Ryan Stevenson - From the Ground Up (Bonanza) Lyrics
Lyrics
It's been a long time coming, but I'm going back to my roots
Born and raised in southern Oregon, dirt poor with nothing to lose
I learned about faith and working hard
It saved my life, that dairy farm
Now everywhere I go, I take you with me in my heart, oh
I grew up in a place nobody ever heard of
We didn't have much, but we always had each other
My roots run deep, and nothing's gonna change me
Bonanza, you're in my blood
This town built me from the ground up
Built me from the ground up
I learned to drive at 11, out by the sugar beets
My daddy's 69 brown GMC, stick shift with a bench seat
Hotel California, stuck in the tape deck on repeat
Now everywhere I go, I take you there with me
Because I grew up in a place nobody ever heard of
We didn't have much, but we always had each other
My roots run deep, and nothing's gonna change me
Bonanza, you're in my blood
This town built me from the ground up
Built me from the ground up
There's a little cemetery down off of main street
That's where my momma's buried; that's where I left a big part of me
Sometimes I get a little choked up, when I think about the past
All my friends that have come and gone, but memories that always last
Yeah, but memories that always last
Yeah, but memories that always last
Bo town, I think about you when I'm lookin' back
My roots run deep, and I will never be ashamed of that
I grew up in a place nobody ever heard of
We didn't have much, but we always had each other
My roots run deep, and nothing's gonna change me
Bonanza, you're in my blood
This town built me from the ground up
Built me from the ground up
Bonanza, you're in my blood
Bonanza, you're in my blood
Video
Ryan Stevenson - From the Ground Up (Bonanza) [Official Audio]
Meaning & Inspiration
Ryan Stevenson's "From the Ground Up (Bonanza)," released in 2015 as part of his album *Fresh Start*, is a powerful testament to the enduring influence of one's origins and the foundational values instilled in youth. The song delves into Stevenson's personal narrative, painting a vivid picture of a humble upbringing in rural Oregon, a place characterized by hardship but rich in familial love and the lessons of hard work and faith. This narrative is not just a biographical sketch; it’s a profound exploration of identity rooted in heritage and the divine providence that shapes us. Stevenson's declaration that his "roots run deep" and that "nothing's gonna change me" echoes the biblical admonition to stand firm in one's convictions, much like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in due season, as described in Psalm 1:3. The mention of learning about faith on a dairy farm is particularly poignant, suggesting that his spiritual understanding was cultivated not in abstract theological study, but through the practical, daily realities of honest labor and trust in God's provision. This resonates with Jesus' parables, which often drew from agrarian settings to illustrate spiritual truths, emphasizing the organic growth of God's kingdom.
The lyrical journey through learning to drive on a "stick shift with a bench seat" and the recurring "Hotel California" on repeat evokes a relatable sense of nostalgic Americana, yet it’s framed by a deeper reflection on what truly anchors him. The chorus, with its emphasis on a place "nobody ever heard of" where "we always had each other," underscores the importance of community and deep connections over external recognition. This sentiment aligns with the biblical emphasis on cherishing relationships and valuing people over worldly accolades. The phrase "Bonanza, you're in my blood" signifies an inseparable bond with his hometown, a sentiment that can be understood as a deep appreciation for the character and values it forged within him, much like the Apostle Paul’s enduring connection to his Jewish heritage, even as he embraced his calling to the Gentiles. The reference to the cemetery where his mother is buried adds a layer of profound personal loss and remembrance, highlighting the bittersweet nature of memories and the enduring impact of loved ones. This acknowledges the reality of grief but also the redemptive power of cherished memories that "always last," mirroring the promise of eternal life and remembrance for the faithful found in Scripture. The song’s ultimate message is one of gratitude and unwavering self-awareness, acknowledging that the foundations laid in his youth, both human and divine, have irrevocably shaped the man he is today, preparing him for whatever "fresh start" life brings.