About the song
Jamey Johnson – High Cost of Living: A Song of Struggle, Redemption, and Hope
In the realm of country music, Jamey Johnson stands as a towering figure, a true embodiment of the genre’s rich heritage and enduring spirit. With a voice that bears the weight of countless heartaches and the resilience of a man who’s seen life’s darkest corners, Johnson’s music resonates with an authenticity that cuts straight to the core. His songwriting is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving tales of love, loss, regret, and redemption with a raw honesty that leaves listeners both moved and enlightened.
Among Johnson’s extensive discography, the song “High Cost of Living” stands out as a poignant ballad that encapsulates the struggles of the working man’s life. Released in 2008 as part of his album That Lonesome Song, the track delves into the depths of hardship and despair, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who grapple with the relentless burden of financial strain.
From the opening lines, Johnson paints a vivid picture of a man wrestling with the weight of the world. “My whole life went through my head/Laying in that motel bed/Watching Isaac kick in the door,” he sings, his voice weary with the weight of his past mistakes. The lyrics unfold like a confessional, revealing the protagonist’s descent into addiction and the devastating consequences that followed.
As the song progresses, Johnson’s narrative shifts to the present, capturing the protagonist’s struggle to make ends meet in a world that seems stacked against him. “I’m looking just to score another deal/With my back against that damn eight-ball,” he laments, his voice laced with desperation. The imagery of the pool hall, a common haunt for those seeking solace in the company of others and the escape of a few fleeting moments of joy, adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative.
Despite the bleakness of his circumstances, Johnson’s protagonist finds a glimmer of hope amidst the despair. “I’m trying to find my way back home,” he sings, his voice laced with a newfound determination. The lyrics suggest a yearning for redemption, a desire to break free from the shackles of addiction and reclaim his life.
“High Cost of Living” is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by those living on the margins of society. It’s a song that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, the ability to find hope even in the darkest of times. Jamey Johnson’s masterful storytelling and heartfelt delivery make this song a true gem of country music, a poignant ballad that resonates with anyone who has ever struggled with the weight of life’s burdens.
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Lyrics
I was just a normal guy
Life was just a nine to five
With bills and pressure piled-up to the sky
She never asked, she knew I’d bewen
Hangin’ with my wilder friends
Lookin’ for some other way to fly
Three days straight was no big feat
To get by on no food or sleep
And crazy was becoming my new normal
I’d pass out on the bedroom floor
Sleep right through the calm before the storm
My life was just an old routine
Every day the same damn thing
I couldn’t even tell I was alive
I tell you, the high cost of livin’
Ain’t nothing like the cost of livin’ high
That southern Baptist parking lot
Was where I’d go to smoke my pot
And sit there in my pickup truck and pray
And starin’ at that giant cross
Just reminded me that I was lost
And it just never seemed to point the way
As soon as Jesus turned his back
I’d found my way across the track
Lookin’ just to score another deal
With my back against that damn eight ball
I didn’t have to think or talk or feel
My life was just an old routine
Every day the same damn thing
I couldn’t even tell I was alive
I tell you, the high cost of livin’
Ain’t nothing like the cost of livin’ high
My whole life went through my head
Layin’ in that motel bed
Watchin’ as the cops kicked in the door
I had a job and a piece of land
My sweet wife was my best friend
But I traded that for cocaine and a whore
With my new found sobriety
I’ve got the time to sit and think
Of all the things I had and threw away
This prison is much colder
Than that one that I was locked-up in just yesterday
My life is just an old routine
Every day the same damn thing
Hell, I can’t even tell if I’m alive
I tell you, the high cost of livin’
Ain’t nothing like the cost of livin’ high
I tell you, the high cost of livin’
Ain’t nothing like the cost of livin’ high
Just leave that stuff alone