After signing a developmental deal with Mercury Records in 2003, he toured over half the country with his band "The Saloonitics" and has penned songs for Neal McCoy, Julie Roberts, Jamey Johnson, John Anderson, and Garth Brooks. He scored his first No.1 hit song with Garth Brooks in 2005 with "Good Ride Cowboy", a tribute to Chris LeDoux.
In 2010 he released the album Judge Jerrod & the Hung Jury, which debuted at No. 1 and yielded the No. 1 hit “Lover, Lover” and the Top 5 single “What Do You Want”. In 2012 he released sophomore album Free The Music, incorporating multiple genres including country, rock, honky-tonk, Dixieland jazz and reggae and co-produced by Dave Brainard.
Fraction Of A Man
Jerrod Niemann Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Suits and rich folks don't make me nervous, no
But I respect the law and those below the clay
And I don't answer to those who question
My job, my lingo or my religion
see I know well those are choices I made
I take the high in the road
Give the light of the load
I live my life with passion and love
I'm a man, not a fraction of
Me and my friends tend to spend time
Laughing at jokes with the same ol punch lines
Still I wouldn't trade those wasted days
Oh, that's right
And I don't always learn my lesson
Haven't left the best first impressions
And my baby knows I'm stubborn and stuck in my ways
[Chorus: x2]
Aw, lets play
The eagle flies with the right and left wings
I'm partial to farmers with small town families
No, I don't forget where I was born and raised
And I don't claim to be a Rhodes scolar
I'm rough on the edges, blue in the collar
But I ain't alone, I'm feeling proud to say
[Chorus: x2]
I take the high in the road
Give the light of the road, aw
I live my life with passion and love
I'm man not a fraction of
I take the high in the road.
In Jerrod Niemann's song "Fraction of a Man," he talks about his principles, beliefs, and attitude towards life. In the first verse, he states that he doesn't believe in free lip service and is not intimidated by suits and rich folks. Instead, he gives respect to the law and people who have passed away. Moreover, he doesn't answer to those who question him about his job, lingo, or religion, as he knows these are choices he made.
Next, in the chorus, Niemann talks about taking the higher road by being responsible and compassionate in life. Despite the fact that he's not perfect, he shows his love and passion for life through the choices he makes. Then in the second verse, he mentions how he tends to spend his time with friends, laughing at the same old punch lines. Even though he may not always learn his lessons or leave the best first impressions, he's still proud of who he is.
Towards the end, Niemann highlights some of the things he's partial to, like small town families and farmers. He claims to be blue-collar and rough around the edges, but proud of his roots. The song is ultimately an anthem about being yourself, standing up for your beliefs, and enjoying life.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't buy that free lip service
I don't trust people who offer empty promises without actually following through.
Suits and rich folks don't make me nervous, no
I'm not intimidated by people who wear fancy clothes or have a lot of money.
But I respect the law and those below the clay
I follow the law and show respect to those who have passed away.
And I don't answer to those who question
I don't feel the need to explain myself to people who doubt my choices or actions.
My job, my lingo or my religion
All of the choices I've made regarding my career, language, and faith are personal and should not be questioned or judged by others.
I take the high in the road
I choose to take the moral or ethical path, even if it's not the easiest.
Give the light of the load
I try to help others and relieve their burdens whenever possible.
I live my life with passion and love
I approach life with an intense, emotional commitment and a respect for others.
I'm a man, not a fraction of
I am a complete person and refuse to be judged by any arbitrary measures or categories.
Me and my friends tend to spend time
I hang out with my friends and we like to tell familiar jokes.
Laughing at jokes with the same ol punch lines
Despite the repetition, we enjoy our shared experiences and the bonds they create.
Still I wouldn't trade those wasted days
I don't regret the time I've spent with my friends, even if it doesn't always seem productive or meaningful.
Oh, that's right
A casual aside, meant to acknowledge and agree with a previous statement.
And I don't always learn my lesson
I admit that I make mistakes and don't always follow through on my resolutions.
Haven't left the best first impressions
I don't always make a great impression when meeting new people.
And my baby knows I'm stubborn and stuck in my ways
My partner or significant other is aware of my personal flaws and traits.
The eagle flies with the right and left wings
The eagle, a symbol of freedom and strength, flies with balance and equal support from both wings.
I'm partial to farmers with small town families
I have a fondness for rural, agricultural communities and families.
No, I don't forget where I was born and raised
I remember and have respect for my hometown and upbringing.
And I don't claim to be a Rhodes scholar
I don't pretend to be a genius or an expert in all areas of knowledge.
I'm rough on the edges, blue in the collar
I have a working-class background and rugged, unrefined qualities.
But I ain't alone, I'm feeling proud to say
I have friends and community who share similar values and traits, and I'm proud of that connection.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jerrod Lee Niemann
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind