Signed to Average Joes Entertainment after label head, Shannon Houchins, saw her on “American Idol” and looked up her videos on the Internet. He immediately invited Sarah to make a trip to Nashville, and within one short year she found herself in the studio, recording with the label’s group, The Lacs. One of her songs, “Knock ‘Em Dead,” was on the compilation album “Mud Digger 4,” along with label mates Colt Ford, The Lacs with J.J. Lawhorn and Montgomery Gentry. She also claims her country roots along with Colt Ford in “We All Country” by the Moonshine Bandits.
“Mud Digger 5” had another of Sarah’s compositions, “Shotgun,” as its lead single. The video for the tune is a gritty warning to guys about what might happen if they are found cheating on their sweetheart. The song is on Sarah’s first EP, “Calm Before The Storm,” which releases on July 24.
“As a little girl I grew up listening to my daddy’s all-time favorites — Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, George Strait, Patsy Cline and Martina McBride,” says the young lady who grew up on a farm just south of Atlantic City. It didn’t take long before she started flipping through radio stations, from country to rap and back, discovering tunes she loved from favorites Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Justin Moore, Jason Aldean, Eminem, Wiz, Drake and Nicki Minaj, and of course her country rap label mates.
The new EP showcases Sarah’s multi-genre influences, such as the first song she ever merged country, rap and rock, Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good.” It has received airplay on Sirius’ “Highway” (Channel 56) and CMT Pure and on the channel’s “12 Pak Countdown.”
Her rap influences also show up on “Shotgun,” which combines the modern beat with an iconic country storyline. Her softer side comes through on “Lovin’ This Beat” and her vocals shine on the ballad, “Happy Hour.”
Sarah learned the ropes quickly in Nashville, and before long she was writing with some of the town’s top writers. Among those who contributed and/or wrote with Sarah on the EP are Jared Scuillo, who also acted as producer along with Josh Kerr. Other writers include Mallary Hope, Charlie Farley, Noah Gordon, and Preston Brust of LoCash, as well as Ronstadt.
Like most songwriters, Sarah pulls from her life experiences when writing. “Calm Before The Storm,” written with Jared and Mallary, is an edgy country song with a hint of rock and rap. The singer drew the idea form a guy who did her wrong although she is the first to admit that not every word of the tune is true. “I think each line of this song was from each of us (writers) and we really worked together on it. It was a song that flowed, and came out easily for each of us. From the beginning, it was one of my most favorite songs that we wrote.”
One of the audiences that enjoy the music Sarah and her label mates sing and perform are folks who love mud sports. While the singer is well acquainted with hanging out with friends who like to drive their pickup trucks on the back trails of the farms around her southern New Jersey town, she had never been to any of those type sporting events until she moved to the south.
“My friends and I always had a great time taking our four wheelers and trucks out trail riding and deer spotting. When it rained we would head to nearby historical Batsto to get all muddy riding through the creeks and trails. So I’ve done that kind of thing but not at an ‘official’ mud bog.”
Sarah already has a favorite event to attend now that she has moved to Nashville. It is the one in Butler, GA, where the “Mud Digger 4″ release party was held. “Colt Ford performed and there were so many people. It was an experience for me and I loved it. I’m looking forward to performing at that event.”
The singer of Italian descent admits that now when she attends the bogging events, she does so as a spectator, not a participant, unless she rides shotgun. “My four wheeler is back home and my dad would kill me if I got a scratch on my truck,” she admits with a laugh.
Sarah began singing at 15 and started taking voice lessons at 16. She credits her vocal coach, Sal DuPree, who has worked with artists including “America’s Got Talent” million dollar winner Bianca Ryan, “Star Search” champion Tiffany Evans, the group Choice with Alisha Moore (Pink), Miss Americas, Broadway stars and participants in TV singing competitions, for being a huge part of her career. Soon after starting to work with DuPree, Sarah was winning singing competitions throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. Winning and recognizing that people enjoyed her music was the catalyst for pursuing a musical career path rather than following in her mother’s footsteps as a nurse.
Her mother was not totally disappointed in Sarah’s journey to a music career. It was actually she who encouraged her daughter to try out for “American Idol” season 12. Sarah went all the way to Hollywood singing a country song and rapping one of Nikki Minaj’s songs for her, which the judge absolutely loved. Judge Keith Urban said it best, telling Sarah she was “like an IPOD shuffle, never knowing what you’re gonna get.” Minaj told her she shouldn’t have to choose between the two genres. Sarah decided to heed that advice …she didn’t choose … she combined them!
Sarah has one trait that she gets from her father that will do well for her in the music career that she has chosen. She doesn’t worry; she just figures that if it’s going to happen it will.
“I do feel like I have a weight on my shoulders since I am the first female to do this kind of music, so that does make me step up my game,” she admits. “It all began with a passion for eclectic music and unique sounds. I hope it will connect with others who have an open mind and also enjoy a variety of country and rap music.”
“It’s kind of crazy but in a cool way, when you see all the country/rap collaborations such as Tim McGraw and Florida Georgia Line with Nelly, Jason Aldean with Ludacris and Brad Paisley with LL Cool J. Florida Georgia Line even raps on “This is How We Roll.” It’s all about who does it, if it works and who believes in you. Country music is evolving. It has its roots and that’s here to stay. I would never want to try and change it, just add a variation.”
As for her entry into the world releasing her debut EP, Sarah has mixed feelings.“I am actually super nervous but also super happy with the EP,” she admits. “I am really nervous because there is such a wide variety of songs on there. But I am excited to see what family and friends and fans will feel about all the different sides of me. I think I write with so many different people, and I pull from so many different genres in my music, it’s kind of like whatever songs were my favorite ones, I threw together and hoped for the best.”
Sarah is in Nashville to stay. While she misses her family and the horse farm in Southern New Jersey, and roaming the 240 acres with her cousins, Sarah is committed to making the music she loves. There is no turning back. As she says, there is no Plan B.
Knock 'Em Dead
Sarah Ross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We know how to skin a deer and raise a little hell.
We're dressed to kill and we still will slang a little lead.
City girls knock 'em down, but country girls knock 'em dead.
It's the backroad beauty queen,
With a pink camo twenty-two shootin' everything.
Country ain't a state of mind, it's a way of life.
Well, I'm a dirt road renegade,
Raisin' cane and it ain't the same.
I'd rather walk barefooted in the muddy clay
Than walk two steps on a road that's paved.
I got a shotgun ridin' shotgun all day.
Take a minute, take a picture, I ain't goin' away.
I hunt and fish in the sticks almost every day.
When I ain't, I'm tellin' y'all all about it up on the stage.
Us country girls, ain't nothin' we can't do.
Go to the bar, and we'll drink you under the boot, that's the truth.
And if you give us any lip, we'll stomp your ass in these cowboy boots.
If you ever seen a girl like me, it ain't hard to tell.
We know how to skin a deer and raise a little hell.
We're dressed to kill and we still will slang a little lead.
City girls knock 'em down, but country girls knock 'em dead.
Catch me in the Ford, in the field with the doors open,
Soakin' up the sunset, say it.
Fill up my cup a couple of times until I'm red.
Dedicated to proving that the country girls are the best.
I can work, haul hay, shoot a scope all day.
Park a boat in the cove and then get sideways.
Poppa's still got a still, so poppin' on the hill.
For a hundred dollar bill you can feel that way.
It's an amazing life.
My ride's ridin' high, bible by my side
As I slide on into the mud on them big buckshot thirty-fives.
Yeah, I, I bleed red, white, and blue.
I'm American to the fullest so,
So go and break in my home and you're gonna catch a bullet.
If you ever seen a girl like me, it ain't hard to tell.
We know how to skin a deer and raise a little hell.
We're dressed to kill and we still will slang a little lead.
City girls knock 'em down, but country girls knock 'em dead.
It's sweat and blood, wakin' up in the morning 'fore the sun does.
It's sweet tea, cornbread; it's camouflage, on up to get the cows fed. Backwoods baby, beautiful, ain't it? Hotter than a shot of lead.
Daddo just popped off, this ain't just talk, no.
Country girls knock 'em dead.
Oh, they knock 'em dead.
Us country girls knock 'em dead.
We knock 'em dead, knock 'em dead.
"Knock 'em Dead" by Sarah Ross is an unapologetic country song that celebrates the lifestyle and skill set of country girls. The lyrics of the song are very straightforward, but they pack a punch. The song is all about embracing one's country roots and showing off the unique abilities and attitudes that come with being a country girl. The opening lines of the song, "If you ever seen a girl like me, it ain't hard to tell," sets the tone for what's to come. The song celebrates the grit, determination, and fearlessness of country girls, who know how to skin a deer and raise hell.
The song portrays a strong sense of pride in being a country girl. For example, the line "Country ain't a state of mind, it's a way of life" suggests that being a country girl is not just about where you come from but also how you live. The lyrics are full of imagery that paints a picture of life in the country, like "backroad beauty queen," "dirt road renegade," "walk barefooted in the muddy clay," "hunt and fish in the sticks," and "park a boat in the cove and then get sideways." The chorus, "City girls knock 'em down, but country girls knock 'em dead," emphasizes the idea of country girls being tough and capable.
Overall, "Knock 'em Dead" is a fun, upbeat song that celebrates the strength, resilience, and independence of country girls. The song encourages country girls to be proud of who they are and to embrace their roots without apology.
Line by Line Meaning
If you ever seen a girl like me, it ain't hard to tell.
I'm a country girl through and through, it shows in everything I do.
We know how to skin a deer and raise a little hell.
We're tough, fearless and not afraid to get our hands dirty.
We're dressed to kill and we still will slang a little lead.
We're always ready for anything, whether it's hunting or defending ourselves.
City girls knock 'em down, but country girls knock 'em dead.
City girls may have some skills, but country girls have got it all and are unbeatable.
It's the backroad beauty queen,
I may not look like a traditional beauty queen, but I'm beautiful in my own way.
With a pink camo twenty-two shootin' everything.
I'm a skilled shooter and can handle almost any type of gun.
Country ain't a state of mind, it's a way of life.
Being country is more than just a mentality, it's a whole lifestyle that we embrace.
Kill it, clean it, cook it, put it in the deep fry.
We know how to take care of our own food, from start to finish.
Well, I'm a dirt road renegade,
I'm a rebel who doesn't play by the city's rules.
Raisin' cane and it ain't the same.
We're not afraid to make our voices heard and stand up for ourselves.
I'd rather walk barefooted in the muddy clay
I'm not afraid to get a little dirty and live a simpler life.
Than walk two steps on a road that's paved.
I value my rural lifestyle over any modern convenience of the city.
I got a shotgun ridin' shotgun all day.
I'm always ready to use my firearm to protect myself and my loved ones.
Take a minute, take a picture, I ain't goin' away.
I'm proud of who I am and don't plan on changing anytime soon.
I hunt and fish in the sticks almost every day.
I have a deep appreciation for nature and enjoy spending time outdoors.
When I ain't, I'm tellin' y'all all about it up on the stage.
I enjoy sharing my experiences and country lifestyle with others through music and performances.
Us country girls, ain't nothin' we can't do.
We're strong, capable, and not afraid to tackle any challenge that comes our way.
Go to the bar, and we'll drink you under the boot, that's the truth.
We can hold our liquor and aren't afraid to have a good time.
And if you give us any lip, we'll stomp your ass in these cowboy boots.
Don't mess with us or we'll show you how tough we really are.
Catch me in the Ford, in the field with the doors open,
I love driving my truck and enjoying the outdoors with the wind in my hair.
Soakin' up the sunset, say it.
I appreciate the beauty of nature and take the time to enjoy it.
Fill up my cup a couple of times until I'm red.
I enjoy drinking and having a good time with my friends.
Dedicated to proving that the country girls are the best.
I'm proud of my country roots and believe that my lifestyle and values are superior to any other.
I can work, haul hay, shoot a scope all day.
I'm a hard worker and skilled at various tasks.
Park a boat in the cove and then get sideways.
I love to have fun and enjoy recreational activities, like boating.
Poppa's still got a still, so poppin' on the hill.
My family values tradition and continues to make moonshine as a part of our legacy.
For a hundred dollar bill you can feel that way.
My family's moonshine is top-notch and worth paying a premium for.
It's an amazing life.
I'm grateful for my country lifestyle and wouldn't trade it for anything.
My ride's ridin' high, bible by my side
My truck is impressive and I value my faith as an important part of my life.
As I slide on into the mud on them big buckshot thirty-fives.
I love the thrill and power of off-roading in rural areas with my trusted truck tires.
Yeah, I, I bleed red, white, and blue.
I'm proud to be an American and show my patriotism in everything I do.
I'm American to the fullest so,
My American identity is an important part of who I am.
So go and break in my home and you're gonna catch a bullet.
I value my home and family's safety and will protect them at any cost.
It's sweat and blood, wakin' up in the morning 'fore the sun does.
I work hard for everything I have and don't mind getting my hands dirty.
It's sweet tea, cornbread; it's camouflage, on up to get the cows fed.
My country lifestyle includes simple pleasures like sweet tea and cornbread, as well as practical tasks like taking care of livestock.
Backwoods baby, beautiful, ain't it? Hotter than a shot of lead.
My rural upbringing has shaped me into a strong, beautiful woman who is not to be underestimated.
Daddo just popped off, this ain't just talk, no.
My family and I are not just talk and truly live the country lifestyle.
Country girls knock 'em dead.
We're confident, capable, and not to be trifled with.
Oh, they knock 'em dead.
Our skills and strength are unmatched by anyone else.
Us country girls knock 'em dead.
Our rural upbringing has shaped us into a force to be reckoned with.
We knock 'em dead, knock 'em dead.
We're unbeatable and won't let anyone stand in our way.
Writer(s): Charlie Farley, Jared Sciullo, Jonathan Lawhorn, Sarah Restuccio, Shannon Houchins
Contributed by Isabelle V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ecajean73
Can't stop listening! Girl, you're gonna go far!!!!
@rebeccacombs612
I absolutely love this girl's voice!!!
@stevo5951
driving down to Nashville rockin this gorgeous voice.....YEEEE YEEEEE
@NeverQuitDreaming
Love this song! I just discovered your music over the weekend and I am hooked!
@michaelday2622
Great song! Love this song and others like it similar to The LACS, Moonshine Bandits, and others. Hick Hop is great for those of us that like all kinds of music and enjoy it for what it is. Thank you Sarah Ross for another great song and a wonderful voice. Looking forward to hearing more from you!
@michaelwallace382
My girl knows how to knock em dead and im proud to have a real country girl in my life. So shoutout to her
@saramaechristian230
I rock this song at work all day .....
@USAssault
never though id hear a country girl i cant stop listening too, you darlin are amazing
@patrickmanning1548
In my opinion their are very few artist that can mix genres of music especially country and rap but Sarah Ross can do it like not many others can do this girl is awesome> Shotgun is a great tune too.
@christophermyers8157
This is the first song of yours I heard a couple of years ago. On down the rabbit hole after that. Thanks for opening my eyes to some different music!