As time rolled on, his love of artists who could deliver raw emotions with a classic edge grew, and so did the list of his musical influences. Keith Urban, later followed by Eric Church proved that this authentic approach would explode in Country Music. Kenton knew that the craft he had spent so much time honing - unique phrases wrapped around thoughtfully crafted lyrics, sitting on a bed of classic rock textures – could have a home in Nashville.
With no backup plan, Kenton uprooted his life and moved down I-65 south to pursue his dream of recording and performing music for a livelihood. His diligent work studying and crafting songs with hit-makers up and down Music Row paid off when in 2017, Kenton signed a publishing agreement with 50 Egg Music (Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs) and Big Machine Music (publishing division of Big Machine Label Group).
In August 2018, Kenton will deliver his music to the public with his debut, self-titled EP. The 6-track collection features songs all written or co-written by Kenton including tracks, “Since You’re Gone” and “Out on a Good One.” Kenton can be heard strumming his old 1945 Martin, electric guitars and other various instruments on the EP which was recorded and played primarily by him and Singleton.
“We put a lot of time into this EP,” Kenton shares. “I wanted to give people a real idea of who I am and give somebody, somewhere music to drink to, groove to, love someone to and miss someone to.”
Meanwhile, Kenton and his band are traveling across the country. He has opened for artists ranging from legends like Willie Nelson to current Country Music superstars like Gary Allan and Kip Moore.
“We are building this thing from the ground up the hard way. That means hitting every city we can, playing, and hopefully making fans one-by-one along the way. Those hard-earned fans are the foundation of people that stay with you for years to come. I’m really looking forward to the ride, and I can’t wait to bring everyone along with me.”
Covered In Dirt
Kenton Bryant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Turnin' daddy gray, makin' mama work hard
To keep white on the shirt
Covered in dirt
You turn sixteen, get a set of keys to a set of wings
Shine it on up, pick her up just to get the thing
Back where you were
Covered in dirt
'Cause it's down in your soul
All Over the roots of your hometown
Down in your bones
Where your mind goes when it goes down
Every backroad, every memory
Everywhere you've been, where you oughta be
'Round here, man, you live your life covered in dirt
'Til you're covered in dirt
You can pack a dream in a bag
Point your wheels toward the big lights
Try to wash it off of your heart at the county line
But that ain't how it works
'Cause you're still covered in dirt
It's down in your soul
All Over the roots of your hometown
Down in your bones
Where your mind goes when it goes down
Every backroad, every memory
Everywhere you've been, where you oughta be
'Round here, man, you live your life covered in dirt
'Til you're covered in dirt
It's down in your soul
All Over the roots of your hometown
Down in your bones
Where your mind goes when it goes down
Every backroad, every memory
Everywhere you've been, where you oughta be
'Round here, man, you live your life covered in dirt
'Til you're covered in dirt
You ain't the first or the last link in the chain
All the red blood runnin' through your veins
Came from stones on a hill with the same last name
Covered in dirt
Covered in dirt
Yeah, yeah
Covered in dirt
(All the red blood runnin' through your veins
Came from stones on a hill with the same last name
Covered in dirt
Covered in dirt
Covered in dirt)
The song "Covered In Dirt" by Kenton Bryant talks about the deep connection one has with their roots and hometown. The opening lines of the song paint the picture of a childhood spent outdoors, playing and getting into all sorts of mischief. As one grows older, they start exploring the world beyond their hometown, but no matter where they go or how successful they become, they can never wash off the essence of their hometown, and the grit and determination that it instilled in them.
The chorus is a powerful reminder that no matter how far one goes, the roots of their upbringing remain a part of them. The lyrics, "Every backroad, every memory, everywhere you've been, where you ought to be," suggest that no matter one's accomplishments, they will always have a connection to the roads, places, and memories of their childhood. The song ends with the acknowledgment that one's identity is shaped by their ancestors and the blood that runs through their veins, and with a repetitive chant of "Covered in dirt," emphasizing that the grit and determination that comes with growing up in a small town never leaves one's soul.
Overall, "Covered In Dirt" is a beautiful tribute to the power and pull of one's hometown and the roots that shape a person's identity.
Line by Line Meaning
You grow up barefoot, raisin' hell in the backyard
Growing up without shoes, having fun and misbehaving in the backyard
Turnin' daddy gray, makin' mama work hard
Causing stress to parents and making them work hard to take care of you
To keep white on the shirt
Trying to keep your clothes clean and neat
Covered in dirt
Being dirty and covered in dirt despite the efforts to stay clean
You turn sixteen, get a set of keys to a set of wings
Getting a driver's license and the freedom to drive around
Shine it on up, pick her up just to get the thing
Cleaning the car, driving around to show off and enjoy the ride
Back where you were
Returning to where you came from
Covered in dirt
Being back to your roots and your true self
'Cause it's down in your soul
It's a part of who you are and ingrained deep within
All Over the roots of your hometown
In every aspect and element of the place you were raised
Down in your bones
Deeply embedded and felt within your very being
Where your mind goes when it goes down
A place you go to for comfort and escape when feeling down or lost
Every backroad, every memory
Each pathway and memory you hold throughout your life
Everywhere you've been, where you oughta be
Every place you have come to throughout your life, feeling like you are meant to be there
'Round here, man, you live your life covered in dirt
Living an authentic life, true to your roots and your identity
'Til you're covered in dirt
Until you embrace and fully accept who you are
You can pack a dream in a bag
You can try to leave your hometown to pursue your aspirations
Point your wheels toward the big lights
Heading towards the bright lights of the city
Try to wash it off of your heart at the county line
Trying to forget or leave behind your past and hometown when you cross the county line
But that ain't how it works
Trying to escape your roots is not realistic or possible
'Cause you're still covered in dirt
You are still rooted in where you came from and who you truly are despite attempts to move away from it
You ain't the first or the last link in the chain
You are part of a larger legacy of people who have come before and will come after you
All the red blood runnin' through your veins
The common ancestry and shared heritage that tie the community together
Came from stones on a hill with the same last name
Referring to the ancestors and people who have come before and built the community from the ground up
Covered in dirt
Despite their accomplishments and contributions, they are still rooted and connected to the earth and their origins
Yeah, yeah
An expression of agreement or acknowledgement
Covered in dirt
Reinforcing the idea that their identity and authenticity is rooted in their history
(All the red blood runnin' through your veins
Reiterating the importance of the shared history and heritage of the community
Came from stones on a hill with the same last name
Emphasizing how the community is built upon generations of people who share a common identity and legacy
Covered in dirt)
Using the refrain to bring it full circle and reiterate the idea that the community's identity and authenticity are rooted in their origins and history
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Wyatt Colton McCubbin, Kenton McCreary Bryant
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind