners to embrace their desires and make a change, symbolized by the image of firing up a tractor, cutting back the barbwire fence, and stringing lights in a field. It signifies breaking free from the constraints of their rural background and adding a touch of excitement and glamour to their lives.
Overall, "Cornfield With Vegas Lights" can be interpreted as a celebration of the yearning for something different and more exhilarating in a small-town setting. It captures the tension between the simplicity of rural life and the allure of a vibrant city like Las Vegas.
Line by Line Meaning
silver eagle burning through that diesel
A powerful and fast-moving vehicle is cruising through the open road, fueled by determination and purpose.
rolling down that black top like a bullet shot from a twang town gun y'all
Moving swiftly and with a distinct country charm, capturing attention and making an impact on the road.
there's hand me down farm town
In this small agricultural community, traditions and values are passed down from generation to generation.
waiting on the sun to drop tops to pop
Anticipating the arrival of nightfall, when the fun and excitement will begin in earnest.
got their finger on a feel good trigger y'all
Embracing a mindset that allows for enjoyment and happiness to be easily accessed and shared.
mayberry's got it right
Referencing the idyllic town from the Andy Griffith Show, highlighting the simplicity and joy found in small-town living.
cause there ain't nothing like
Expressing the uniqueness and unrivaled nature of the experience being described.
a cornfield with vegas lights
An unusual combination of rural charm and flashy city vibes, creating a truly extraordinary setting.
two for one flashing marque sign
An enticing offer displayed on a neon sign, inviting people to indulge in entertainment and excitement.
a parking lot full of pickup trucks
The gathering of rural residents and their vehicles, symbolizing their presence and readiness to have a good time.
covered up in back road mud
The trucks are adorned with evidence of rural life, showcasing their connection to country roads and outdoor adventures.
county line girls in cut off jeans
Young women from neighboring counties, confidently showing their style and enjoying the freedom this environment provides.
that like to dance when they start to drink
As the night progresses and the drinks flow, these spirited girls find joy in letting loose and expressing themselves through dancing.
that's my kind of gettin' right
This unconventional and exciting atmosphere is the singer's preferred way of having a good time and finding fulfillment.
quarters stop dropping in that juke box
The sound of coins being inserted into a vintage jukebox, signaling the start of an evening filled with timeless music.
when the band fire off a little hag a little cash a little walk this way y'all
The band delivers a dynamic performance, incorporating elements of classic rock and country to enthrall the crowd.
all the farm boys and farmer's daughters
The young men and women from rural backgrounds, coming together to celebrate and enjoy the night.
are getting loud and getting plowed
Their enthusiasm and energy are increasing as they consume alcohol and fully immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.
throwing down right up to last call y'all
Partying and having a great time until the very end of the night, embracing the opportunity to make lasting memories.
go on fire up that tractor
Encouraging the audience to start the engine of their metaphorical vehicle of enjoyment and embark on an unforgettable adventure.
drop the gate on that barbwire fence
Open up the barriers that may be preventing them from fully experiencing the thrill and excitement that lies ahead.
cut back about twenty acres
Removing any limitations or restrictions, allowing for expansive and unrestricted enjoyment of the environment.
string some lights and flip that switch
Setting the stage for a magical and captivating atmosphere by illuminating the surroundings and activating the experience.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BRIAN WAYNE DAVIS, VICKY LYNN MCGEHEE, JAMES WESLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind