An anchored mindset that has led this Texas country music rising star from a drifter’s adolescence to the jeopardous game of the rodeo circuit to the punishing toil of the Texas oil fields, and on into the fickle arms of the music business. Some might argue whether it is having nine consecutive #1 hit singles in Texas under his belt that has garnered him staying power, or that he is killing it in the social media world with over 2 million views on YouTube and over 3 million streams globally on Spotify. Maybe it’s his 3 venerated album releases, or maybe because he can not only bat a full house on a 200 plus dates a year touring average, but also rope in crowds on a first time performance in an unfamiliar town. While impressive, all those distinctions can come and go in the world of music. The reason for his staying power turns out to be quite a simple one. And that is because Josh Ward is country music blood to bone, and both Josh Ward and country music are simply not going to go away.
Josh spent 2017 heavily touring off the strength of his previous album “Holding Me Together.” All six radio singles hit the #1 spot on the Texas Regional Radio Chart and Ward quickly found himself going from opening act to the headlining spot in a matter of months. But in the midst of his growing popularity, he gladly bent the knee to fellow country music artist and comrade Cody Johnson who introduced Ward to his West Coast audiences. Getting the chance to be endorsed by Cody Johnson and perform at sold out shows in brand new markets is the kind of opportunity music artists chomp at the bit to have. When Ward and his band returned to those areas a few months later all by their lonesome, he simply could not have guessed at the reception he would encounter. “When we went back to the West Coast by ourselves, it was sold out shows. I was literally blown away.” It was at that very point while far away from his familiar stomping grounds in Texas with new fans slapping him on the back that Ward knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that his music was catching on in a big way.
The culmination of his radio success and his victories out on the road can easily be attributed to the actual man behind the music. In life, sometimes a person gets dealt a lean hand and has to choose his family from strangers along the way, people who make a conscious choice to take you under their wing and help guide you through life. Ward considers himself a very lucky man despite some rough teenage years. The love and support of his extended family and his chosen family was the concrete foundation he built
his life on, and his fans are a big part of that. It’s why they are drawn to him through the speakers, because he is what he sings. It’s why they are drawn to him from the stage, because he’s an old friend who’s come back to visit. He’s the animated truth of all he stands for, a self-made family man who always has a welcome smile and an open spot in the family. To his loyal fans he feels he owes everything. “Words can’t describe the emotion that gets put into these runs and the work that we do. And these people pay their hard earned money to see it every night. Thank you. Every time I step on stage, you guys remind me that I have more than I deserve.” And so his brand new album, so aptly named, is Ward’s dedication to his growing family.
“More Than I Deserve” marks Ward’s fourth full length album release and it will greet the fans on May 4, 2018. With the philosophy of “don’t fix what isn’t broken,” Ward went right back into the Rosewood studios where he recorded all his previous releases and joined producer Greg Hunt once again behind the board to create the next dimension of Josh Ward country music. The new album is 11 tracks strong featuring the signature instrumentation from guys like John Carroll (Cory Morrow) on guitar, Nate Coon (Aaron Watson) on drums, Milo Deering (The Eagles) on acoustic guitar, steel, dobro, fiddle, viola and mandolin, and Terry McBride (McBride and The Ride) on backing vocals and also writer of three of the tracks. The album is classic Josh Ward style on every front with just a little more gusto and a little more miles on it. Full bodied and emotionally fragrant, every song jumps out kicking up the kind of country music nostalgia Ward is revered for. The first single “All About Lovin’” (written by Brice Long, Terry McBride and Chris Stapleton) tells you everything you need to know about this album, a sexy tonkafied driver of a song that guarantees you’ll be lacing up your dancing shoes by the time you hit the chorus. “Home Away From Home” is country piled on top of more country, and is, as the song says, “a two steppin’ juke box heaven.” While Ward has never been afraid to sing other people’s songs due to his belief that a good song simply needs to be heard, his own savvy for the art just so happens to be represented on three of the most powerful tracks. “A Cowboy Can” is the true grit of this album and is what Ward says best describes himself. “One More Shot Of Whiskey” is a sobering tale told with 90 proof conviction, and then there is “More Than I Deserved” ringing out with its vulnerable steel and head hanging resolve. “More Than I Deserve” is country music addiction in its purest form. Josh Ward did not reinvent the wheel here, but damn, it’s polished surface sure rides smooth.
Josh and his band will be seeing a lot more of the country this year hitting a lot of new places on his never ending tour. It’s still hard for him to believe he has come this far and he doesn’t take one mile of it for granted. “I never thought I would be rolling down the road with one of the hottest bands in Texas playing shows across the United States. I’m happy to be here.”
The Josh Ward band is Josh Ward (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Steve Cargill (bass), Justin Cogneato (drums), Woody Woodruff (lead guitar) and Glen Shankle (steel guitar).
A Cowboy Can
Josh Ward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let alone show up and walk the walk
Grab a hold of that rope, with a hand in the air
Or strap a guitar on
Most folks jump off with time gets tough
But you don't get this way from backin' up
Not everyone can hang on tight
But a cowboy can
A cowboy can, a real cowboy will
Turn his collar up high with his back
To the wind, sling that saddle on again
Well the nights get cold and the highway never ends
Not many folks can live this life, but a cowboy can
I wouldn't wish this on the faint of heart
'Cause I know it ain't for everyone
Some folks might try to look the part
We don't do this just for fun
It's every part of who I am
I've got no quit runnin' through my veins
It ain't an easy way to make a buck
But at the end of the day
A cowboy can, a real cowboy will
Turn his collar up high with his back to
The wind, and sling that saddle on again
Well the nights get cold and the highway never ends
Not many folks can live this life, but a cowboy can
The nights get cold and the highway never ends
Not many folks can live this life, but a cowboy can
The song "A Cowboy Can" by Josh Ward is an ode to the rugged and tough lifestyle of a cowboy. The lyrics describe the challenges and hardships that come with being a cowboy, but also the dedication and perseverance it takes to stay in this profession. The opening lines of the song emphasize that not everyone can talk the talk and walk the walk of a cowboy. However, those who can, have an unwavering determination to keep going no matter how tough the times get. The line "Most folks jump off when times get tough" reveals the resilience of a cowboy who won't back down or quit in the face of adversity.
The lyrics also highlight the physical aspects of being a cowboy – holding a rope or strapping on a guitar. These men and women have a unique set of skills that not everyone can possess. The chorus emphasizes the sentiment that a cowboy will always come back for more, putting that saddle on and facing whatever comes their way. The final lines of the song, "Not many folks can live this life, but a cowboy can," serve as a reminder of the grit and determination that defines this profession.
Line by Line Meaning
Not many folks could talk this talk
Only a few people can actually understand and talk about the lifestyle and work of cowboys.
Let alone show up and walk the walk
It takes more than just talking to live the life of a cowboy.
Grab a hold of that rope, with a hand in the air
Good cowboys know how to lasso a steer with one hand while holding the rope high in the air.
Or strap a guitar on
In addition to their work, many cowboys enjoy playing music and singing about their life.
Most folks jump off with time gets tough
When things get hard, most people give up on their job or lifestyle.
But you don't get this way from backin' up
Cowboys face challenges head on and don't back down from hard work.
Not everyone can hang on tight
It takes strength and perseverance to hold on when things get difficult.
But a cowboy can
Cowboys have what it takes to persevere through the toughest of circumstances.
I wouldn't wish this on the faint of heart
This lifestyle is not for those who are easily discouraged or weak.
'Cause I know it ain't for everyone
Only certain people have what it takes to live the cowboy lifestyle.
Some folks might try to look the part
There are people who might dress like cowboys or talk like them, but they don't have what it takes to actually be one.
We don't do this just for fun
For cowboys, this is not just a hobby or a game - it is their way of life.
It's every part of who I am
Being a cowboy is not just a job, it is a fundamental part of their identity.
I've got no quit runnin' through my veins
Cowboys have a strong will and determination that never gives up.
It ain't an easy way to make a buck
Being a cowboy is not an easy job, but it is more than just a means of making money.
But at the end of the day
Even though it is a difficult job, it is worth it for the cowboys.
The nights get cold and the highway never ends
Cowboys work long hours and are out in all kinds of weather, enduring many hardships.
Not many folks can live this life, but a cowboy can
Only a few people have what it takes to live the cowboy lifestyle, but for those who do, it is a fulfilling way of life.
Writer(s): Wyatt Colton Mccubbin
Contributed by Aria R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.