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).
You Don't Have To Be Lonely
Josh Ward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From a cross the room
So I made my way through the smoke
And chairs and the cheap perfume
Is it the whiskey or you spell that I'm under
As you flash those eyes my way
I can't help but wonder
What's a girl like you doin' here all alone
Can I take you home
You don't have to be me one and only
But to night
You don't have to be lonely
Well my heart started poundin'
My head was in a spin
Cause you were lightin' up that corner
Booth were sittin' in
This is not first time around
And it won't be my last
Well I still practise questions
Under my breath in about to ask
What's a girl like you doin' here all alone
Do you dance, Can I buy you drink
Can I take you home
You don't have to be my one and only
But to night
You don't have to be lonely,,,,,
What's a girl like you doin' here all alone
Do you dance can I buy you drink
Can I take you home
You don't have to be my one and only
But to night
You don't have to be lonely
To night you don't have to be lonely
Josh Ward's song "You Don't Have To Be Lonely" is a tale of a man's pursuit of a woman he sees sitting alone in a bar. The song is sung from the singer's perspective, and he describes his initial attraction to the woman, "flash those eyes my way." He mentions the atmosphere of the bar and his intent to approach her. He wonders why someone as beautiful as she is alone in a bar. He goes on to ask her if she would like to dance, if he may buy her a drink, and if he can take her home. He reassures her, "you don't have to be my one and only, but tonight you don't have to be lonely."
The song's lyrics are simple and straightforward, but they speak to a universal experience of loneliness and the search for companionship. Ward's vocal delivery is soulful and passionate, conveying the singer's longing and desire for connection. The instrumentation adds to the mood of the song, with acoustic guitar work that is both melancholy and hopeful. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of "you don't have to be lonely," is a reminder to listeners that they don't have to be alone in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I saw you sittin' there
I noticed you sitting across the room.
From a cross the room
From the other side of the room.
So I made my way through the smoke
I moved through the smoky air to get closer to you.
And chairs and the cheap perfume
I navigated through the chairs and the strong, inexpensive fragrance.
Is it the whiskey or you spell that I'm under
Am I under the influence of alcohol or enchanted by your presence?
As you flash those eyes my way
As you catch my attention with your glaring eyes.
I can't help but wonder
I can't help but be curious.
What's a girl like you doin' here all alone
Why are you, an attractive woman, sitting alone in this place?
Do you dance, Can I buy you a drink
Would you like to dance or accept a beverage from me?
Can I take you home
May I have the pleasure of accompanying you to your residence?
You don't have to be me one and only
You don't have to commit to being my exclusive partner.
But to night
But for this evening.
You don't have to be lonely
You don't have to feel lonely.
Well my heart started poundin'
My heart began to beat heavily.
My head was in a spin
I was disoriented and dizzy.
Cause you were lightin' up that corner
Because you were illuminating that location.
Booth were sittin' in
That we were both occupying.
This is not first time around
I've experienced this before.
And it won't be my last
I anticipate this happening again.
Well I still practise questions
I still rehearse what I plan to say.
Under my breath in about to ask
In a low voice, I am about to inquire.
To night you don't have to be lonely
Tonight, you do not have to feel lonely.
Writer(s): Dusty Brighteyes Neuman
Contributed by Samantha L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.