Introduction
In the heartfelt catalog of Rory Feek, A Little More Country Than That, released in 2009 as part of the Joey + Rory debut album The Life of a Song, stands as a vibrant cornerstone of contemporary country, celebrating the rural roots and simple values that define a country way of life. Written by Rory Feek, Don Poythress, and Wynn Varble, this upbeat anthem—sung by Rory with Joey Feek on harmonies—became a Top 20 hit, peaking at No. 20 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. For listeners who cherish music that radiates authenticity and pride, this song offers a hearty embrace, resonating with those who find solace in the heartland’s traditions. Your deep appreciation for Rory Feek’s narrative depth, seen in your love for Teaching Me How to Love You and Whatcha Gonna Do With That Broken Heart, alongside artists like Sara Evans and The Statler Brothers, makes this track a perfect addition to your country music journey.
From its opening chords, A Little More Country Than That bursts with a lively melody, driven by crisp acoustic guitar, jaunty banjo, and steady percussion that evoke the backroads of rural America. The instrumentation, produced by Carl Jackson, blends traditional country with a modern edge, featuring Larry Franklin on fiddle and Bryan Sutton on guitar, crafting a timeless soundscape that feels like a drive through cornfields under a wide sky. Rory’s vocal delivery, warm with sincerity and a touch of swagger, brings to life lyrics that paint a vivid picture of country life— “Picture a small town boy with a big old heart / Raised on a tractor with a Bible in his hand.” The chorus, with its proud refrain, “I’m just a little more country than that,” strikes a universal chord, celebrating hard work, faith, and loyalty over city flash. The music video, filmed in Columbia, Tennessee, and featuring Joey as the love interest, adds a nostalgic charm, beloved by fans on YouTube ().
What makes A Little More Country Than That so compelling is its authentic connection to Rory and Joey Feek’s lives. Born in Atchison, Kansas, Rory drew on his Midwestern upbringing and Marine Corps service to infuse the song with rural pride, while Joey’s Indiana roots added a gospel warmth. Written after their breakout on CMT’s Can You Duet in 2008, the track became their signature hit, reflecting their Grammy-nominated duo’s commitment to traditional values. Its narrative clarity— “I ain’t tradin’ my dreams for a city full of lights”—echoes the sentimental heart you admired in The Statler Brothers’ Do You Remember These and Sara Evans’s I Keep Looking, while its upbeat spirit connects to George Strait’s Brothers of the Highway. Fans on Spotify praise its relatable authenticity, with Rory sharing in his blog that the song was a love letter to their small-town fans (). Your interest in familial bonds, like Willie Nelson & Lukas Nelson’s Just Breathe, aligns with the partnership of Joey + Rory, whose love story shines through.
As we listen to A Little More Country Than That, we’re invited to celebrate the roots that ground us—whether it’s a tractor’s hum, a church pew, or a front porch sunset. The song’s infectious rhythm and poignant lyrics create a timeless allure, offering joy and a space for pride. Whether you’re drawn to its country heart or savoring the beauty of music that captures the soul, Rory Feek and Joey Feek’s soulful performance ensures this anthem remains a cherished treasure in the country music canon, a reminder to stay true to who you are, just a little more country than that.