This article originally appeared in the May 2014 issue.
Does the truck above look familiar to you? Does it seem like maybe you've seen it somewhere before and just can’t put your finger on it? Okay, try picturing the truck in your head without the pink emblems. Does that help? The next time you come across Jerrod Niemann’s music video, “Drink to that all Night,” take a closer look at the 2003 Power Stroke in the background. That’s right: this month we’re featuring Stephanee Wright’s 6.0L truck that was showcased in this video.
I must admit, I am a little jealous. I think it would be great to see my own truck in a music video. Let’s be honest. I’d be thrilled if my truck showed up in the background of some type of late night infomercial. I’m easily impressed; what can I say?
Seeing the ties that trucks and music have—especially when it comes to country music—got me thinking about those songs that are all about trucks or at least hint about our favorite vehicles. I know Toby Keith isn’t afraid to mention his truck or show it off in his videos and I know there are plenty of others who share his passion.
Out of curiosity I Googled “songs about trucks” to see what popular tunes were out there, but instead I just stumbled onto "Songs About Trucks," an actual song by Wade Bowen that is kind of catchy. I gave up searching and just went with songs that I know and enjoy. One good truck song that is actually a little depressing is the one from Lee Brice called, “I Drive Your Truck.” It’s about a guy who lost his brother that was serving our country in the armed forces and driving his brother’s old pickup helped him cope with his loss. I love the lyrics and the story behind the song and the video really helps tell the story.
Even if you don’t like the song “Kickin' Up Mud,” the first single from The Lacs on their debut album Country Boy's Paradise, you’ve got to admit it sure looks like they’re having a lot of fun with their trucks in the video. Yes, it’s clearly a redneck video and anytime you bring trucks and mud together you can’t really go wrong.
What about the songs that aren't necessarily about trucks, yet they still put a smile on your face when you hear them? Even though the song is about a waitress, because I’m a diesel owner Kacey Musgraves’ song “Blowin' Smoke” always makes me think of my truck. I’m sure plenty of diesel owners have thought about compiling a home video of their truck blowing black smoke to that song; hopefully I’m not the only one.
What songs would make your top 10 playlist? You know, the type of music that makes you want to just roll down the windows and go for a drive?
For me, at the top of the list would be the Kid Rock hit, “All Summer Long.” Even though it's more about boats than trucks, it always puts me in a good mood when I hear it. It takes me back to those younger days when I’d take my old beater truck to the lake on the weekends with friends, even though none of us could afford a boat.
I’d like to compile a list of top 10 truck songs that all diesel owners should have on their playlist and I could use some help. Take a minute and drop me an email with your top three favorites and tell me why they belong on our top 10 list. We’ll take that compiled list and share the results as we determine the best songs for our niche in the industry. I’m really going to do this; I’m not just “Blowin' Smoke.”