Following an unsuccessful spell in the mid-1990s as part of a band called Spoonful, in 1998 Hoge began touring the American south with guitarist Dan Baird (former of The Georgia Satellites). Hoge independently released his first CD, Live At The Exit/In, a live set recorded at the Nashville club. This drew some attention and that, and constant touring, led to the release Hodge's first studio album, Carousel. A record deal followed in early 2002 and his major label debut, Blackbird On A Lonely Wire, in 2003.
Hoge was involved in a scooter accident on August 20, 2008 after leaving a studio session for what would be his next album, "The Wreckage". Following numerous surgical procedures (mainly on his shattered femur/leg), Hoge made a full recovery.
His album "Number Seven" was released in 2011.
Hoge has made a career of writing and singing powerful songs about lifeβs cruel and dark turns. Not long ago, he fell victim to one such turn. As Hoge rode his scooter home from the studio, he was struck by an oncoming van that had veered into his lane. There were no skid marks. Launched off his bike, Hoge ended up bloodied, broken-boned, temporarily blinded, and near death. β[The accident] was like stopping a record as it spins,β says Hoge, who had been halfway through recording material for his new record before getting derailed. βIt was like taking the needle and pushing it off the turntable.β For ten months, the accident sidelined Hoge. For ten months, it made him do something he hadnβt done in 18 years: stop the music. Larger matters dominated his life, like physical recovery and the well-being of his family. βPeople would say, βI bet youβre ready to get back to playing and writing.β Iβm thinking, βPlaying or singing is not the issue right now. Iβm ready to get back to walking.ββ
His previous album, Draw the Curtains, had been a unanimous high-water mark in his career, a magnificent collection of rock, country, soul, blues, and folk. With a great band, good vibes, and clear skies overhead, Hoge felt like he was building something real as a career artist. Eight months after the incident he re-entered the studio in pursuit of that mission.. βMaking The Wreckage opened me up in a different way,β says Hoge. βI felt a calmness, a purpose. Right now it feels like Iβm getting to the core of what I want to do and why.β
The Wreckage listens like a record with a purpose. Having stared down his own mortality, Hoge has now rediscovered the simple joys of making good music. βItβs hard to explain, but I felt a certain serenity making this album,β he says. βIt doesnβt come through in the songs, but the process has become easier, and I believe the songs flow with more confidence.β
When Hogeβs fans hear these songs, theyβll feel that resolve too. The Wreckage both curses lifeβs wrong turns and celebrates its triumphs. βIβve always tried to make albums that have a good reason for every song, and for the sequence of those songs. On this album you get 40:18 of music, and hopefully youβll want to hear the whole thing start to finish.β
The album was crafted with a depth of sound and musicality that breaks new ground for Hoge. Rugged, pulsating rock fuels βJust Like Me.β Spirited melody characterizes tunes like βHighway Wingsβ and βEven If It Breaks Your Heart.β The gruff ghosts of the barroom return on Hogeβs βHard to Love,β as does the searing country roots rock of βLong Gone.β Ballads like βWhat Could I Doβ and βThe Wreckageβ are rife with the sort of brooding melancholy youβd expect from a guy who has been to the edge and back. ββThe Wreckageβ is one of the favorite songs Iβve ever sung,β Hoge admits. βI couldnβt have sung this physically before the accident, because my voice just wasnβt suited to how quiet it is.β
βEven If It Breaks Your Heart,β his paean to rock and roll as lifeβs true calling, is another tune Hoge admires. βThe minute we started recording it, it was one of those songs that drove itself. Everyone in the room understood the sentiment. There was magic in that moment you donβt get very often.β
Even though half of The Wreckage was written and most of it recorded after the crash, images of the episode are only discreetly woven into the fabric of the album, like streaks of red on a dark surface. Thatβs because Hoge would rather leave those lines, words, and phrases to interpretation.
Released one year almost to the day of his accident, The Wreckage is not, song by song, a celebration of life. The sentiments are too dark, his lyrics too biting, his voice brimming with moodiness. Risen from the ashes of Hogeβs own βwreckage,β the recording is an incredible achievement, hands-down his best work to date. And that is as good a cause as any for real celebration.
www.willhoge.com
Middle of America
Will Hoge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But she ain't comin' home at all
Tyler's gettin' new ink out at that little place
Down by the old strip mall
Somebody's gonna get drunk, somebody's gonna get lucky
Tomorrow there's gonna be talk
But it'll be alright, it's just another night
In the middle of America
We're lettin' our freedom ring
Chasin' these small town dreams
Doin' what our parents did
Watchin' them shake their heads
Thinkin' we've all gone crazy lately
But we know it'll be alright
It's just another night
In the middle of America
Brandon just got back, two years in Iraq
They're throwin' him a party tonight
Lindsay's home cryin'
'Cause she caught Travis in another one of his damn lies
Yeah, Billy and the band, they're settin' up their amps and
Playin' for beer in that little dive
But it'll be alright, it's just another night
In the middle of America
We're lettin' our freedom ring
Chasin' these small town dreams
Doin' what our parents did
Watchin' them shake their heads
Thinkin' we've all gone crazy lately
But we know it'll be alright
It's just another night
In the middle of America
Yeah, we're bustin' our asses
Yeah, we're raisin' our glasses
Ain't afraid to get aloud
When the sun goes down round here
But we know it'll be alright
It's just another night
In the middle of America
We're lettin' our freedom ring
Chasin' these small town dreams
Doin' what our parents did
Watchin' them shake their heads
Thinkin' this whole world's crazy lately
But we know it'll be alright
As it's just another night
In the middle of America
Everybody, it'll be alright
It's just another night
In the middle of America
The song βAmericaβ by Will Hoge is an ode to the small towns scattered throughout the United States. The lyrics poetically encapsulate the spirit of these towns, where everyone knows each other and the local bar is the hub of social activity. The first verse sets the mood of the song, showcasing young people's desire for adventures and the small rebellious acts they indulge in. Jessie tells her mother that she may not come back rather than coming home late, and Tyler is getting new tattoos. In the second verse, the song details the emotions that the returning soldiers have to face, having spent years on the battleground, only to settle back into their small towns. The song ends with everyone coming together in the middle of America, where they βlet their freedom ring, chase their small-town dreams and do what their parents did, knowing that everything will be alright; itβs just another night in the middle of America.β
βAmericaβ is a patriotic song that glorifies America's rural parts and the libertarian lifestyle that many lead. It celebrates the notion of independence, rebellion, and camaraderie, the attributes that give a small town its identity. The song is universal in its themes, and it highlights that everyone's worries, dreams and hopes are the same irrespective of their location. The song reminds us of the value of community and coming together to lift each other's spirits during tough times.
Line by Line Meaning
Jessie told her mama, she's gonna be out late
Jessie has informed her mother that she will be returning home late
But she ain't comin' home at all
Jessie is not planning to come home at all
Tyler's gettin' new ink out at that little place
Tyler is getting a new tattoo at a small store
Down by the old strip mall
The tattoo store is located close to an old plaza
Somebody's gonna get drunk, somebody's gonna get lucky
People will drink and possibly engage in sexual activities
Tomorrow there's gonna be talk
People will talk about the events of the previous night
But it'll be alright, it's just another night
Everything will be okay, as it is just another typical night
In the middle of America
This is all happening in the heartland of the USA
We're lettin' our freedom ring
We are enjoying our rights and freedom as Americans
Chasin' these small town dreams
We are pursuing our aspirations that are unique to small towns
Doin' what our parents did
We are carrying on the traditions of our parents
Watchin' them shake their heads
We are observing our parents disapproving of our actions
Thinkin' we've all gone crazy lately
Our parents believe we have become insane in recent times
But we know it'll be alright
We are confident that everything will turn out fine
Brandon just got back, two years in Iraq
Brandon has returned after his service in Iraq for two years
They're throwin' him a party tonight
An event is being held in Brandon's honor tonight
Lindsay's home cryin'
Lindsay is currently at home crying
'Cause she caught Travis in another one of his damn lies
Lindsay is upset because she discovered that Travis lied to her again
Yeah, Billy and the band, they're settin' up their amps and
Billy and his band are preparing and setting up their musical equipment
Playin' for beer in that little dive
The band is performing in a small bar in exchange for drinks
Yeah, we're bustin' our asses
We are working hard and putting in a lot of effort
Yeah, we're raisin' our glasses
We are raising our drinks in celebration and enjoyment
Ain't afraid to get aloud
We are not scared to be loud
When the sun goes down round here
When it becomes dark in this area
Thinkin' this whole world's crazy lately
We believe that the world has recently gone insane
Everybody, it'll be alright
Everyone will be okay
It's just another night
This is just another typical night
In the middle of America
All of this is happening in the heartland of the USA
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TOMMY LEE JAMES, WILL HOGE, JESSI LEIGH ALEXANDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@russelldavis616
this should have been a massive hit in my opinion
@nicholashisle38
He's got multiples that should be hits but radio can't get it right and it's a shame Hew got one of the best voices in country today and he's a helluva writer to boot
@jeffholzman1179
Just saw him live at The Saint in Asbury Park, NJ . This song was amazing live. He is a very under-appreciated artist. This song is great. I hope he gets more recognition.
@frankkirk4427
He's extremely underrated in my opinion
@aquaticscrotum6539
Frank Kirk, You are right !!! I have seen him twice and he puts on one hell of a show.
@miracledaysband
So great! Β I just discovered Will's music and am amazed by his talent.
@kalebwenson4244
This song deserves way more credit keep the music going man this is one of the best songs of 2014-2015
@nicholashisle38
One of the best of the 2000's
@keithallen2357
One of my favorite songs now. Great job!
@noelwright2990
I recently got to see Will here in Louisville, KY. He puts on one hell of a show!! Not only is the music amazing, but his stories are great. I was introduced to Will through a coworker. I feel robbed I went so long without knowing about Will. So if you get a chance to see him!!! I guarantee you will not regret.