Released March 29, 2010 Label Columbia Nashville | Format Airplay, CD single Length 4:06 | |
Writer(s) Josh ThompsonDavid Lee MurphyCasey Beathard | ||
"Way Out Here" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music singer Josh Thompson. It was released in March 2010 as the second single and title track from his debut album Way Out Here. Thompson co-wrote the song with David Lee Murphy and Casey Beathard.
Contents
Content
"Way Out Here" is a ballad, mostly accompanied by acoustic guitar. In it, the narrator tells of his rural upbringing, the way he was raised, and his desire for the United States to return to a simpler time, back when things "were run the way they ought a be". The song further laments small town America, stating with nostalgia images of pickup trucks, unlicensed dogs running free, and hard working blue collar men who "chew and fry everything" meeting at a local diner (which, in the music video, is run by a single woman in her late teens) after a hard day's work. A further narrative relates to service in the United States armed forces, of which the narrator tells how people from small town America often wind up joining the military to earn a living and are then deployed overseas.
Reception
Paul Brian of Engine 145, gave the song a thumbs-down rating. His review criticized Thompson's vocals for "[simmering] with anger, despair, and moral force as the song approaches numerous key concerns including the economy, military service, work ethic, religious belief, gun ownership, governance, and musical taste."
Chart performance
"Way Out Here" debuted at number 57 on the Hot Country Songs chart dated March 20, 2010, and then fell off the next week. However, it re-entered the country chart at number 58 on the chart dated April 3, 2010. In September 2010, it peaked at number 15 on the chart.