Thanks to his father’s influence, Oklahoma native CJ Garton grew up with a love of the male voice in country music. Since writing his first song at the age of six, Garton’s appreciation for the craft has only grown deeper, resulting in a move to Nashville. Over his career, Garton has released six albums and just recently signed an exclusive distribution deal earlier this month with New Day Christian. On September 16th, Garton will release limited vinyl copies of his new double country music album “Tales Of The Ole West And Other Libations To Please The Palate” via his own G-Bar Records.
Cut from the same cloth of the great songwriters, Garton’s new release is full of classic country storytelling; deep soul-searching tracks mixed with fun nostalgic 90s country tunes. And while each track stands out to the listener for one reason or another, “The Gun” is the pièce de résistance. A lyrical masterpiece, the song tells a tale from the point of view of the weapon. As if it is on trial, The Gun pleads its case of Constitutional necessity, protection and honor – and even innocence – in response to society harping on the negative.
A lot of stories about me
Some are good and some are bad
I’ve fought in 3 wars I’ve even made it back
I’ve put food on the table through the harsh winter cold
I’ve even help a miner protect his hard earned gold
I’ve been hanging over warm lit fires
I’ve been abandoned left out in the cold
Yes I have killed for money and desire
I’ve been bought stolen and sold
Chorus:
And if a soldier ever falls behind
I’m left crying out 21 times
Though I’m to blame lord I ain’t the one
Always remember I’m just a gun
Yes maam remember that I’m just a gun
And while the song is incredible in itself, the story of how it came about and its life since is even more so, as explained by Garton: “When I wrote ‘The Gun’ I never imagined the impact it would have. It came about while I was listening to a presidential debate and they spent more time throwing mud and slandering each other than addressing the issues in our country that we as a people so direly needed to hear. So when the subject of gun rights came about, I felt there was a better way to address them and ‘The Gun’ was born. There are just some songs that separate themselves and become so much more. One of the biggest compliments as a writer I’ve ever received was from the real Forrest Gump, Mr. Sammy L Davis (metal of honor recipient), who asked me if this could be his song, and how much it moved him. Needless to say, I was humbled when he asked for it to be in his real life documentary.”
Check out the exclusive first listen of “The Gun” here:
A limited amount of vinyl copies of “Tales Of The Ole West And Other Libations To Please The Palate” can be purchased this Thursday, September 16th through Garton’s website, select stores and at live shows. Each vinyl purchase will include a digital copy of the album. The full album will release across all digital music platforms on January 14, 2022.
The album’s lead single, “If Daddy Could See” will be available digitally across all music platforms on October 22, 2021.
For more information on CJ Garton, visit his website at cjgarton.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.