Country Cliché: The Backstory
Every song has a story. “Country Cliché” began with a reflection on how we use clichés to communicate when what we need is genuine conversations about the most important things in life. Speaking in clichés may save time and energy, but leaning into our humanity requires shared effort, not just quips and sound bites.
FROM SPEAKING TO REAL DIALOGUE
I have written and professionally produced several songs (leavingmeinpieces.com, goingbrokesavingmoney.com, and onebootoff.com).
My latest song is titled, "Country Cliché." Anyone who has been frustrated with how common phrases are used to minimize real issues, and how disagreements often come from a lack of clear and genuine communication, will understand this song.
One of the things that makes this song a powerful song is that, while it uses common clichés, it specifically avoids all of the common country music clichés referring to getting your truck back, your house back, your dog back, your job back, and your spouse back.
You will notice that both voices in the song avoid using popular country clichés because, as they note, they're not going to "live a country cliché."
I hope you enjoy it.
~ Dr. Philip William Calvert
*Note to artists and worship teams: I produced this version is show the potential of the song. If you would like to record it, contact me at phil@shapedbygrace.org
"Country cliché"official Lyrics
Philip William Calvert
© 2023 - 2026
*Intro*
I won’t wait on the end of the day, I'll run it wide open now,
Sun on my back, yeah I’m leavin’ town.
You said think outside the box, I just tore it apart,
Left it in pieces, sorry not sorry I broke your heart.
*Pre-Chorus*
You can keep your safe and sound,
I’m turnin’ it up, I’m layin’ it down.
You're too high a price to pay,
Not gonna live a country cliché.
Chorus (Big, Polished, Radio Hook)
It ain’t what it is, it’s what I make it,
Got my own plans, I ain't gonna fake it.
Not gonna live your best life reel,
I’m out, baby, yeah this is real.
No offense, it's truth when I say it,
No empty words, I won’t replay it.
Yeah, I’m done with every line you sell,
I got a song you ain’t never heard tell.
You're too high a price to pay,
Not gonna live a country cliché.
*Verse 2*
You say there’s a reason when it all goes wrong,
Got caught in your crazy but I'm movin' on.
You talk honesty like it’s hard to find,
But truth shows up when I draw that line.
*Pre-Chorus*
You won't change, just hang new frames on the same old walls,
But I'm walkin' out, my heart's been called.
*Chorus*
It ain’t what it is, it’s what I make it,
Got my own plans, I ain't gonna fake it.
Not gonna live your best life reel,
I’m out, baby, yeah this is real.
No offense, it's truth when I say it,
No empty words, I won’t replay it.
Yeah, I’m done with every line you sell,
I got a song you ain’t never heard tell.
You're too high a price to pay,
Not gonna live a country cliché.
*Bridge*
Unprecedented, yeah I’ve heard that line,
I'm tired of tryin’ to read your mind.
Low-hangin’ fruit ? I’m reachin’ high,
Where the air gets clear and your lies don’t fly.
*Final Chorus*
It ain’t what it is, it’s what I make it,
Got my own plans, I ain't gonna fake it.
Not gonna live your best life reel,
I’m out, baby, yeah this is real.
No offense, it's truth when I say it,
No empty words, I won’t replay it.
Yeah, I’m done with every line you sell,
I got a song you ain’t never heard tell.
You're too high a price to pay,
Not gonna live a country cliché.
Yeah you can keep what you're tryin' to sell,
I got a song you ain’t never heard tell.
You're too high a price to pay,
Not gonna live a country cliché.
*Outro*
Yeah, not gonna live a country cliché.
Yeah, not gonna live a country cliché.