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.
Sam
Sturgill Simpson Lyrics
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No matter where you're from
Been many good dog was a friend to a man
But Sam was the greatest one
He was the hound of hounds
He was the wonder of all walkers
He loved howling at the moon
Most of all he was my best friend
And he's gone too soon
He was the runt of the litter
But a plenty mean pup
Put Sam on the scent and he'd never let up
Spent his nights on the porch chewing on a bear bone
Now he's underground and I'm all alone
Well, a good dog on the ground's worth three in the saddle
No matter where you're from
Been many good dog was a friend to a man
But Sam was the greatest one
He was the hound of hounds
He was the wonder of all walkers
He loved howling at the moon
He loved treeing that raccoon
Most of all he was my best friend
And he's gone too soon
In this moving country song, Sturgill Simpson pays a tribute to his dear pet dog Sam who has passed away. The lyrics depict a deep emotional connection between the singer and his dog who was more than just a furry companion. The opening lines "Well, a good dog on the ground's worth three in the saddle, No matter where you're from" describe the loyalty and faithfulness of dogs which transcend all cultural and geographical boundaries. Simpson then proceeds to talk about how many people have owned good dogs who become friends and helpers, but none have been as great and as special as Sam.
Simpson goes on to describe Sam as a "hound of hounds" and "the wonder of all walkers." Sam loved howling at the moon and chasing raccoons up trees. He was the runt of the litter but turned out to be a tough and mean pup when it came to hunting. Even though he may have been small in size, he had a big heart and was loyal to his owner. The chorus repeats the opening lines and emphasizes how important a good dog is in our lives, no matter where we are from. The final verse talks about Sam's playful nature and how he spent his nights chewing a bear bone on the porch. The final line "Now he's underground and I'm all alone" brings out the sadness and emptiness that Simpson feels after Sam's passing.
Overall, "Sam" is a poignant and heartfelt tribute to a beloved pet who brought joy and companionship to his owner.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, a good dog on the ground's worth three in the saddle
A hardworking and loyal dog is worth more than multiple dogs used for transportation.
No matter where you're from
This is a universal truth and applies to people from all walks of life.
Been many good dog was a friend to a man
There have been many faithful dogs who have been man's best friend.
But Sam was the greatest one
Although there have been several good dogs, Sam was the best among them.
He was the hound of hounds
Sam was the best hunting dog bred specifically to chase prey.
He was the wonder of all walkers
Sam was the most skilled and experienced dog among all the hunting dogs who accompanied their masters in hunting.
He loved howling at the moon
Sam enjoyed expressing his wild side and vocalizing under the moonlight.
He loved treeing that raccoon
Sam had a special love for the thrill of chasing and cornering raccoons on trees.
Most of all he was my best friend
Amidst all the things Sam was, he was also an amazing friend to the artist.
And he's gone too soon
Unfortunately, Sam did not live long and he died before his time.
He was the runt of the litter
Despite being smaller than the other puppies in his litter, Sam grew up to be an exceptional dog with a sharp mind.
But a plenty mean pup
Sam had a fierce attitude, which made him a swift and efficient hunter.
Put Sam on the scent and he'd never let up
Once Sam had picked up the trail of his prey, he would persist and not give up until he caught them.
Spent his nights on the porch chewing on a bear bone
Sam had his favorite spot on the porch where he would spend hours gnawing on a bear bone.
Now he's underground and I'm all alone
Sam has passed away, and his owner is left to grieve for him alone.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: John Sturgill Simpson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind