Often times, Nashville goes to great lengths to sell you on how ‘real’ an artist is. Sometimes they’re not quite as genuine as they are advertised to be…but then again, sometimes they really are.
When you see husband & wife duo Joey+Rory, you don’t need to be told that what they have is genuine. Just listen to their music or listen to them talk and you can tell that what they have is the real deal…not just as a musical duo, but as a couple. The deep connection they have doesn’t just shine through their music, it’s the reason their music shines.
Which is why their newest album, aptly titled Album Number Two, wasn’t born from the success of their 2008 debut. It’s actually the result of a night in Nashville ten years ago, when a gorgeously gifted singer named Joey walked into an ‘In The Round’ songwriters performance. Between finding her seat and the end of the show, she felt drawn to the man onstage simply through his songs. While she wasn’t able to meet him that night, she did two years later and over a cup of coffee, she told the songwriting single-dad exactly how she felt. A few short months later, she wasn’t just a singer named Joey anymore. She was Mrs. Rory Feek.
For the next 5 years, Joey and Rory lived a simple but glorious life reveling in their roles as husband & wife on the farm where they reside in Pottsville, TN. Joey fell right into place as Mom to Rory’s two daughters as she continued her quest for a solo career, eventually recording an album for Sony that was never released. Rory continued to build his status as a hit songwriter punching out chart-topping songs like Blake Shelton’s “Some Beach,” Clay Walker’s “The Chain of Love,” and most recently Easton Corbin’s #1 hit “A Little More Country Than That” along with cuts by Kenny Chesney, Randy Travis, Collin Raye, Reba and many others.
But in 2008, their quiet life changed after they reluctantly auditioned for a reality TV show, CMT’s Can You Duet Season I, at the urging of a co-writer.
“There was not an ounce of me that thought ‘Here is this beautiful woman and great singer in Joey, but throwing in her 42-year-old, overall-wearing husband will be the magic combination,’” Rory says with a laugh. But it was magic. Joey+Rory became fan favorites ultimately finishing 3rd and landing a record deal with Vanguard / Sugar Hill Records.
Their debut album The Life Of A Song quickly spawned a Top 30 hit with “Cheater Cheater” and in the blink of an eye, the duo was everywhere…touring coast-to-coast and overseas. Their success with radio/video airplay and album sales propelled them into several nominations for both industry and fan-voted awards, including winning the 2010 ACM Award for Top New Vocal Duo.
The quick success was not something the couple anticipated, as they hadn’t thought of their life together as extraordinarily compelling. Fans across the country thought differently. “The response to the first album has been amazing,” reflects Joey, “Now, I can’t wait for them to hear our new record.”
Album Number Two is built in much the same manner as The Life Of A Song not because it was a successful formula, but because those are the kind of songs these two like to hear. According to Rory, while he has had success writing songs for other artists, teaming up with Joey has allowed him the freedom to become a different kind of songwriter. At the same time, the pairing has unleashed Joey’s full potential as a singer as well.
“As a songwriter you have to imagine being somebody different every time you write a song, but the magic of being an artist is you get to be you, to write what you want to say…and I have never had the chance to do that before. I’m not sure Joey ever got to be herself either because there were always teams of people telling her how to dress, not to sing about this and so on. There is none of that anymore. We are 100% ourselves here.”
That freedom is paying off in spades for them. Rory is quick to point out that most of the decisions are led by Joey. In his eyes, “This is her dream,” he says, “I just get the best seat in the house to watch it happen!” As much as they are a duo both onstage and in life, he’s happy to be the man standing just outside the spotlight so that the world can focus on his songbird of a wife.
Led primarily by Joey’s honey-laden vocals, Album Number Two covers all the bases from their signature tongue-in-cheek style of the title cut to “That’s Important To Me,” a song that encapsulates the down-to-earth values that define Joey+Rory both as a couple and a duo alike. There are songs about love (“Born To Be Your Woman”), about cheating (“God Help My Man”), and about faith (“Where Jesus Is”). Songs about cowboys (“All You Need Is Me”), horses (“The Horse Nobody Could Ride”), and about fame (“Farm To Fame”). Most striking however, is the album’s lead single, a working man’s anthem and a tip of the hat to country music fans and concert-goers, “This Song’s For You” featuring the Zac Brown Band that Rory wrote on a tour bus with Zac Brown.
Not all of the songs on Album Number Two are newly written, which ironically is another product of having been turned loose of any inhibitions or corporate direction. A prime example is “My Ol’ Man,” a song resurrected from Rory’s files that is so powerful it punches you in the heart with little more than bare-knuckle lyrics and a lush piano.
Through a mixture of traditional country flavor and new millennium marketing, including corporate sponsorships, reality TV and a national ad campaign with Overstock.com, Joey+Rory have built an impressive fan base and won CMA & ACM nominations and awards their own way.
“TV exposure is unique,” notes Joey. “Not only do people hear our voices, they get to look into our eyes and see who we really are, on a deeper level. A lot of our fan base comes from people who seem to relate to our story and how we interact.
“It’s such a blessing to get to play music and travel and see things we’ve never been able to see before. But the highlight of it all is being able to do it together.”
With Album Number Two tucked firmly under their arms, Joey+Rory are headed out with the same intent they had the first time around.
“Our plan is the same as it’s always been - to show up, do what we do and hope that magic will happen,” says Rory. “As hard as we work, we ultimately know that God’s plans are a lot bigger and better than we can make ourselves. Just having the chance to record and release ALBUM NUMBER TWO is proof of that!”
Boots
Joey + Rory Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Built to last and made for weather
Can't think of nothin' better, than what I'm wearin' on my feet
They make me taller than I really am
Ain't nothing they can't withstand
A symbol o the workin' man and old cowgirls like me
Boots are made for sawdust floors
Stirrups on a quarterhorse
To kick yourself when ya been a fool
Climbin' up on barstools
Two-steppin' under neon lights
Ain't too bad in a barroom fight
And kickin' open swingin' doors
That's what boots are for
Been resoled a dozen times
Crushed some cans and soaked some wine
Aww but that's what makes them shine, they're a part of me
They've seen lovers come and go til we met the right pair at the rodeo oh that's just the way love goes some things are
Meant to be
Repeat Chorus
Kickin' off when you're tired and sore
That's what boots are for
The song "Boots" by Joey + Rory is a tribute to the iconic footwear of cowgirls and working men alike. The first verse describes the durability and sturdiness of boots, which are made to withstand any kind of weather and terrain. The lyricist also talks about the confidence that boots give her, as they make her appear taller and serve as a symbol of the working class.
The chorus highlights the many uses of boots, from dancing on sawdust floors in a honky-tonk to kicking oneself for making a mistake. The lyrics also mention kicking open swinging doors and two-stepping under neon lights, which evoke images of a lively and spirited nightlife. The second verse reinforces the longevity of boots, as they have been resoled many times and have become a part of the wearer's identity. The song ends with the idea that kicking off one's boots after a long day is a reward in itself.
Overall, "Boots" is a tribute to the resilience and versatility of the iconic footwear that has been a staple of western culture for decades.
Line by Line Meaning
Started out just nails and leather
These boots were originally made with only basic materials and construction, but they have proven to be durable and resilient.
Built to last and made for weather
These boots were designed to withstand tough weather conditions and last for a long time, ensuring they can be kept and cherished for years to come.
Can't think of nothin' better, than what I'm wearin' on my feet
There is no better feeling than wearing these boots, as they have become an essential part of the wearer's identity and personality.
They make me taller than I really am
These boots give me a boost of confidence and make me feel taller than my actual height, empowering me to take on the day with strength and courage.
Ain't nothing they can't withstand
No matter what challenges I face, these boots are built to handle anything and everything, serving as a reliable anchor when things get tough.
A symbol o the workin' man and old cowgirls like me
These boots represent the strength and resilience of the working class and old-time cowgirls, embodying the values of hard work and perseverance that are so important to those communities.
Boots are made for sawdust floors
These boots are meant to be worn on rustic floors, such as those found in dance halls and honky-tonks, where they can showcase their sturdy design and classic style.
Stirrups on a quarterhorse
These boots were made to be worn in the stirrups of a quarterhorse saddle, providing a secure and comfortable fit for horseback riding.
To kick yourself when ya been a fool
These boots can be used to give oneself a figurative kick when they make a mistake, helping the wearer learn from their errors and move on with grace and resilience.
Climbin' up on barstools
These boots are the perfect footwear for climbing up onto barstools, providing the grip and stability needed to get up there safely and confidently.
Two-steppin' under neon lights
These boots are ideal for line dancing under the neon lights of a western dance hall, providing the classic style and reliable fit needed for this popular activity.
Ain't too bad in a barroom fight
If push comes to shove, these boots can serve as a reliable tool in a barroom brawl, thanks to their durability and sturdy construction.
And kickin' open swingin' doors
These boots are perfect for kicking open swingin' doors, as they can take a lot of wear and tear without showing any signs of damage.
Been resoled a dozen times
Although these boots have taken quite a bit of abuse over the years, they have been resoled numerous times, ensuring they can continue to be worn for many more years.
Crushed some cans and soaked some wine
These boots have seen their fair share of parties and hangouts, having been used for crushing cans and spilling wine on more than one occasion.
Aww but that's what makes them shine, they're a part of me
Despite the wear and tear they have endured, these boots still have a special shine to them that makes them stand out, serving as an important part of the wearer's identity and expression.
They've seen lovers come and go til we met the right pair at the rodeo oh that's just the way love goes some things are Meant to be
These boots have been through days and relationships, until the perfect pair was found at a rodeo, proving that some things are just meant to be.
Kickin' off when you're tired and sore
At the end of a long and tiring day, these boots can be kicked off and set aside, providing a sense of relief and comfort after a hard day's work or play.
Contributed by Sophia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.