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.
You're No Good
Sarah Ross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Feelin' better 'cause I'm over you
I learned my lesson, it left a scar
Now I see how you really are
You're no good
You're no good
You're no good
I'm gonna say it again
You're no good
You're no good
You're no good
Baby you're no good
Oh yes I broke a heart that's gentle and true
I broke a heart over someone like you
I'll beg his forgiveness on bended knee
I wouldn't blame him if he said to me
You're no good
You're no good
You're no good
Baby you're no good
I'm gonna say it again
You're no good
You're no good
You're no good!
You're no good
You're no good
You're no good
Baby you're no good
I'm gonna say it again
You're no good
You're no good
You're no good
Baby you're no good
I'm tellin' you now baby that I'm goin' my way
Forget about me baby 'cause I'm leaving today
You're no good
You're no good
You're no good
Baby you're no good
Oh no
No, you're no good
You're no good
You're no good
Baby you're no good
Oh no
No, you're no good
You're no good
You're no good
Baby, you're no good
I'm tellin' you now baby that I'm goin' my way
Forget about me baby 'cause I'm leaving today
You're no good
You're no good
You're no good
Baby, you're no good
I'm gonna say it again
You're no good
You're no good
You're no good
Baby, you're no good
In Sarah Ross's song "You're No Good," the singer has finally moved on from a toxic relationship. They feel great now that they're out of it and over their former partner. The singer has learned their lesson from this experience, and now sees their partner for who they truly are. The chorus repeats the sentiment that the partner is no good, emphasizing their toxic nature.
The second verse portrays the singer's guilt for hurting someone who was genuine and loving, just to be with someone like their former partner. They plead for forgiveness from the person they broke their heart and admits fault for their actions. The song ends with the singer affirming their decision to leave their former partner behind, telling them to forget about them because they're leaving today.
Overall, the song is about self-reflection and growth after leaving a harmful relationship. The lyrics show that the singer has recognized their mistakes and is willing to take responsibility for their actions. The song is a powerful anthem for anyone who has had to leave a toxic relationship and start afresh.
Line by Line Meaning
Feelin' better, now that we're through
I am feeling much better that we are no longer together, and I have moved on from the relationship.
Feelin' better 'cause I'm over you
The reason for my feeling better is because I have finally gotten over you.
I learned my lesson, it left a scar
I have learned a valuable lesson from our relationship, and the experience has left a permanent mark on me.
Now I see how you really are
I have come to understand your true nature after experiencing our relationship, and it is not something I want to be a part of.
You're no good
You are not a good person or partner, and I do not want to be with you.
Baby you're no good
I am addressing you as 'baby' to emphasize that even though we had a relationship, it is over and I have no interest in continuing it because you are a bad partner.
Oh yes I broke a heart that's gentle and true
I am acknowledging that I hurt a very kind and sincere person when I chose to be with you instead of them.
I broke a heart over someone like you
I made the mistake of breaking someone's heart because I chose to be with someone like you.
I'll beg his forgiveness on bended knee
I am willing to humble myself and apologize to the person I hurt in order to seek their forgiveness.
I wouldn't blame him if he said to me
I would understand if the person I hurt were angry with me and expressed their feelings this way.
I'm tellin' you now baby that I'm goin' my way
I want to make it clear to you that I am leaving and moving on with my life without you.
Forget about me baby 'cause I'm leaving today
I am telling you to forget about me because I am leaving and I do not want to be a part of your life anymore.
Oh no
This is an exclamation to emphasize how strongly I feel that you are not a good person for me to be with.
No, you're no good
I am repeating that you are not a good person or partner, and that I do not want to continue any kind of relationship with you.
Baby you're no good
Once again, I am addressing you as 'baby' to emphasize that even though we had a relationship, it is over and I have no interest in continuing it because you are a bad partner.
Contributed by Samuel B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Randy Robinson
When I first heard this song I thought I had died and gone to heaven all cuz I heard this angelic voice of an angel singing in my head and instantly I was hooked I thank God for you Sarah you're truly awesome and you have that natural gift of being an amazing singer with the voice of an angel and being able to rap and knowing that God blessed you with natural beauty as well and a kind caring and loving soul that is why you are so beautiful. Love you Sarah and keep doing what you do and making awesome songs with your very angelic voice. Much love and respect to you Sarah from Texas
T-Yoonit
Awesome voice! She fits in very well on so many songs that she gets featured in as well. She's definitely good looking as well.
Tiger2Whisperer
Absolutely amazing voice. I like this song better than the original. Looking forward to more songs from you. I can see you making it big time!
woodturningjohn
Very nice version of this song, your voice really adds a nice twist to the song. Great work, love it.
Loren
You are under rated !!!! Give this lady more views her voice is amazing
Core Dissident
This version of the song leaves me breathless and speechless.
Great job
Philip R
You have such an awesome voice. Keep Singing as long as you can. Thank you for keeping NJ on the music scene. Love your work.
PAUL NELSON
girl has an incredible voice !! love it
Joshua Cortez
Great voice gives me chills
Athletic Aesthetic
As a rap head, this is hands down my favorite song of yours. It's just a hype song that always puts me in a better mood, actually got me thru my cardio session today. Keep spreading smiles, the game truly needs you. Much respect from a fellow New Jerseian.
-AA