Bow your head, take off your hat, 'bout to say the blessin'
Treat her like a lady, better get her home by eleven
Put a little back, keep a little stash for them rainy days
Keep a good name, that's the way we were raised on
Them main streets, them tractor seats
We put some country miles on
Them Friday nights, wide-open skies
Back forty, gettin' our wild on
Sweet by-and-by, I saw the light
In a little white church way in the back
Grew up, grew up, grew up on that
Ricky Skaggs on the vinyl
King James on the bible
Feet on the dash with ourselves in the back
We grew up on that
Big dreams on a dirt road with a small town sun sinkin'
Barbed wire, bonfires, one red light blinkin'
Home team, blue jeans, let her wear your jacket
Had it so good, didn't know how good we had it, oh
Them main streets, them tractor seats
We put some country miles on
Them Friday nights, wide-open skies
Back forty, gettin' our wild on
Sweet by-and-by, I saw the light
In a little white church way in the back
Grew up, grew up, grew up on that
Ricky Skaggs on the vinyl
King James on the bible
Feet on the dash with ourselves in the back
We grew up on that
Them main streets, them tractor seats
We put some country miles on (we put some country miles on)
Them Friday nights, wide-open skies
Back forty, gettin' our wild on (back forty, gettin' our wild on)
Sweet by-and-by, I saw the light
In a little white church way in the back
Grew up, grew up, grew up on that
Ricky Skaggs on the vinyl
King James on the bible
Feet on the dash with ourselves in the back
We grew up on that
Grew up, grew up, grew up on that
Grew up, grew up, grew up on that
Grew up, grew up, grew up on that
Grew Up On That
Grew Up On That Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Grew Up On That" by High Valley, released with its video on April 24, 2020, is a nostalgic anthem that paints a vivid picture of a traditional country upbringing rooted in faith, community, and simple values. The song immediately establishes a connection to foundational principles often associated with rural life and conservative traditions, opening with themes of prayer and respect. It quickly moves to evoke sensory details of this world – the vastness of open spaces, the connection to the land through farming, and the importance of treating others with kindness and honor.
The core meaning of the song revolves around identifying and celebrating the formative experiences and values learned growing up in a specific environment. It lists tangible elements like main streets, tractor seats, and Friday nights under wide skies, alongside intangible lessons like saving for the future and maintaining a good reputation. A central pillar of this upbringing, as described in the lyrics, is faith, explicitly mentioning finding spiritual light in a small country church and referencing the Bible. This blend of everyday rural life and spiritual grounding forms the bedrock of the identity being described.
The song is deeply inspirational as it resonates with listeners who share a similar background or appreciate the values it espouses. It evokes a sense of pride in one's heritage and the simple, yet profound, lessons learned in a less complicated time or place. The mention of enjoying simple pleasures like listening to classic country music (Ricky Skaggs) and feeling content with what you have, even without realizing its full value at the time, speaks to the richness found in foundational experiences. It serves as a reminder that the values instilled in youth often shape the people we become.
The lyrical references to faith and religious upbringing connect directly to biblical themes. The act of bowing one's head to pray is a common practice mentioned throughout scripture as a sign of reverence and humility before God. Seeing "the light" in a church setting is a powerful metaphor often used in the Bible (e.g., John 8:12, 1 Peter 2:9) to represent spiritual truth, salvation, or understanding found through faith. The explicit mention of the "King James on the bible" highlights a specific, traditional version of scripture often held in high regard within many faith communities, signifying that the Bible was not just present but was a source of truth and guidance in this upbringing. The overall theme of raising children with a strong moral compass and respect can also be seen reflected in biblical wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, which emphasizes teaching the right way to live from a young age (Proverbs 22:6).
Through its relatable imagery and heartfelt delivery, "Grew Up On That" serves as both a personal reflection for the artists and an invitation for listeners to acknowledge and appreciate the roots that shaped them. It celebrates a way of life where faith, hard work, respect, and community are paramount, presenting these elements not just as memories, but as defining aspects of identity that continue to influence who they are today. The song successfully captures the spirit of a specific cultural upbringing and offers an uplifting message about the enduring power of traditional values.
