In order for a song to completely embody an artist, he or she is usually the writer, or co-writer, of the lyrics. However, every so often a song finds the perfect artist to sing it as if the song was written for them. “Jesus and Jones” is just that song for Trace Adkins.
Co-written by Jim McCormick, Casey Beathard, and Tyler Farr, “Jesus and Jones” talks about the struggle of a recovering alcoholic who’s trying to find that balance of wanting to live like his heroes (i.e. George Jones) and wanting to have a clean life – obviously a topic that Adkins is familiar with and quite apropos given that it’s his first single since his life took a public detour in 2014 that included a return to rehab.
The lyrics of the first verse create the image of someone who’s a man of the church on Sunday morning, after having a rowdy Saturday night, how the alcohol changes his personality from saint to sinner, and that his will-power to avoid temptation for the long-haul is questionable:
I’m the last one standin’ every Saturday night
All the rights feel wrong, wrongs feel right
But every Sunday mornin’ I see the light again
When I’m up on the wagon I’m a hell of a saint
But I’ll be damned if there ain’t another town to paint
Just down the road, man it’s a game that I can’t win
While the lyrics have the connection to Adkins’ personal life, the overall musical composition of the song feels very, almost over, produced. It falls into that trend that’s been popular as of late which could be a benefit (follow the pattern of what’s been successful), but as a counter result, it doesn’t provide enough distinction to allow the song to stand out amongst the rest that’s on country radio.
Except for one big distinction: that it’s Trace Adkins.
There’s no doubt that fans of Adkins will embrace the song as they continue to support him while he gets himself, and his career, back on his feet.
“Jesus and Jones” will be released to country radio on January 19 and is currently available on all outlets.