John David Kent released an EP in 2009 that evolved into John's first full-length record as a front man. Released on his independent label, Blackland/Roustabout Records, JDK's eponymous debut saw instant success. Propelled by three top 20 singles on the Texas Country chart, Runaway, Back To The Country, & My Girl (also a CMT Pure Country hit video), JDK has generated a following of thousands of listeners waiting to see what he will do with this momentum. Originally from Greenville, currently residing in the neighboring town of Celeste, and packing up for his future home in Spicewood, JDK is on the move in many ways.
Before The Sun Comes Up, JDK's highly anticipated sophomore record, "embodies everything that the first record foreshadowed", explains Kent. "It was during a recent acoustic set when I realized that I often write about driving, open roads, moving, and being gone...which makes total sense because that's what I know. I've been gone for half of my life". Fans of the first record will once again ride shotgun as JDK drives you from sunset to sunrise in a teenaged American summer. Fueled by his trademark sing-a-long melodies, these songs are as ready for audiences seated on dancehall barstools, as they are for those on lawn seats at an amphitheater. Characteristic of JDK's sound, Before The Sun Comes Up balances commercial appeal with raw energy. Whiskey Myers' frontman, Cody Cannon, tells listeners to expect "country-infused rock and roll delivered in a very honest way. JDK's new record is tighter, more mature, and keeps his signature sound that's very vintage, but still modern. This kind of music is rare these days".
For his sophomore album, John stepped back from the producer's seat and tapped the internationally renowned writer/producer/mixer/engineer, Dwight Baker, to take the reins in Baker's Matchbox Studios in Austin. Baker has worked with artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Blue October, David Archuleta, & Bob Schneider. A collaboration between two individuals who are comfortable blurring genre lines was fitting. On working together in the studio, Kent recalls, "Dwight works fast, which we had to get used to. It forced us to be in the moment, quick on our toes…to know when to move forward before we start overthinking it". The result is a collection of songs that JDK hopes will do the same thing for his listeners that songs like Ramblin' Man did for him as a teenager. "It's that feeling of driving with the windows down in the summer with your girl leaning on your shoulder, and that perfect song comes on the radio. It's those melodies and lyrics that color those moments. I want this record to create those memories for other people".
Fans may notice some newer faces in the band, but these guys have a long-standing musical relationship. Drummer Tony Kent is John's brother and he feels that "playing with him every night is truly a blessing". Lead guitarist Colton Gilbreath is someone John remembers seeing play when he was a kid. "Even back then, he was this 14 year old monster on guitar. We're really glad to have him on board". Bassist Randall Fuller is someone that John has known for over a decade when they met at former bandmate Ben Kweller's house. Put simply, this is a band of brothers ready to capitalize on the sweat equity they've cultivated in the music industry over the years.
So exactly how does John David Kent measure future success? With characteristic humility, Kent answers, "before I was in the music business, I was a music fan. I will continue to be one no matter where this leads". Perhaps College Station Radio DJ, Adam Drake, can help JDK see where his art is leading his listeners. "This music will take you on a ride; it's got everything from the fun and upbeat songs, to the stuff that just tears at your heart. The older I've gotten, the less time I have to hop in the truck and drive down to the beach. I love it when albums like this make me want to do just that". Whether opening for Merle Haggard or playing festivals in France this summer, it would appear that this band's road trip is just getting started.
My Girl
John David Kent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She was her daddy's favorite son, and she fit the part.
When she said, give me a dip of that Copenhagen.
I ain't lady like cause its over rated.
My girl, climbs in on my side.
Sits in the middle.
Comes unwound when she hears Cherokee fiddle.
and that says alot.
Got a 12 pack of Lonestar beer.
Head down to the cowboy club to see ol' Clint Scribneer.
When she says, give me a dip of that Copenhagen.
I ain't lady like cause its over rated.
My girl, climbs in on my side.
Sits in the middle.
Comes unwound when she hears Cherokee fiddle.
shes got more mud on her boots, than all of those frat boy cowboys do.
and that says alot.
A Texas girl with small town pride.
Shes got a home-made tattoo that says Daddy tried.
And then she says, give me a dip of that Copenhagen.
I ain't lady like cause its over rated.
My girl, climbs in on my side.
Sits in the middle.
Comes unwound when she hears Cherokee fiddle.
shes got more mud on her boots, than all of those frat boy cowboys do.
and that says alot.
My girl, climbs in on my side.
Sits in the middle.
Comes unwound when she hears Cherokee fiddle.
shes got more mud on her boots, than all of those frat boy cowboys do.
and that says alot.
And that says alot.
Yea, that says alot
Yea, that says alot
In John David Kent's song "My Girl," the singer talks about his unconventional and unapologetic girlfriend who defies societal expectations of femininity. He describes her as having a good heart but being foul-mouthed and not conforming to traditional gender roles. She is her dad's favorite son and prefers chewing tobacco over doing anything conventionally feminine. She has more mud on her boots than the frat boy cowboys do, indicating that she's not afraid to get her hands dirty. The singer also mentions how she insists on being given a dip of Copenhagen, a brand of smokeless tobacco, stating that it's overrated to be ladylike.
The singer speaks about how his girlfriend is proud of being a small-town girl from Texas, with a homemade tattoo on her skin that reads "Daddy Tried." She is a fan of country music and enjoys going to see Ol' Clint Scribneer at the cowboy club with a twelve-pack of Lonestar Beer. The singer again repeats how she wants to have a dip of Copenhagen, defying traditional notions of femininity, and mentioning that it's overrated to be ladylike again.
Kent's song sheds light on the restrictive gender stereotypes that society imposes on women, and how these expectations of femininity can be limiting. The song is a celebration of an assertive, unconventional, and proud woman, defying gender norms and enjoying her life. Overall, the song is a fun and upbeat tribute to unconventional women who live life on their own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
Her heart was good, but she cussed alot.
Despite her foul language, she had a good heart.
She was her daddy's favorite son, and she fit the part.
Her father treated her like a son and she lived up to his expectations.
When she said, give me a dip of that Copenhagen.
When she asked for a dip of Copenhagen snuff.
I ain't lady like cause its over rated.
She did not care to be thought of as 'lady-like' because she thought it was overrated.
My girl, climbs in on my side.
Referring to his significant other.
Sits in the middle.
She sits in the middle seat of the truck cab.
Comes unwound when she hears Cherokee fiddle.
She gets excited when she hears music she likes.
shes got more mud on her boots, than all of those frat boy cowboys do.
She is more accustomed to country living than the guys who just dress the part.
A Texas girl with small town pride.
She is proud of her small town Texas roots.
Shes got a home-made tattoo that says Daddy tried.
She has a tattoo that represents her love for her father and her respect for his efforts.
Got a 12 pack of Lonestar beer.
The singer picked up a twelve pack of beer.
Head down to the cowboy club to see ol' Clint Scribneer.
They are going to a club to watch Clint Scribneer perform.
And that says alot.
This is emphasized to express the significance of what has been said.
Yea, that says alot
Reinforces that the aforementioned statements have significant meaning.
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes
Written by: RICHARD MARK BAILEY, JULLIAN ANDRES BOOTHE, CHRISTIAN FABICH, TOBIAS ZWIEFLER, CHAD KENT, SHAWN LAMAR DOBBINS, KMISHA-VICTORIA NAOMI COUNTS, SHERVAUN EDWARDS, REGINALD LOWELL SAUNDERS, KATRINA TAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@killergoat12
For whatever reason, I seriously cannot stop listening to this damn song. It is utterly freakin' amazing.
@vanessahicksnewman
I got VIP invite to see him play acoustic. I walked in the place & he recognized me! That night he dedicated his song "you" to my husband and me. Greatest Christmas gift ever!! Forever a fan!!
@JamesWilliams-vb8rk
You "do" know they don't put their own pic.s up right cowboy ?
@neala9567
Have a good friend , this song is all her , tough as nails , head strong , doesn't take shit from anyone
@iheartreading2007
love this song, lyrics and the sound alone.
@kiagiven6464
were has this guy been all my life :) love it!!
@txnissansales
Great way to show how us Greenville cowboys and gals roll
@dougm175
You guys ROCK! She's just the kind of girl i need! Hell bent, 100%
@PAPATexas
I miss JDK up here in North Texas! Loved seeing him live!
@cornbread2418
Seen them at hanks in McKinney