Justin Townes Earle, born January 4, 1982 in Nashville, TN, was an American alt-country singer-songwriter who walked the line between old-time country and modern acoustic Indie music by breathing new life into early country, blues and gospel forms.
His first release, Yuma, in 2007 was a stark and beautiful set of songs written while Earle was fresh out of rehab and is now re-released by Bloodshot Records, who have a further three albums on their catalogue.
The Good Life, Midnight At the Movies (Americana award nominee) and the latest Harlem River Blues show Earle's characteristic charm, wit and rhythm to the forefront.
2009 saw him touring with Old Crow Medicine Show, The Felice Brothers and Gillian Welch/Dave Rawlings as a member of The Big Surprise tour and he has been touring solidly through 2010 making fans all along the way. In 2011, he received the Americana Music Award in the Song of the Year category for his "Harlem River Blues," from the album of the same name.
His fourth release "Nothing's Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now", released in 2012 was met with critical acclaim, it was listed at #37 on Rolling Stone's list of the top 50 albums of 2012, saying "The son of country-rock renegade Steve Earle has grown into a songwriter to rival his dad."
Earle died on August 20, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 38. His death was announced by his label on social media on August 23. The cause of death was not immediately announced, but Nashville police said they were investigating the death as a probable drug overdose. On December 1, 2020, Earle's family confirmed that he died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl-laced cocaine.
The Good Life
Justin Townes Earle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll spend most everyday doing as I please
I've got pockets full of money; hear a jingle when I walk
Yeah it's a good life from now on
Now if I walk down the street everybody knows my name
They all step aside and let me go my way
They all smile and snicker and some won't talk at all
Oh and all the fancy restaurants won't let me wait inside
They serve me out the backdoor and never ask for a dime
So you tell me what I'm missing and I'll tell you where you're wrong
Yeah it's a good life from now on
Well now I could go anywhere and live this way
I could catch a first class trip on a mountain bound train
Yeah 'cause I've got nothing left here to keep me hanging on
Yeah it's a good life from now on
Yeah it's a good life for me from now on
The lyrics to Justin Townes Earle's song "The Good Life" express a newfound sense of liberation and pleasure after the singer's partner left him. He relishes in the freedom that comes with not having someone to answer to or a place to be. He revels in his financial stability, heard through the jingle of his pockets. He has become a familiar and respected figure in his community, evident through the way others acknowledge and treat him. He no longer has to wait in line or pay to enjoy the finer things in life. He asks his ex-partner what he is missing and asserts that his life is now good and that he can go anywhere he wants to.
This song represents a classic example of a man who is liberated from his monotonous life after his relationship ends. He embraces his newfound freedom and indulges in the pleasures of life. The theme is about the freedom that comes with being single and emphasizes the importance of enjoying life. The upbeat tempo of the song also adds to the sense of joy and pleasure experienced by the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
Well since you've left I've had no place to be
Ever since you broke up with me, I've lost my sense of purpose in life.
I'll spend most everyday doing as I please
I'll be living life on my own terms, without having to answer to anyone else.
I've got pockets full of money; hear a jingle when I walk
I'm financially stable and my wealth is evident to those around me.
Yeah it's a good life from now on
Overall, I'm content with my current lifestyle and have no regrets.
Now if I walk down the street everybody knows my name
Thanks to my newfound wealth, I'm a recognizable figure in the community.
They all step aside and let me go my way
People are deferential to me, treating me with respect and admiration.
They all smile and snicker and some won't talk at all
Though some people may be envious or resentful of my success, most are jovial and supportive.
Oh and all the fancy restaurants won't let me wait inside
I'm treated like a VIP by establishments that wouldn't have given me the time of day before.
They serve me out the backdoor and never ask for a dime
I'm showered with special treatment and perks that come as a result of my fame and fortune.
So you tell me what I'm missing and I'll tell you where you're wrong
I'm perfectly happy with my life and don't need anyone else's approval or validation.
Well now I could go anywhere and live this way
I'm free to travel and experience different places while maintaining the same lifestyle.
I could catch a first class trip on a mountain bound train
I could afford to ride in style and comfort, even on long and expensive journeys.
Yeah 'cause I've got nothing left here to keep me hanging on
Without you in my life, I have no emotional ties or commitments holding me back.
Yeah it's a good life for me from now on
I'm confident that my future will be bright and prosperous, full of exciting opportunities and experiences.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Aldrin Davis, Faheem Najm, James Ingram, John Stephens, Kanye West, Michael Dean, Quincy Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
derek Waas
Amazing talent. Saw him last nite at the Wormy Dog in Oklahoma City. Wow. Just wow.
floppyd0g
I agree, His whole "attitude" is spot on. Haven't been as excited about a musician like this in years and that's going across many genres. Can't wait for the next release and a tour in my direction. The current album and EP are astonishing for the first recordings from such a young guy.
darlincommitme
Yep - this is the title track of his first LP album. You can hear the entire album on his MySpace page. He is on Bloodshot records and just released his second album, Midnight at the Movies. Was nominated for the AMA new artist award. Plenty of talent there to develop!
floppyd0g
Love Justin. 2 albums and an EP both essential listening. Saw him & Cory in London last year and his talent and stage presence was extraordinary. Roll on next album..
girlpunk21
His debut is hands down my favourite release of 2008. Bought his cd off eMusic right after it came out, he's pure gold. I haven't seen him in concert yet tho he was in L.A. just a few weeks ago. I'll catch him next time tho for sure!
Brad Hardisty
I got the news today and I had to go back to when I met him in 2008 when this hit the shelves.
oldcrowfan13
I saw him for the first when he opened for Old Crow Medicine Show in Richmond, Va in April 2008. He was really good he had a great sound and great music.
Tj W
This was & remains his best album. I wish he'd go back to this style. It really suits him.
hughhill
Great song and great Nashville scenery in the video.
Bill Miller
My happy song of the day. Change the world one song and one smile at a time.