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).
Lights of Town
Josh Ward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On that old east Texas road
I bet I've walked a thousand miles
Tryin to find which way to go
Should've chased down that white line
Or just turned the truck around
But here I go again
Well you know I've seen my share of these blacktop roads
Flying by these highway signs
Seaching for my pot of gold
Yeah the city lights keep calling
and I can't ignore the sound
I've got the pedal on the floor
Heading for the lights of town
Lights of town
Yeah that's where I'm bound
With a guitar in my hand
Playing a one night stand
Lights of town
Yeah that's where I'm bound
I'm gonna make it though the neon haze
Beneath the lights of town
Lights of town
Yeah that's where I'm bound
With a guitar in my hand
Playing a one night stand
Lights of town
Yeah that's where I'm bound
I'm gonna make it through the neon haze
Beneath the lights of town
I'm gonna make it through the neon haze
Beneath the lights of town
Beneath the lights of town
In Josh Ward's song Lights of Town, the singer is reflecting on his life and the choices he has made. He is driving down an old Texas road, watching the sunset and wondering about his next move. He has been on a journey, both physically and emotionally, and he is searching for direction. At one point, he realizes that he should have followed the white line on the road, but instead he keeps heading towards the lights of town.
The lights of town symbolize the singer's desire for fame and success as a musician. He has been traveling down a variety of roads, both physically and in his career, searching for his place in the world. He has seen his share of blacktop roads, highway signs, and neon haze, and he is determined to make it through to the other side. The city lights keep calling, and he cannot resist their pull. Despite the challenges he has faced, the singer believes that he will make it through and find his place beneath the lights of town.
Overall, Lights of Town is a poignant song about the struggle to find one's place in the world. The singer's journey is both physical and metaphorical, as he seeks direction and purpose in his life. The lights of town represent his desire for success and his willingness to work hard to achieve his dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I can see the sun settin
The singer is aware of the time of day and the direction he is heading in East Texas.
On that old east Texas road
The singer is traveling down a familiar road in the East Texas area.
I bet I've walked a thousand miles
The singer has traveled an extensive distance trying to find the right path to take.
Tryin to find which way to go
The artist is struggling to determine which direction to take in life.
Should've chased down that white line
The artist regrets not following a clear and direct path in life.
Or just turned the truck around
The singer could have changed course and gone a different direction.
But here I go again
The singer acknowledges his tendency to repeat this same cycle of indecision.
Heading for the lights of town
The artist is drawn to the excitement and possibilities of city life.
Well you know I've seen my share of these blacktop roads
The artist has spent a lot of time traveling on the road and is familiar with its challenges and monotony.
Flying by these highway signs
The artist is driving at a high speed and not taking time to ponder the messages of the signs he passes.
Seaching for my pot of gold
The singer is also searching for his fortune or success in life.
Yeah the city lights keep calling
The artist is drawn to the bright lights and excitement of city life.
and I can't ignore the sound
The singer is unable to resist the pull of the city and its opportunities.
I've got the pedal on the floor
The singer is driving quickly and with great determination to reach his destination.
Heading for the lights of town
The singer is once again drawn to the excitement and possibilities of city life.
Lights of town
Refers to the bright lights and excitement of the city.
Yeah that's where I'm bound
The artist is determined to reach the city and its opportunities.
With a guitar in my hand
The singer is a musician and hopes to find success in the city's music scene.
Playing a one night stand
The singer is performing at a single show or concert in the hope of gaining exposure and recognition.
I'm gonna make it though the neon haze
The artist is determined to succeed despite the many distractions and challenges of city life, including its bright lights and nightlife.
Beneath the lights of town
Refers to the bright lights and excitement of the city.
I'm gonna make it through the neon haze
The artist is determined to succeed despite the many distractions and challenges of city life, including its bright lights and nightlife.
Beneath the lights of town
Refers to the bright lights and excitement of the city.
Contributed by Chase C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.