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.
Just Like A Rodeo
John Michael Montgomery Lyrics
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Praying that I can just sit tight, man this love is strange
Up like a rocket spinning 'round like a top
My strength is fading fast
I should have known when I climbed on
My next breath could be my last
Someday's I'm in the saddle
Someday's I hold on for dear life
This love is sure 'nough just like a rodeo
Eight short seconds lasts a long long time
My life flashed before my eyes
Ain't never been bucked like this before
But I got to thank you for the ride
Someday's I'm in the saddle
Someday's I get thrown
Someday's I hold on for dear life
This love is sure 'nough just like a rodeo
Someday's I'm in the saddle
Someday's I get thrown
Someday's I hold on for dear life
This love is sure 'nough
Someday's I'm in the saddle
Someday's I get thrown
Someday's I hold on for dear life
This love is sure 'nough just like a rodeo
Just like a rodeo
John Michael Montgomery's song "Just Like A Rodeo" refers to the ups and downs of love, comparing it to riding a wild horse at a rodeo. The imagery of boots in the stirrups, trying to hold the reins, and the feeling of spinning out of control all paint a picture of the chaos and uncertainty that can come with falling in love. The lyrics express the idea that sometimes love can feel dangerous and unpredictable, like hanging on for dear life during a rodeo ride.
The song's chorus repeats the sentiment that some days love feels like a successful ride and other days it feels like getting thrown off. The line "eight short seconds lasts a long long time" alludes to the eight-second rule in rodeo riding where contestants must stay on the horse for at least eight seconds to qualify. However, in the context of the song, it implies that the highs and lows of love can feel both short and long at the same time.
Overall, "Just Like A Rodeo" is a metaphorical representation of the risks and rewards that come with love. It acknowledges that love can be a wild and unpredictable journey but ultimately worth it, just like the thrill of a rodeo ride.
Line by Line Meaning
Boots in the stirrups out of the gate trying to hold the reins
Starting a relationship, trying to maintain control and guide its course
Praying that I can just sit tight, man this love is strange
Hoping to keep things steady, realizing the unpredictability of love
Up like a rocket spinning 'round like a top
The relationship is exhilarating and dizzying
My strength is fading fast
Struggling to keep up with the intensity of emotions and experiences
I should have known when I climbed on
Feeling like the risks were clear from the beginning
My next breath could be my last
Acknowledging the possibility of getting hurt or ending the relationship at any moment
Eight short seconds lasts a long long time
Moments of intensity can feel extended and all-consuming
My life flashed before my eyes
Facing a potential loss or significant change can cause reflection and evaluation
Ain't never been bucked like this before
Encountering challenges or obstacles in the relationship that are new and difficult
But I got to thank you for the ride
Despite the difficulties, appreciating the experience of being in the relationship
This love is sure 'nough just like a rodeo
Comparing the ups and downs of the relationship with the excitement and unpredictability of a rodeo
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROGER BRYANT BROWN, TOMMY CONNERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind