🎵 In My Grandpa Way
A heartfelt tribute to the quiet strength of grandfathers. This track honors the men who said little, loved deep, and led by example—without ever needing the spotlight.

In My Grandpa Way

A raw, soulful country track that captures the heartache, grit, and honesty of a man (song by women...she just nailed it so I kept her voice on the track) who's had enough—and tonight, it's whiskey’s turn to talk. Written by JD Hodge, a retired lyricist whose near-death experience brought decades of unreleased songs to light.

Whiskey's Turn (1)

Country/Pop female artist singing about putting the bottle down for the last, last time

Last Last Time (1)

“Old Car Yards” is a nostalgic country track that captures the beauty of rust, memories, and small-town stories left behind. It’s about growing up, holding on, and the treasures found where others see junk.

Old Car Yards

"A tribute to fatherhood, this song celebrates the quiet wins, messy moments, and deep love that come with being a dad. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up. Every day’s a good day to be a dad."

It's a Good Day to Be a Dad

A gritty country ballad soaked in heartache and honesty. When the words run dry, and the pain runs deep, it’s whiskey’s turn to speak. Inspired by real stories, late nights, and the kind of love that leaves a mark.

#CountryMusic #OutlawCountry #HeartbreakSong #WhiskeyBallad #OriginalSong #Americana #SingerSongwriter #SouthernSound #Storytelling #IndieCountry

Put The Whiskey Down

A heartfelt country tribute to a quiet man who spoke volumes. "Johnpa" captures the essence of a gentle shepherd, a family man, and a soul deeply connected to nature and his casita. Inspired by true memories and written in the spirit of Turnpike Troubadours-style storytelling, this song honors the legacy of a beloved husband, father, and grandpa called home too soon.


Johnpa

A heartfelt country ballad about legacy, love, and finding peace beyond this life. “South Side of Heaven” paints a vivid picture of reunion, memory, and the sacred comfort of a familiar workshop waiting on the other side.

South Side of Heaven (4)

A gritty, heartfelt country ballad about love unspoken and lessons learned too late. Inspired by the quiet strength of a grandfather’s stoic wisdom, “I Told You Once” blends classic Americana with raw emotional storytelling.

I Told You Once

A gritty, heartbroken country ballad that captures the raw sting of a goodbye that wasn’t supposed to come. With every note soaked in sorrow and resilience, “Tears in Beers Tonight” is the sound of a man reckoning with what’s lost—and what lingers. Perfect for anyone who’s nursed pain with a cold one and a country song.

Tears In Beers Tonight

A nostalgic country ballad with red dirt roots, Dirt Road Baby tells the story of young love, Mustang nights, and small-town secrets. It's a throwback to wild youth, raw emotion, and the roads that shaped us.

Dirt Road Baby

“Gone” is a raw, emotional piece capturing the ache of absence and the quiet resilience that follows. A stripped-down soundscape underscores lyrics that speak volumes with restraint. Written by JD Hodge, this track invites listeners to sit with what’s been lost—and what still lingers.

Gone

A haunting country ballad about love lost and the silence that follows. "But Not Gone...Gone" delivers raw emotion through stripped-down vocals, honest lyrics, and a melody that lingers long after the final note. For fans of Turnpike Troubadours, Zach Bryan, and the kind of songs that hit harder at night.

But Not Gone...Gone

“Tennessee Shores” is a heartfelt country ballad steeped in memory, distance, and longing. With acoustic roots and vivid storytelling, it captures the quiet ache of looking back while drifting forward—set against the timeless backdrop of the Tennessee waterline. For fans of Turnpike Troubadours, Tyler Childers, and Jason Isbell.

Tennessee Shores

[Verse 1]
Sunburned shoulders, flip-flops flyin’
Pulled into town with no plans, just tryin’
To clear my head, sip something cold
Didn’t expect you—but there you were, bold

That ocean breeze tangled my hair
Your blue eyes said “girl, don’t go anywhere”
We danced through dusk, kissed in the tide
My heart said this was more than just a ride

[Chorus]
Now my heart’s broke, but I smile anyway
Every time I hear a wave, I hear your name
Yeah, it didn’t last, but it sure felt right
For seven sunsets and a magic night
I left a little piece of me
Back on that sand in Siesta Key
Yeah, I lost love—but I found a song
So I smile about Siesta Key all summer long

[Verse 2]
You played that old guitar like a flame
Lit up the porch when it started to rain
We slow-danced barefoot, salt on our skin
Even though I knew how those stories end

I cried a little drivin’ away
But girl, I’d do it all again today
A short sweet chapter, wild and free
Now it’s just a melody carryin’ me

[Chorus]
Now my heart’s broke, but I smile anyway
Every time I hear a wave, I hear your name
Yeah, it didn’t last, but it sure felt right
For seven sunsets and a magic night
I left a little piece of me
Back on that sand in Siesta Key
Yeah, I lost love—but I found a song
So I smile about Siesta Key all summer long

[Bridge]
Friends say, “Girl, you okay?”
I laugh and say, “Honey, it was Florida in May”
We were fire and tide, gone with the moon
But my heart still hums that beachy tune

[Final Chorus]
Now my heart’s broke, but I smile anyway
That boy and the beach made me feel some kinda way
It wasn’t meant to be, but it set me free
A summertime heartbreak that’s sweet as can be
I left a little piece of me
Back on that sand in Siesta Key
Yeah, I lost love—but I found a song
So I smile about Siesta Key all summer long

[Outro]
I smile about Siesta Key…
Every summer since you kissed me…

Siesta Key Burn

A heartfelt country ballad about legacy, love, and the unbreakable bond between two souls. This tribute captures the spirit of friendship, shop life, and a peaceful goodbye on the “south side of heaven.” Gritty, soulful, and true—this one’s for anyone who's ever lost someone who made the world feel like home.

No Lines To Cross

A raw, haunting country ballad sung from the heart of a woman facing her pain with nothing but honesty and a pen. Silent Struggles gives voice to the battles no one sees—the ones fought alone, without vices, without escape. Vulnerable. Unfiltered. Real.
(Verse 1)  
I don’t smoke weed, can’t drown in a drink,  
God help me, I’m on the brink.  
Falling fast but moving slow,  
These pills don’t help; it’s just for show.  

Judging eyes and gossip’s sting,  
Behind the mask, I hear them sing.  
So I smile wide, hide my fears,  
Behind the laughter lie unseen tears.  

(Chorus)  
Broken dreams on repeat,  
In this silence, I’m feeling defeat.  
No pity here, no sympathy,  
Just pen and paper, my therapy.  

(Verse 2)  
I don’t want to leave this life so bright,  
Three healthy kids, a love that feels right.  
On paper, it’s a perfect scene,  
But in my heart, it’s cruel and mean.  

If I rip it open, will it mend?  
If I let it out, will I finally transcend?  
These shadows linger, haunt my mind,  
But don’t worry about me, I’m just hard to find.  

(Chorus)  
I don’t smoke weed, can’t drown in a drink,  
God help me, I’m on the brink.  
Falling fast but moving slow,  
These pills don’t help; it’s just for show.  

(Outro)  
This lasting darkness taints my soul,  
But I’ll smile and wave, that’s my role.  
No pity, no sympathy, just my melody,  
This is my story, my self-therapy. 
June 5, 2025 at 11:24 PM

My Therapy

[Verse 1]
I was one last call from losin’ it all
One broke string from a free-fall
Gas light on and the rent past due
She slammed the door like she meant it too
Down on luck, up to my eyes in worry
So I closed my eyes and threw a pass in a hurry

[Chorus]
Hell Mary, full of fight
Drivin' fast into the night
Whiskey prayers and worn-out roads
Bet it all and let it go
A rebel’s rosary in my hand
Talkin’ to the stars like they understand
It ain’t church, but it’s close enough for me
This is my last Hell Mary

[Verse 2]
That truck bed’s seen better days
Like my heart, it’s full of scrapes
I play my cards like I play my sins—
All in once, then gone with the wind
A kiss goodbye and a six-string prayer
A voice like hers still hangin’ in the air

[Chorus]
Hell Mary, full of grace
Save a fool who lost his place
Radio up, past the point of shame
A holy shot in the devil’s name
I ain't perfect, but I still believe
That love might catch what I can't retrieve
Ain’t no priest, but I’m on bended knee
This is my last Hell Mary

[Bridge]
Ain’t no chapel, ain’t no crowd
Just the moonlight and the clouds
But if redemption’s down this line
I’ll ride ‘til I run outta time

[Final Chorus]
Hell Mary, don’t let go
If you’re listenin’ on that backroad glow
Every sinner’s got one last plea
And this is mine, just let it be
I ain’t askin' for forever, just one more chance
To throw that pass and maybe dance
With the love I lost and the man I wanna be
This is my last Hell Mary
June 6, 2025 at 6:23 PM

Hell Mary

[Verse 1]
I know this place like the back of my hand
Where the water meets the mud and the mischief began
[Verse 1]
South end of the lake, that old beaten track
If them dock boards could talk, they’d never shut back

We called it summer, we called it sin
Pulled up in beaters and dove right in
Now I tell the tales here in OKC
And they look at me like, "Man, that can’t be!"

[Chorus]
You had to be there—third boat dock nights
When the rules disappeared in the pale moonlight
We were too young to know, too wild to care
But I swear, son, life got real down there
Now there’s a new voice hummin’ a familiar tune
I was a senior, you were still breakin’ through
And I smile when I hear you sing it proud
You’re the keeper now of this reckless hometown

[Verse 2]
They say, “You’re not really gonna write that down?”
With a wink, I say, “Maybe, when the statute’s out.”
'Cause some of it’s sweet, and some of it’s dumb
But all of it’s ours, every bit we done

We lit up the night with cheap gas and dreams
Raised on hush hush and rowdy routines
Now you're the one with the pen in your hand
Singin’ the song only we’d understand

[Chorus]
You had to be there—third boat dock nights
When the rules disappeared in the pale moonlight
We were too young to know, too wild to care
But I swear, son, life got real down there
Now there’s a new voice hummin’ a familiar tune
I was a senior, you were still breakin’ through
And I smile when I hear you sing it proud
You’re the keeper now of this reckless hometown

[Bridge]
So raise a glass to the trouble we made
To the ghosts of the lake that still sneak out to play
From my time to yours, it ain’t ever gone
You’re just writin’ the next verse of our song

[Final Chorus]
You had to be there—third boat dock nights
Where boys became men by the dashboard light
We were too young to know, too wild to care
But I swear, son, life got real down there
Now you carry the story, I hand you the flame
You’re the one who’s carvin’ out our name
And when they ask if it’s truth or a tale too loud
You just grin and say, “I’m from that town.”

[Outro]
Yeah, that third boat dock—it remembers it all
Glad it can’t talk...but man, it saw.

I'm From That Town

[Verse 1]
I was born where the corn grows tall,
Flat land skies and a red barn wall.
But somethin’ in me always knew,
There was a bigger sky, a redder hue.

Saw a longhorn on a highway sign,
Felt the pull like fate, like a neon line.
So I packed my boots and a worn-out map,
Chasin’ that dream in a Stetson hat.

[Chorus]
I ain’t from Texas, but I got here fast as I could,
Now I'm two-steppin’ through this old dancehall wood.
From Hill Country winds to that Gulf Coast tide,
Something ‘bout this place just feels like mine.
It’s in the blood now, it’s understood—
I ain’t from Texas, but I got here fast as I could.

[Verse 2]
First time I heard a fiddle cry,
Was under stars in a Midland sky.
Brisket smoke, bluebonnet bloom,
Felt like I’d stepped into a sacred room.

Found a girl with boots and fire in her eyes,
She kissed me slow ‘neath Amarillo skies.
She said, “You talk kinda funny, boy, but you’re alright—
You love this state like it saved your life.”

[Chorus]
I ain’t from Texas, but I got here fast as I could,
Now I’m raisin’ a toast in a neighborhood.
With friends who feel like family does,
And a heart that beats with Texas love.
It’s in the soul now, carved in wood—
I ain’t from Texas, but I got here fast as I could.

[Bridge]
Now I pledge allegiance to the flag that flies,
With a single star and endless skies.
From Lubbock winds to that Austin sound,
There ain’t a better place I’ve found.

[Final Chorus]
No, I ain’t from Texas, but I got here fast as I could,
Now I’m callin’ this ranch my own backwood.
I’d fight for the pride, stand for the land,
Learned how to dance, learned where I stand.
They say you’re born or you’re bound for good—
Well I wasn’t born here… but I got here fast as I could.

[Tag]
Yeah, I love this land like a true Texan would—
Got here fast…
And I’d never leave it if I could.

June 7, 2025 at 2:16 PM

I Ain't From Texas

[Verse 1]
Boots caked in blood, spurs janglin’ low
Another county fair, another rodeo
Eight seconds of glory, a lifetime of pain
But I ain’t felt nothin' 'til I heard my name

Out that chute, like a shot from hell
He bucks like a freight train straight outta jail
Every bone I’ve broke, every scar I own
Still don’t hurt like sleepin’ alone

[Chorus]
It’s the bull pull—that fire in my chest
The crack of the gate, the rise, the wreck
It’s killin’ me slow but I can’t get enough
Like the burn of her kiss or the crash of her love
She says come home, baby, hang up your rope
But I ride for a reason she’ll never know
Torn between two kinds of pain and thrill
The girl I love and the bull pull I feel

[Verse 2]
She waits by the phone in a cotton sundress
While I chase down ghosts and chew on regrets
Says she’d trade every buckle and every show
For one damn night where I don’t go

But I was raised by wind and dust
By back-road bars and a grip I trust
She’s my peace, but I ain’t built to stay
And I hate myself more with each damn day

[Chorus]
Yeah, the bull pull—it’s a hell of a thing
Like whiskey and freedom tangled in pain
It’s breakin’ me down, but it’s all I know
Like her cryin’ my name when I tell her no
She says come home, baby, hang up your rope
But I ride for a reason she’ll never know
Torn between two kinds of pain and thrill
The girl I love and the bull pull I feel

[Bridge]
One more ride, then I’ll walk away
That’s what I’ve said since ’98
But I keep showin’ up, and she keeps waitin’
And this damn pull keeps elevatin’

[Final Chorus]
Yeah, the bull pull—it’s death and desire
It’s the crack of bone and the flick of fire
She’s beggin’ me home, tears in her eyes
But I’m still chasin’ that next high
She says come back, baby, I’ll make you whole
But I ride for the part of me she can’t hold
Stuck between two kinds of love and will
The girl I need and the bull pull I feel

[Outro]
One’s got a heartbeat, one’s got horns
Both leave me bruised, both leave me torn
But I was born for dust, not daffodils
So I chase down the bull pull—and hurt—
Against my will
June 7, 2025 at 5:46 PM

The Bull Pull

[Verse 1]
Four of us came from the same front porch
Two girls, two boys, raised by love and the Lord
Last one came with a grin and a sigh
Daddy just laughed, said, “Well, ain't that a surprise?”

We ran these roads, stuck close like glue
Shared secrets only siblings do
Now time’s movin’ slow but fast just the same
And we don’t bounce back like we did in them younger days

[Chorus]
One won’t make it to the rest of our ends
One will bury all their best friends
One will cry in a chapel pew
While the names get called out, one by one, me and you
We were born in a line, but death don’t care
It just pulls up a chair and says, “Pick anywhere”
Yeah, one will be left when the last breath’s through
And one won’t make it to say goodbye to you

[Verse 2]
We’ve been lucky, we’ve been close
Laughed ‘til we cried and fought like foes
Took care of Mama, stood tall when she fell
Made a vow back then we’d always help

But now the mirror shows what we can’t deny
Crow’s feet truths in the edge of our eyes
One still swears we ain’t gettin’ old
While the rest of us feel it deep in our bones

[Chorus]
One won’t make it to the rest of our ends
One will carry all that’s ever been
One will stand by a stone alone
With the wind and the hymns and a head full of home
We were four of a kind, but life don’t split fair
It just deals and don’t explain where
Yeah, one will be last, and one’ll be gone too soon
And one won’t make it to say goodbye to you

[Bridge]
Ain’t no fear in the way we live
Just stories to tell and more love to give
But still I wonder late at night
Which one’ll hold the candlelight

[Final Chorus]
One won’t make it to the end of the song
One’ll be hummin’ while the rest move on
One’ll nod through the preacher’s prayer
In the front row seat with a thousand-yard stare
We were born side by side, now it’s down to fate
And nobody knows who’s gonna wait
Yeah, one will be last—and one’ll be through
And one won’t make it to say goodbye to you

June 11, 2025 at 8:36 PM


Goodbye To You

I'm JD Hodge — Oklahoma-born, red dirt-raised, and songwriting for over 30 years. After surviving a cardiac arrest, something shifted. The lyrics started pouring out, like the stories were waiting for their time. I write what’s real — struggle, hope, grit, and grace — songs meant to be felt.
You’ll hear pieces of my past, my people, and the kind of heartland/southern truth you can’t fake. These songs aren’t just mine — they’re for anyone who’s fought through silence and still found a voice.
If you sing, play, or just feel it — let’s connect. I’ve got a lot more coming.
📍 Oklahoma, USA
🎙️ Retired • Lyricist • Country • Americana • Acoustic Soul
📬 For collabs or contact: jim@reddirtclassics.com

J.D. Hodge Music-Songwriter

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