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.
Thanks For The G Chord
John Michael Montgomery Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sittin' on this porch
Pickin' these old time songs
No matter how far
I get from here
This place still feels like home
Remember all those summer nights
Well Dad, I've come to realize
I haven't said enough
[Chorus]
Thanks for the G chord
Teachin' me about the good Lord
Givin' me that old Ford
When I turned sixteen
Thanks for hangin' in there
When I was goin' nowhere
Thanks for never
Changin' that lock on the front door
Thanks for the G chord
That flat top Martin
You gave me back then
You know I've still got it now
I keep it locked up
In that same ol' case
You used to tote around
Sometimes when the crowd is quiet
I'll bring it out again
And play the first song you taught me
Back when I was ten
[Chorus]
Thanks for hangin' in there
When I was goin' nowhere
Thanks for never
Changin' that lock on the front door
Thanks for the G chord
The song "Thanks For The G Chord" by John Michael Montgomery is a tribute to the singer's father for his guidance, support, and love throughout his life. The song's opening lines suggest that Montgomery is currently sitting on his porch and playing music, a nostalgic and grounding activity that reminds him of home no matter where he goes in life. The verse goes on to reflect on the singer's conversations with his father during summer nights, noting that he could have said more to him over the years. However, the chorus offers a heartfelt level of gratitude to his father for specific things he has done for him, including teaching him how to play guitar (with a thanks specifically for "the G chord" which is a basic chord for guitar players), giving him a car when he was sixteen, and never changing the lock on the front door.
The second verse continues with the theme of the first, reflecting on a gift given to Montgomery by his father, a flat top Martin guitar. He notes that he still has the guitar and sometimes plays the first song his dad taught him when he was ten years old. The song ends with a repeat of the chorus, thanking his father for being there for him when he was going nowhere and never changing that lock on the front door.
Overall, "Thanks For The G Chord" is a touching tribute to a father from a son who acknowledges and deeply appreciates the love and support he has always received.
Line by Line Meaning
It sure is nice
The singer is enjoying the present moment.
Sittin' on this porch
The singer is currently sitting on a porch.
Pickin' these old time songs
The singer is playing music which is nostalgic and traditional.
No matter how far
Regardless of distance.
I get from here
As the artist moves away from this place.
This place still feels like home
This place retains an important place in the singer's heart.
Remember all those summer nights
The singer is reminiscing on past experiences.
We'd talk about life and such
The artist and their dad had meaningful conversations.
Well Dad, I've come to realize
The artist is having an important insight.
I haven't said enough
The artist feels they owe their dad more gratitude.
Thanks for the G chord
The singer is thanking their dad specifically for a guitar chord.
Teachin' me about the good Lord
Their dad also taught the artist about religion.
Givin' me that old Ford
Their dad gave them a car as a teenager.
When I turned sixteen
The singer received the car for their sixteenth birthday.
Thanks for hangin' in there
The singer is thanking their dad for supporting them.
When I was goin' nowhere
The artist went through a difficult time, and their dad was there for them.
Thanks for never
The artist is showing gratitude for their dad's loyalty.
Changin' that lock on the front door
Their dad never gave up on the singer, even during hard times.
That flat top Martin
The singer is referring to a specific type of guitar.
You gave me back then
Their dad gave them the guitar as a gift at some point in the past.
You know I've still got it now
The artist still has this guitar as a cherished possession.
I keep it locked up
The artist protects and values the guitar.
In that same ol' case
The guitar is stored in a specific case for protection and care.
You used to tote around
Their dad often carried the guitar around with him.
Sometimes when the crowd is quiet
The singer plays the guitar for others when it is a fitting moment.
I'll bring it out again
The singer takes the guitar out of storage to play it.
And play the first song you taught me
The singer performs a specific song for others, which their dad taught them long ago.
Back when I was ten
The artist learned this song at a young age thanks to their dad's guidance.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BYRON HILL, MARK BENTON NARMORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind