Cody Johnson’s “Dear Rodeo” is About More Than Rodeo

When Cody Johnson first released "Dear Rodeo", anyone who knows Cody's past is aware that at one time he wanted to make a career in rodeo. But he says the song is about much more than that.

Not long ago, I blogged about the song and Johnson saying that the song was probably the hardest one he's ever performed due to its personal meaning to him as he revealed that he didn't continue to pursue it because he realized that he wasn't good enough to make a living at it.

But the interpretation of the song is much more than that. "Dear Rodeo" is also about strength over adversity, of conquering failure when times get tough.

That's how Johnson explained it to Taste of Country Nights during a recent radio interview. The "Old Town Road" interpreter recounted how he started to understand the bigger picture behind the tune — and its relatable application to others in their own lives — as he began to perform it more.

Cody Says..."When I first wrote the song, and I started playing it, it was a little bittersweet. Because I put down something that I would say was probably the most intimate and vulnerable I've ever been. But then, after a while, you start to see the change. It's like, you know what, this has a bigger message. It's about more than rodeo — it's about inspiring people to know that failure doesn't have to define you.

Check the video out here...

Cody goes on to say "That's a huge message for me; that's what's changed my life. Now I tear up whenever I play it because I look back and go, you know what, if I hadn't been through that, if I hadn't gone through those things and failed, I wouldn't have the career and the drive and the mentality that I have now."

Cody has so many great success stories with his music career, his albums, hit songs, performances in front of huge crowds, reaching the national platform with his music and he's done it all his way. His many fans are so glad he chose a career in music over rodeo as his success story continues.

"In my life, it speaks huge to that God has a bigger plan. We're not as smart as him," Cody says.

Johnson and his team are working on a documentary film based around "Dear Rodeo" and the message within the tune. He expects it to be ready for release by October.