Whether standing on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry or entertaining the troops in Iraq, the southern country-rocker is indeed using his God-given gifts to deliver a message through his words and his music. His undeniable charisma and tremendous talent as a singer, songwriter and performer have firmly established him as one of country music's brightest new stars.
Keni's new album, Gunslinger, is a collection of insightful songs that live and breathe the stories of life. Gunslinger is the follow-up to Thomas's critically acclaimed debut album, "Flags of Our Fathers." The first single "Shreveport 2 LA," produced by Thomas and co-written by hit writers Billy Montana and Mike Plume, is an infectious rocker that spent 4 months in the Top 10 on GAC.
"This catchy single is a terrific introduction to his finely crafted sophomore album," commented Billboard Magazine. "Thomas is an engaging vocalist and insightful songwriter with tons of personality onstage and off."
A dynamic live performer, Keni and his band, Cornbread, tour steadily both nationally and abroad opening for top artists like Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Trace Atkins, Montgomery Gentry and Wynonna. They have traveled for years to the Middle East, volunteering their time as part of the USO's "Hope and Freedom" holiday show. Keni and Cornbread even made the jump to Hollywood as the featured band in the Disney/Touchstone blockbuster, "Sweet Home Alabama".
As a songwriter, Thomas is quickly gaining recognition nationwide for his talent. His southern fried scorcher, "Alabama Home" was chosen as the official theme song for Talladega Superspeedway and was used in all national TV spots for the 2007 season. And there's more in store. Like the haunting title track Keni wrote for the upcoming feature film "Circle on the Cross" premiering in 2009. Music Row will tell you that as a songwriter, "Thomas weaves a powerful spell with understated elegance".
Thomas wrote or co-wrote seven of the tracks on the new album including the infectious title track, Gunslinger, the inspirational ballad "In God's Hands," the feel-good summertime anthem, "Summertown," and the hauntingly beautiful, "Everything." In addition, the disc includes offerings by such hit songwriters as Kristen Hall, previously of country super group Sugarland ("Out of Nowhere"), Billy Montana ("Shreveport 2 LA," and "Not Ready for Love") and the immensely talented Bruce Robison ("Blame it on Me"), and others.
More than a gifted musician, Thomas possesses an exceptional personal story that is uniquely inspiring. He is a decorated combat veteran of the elite 75th Ranger Rgt special operations unit. As a military analyst, Thomas has made numerous appearances on ever major television network including a featured story on Good Morning America and specials on The History and Discovery channels. He is regularly booked as a keynote speaker for corporations and organizations around the nation sharing his motivating story of teamwork and leadership. As a country singer, his dedicated work on behalf of our veterans has been recognized by Congress and the National Defense Foundation. Thomas is the recipient of the American Patriot Award, The Carlton Sherwood Media Award and the bronze star for valor.
Thomas is very proud of his appointment as the national spokesman for the Hero Fund (www.HeroFund.com) and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides college educations to the children of our special ops personnel killed in combat or training. A portion of all proceeds from Gunslinger will benefit the Hero Fund. Since its inception, the Hero Fund has helped provide for the educational needs of over 700 children.
The title of Keni's new album is really a statement of his mission; "I'm not so much a Gunslinger in the Wild West sort of way; but rather I've come to town to do something good. Instead of an M-4 rifle, I get to carry a Gibson now. Music is a powerful weapon. And that's how I'm making a difference."
Out of Nowhere
Keni Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My heart's on fire
Can't stop burning
Woke me like the wind
In the middle of the night
Tossin' and turning
Chorus
Without me ever knowing
This thing we got
Is really going somewhere
Suddenly love is in the air
It came right out of nowhere
Lost and lonely
Were my best friends
They just left me
Love and Lucky
Been chasing me down
Gonna let them catch me
Chorus
Ain't it funny
The moment I stopped looking
How you found me
I know its crazy
But I can't live
Without your arms around me
The song "Out of Nowhere" by Keni Thomas is about love that unexpectedly came into his life, struck him like a lightning bolt, and set his heart on fire. He describes the feeling of being unable to control the burning desire he has for this person who woke him up like the wind in the middle of the night. The chorus suggests that this love came without warning, but it is going somewhere, and they are headed in the right direction. He no longer feels lost and lonely because love and luck are now on his side, and he is willing to let them catch up to him.
The second verse talks about how he had given up on love and accepted loneliness as his best friend. However, love and luck were persistently chasing him, and he was finally ready to let them catch him. He realized that the moment he stopped looking, love found him. The last lines of the chorus are a declaration of his love and how he cannot live without the person's arms around him, even though he acknowledges it might seem crazy.
Overall, "Out of Nowhere" is a song about the unexpectedness of love, how it can come at any given moment, and sometimes, we might not even notice it knocking at our door until it strikes us like a bolt of lightning.
Line by Line Meaning
Struck by lightning
I was suddenly and unexpectedly impacted by intense feelings of passion.
My heart's on fire
My emotions are ablaze with desire.
Can't stop burning
I cannot resist the passionate attraction I have for you.
Woke me like the wind
Sensations of passion suddenly rushed through me, like the wind wakes the slumbering trees.
In the middle of the night
These feelings came upon me unbidden, unexpectedly, and at night, when I was at my most vulnerable.
Tossin' and turning
I was restless and disturbed by the intensity of my feelings, and could not sleep soundly.
Chorus
Our love was sudden and unexpected, and I couldn't have predicted how much I would come to care for you.
It came right out of nowhere
Our love appeared suddenly and unexpectedly, without warning, and caught me off guard.
Without me ever knowing
I had no idea that our love would be this strong and sudden.
This thing we got
Our love is a remarkable and beautiful thing that has caught us both by surprise.
Is really going somewhere
Our relationship has a future, and it's headed towards happiness and love.
Suddenly, love is in the air
Love has struck us both, and it seems to be all around us.
Lost and lonely
I was feeling alone and aimless before I met you.
Were my best friends
Feelings of loneliness and aimlessness had become familiar to me, like old friends.
They just left me
I had lost hope of ever finding someone to love.
Love and Lucky
Love and good fortune had become part of my life when I met you.
Been chasing me down
These feelings of love and happiness pursued me until I was caught up in them.
Gonna let them catch me
I've surrendered to these feelings of love and happiness, and I'm ready to see where they take me.
Ain't it funny
It's strange and unexpected to me that I found love in such an unlikely way.
The moment I stopped looking
When I stopped actively searching for someone to love, love seemed to find me.
How you found me
You appeared in my life in a magical and unexpected way, and I'm grateful for it.
I know its crazy
I recognize that it might seem strange to feel so strongly about someone I just met, but it's how I feel.
But I can't live
I cannot imagine living without the love and affection that we share.
Without your arms around me
The physical touch and emotional intimacy that we share is an essential part of what makes our love so special.
Lyrics © GREATER GOOD SONGS
Written by: KRISTEN A. HALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jaelyn Rhys
on Crimson, White and Indigo
The video is NOT Crimson White & Indigo...