Now comes the compelling CD, Jeff Bates, the singer’s debut collection for the Black River Music Group. Jeff’s was the guiding hand in 10 of the album’s 13 songs. Bates teamed on the album with such stellar co-writers as Lonnie Wilson, Kim Williams, Ben Hayslip, Brandon Kinney, Jimmy Yeary, Robert Arthur, Kirk Roth, Jim McCormick, Jason Matthews and Kenny Beard. Paul Overstreet, Deborah Allen, Frank Rogers and Casey Beathard also contributed songs.
“It’s the most honest and accurate representation of me and my music yet,” Bates proclaims. “Nobody told me what to sing or write, what direction to go with it, or how it should be done. We all just went into the studio and did our best to bring life to words I’d written on paper. And the words written on paper? Well, those came from little pieces of the life I’ve lived.”
The stories of his adoption, meth addiction and jail time have been bared honestly for the media and country music fans, but there’s so much more to the man that Jeff Bates has become. The album captures snapshots of what’s most important to him: strong family ties, the love of a good woman, appreciation for the workin’ man, and his unfailing religious beliefs – all buffered with a quick smile and sense of humor. Overall, it’s a body of work filled with surprising insights and intimate confessions told in Bate’s own rich voice.
Jimmy Nichols, who co-produced the album with Kenny Beard and Mickey Jack Cones, agrees with that assessment. “Working with Jeff on this new album,” he says, “reminded me of why I came to Nashville—great songs, great singing and passion for the music. Jeff is the future of country music, but he never lets us forget its past.”
A native of Mississippi, Bates signed with RCA Records in 2002. That association yielded two albums—Rainbow Man in 2003 and Leave The Light On in 2006—plus seven charted singles: “The Love Song,” “Rainbow Man,” “I Wanna Make You Cry,” “Long, Slow Kisses,” “Good People,” “No Shame” and “One Second Chance.”
When he was released from his label deal in 2006, Bates balanced his time between a busy tour schedule and songwriting – exploring a slightly different direction that was “a little rougher around the edges, a little more progressive, a little more of ME and the music I really feel inside.” The music that came from that time of reflection and freedom captured the ear of Black River Music Group who immediately signed Bates as their flagship artist.
The first single from the new album is the driving up-tempo “Don’t Hate Me For Loving You.” Jeff Bates will be released April 8.
Good People
Jeff Bates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pickin' up trash for the car he stole
You see him in them orange clothes you'd swear he's evil
He's had sticky fingers since he was a kid
If it wasn't nailed down considered it his
For the lyin' cheatin' dog he is he's good people
[Chorus:]
Good people they get ya back in a fight
Loan ya couple bucks
Buy you a beer when you're down on your luck
Too bad their ain't more of us good people
Girl down the street in that double wide
She ain't ashamed of them no tan-lines
She's 36-24-35 and barely legal
She gotta big ol' tattoo on her back
All the wives on the block says she's white trash
She may not be high class but she's good people
[Chorus]
Good people they ain't bad
Good people give you the shirt off their back
Never steer you wrong
Go outta' their way to make you feel at home
Raise hell stand up let me hear ya if you?re one of us
Good people
The song "Good People" by Jeff Bates is a tribute to those who are often judged for their appearance or past actions, but who have good hearts and are willing to help others. The first verse tells the story of Bobby, who has a criminal record and is picking up trash for the car he stole. Despite his reputation as a troublemaker, Bobby is considered by the singer to be "good people" because he has always been willing to lend a hand and has a good heart. The second verse introduces a woman who lives in a double wide and has a tattoo, but is still considered "good people" by those who know her. The chorus emphasizes that there are many people like Bobby and the woman down the street who are good-hearted and willing to help others.
The song is a reminder to not judge people based on their appearance or past actions, and to look for the good in everyone. It celebrates the kindness and generosity of those who may not fit the traditional definition of "good" or "respectable", but who are good people nonetheless. Overall, the message of the song is one of acceptance and appreciation for the diversity of people in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
My cousin bobby's on the county road
My relative named Bobby is working on a road maintained by the local government
Pickin' up trash for the car he stole
He is collecting garbage as punishment for stealing a vehicle
You see him in them orange clothes you'd swear he's evil
Wearing orange clothing, he may look like he has done something bad
He's had sticky fingers since he was a kid
Bobby has been stealing things since he was young
If it wasn't nailed down considered it his
He would take anything that was not secured by screws or nails
For the lyin' cheatin' dog he is he's good people
Despite his dishonest behavior, he is still a good person
Girl down the street in that double wide
There is a woman living in a trailer nearby
She ain't ashamed of them no tan-lines
She does not feel embarrassed about her lack of tan lines
She's 36-24-35 and barely legal
She has particular measurements and is just legal for some things
She gotta big ol' tattoo on her back
There is a large tattoo on her back
All the wives on the block says she's white trash
The wives living nearby think she is low-class
She may not be high class but she's good people
Despite not having a high status, she is still a good person
Good people they ain't bad
People who are good aren't necessarily bad
Good people they get ya back in a fight
Good people support you during a physical altercation
Loan ya couple bucks
They may lend you some money
Buy you a beer when you're down on your luck
They may buy you a drink if you are having a difficult time
Too bad their ain't more of us good people
It's a pity that there are not more individuals who are good people
Good people give you the shirt off their back
A good person would provide you with their clothing if necessary
Never steer you wrong
They would never intentionally lead you down the wrong path
Go outta' their way to make you feel at home
They will make an extra effort to ensure you feel welcome
Raise hell stand up let me hear ya if you?re one of us
Make some noise if you are a good person who stands up for what you believe in
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MARVEL KENDELL, TIM JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ericsoad13
Jeff Bates is an amazing singer and he has a Conway Twitty vibe to him. From the way he sings and the songs he sings. That's a very rare quality I find in many singers. He's just amazing!!!
@jsbmks3
Awesome song, my band has covered this one since it's debut. A tongue and cheek song that talks about the finer things in life..........Close and good friends.
@randymiller3949
I absolutely love this song...the lyrics are so true!!!
I know some "REALLY GOOD PEOPLE" that I call REALLY GOOD FRIENDS that will bring me food when I'm sick, feed my dogs when I'm gone, & will cover me up when I pass out on the lawn!!!
Much love from Mobile Alabama.
@jeffbates5322
Thanks so much for your beautiful time towards me 💓
@katdavis5252
Jeff is a great guy I meet him in person years ago my ex husband and I we had a great conversation with him I love his music and he is a really great guy.
@foxhoundlady
We all have relatives like these...love this video...
@thisisobvious
Jeff Bates... He's good people.
@curvy71
I went to Jeff Bates in Concert it was a lot of fun.
@jeanettenetzel6829
Loved seeing you in Nashville when this song was a hit. 🎶❤️🎶 . Love all your music Jeff.
@teresafarr321
Amen For you Jeff ! U got it now ! Thank God that he got you before someone else did ! At least you told like it was. God Bless you !! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️