Arriving at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi, he had initial aspirations of being an art major, while also being a very capable golfer and a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
Kelley released his indie album Changing Faces in 2001, signing with Hollywood in 2002. Working with John Alagia as his producer, Kelley released For The Ride Home in 2003. He also made an appearance at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in 2003. The song "Everybody Wants You" was recommended to be written by a friend to not forget who he is, while "Amazing" was possibly his first critically acclaimed hit.
Josh Kelley's 2011 record, Georgia Clay, was his first Country album; his previous work was more pop. Speaking with Songfacts in a 2011 interview, Kelley explained that Gone Like That was the song that actually started his journey into Country music. He said: "I had written and presented it to my music publisher to pitch to other artists, but they liked my demo so much they encouraged me to cut it. It was the first song I wrote that gave me the confidence to pursue a career as a Country singer."
His musical guise can be recognized akin to Jack Johnson, John Mayer, or Ben Harper.
Kelley remains a supporter of Napster-like sharing peer to peer applications for independent artists who have a difficult time receiving an audience. In fact, Kelley was "found" after accidentally targeting Eric Clinger at Hollywood Records with private spam messages using the Napster program.
Small Town Boy
Josh Kelley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With big town dreams in a small town world
So i express your fears to a fresh pair of ears
And I'll tell you once and then make you steer
'Cause I already know
'Cause I already know
So they'll say, then change your mind
Express your tears to a new found fear
And trust the one with the following cheer
'Cause I already know
'Cause I already know
Let's get out of here
Let's get out of here
So this is your chance don't mess it up
Cause everyone is watching
You know everyone is watching you
So this is your dance
Make of it what you will
Cause you know everyone is watching you
Let's get out of here
Let's get out of here
Josh Kelley's song "Small Town Boy" explores the idea of longing for bigger things while living in a small town. The first two lines suggest that everyone desires to be a small town boy with big town dreams but finds themselves stuck in a small town world. The singer offers to listen to the person's fears and guide them in the right direction. The line "So they'll say, then change your mind" suggests that others may judge and try to change the individual's desires. The line "Express your tears to a new-found fear" indicates that stepping out of one's comfort zone can be scary, but the singer encourages them to trust and follow their own path. The repeated line "Cause I already know" indicates that the singer has been through a similar experience and can offer advice.
The song has an overall message to take a chance and not let others' opinions hold you back. The chorus encourages the listener to leave the town and pursue their dreams. The final verse states that this is their chance to shine, and although everyone may be watching them, they should still take control and make the most of the opportunity.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyone wants to be a small town boy
Everyone desires to live in a small town with pure and peaceful surroundings
With big town dreams in a small town world
But they want to achieve great success and fame in their life just like they would have in a big city
So i express your fears to a fresh pair of ears
So come to me and share all your fears and worries as I am here to listen to you with a fresh perspective
And I'll tell you once and then make you steer
I will guide you on what to do and then motivate you to make the right decisions for your life
'Cause I already know
Because of my experiences and knowledge, I am aware of what is best for you
Image is dead for the price of your sight
Do not prioritize your image and reputation at the cost of your own values and beliefs
So they'll say, then change your mind
People may criticize you for your choices, but do not let their opinions alter your decisions
Express your tears to a new found fear
Share your emotions and insecurities with someone who can help you face your fears and overcome them
And trust the one with the following cheer
Rely on the person who encourages and motivates you to achieve your goals
Let's get out of here
Let's leave this place and explore new opportunities and perspectives
So this is your chance don't mess it up
Make the most of this opportunity and do not let anything hinder your progress
Cause everyone is watching
Be aware that people are observing your actions and choices, but do not let their opinions dictate your decisions
You know everyone is watching you
Realize that your actions and choices can impact others' perceptions of you, so make wise decisions
So this is your dance
This is your chance to showcase your talents and abilities to the world
Make of it what you will
Take control of this opportunity and mold it according to your goals and aspirations
Cause you know everyone is watching you
Because you realize that your actions and choices can influence how others perceive you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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