Granger Smith Subtly Honors His Son, River in “That’s Why I Love Dirt Roads”

For anyone who does not know, Granger Smith and his family lost their son River earlier this year in a tragic accident on their family property. Since then the family has opened up on YouTube although Granger took a break from touring as well as releasing music. “That’s Why I Love Dirt Roads” is his latest song that paints a picture of a beautiful vast landscape and subtly pays homage to his precious little boy.

Smith shared on Instagram, “It’s about finding peace. Finding yourself. Finding God on a road that’s rough around the edges just like us. It’s about that rural sanctuary we all know so well behind a pair of headlights, a steering wheel and your heavy thoughts.”  The honesty and vulnerability Smith showcases here is what makes this song so special.

“That’s why I love dirt roads // Make the world turn real slow // Feel the gravel letting go // It’s stirring up my soul // That’s why I love running wild // Through country miles // They’re out of style // They take a while // But every winding ride’ll lead me home // That’s why I love dirt roads”

“It’s not about Riv, although I did weave him into the lyrics in the 2nd verse, but it’s special to me,” Smith commented. The second verse sings, “Chasing a painted sky // And river winding curves // Can’t help but feel like my // Heaven here on earth, yeah.” While the song may not be about his son, Smith did include hidden gems into the album cover. The same red tractor from the River Smith tribute t-shirts and River’s face on the side of a mountain range are incorporated into the album artwork.

To keep up with Granger Smith follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“That’s Why I Love Dirt Roads” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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