Besides these two songs, five more of Montgomery's singles have reached the top of the country charts: "I Love the Way You Love Me", "Be My Baby Tonight", "If You've Got Love", "I Can Love You Like That", and "The Little Girl", while thirteen more have reached Top Ten. Montgomery's recordings of "I Swear" and "I Can Love You Like That" were both released concurrently with R&B versions by the group All-4-One. Montgomery has also released eleven studio albums, counting a Christmas album.
John Michael joined the family band (which also included his brother, Eddie Montgomery, who would later join Troy Gentry in the duo Montgomery Gentry) as guitarist before taking the lead singing role when his parents divorced. Afterwards, he made a frugal living on the local honky-tonk scene as a solo artist playing what he referred to as "working man's country." Eventually, Atlantic Records signed him.
It's What I Am
John Michael Montgomery Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was playing the blues instead of playing with toys
Listening to the Opry and dreaming of the neon lights
So it was late to bed and early to rise
I worked the field all day and the crowd all night
My finger on the trigger and Nashville in my sights
I'm the real thing and I sing songs about real life
Never really worried if I fit in
Country ain't what I sing it's what I am
This hat ain't something I wear for style
These boots have been around a while
Country ain't what I sing it's what I am
I learned to drive on a dirt road
Cruised the strip on rock and roll
And drove around on "Miles and Miles of Texas"
And as I grew Daddy showed me now
To earn a living by the sweat of my brow
But he never made me follow in his steps
He said work hard and let the good Lord do the rest
And I never heard a fiddle called a violin
Never really worried if I fit in
Country ain't what I sing it's what I am
This truck ain't something I drive for style
These boots have been around a while
Country ain't what I sing it's what I am
And I never heard a fiddle called a violin
Never really worried if I fit in
Country ain't what I sing it's what I am
This hat ain't something I wear for style
These boots have been around a while
Country ain't what I sing it's what I am
In John Michael Montgomery's song "It's What I Am," the country music artist explores his origins and what country music means to him. He starts off by talking about how he got his first guitar as a boy and how he didn't play with toys but instead played the blues. He talks about listening to the Opry and dreaming of the neon lights of Nashville. He worked hard all day in the field and played to the crowds all night, with his sights always on Nashville. He is the real thing and sings about real-life experiences.
The chorus talks about how he never heard a fiddle called a violin and never worried about fitting in. He goes on to say that country music isn't something he sings; it's what he truly is. His hat and boots aren't just for show; they are a part of who he is. He learned to drive on a dirt road and cruised around listening to rock and roll. His father taught him to earn a living by the sweat of his brow, but he never forced him to follow in his footsteps. He advised him to work hard and trust in the good Lord, and everything else would fall into place.
"It's What I Am" is a powerful song that celebrates the country music genre and its roots. John Michael Montgomery proudly states that he isn't a country singer—he is country. He doesn't fake his sound or his image, and he isn't concerned about fitting in or being popular. He is authentic and unapologetic, and that is what makes him unique in his own way.
Line by Line Meaning
I got my first guitar when I was just a boy
At a young age, I received my first guitar and it became my passion.
I was playing the blues instead of playing with toys
Rather than playing with typical childhood toys, I was learning how to play music and found an appreciation for the blues.
Listening to the Opry and dreaming of the neon lights
As I was learning to play, I listened to the Grand Ole Opry and was entranced by the prospect of performing on big stages with bright neon lights.
So it was late to bed and early to rise
I had to work hard and make sacrifices in order to pursue my music dreams.
I worked the field all day and the crowd all night
I worked a day job and played gigs at night, trying to make ends meet and gain recognition for my music.
My finger on the trigger and Nashville in my sights
I was determined to make it big and saw Nashville as the place to do it.
I'm the real thing and I sing songs about real life
My music reflects the reality of the country lifestyle and resonates with listeners who can relate to the struggles and joys of that life.
And I never heard a fiddle called a violin
I learned and embraced the true terminology of country music, not conforming to other styles or genres.
Never really worried if I fit in
I didn't bother with trying to fit in or please anyone else. I stayed true to who I was.
Country ain't what I sing it's what I am
My music isn't just a genre, it's a reflection of my identity and upbringing.
This hat ain't something I wear for style
My cowboy hat holds meaning and significance beyond just being a fashion accessory.
These boots have been around a while
My boots represent the hard work and experience I've accumulated over the years as a country musician.
I learned to drive on a dirt road
Growing up in the country, I learned to drive on rough terrain.
Cruised the strip on rock and roll
I also had a taste for rock and roll and enjoyed driving around in my early days.
And drove around on "Miles and Miles of Texas"
I had an affinity for the state of Texas and wanted to explore every inch of it.
And as I grew Daddy showed me now
My father was influential in teaching me the value of hard work.
To earn a living by the sweat of my brow
My father taught me that hard work is necessary to make a living and succeed in life.
But he never made me follow in his steps
Despite his influence, my father didn't force me to work in his footsteps. He wanted me to find my own path.
He said work hard and let the good Lord do the rest
My father instilled in me a faith in God and a belief that hard work would eventually pay off.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: AARON M. SAIN, JOHN CALVERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind