Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem” Isn’t Your Typical Country Song

Even before it was a single, Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem” was already a smash hit with his fans after his 2011 album, My Kinda Party, was released. The country singer noticed the reaction and finally released it as the third single from the album.

And as expected, the song drove into the top spot of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and even helped Aldean earn a Best Country Solo Performance nomination during the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. 

Story Behind The Song

Written by Colt Ford and Brantley Gilbert, “Dirt Road Anthem” sings about country pride, southern values, and celebrating the great times from the past.

Though it was the first song they ever wrote together, it was something that came easy for the two friends, revealing that they complete the song in about 45 minutes.

The country ballad was inspired by different places and events in the lives of Ford and Gilbert, who are both born and raised in Georgia, spending most of their early years on the “dirt roads.” It’s basically about their own lives. “Potts Farm,” for an example, was actually a real place Brantley used to hang out growing up.

So, imagine their surprise when they witnessed thousands of people singing every word to “Dirt Road Anthem” – and when it became one of the best among Jason Aldean songs. Ford even said they never had a single hint that anyone would pay attention to the tune, except for folks who had the same Southern background with them.

Indeed, this isn’t your ordinary country song. It is accompanied by a music video that was entirely shot in black-and-white where Aldean can be seen driving a Ram pickup truck into the countryside, reminiscing his teenage years.

You can listen to “Dirt Road Anthem” by Jason Aldean by playing the video below.