Simpson was born in Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky, the only child of a secretary and a state policeman who formerly worked undercover narcotics. Due to his father's work, Simpson's family moved to Versailles, outside Lexington, where Simpson graduated from Woodford County High School. Simpson's mother's family were coal miners. Simpson is the first male on his mother's side of the family to not work in a strip mine or deep mine. After three years in the United States Navy, Simpson spent time in Japan, then lived in Everett, Washington, and then moved back home to Lexington, Kentucky.
As of August 2017, he has released three albums as a solo artist. He released two albums independently, High Top Mountain in 2013 and Metamodern Sounds in Country Music in 2014. His second album is notable for being nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Americana Album, being listed 18th on Rolling Stone's "50 Best Albums of 2014," and also being named among "NPR's 50 Favorite Albums of 2014." His third studio album, A Sailor's Guide to Earth, was released on Atlantic Records and was Simpson's first major-label release, later earning him Best Country Album at the 59th Grammy Awards while also being nominated for Album of the Year.
Simpson is often compared to Waylon Jennings and the Outlaw Country genre of country music. Shooter Jennings says, "Sturgill isn't imitating at all, and he sounds like my favorite era of my dad, the Seventies, when he would sing quieter and more conversational. That's what struck me about Sturgill from Day One. And still does." Simpson himself counts Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Keith Whitley, and Marty Robbins as much bigger influences on his sound than Waylon Jennings. Simpson has also stated he tries to base his career around that of Dwight Yoakam. Indeed, Country Music Television noted that Simpson had "a voice that recalls Merle Haggard [and] guitar licks that bring Buck Owens to mind." His overall sound was described by Indiewire as "a mesmerizing and sometimes bewildering mix of traditional country sounds, contemporary philosophy, and psychedelic recording-studio wizardry.
Epilogue
Sturgill Simpson Lyrics
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All peaceful and secure
He set back out on Shamrock
To find and kill McClure
It didn't take him very long
To track old Seamus down
McClure wanted Juanita back
And wanted to be found
In the song "Epilogue" by Sturgill Simpson, the singer talks about a character who has recently saved his mom and made sure she is safe and secure. The character then sets out on a journey to find and kill McClure, a man who wants Juanita back and has been causing trouble. The character quickly tracks down McClure and prepares to confront him. The song leaves it up to the listener's interpretation as to whether or not he goes through with the kill.
The lyrics of "Epilogue" are haunting and full of tension, creating a sense of urgency that permeates throughout the song. The use of distinct imagery, such as the mention of Shamrock and Juanita, adds to the story's depth and pulls listeners into the world the singer is describing. The character's determination to protect his family by any means necessary is also a significant theme in the song, which ultimately depicts a world that is dangerous and unforgiving.
Line by Line Meaning
Now that mama's safe and sound
After ensuring that his mother was unharmed and free from any danger, he continued his mission.
All peaceful and secure
His mother was in a state of tranquility and security so that he could leave without worries.
He set back out on Shamrock
He rode his horse, Shamrock, and restarted his journey to accomplish his task.
To find and kill McClure
His objective was to find and eliminate McClure, the person responsible for the trouble he and his mother had experienced.
It didn't take him very long
His search for McClure was easy, and he could find him quickly.
To track old Seamus down
His name Seamus and he was old, but he was his target, and he'd found him.
McClure wanted Juanita back
McClure had a desire to reconnect with Juanita, the singer's mother.
And wanted to be found
McClure was waiting to be found and did not attempt to hide.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: John Sturgill Simpson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind