You only need to listen to his music or see him perform live to know how much America means to Dierks Bentley. His patriotism is on full display every day. And on Memorial Day, a day to remember and honor those who fought and died for our country's freedom, we couldn't help but think about how his words and music do just that.
The most obvious song is "Home," from the 2012 album of the same name. Written by Dan Wilson, Brett Beavers and Dierks, the lyrics subtly serve as a reminder that many of our military gave their life for something they believed in--freedom.
brave, gotta call it brave, to chase that dream across the sea names, then they signed their names, for something they believed red, how the blood ran red, and we laid our dead in sacred ground just think, wonder what they’d think if they could see us now it’s been a long hard ride, got a ways to go but this is still the place that we all call home it’s been a long hard ride, and i won’t lose hope this is still the place that we all call home
Several years ago, Dierks performed "Home" at Country Music: In Performance at the White House--a series of events created to showcase the music that's contributed to the fabric of American culture.
"'Home" has been a staple in Bentley's set list since 2012 and fans capture that image of freedom every night at his live shows, where he sometimes brings members of our military on stage.
Photo by Stephanie Lanham, DBC Rep, Missouri
Photo by Stephanie Lanham, DBC Rep, Missouri
Photo by Marycoleen Geiger, DBC Rep, Louisiana
Photo by Dan Foley, DBC Rep, Massachusetts and featured in "The Mountain" video
Many fans in the audience come prepared to show their love of America during Dierk's performances.
Photo by Meghan Dunphy
Photo by Roger Stroupe, DBC Rep, Ohio
His father, Leon, served as a First Lieutenant in WWII and during Dierks' performances of "I Hold On" you can see his image in the flag on the big screen as Dierks sings, I hold on Like the stripes to the flag, Like a boy to his dad I can't change who I am, right or wrong So I hold on. Leon Bentley died June 1, 2012 and for many shows after that, Dierks would sing Home and pay homage to his dad by changing the lyrics slightly: just think, wonder what He'd think if He could see Me now.
He'd be so proud, Dierks!
Photo by Carrie Srebro, DBC Rep, North Carolina
In 2016, the Black album brought us "Freedom," more evidence of Dierks' love of our country. Written By Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman and Dierks, he sings: That flag on a solider's sleeve All around the world they know what it means, And they all just wanna little piece of freedom, yeah
These are just a few examples of how Dierks honors our country every day and those who fell defending it.
Don't miss seeing Dierks on the Mountain High Tour this year with Brothers Osborne and LANCO. See tour schedule here.
THE MEANING
For those who have gotten to know Dierks over the years, "Woman, Amen" is clearly a reflection of who he is and where he stands in his priorities. For those who don't know him as well as we do, there will be no doubt now how much he loves his bride.
In an interview with Billboard, Dierks said, “I feel like it all starts at home with my wife. She is who grounds me; she is also the one who has helped me to grow as a person over all these years, so I feel if I’m going to tell these stories [on this album] right, I need to start with her."
"Our journey together has made me the man I am today. I doubt my heart would even recognize the old me,” shared Bentley. "This song addresses that in the most direct possible way. The personal gratitude expressed in the lyrics, mixed with a track that leans heavily on some bigger sounds, is the perfect way to introduce the album.”
And the drums. Let's take a moment to talk about that drumline. In what has been described as mountainous, propulsive or even tribal, the drums that carry "Woman, Amen" through the full three minutes have potential to take over but always seem to find the perfect balance with the rest of the band. Drummer Matt Chamberlain--who has worked with Pearl Jam and Soundgarden--played with this beat when they were recording. "We all just sat in the control room watching him play," Dierks recalls. It was a bucket list for some to watch that control room magic. And the magic continues every time we click "play."
THE CHARTS
"[Woman, Amen is] relatable, even though it's such a different title," he said to Rolling Stone. "It's so different than what I had envisioned this record might be, or the lead single might be, but you have to go where the music leads you."
We're so glad the music led him this way. This song--and what we can assume for the entire album at this point--will be a standout among current country tracks. For those who have been dreaming of more classic country, it looks as if Dierks will deliver. As of the first day of release, "Woman, Amen" is #1 on Spotify Hot Country, #6 on the iTunes Country Chart, and is on the Hot Tracks on Apple Music. A well-deserved start for what we "pray" is recognized as an award-winning album across the board. How can it get to #1? Call or tweet your local radio stations and request this track!
You can see Dierks perform this live on The Ellen Show tomorrow (check your local listings for show times).
In the meantime, don't forget to purchase your "key to The Mountain" at dierks.com and use your code to download this single for free! (Now we know the meaning behind the "keys to The Mountain" Faith, Grace, Hope and Strength!) You can also purchase the song on iTunes, Amazon and other music channels.
THE VIDEO
DB Congress reps anticipate the music video will be available in the next month. Stay tuned! In the meantime, enjoy this behind-the-scenes imagery audio version his team released today:
THE LYRICS I'd lose my way, yeah I'd lose my mind If I faced one day on my own I know I was saved The night that she gave This drifter’s heart a home Every night I should be on my knees Lord knows how lucky I am I never say it near enough Thank God for this woman, amen This world has a way of shaking your faith I’ve been broken again and again But I need all the cracks In my shattered heart Cause that’s where her love gets in Every night I should be on my knees Lord knows how lucky I am I never say it near enough Thank God for this woman, amen She gives me faith She gives me grace She gives me hope She gives me strength She gives me love, love without end Thank God for this woman, amen Thanks for the moon and the stars up above Forgiveness of sin and your undying love Every twist every turn for the way you made sure All my roads lead to her So tonight I will fall down on my knees 'Cause Lord knows how lucky I am I’m going to shout at the top of my lungs Thank God for this woman, amen Yeah thank God for this woman, amen She gives me faith She gives me grace She gives me hope She gives me strength She gives me love, love without end Thank God for this woman, amen
Jessica Borrelli and Ronna Clark
DB Congress Reps, WA and FL
@AllTheWayToMe @RonnaFL
But a very public nod from Bono to Dierks this month drew the attention of country music (and U2) fans everywhere.
In a New Orleans concert on Sept. 14, U2 stunned the audience--and very clearly, Dierks Bentley--with a cover of "Drunk on a Plane" as an interlude in their hit "Beautiful Day."
Dierks even contacts Bono before every new album release, sending a song or two for Bono's feedback. A recent example is "Freedom" from the Black album.
"The third verse of the song was kind of inspired by something he said to me once," said Dierks. "He said when people in other countries see the American flag, they don't just see a geographical location, they see an idea of freedom. And they want a piece of that idea. So I sent him the song, and he sent me a pretty thoughtful email back. ... He couldn't be more supportive. It was pretty cool to get that email."
It's not just professional feedback between the two artists. When Dierks' dad passed away in 2012, Bono reached out with a letter of condolence. The words that stuck out most to Dierks were, "I don't know how close or far away you were, but it's just a stinker." That message held a lot of meaning in a very difficult time.
"Dierks Bentley's music reaches all the way from Nashville into my kitchen in Dublin."
As DB Congress representatives globally, we would have to agree, Bono.
Now the only question that remains: Has Bono joined our ranks a DB Congress member?
If not, sounds like he has honorary member status already established.
Now, to get him a card ...
Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA @AllTheWayToMe
Coast Guard Captain Jeff Yarosh's love for his country runs deep, a value instilled in him by his dad. "My dad raised us with the central belief that nothing is more important than God, family and country." Jeff recognizes this same set of values in his favorite artist, Dierks Bentley (especially with headlines such as themilitary reunion meet and greet).So when the opportunity to possibly sing with Dierks came up for Jeff in 2014, he was all in.
Jeff was nominated by his boss, Rory Souther, to be the Coast Guard finalist in the ACM Presents: An All-Star Salute To The Troops. Dierks was featured in the eventwith artists such as Carrie Underwood and Florida Georgia Line. One member from each military branch was selected to perform with the artist of their choice at the concert.
Jeff ultimately wasn't selected, but his submission video seen here is still bringing smiles (a video he filmed with his daughter, Evelyn, who shares her name with Dierks' oldest daughter):
At the What The Hell Tour concert last month in Bristow, Va., Jeff's wife, Caren, had the opportunity to share her husband's story with Dierks at a meet and greet. After, Dierks told Caren he needed to look this video up online.
"He asked her for my name, and since he had nothing else to write on or with, he used the Sharpie he was using for autographs to write my name on his forearm," Jeff says. "A lot of people can say they got an autograph from Dierks, but I get to claim that he wrote MY name on him!"
To top it off, Jeff adds "Dierks [did] me the honor of accepting the gift my wife gave him: a t-shirt from the ship I just had command of--the best Band of Brothers I've ever been a part of."
Caren Yarosh w/ Dierks Bentley at the June 9 Bristow, Va., What The Hell Tour meet and greet.
The Yarosh's story, no doubt, resonated with Dierks, given
1. Wish It Would Break is a song he wished would have been his first single
2. He genuinely appreciates his fans
3. Patriotism and support of our service men and women are foundational for Dierks
"To see Dierks giving back and supporting the troops and our veterans, I think it's why we can all agree that Dierks is one of the good guys," Jeff says. "Home is a reminder that we shouldn't take the idea for granted that freedom is something which needs to be cultivated and protected." Dierks understood how big that anthem could be.
Red, white and blue clearly run strong in Dierks' veins. Just as strong is his love for his fans.
"I sat near the exit and watched each of [the meet and greet winners] as they came out," Jeff says. "The smiles they had on their faces were as wide as the Grand Canyon. Such a little thing, but it clearly meant a lot to those people. He should be proud of that."
After all, he's the one who taught us, "To the things I believe in, my faith, your love, our freedom." Jessica Borrelli DB Congress Rep, WA @AllTheWayToMe
Imagine climbing Everest in the dark, feeling
your way up the arduous mountain, holding on to a rope notched with 13 beautifully-laced
loops along the way. That's how I feel
listening to Black. I can’t see a thing, but Dierks Bentley is
pulling me along, making me feel one
song at a time, each one taking me higher and deeper into the intelligent
uniqueness of Dierk’s eighth studio album.
Take a trip with me and DB Congress Chart
Reporter, Carrie Srebro, as we try to put our feelings about this body of work
into words.
Black: Written by Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman and Dierks Bentley There have been quite a few
overtly sexual songs released to country radio over the past few years, which
I’m personally not a fan of. What ever happened to leaving something to the
imagination? But I think Dierks does a good job here of keeping it sexy but not
overdoing it. I also really like the production on this song. I can see this
being single #3. –Carrie Srebro (NC) I still maintain this sensual
song will replace Come A Little Closer as his signature love song. The echo throughout positions the listener
right in the moment. Here, black is not
nothing, but everything—no need to see, just feel. I don’t
wanna see a thing, I just wanna feel your love...Make my world go black. –Ronna
Clark (FL) Watch Dierks intro the songwriters then perform "Black" at Highline Ballroom, NYC, 5/25/16: Pick Up: Written by Jaren Johnston, Jimmy Robbins and Andrew Dorff I liked this song when it was
pre-released, but the more I listen to the album, the more I LOVE this song. I
feel like Dierks sings the hell out of this one, you can really hear his
frustration. And this is a pretty universal theme, but also one that hasn’t
been done a million times, either. I’d be totally fine if this were to become a
single, but I don’t see it falling that way. – CS Clever, crafty songwriting! Dierks said in an interview that his wife
“screens” his calls, so he can relate to such a relatable story—who doesn’t get
frustrated or worried when the person you’re calling won’t pick up the phone!
Nothing more irritating, and you just want to hear their voice no matter what.
Vocally and emotionally, Dierks nailed this one. -RC I’ll Be The Moon (featuring Maren Morris): Written by Heather Morgan, Matt
Dragstrem and Ryan Hurd Easily one of my favorite songs
on the album. Maren and Dierks complement each other nicely and both sing the
song well. You can feel the heartache and sadness. It’s so pleasant to listen
to. –CS How could a story of a secret
love triangle sound so sweet and forlorn at the same time? Easy—get Dierks Bentley and Maren Morris to
sing it as a duet! The narrative
explores subject matter from a unique perspective and I hope it becomes a
single and radio plays it all the way to #1.
Nobody else can match this extraordinary effort. -RC Watch Dierks and Jessi Alexander perform "I'll Be The Moon" at Highline Ballroom, NYC, 5/25/16:
What The Hell Did I Say: Written by Ross Copperman,
Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins This one has grown on me
immensely since being a pre-release track. Once I listened to it in the car, I
was sold, haha! I love a good song to jam to, and this one doesn’t disappoint.
It’s super catchy, and Dierks hinted it may be a future single on SiriusXM The
Highway. –CS Ross Copperman’s oriental
sounding treatment gives it a diverseness only Dierks could pull off. And how different that the girl actually
LIKED “every single word you left on my
phone.” Love the creative new verbs—Did I say we’d go shoppin, that I’d Louis
Vuitton her, That I’d Rodeo Drive her slide a Tiffany diamond on her.” Is that like new math? Kudos to Ross, Josh and Chris. The chorus is infectious and I find myself
singing it at the top of my lungs at red lights. -RC
Watch Dierks perform "What The Hell Did I Say" at Highline Ballroom, NYC, 5/25/16:
Somewhere On A Beach: Written by Michael Tyler,
Jaron Boyer, Alexander Palmer, Dave Kuncio and Josh Mirenda Still not my favorite, but damn,
did this song blow up and get the job done for leading off this album with some
serious momentum. And in the context of the full album, it doesn’t sound out of
place at all. –CS When I heard this was the first
single from the new album, I was disappointed to say the least. Another bro song? Really? I know Dierks has so much more depth, but I
also know radio needed something for the masses. And sure enough, SOAB climbed quickly and spent
two weeks at #1 and three weeks on the Hot Country Songs chart and is still in
the top ten this week—four months later!
The song has really grown on me and I sing along happily now. And yes, it is perfectly placed as chapter
five in Dierks’ book of Black. -RC Freedom: Written by Ashley Gorley, Ross
Copperman and Dierks Bentley This song makes me want to skip
along and bop to it. Obviously a theme that’s been done before, but I love how
anthemic and sing-along this is. Once more people are familiar with it, this
should be a highlight of the live show. Definitely single worthy. –CS Paying homage to our US military—that flag on a soldier’s sleeve—is
always a popular theme. Makes me feel
very patriotic. That, and all the singing
about all freedoms we enjoy because of those soldiers. I can see this going over big on tour and can
already hear the audience singing it at the top of their lungs. That
ticket to your favorite show/Getting’ lost in the rock n roll. -RC Why Do I Feel: Written by Dan Wilson, Ross
Copperman and Dierks Bentley This is where the album kind of
hits the brakes for me. Lyrically and vocally (as in, Dierks sounds good), I
like this song. But I don’t like the sparse production at all. When I hear the
opening piano, I immediately expect to hear Luke’s “Strip it Down” and that’s not
really a comparison I enjoy making. I’ve been trying to get more into the song,
but the R&B cadence and vocal style aren’t working for me. –CS When I hear the piano intro, I
hear a matureness in Dierks’ music that easily fits in today’s all-genre world. The production is distinctly Ross Copperman-crafted. The second verse gets all the way to me—Dierks’ voice at its gritty finest: Trying to find pain, where there’s only
love…And when I get more, it’s never enough. I love the reverberation in the melody and the
subtle dobro—that works for me! I can’t
wait for the vinyl version so I can start with Side B! - RC Roses And A Time Machine: Written by Luke Dick and Adam
James I think I’m the only person who
likes this song. It’s quirky and funky, but I find the lyrics to be
self-deprecating and self-aware – the dude knows he screwed up and at least
he’s able to make fun of himself. –CS No, you’re not the only one, Carrie!This is the old-school Dierks that we know
and love!Co-writer Luke Dick delivered
this tongue-in-cheek tune at the Highline Ballroom Songwriters show May 25 and
the whole room was laughing and singing along half-way through. Best regret
song ever!Great
rhymes—edumacation/relations. Is THAT
what a time machine sounds like?Cool
vibe, Ross Copperman!I can see a black
hole/time travel treatment video for this song—what do you say, Wes Edwards? –RC Watch Luke Dick perform "Roses And A Time Machine" at Highline Ballroom, NYC, 5/25/16:
All The Way to Me: Written by Luke Dick, Scooter
Carusoe and Dierks Bentley This song is like your favorite
pair of worn in jeans. It feels so good. It’s like if Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do
and Free & Easy had a baby. I love it. It just feels so… DIERKS. The
production is like a nod to “old” Dierks, the lyrics are SO Dierks – really
this is like a continuation of I Hold On and I just love everything about it.
Super high on my list of album highlights for sure. (And I would do a lot to
hear a bluegrass version of this. I bet that would be killer.) –CS Hard to believe the same guy who
wrote Roses, also penned this page right out of Bentley’s boyhood morphing into
adulthood. When I first heard this and
saw the background video on Apple Music, I couldn’t help but think of Kansas
Ambassador and country artist, Logan Mize (Somethin’
‘bout starlight on Kansas/ The way a wheat field dances), yet distinctly
Dierks. This song demonstrates how
deeply he feels about the influences in his life (Cass and the kids). Favorite line: Somethin’ ‘bout me and her and how our love turned into brown eyes
lookin’ up/The sound of hardwood floors on little feet. Bluegrass version gets my vote, too!- RC Different For Girls (Featuring Elle King): Written by Shane McAnally and J.T. Harding Another great duet. I think the
duets on this album are my favorites of Dierks’ career so far. I know there’s a
lot of brouhaha over the lyrics and the over-generalization of male behavior,
but Dierks himself even said he sucks at being a “dude” when it comes to
heartache, so I’m not going to read too much into it. This song sounds great,
and I think this is a moment on the album where Dierks is really saying “you
know, I’m raising two daughters now, and I look at these things differently
than I used to.” And I also like the idea that it’s the douchey bro from SOAB
having an introspective moment, too. Love this and I hope it’s a huge hit for
him. –CS A guy takes up for a girl – yes
please! This may not have been written
by Dierks, but it’s true to the core of his character. He has said many times he can relate to how
girls handle heartbreak because it’s kind of like he has reacted in the
past. Remember Yeah, 'cause
I've lost weight and I've lost hair/And I don't intend to ever go back
there/Drinkin' and a-thinkin' 'bout a love that just wasn't true (Forget About You)? Yeah—that was autobiographical. Thank you Shane McAnally for thinking of
Dierks for this song. And thanks,
Dierks, for thinking of Elle King’s (daughter of Rob Schneider and London King) exceptional voice. Perfect duet and harmonies. The unique lyrics tell an honest story of
guys and girls reacting to break-ups so differently; different than any other
song on the radio right now. DFG should
easily be his 15th number one single. Favorite line: She don’t scroll through her phone just lookin’ for a band-aid. -RC Mardi Gras (Featuring Trombone Shorty): Written by Natalie Hemby, Steve Moakler and Dierks Bentley I wasn’t too sure about this one
when I listened to the album the first time, but wow, has it grown on me. It is
so catchy, and again, I think Dierks kills the vocal on this one. I’ve had this
song in my head a lot since Friday. –CS While the production and melody
remind me of Mardi Gras, the title is a metaphor for a girl who trashed the
guy’s heart just like the streets of New Orleans the day after the real Mardi
Gras. The trombone sliding of Trombone Shorty is the perfect action to tell
this guy-done-wrong song. Lyrical imagery
abounds, painting the perfect charade picture.
Favorite line: Strung me right along like lights on a
balcony. Light It Up: Written by Jessi Alexander, Ross Copperman and Dierks Bentley This is another great track. I
really like the spiritual metaphors. The production is perhaps a bit louder
than it needs to be here, but it’s still a really great song, and one I
wouldn’t mind seeing as a single, but it’s a bit similar thematically to HOLY
by FGL so they’ll probably steer clear. –CS Loved this song since I heard
Dierks sing part of it acoustically on The Bobby Bones Show. Vocally and melodically, the chorus soars and
is much stronger than the verses. Conversely,
the lyrics in the verses are brilliantly written! I used
to get numb on a whiskey remedy/But then your spirit poured in like a symphony. It’s apparent his angel (wife Cassidy) lights
ups his soul! Co-writer Jessi and Dierks sang “Light It Up” at the Highline
Ballroom in NYC last week. –RC Here's a short clip of Dierks and Jessi performing "Light It Up" at Highline Ballroom, NYC, 5/25/16:
Can’t Be Replaced: Written by Hillary Lindsey, Luke
Laird and Dierks Bentley Not much to say here that hasn’t
already been said by basically everyone ever, but this is a fantastic song.
First of all, I could talk about those dobro solos all day long. They’re
gorgeous. Everything about this song is just perfectly executed. Definitely one
of the best songs of his career. –CS Whether its things or people, we
all have memories of the images this song conjures up—totally saw my teen years
flash before my eyes—Levi jacket, spinnin’ that bottle, Memorex mixtape and
Boone’s Farm kiss. Totally agree with
the dobro solos, too—beautiful. This may
never be a single, although Dierks has said he would like it to be. Our heart goes out to Jake who has been there with him since the beginning. -RC If you want to feel every emotion in life, be sure to take
Bentley’s Black along on your
mountainous trek. It will seep into your soul, light it up and transcend you.
