High Note

Album: Gravel & Gold (2022)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "High Note" is a rootsy five-minute song where Dierks teams up with bluegrass artist Billy Strings. The two sing about going out in a blaze of glory when Armageddon happens.

    If they ever drop the big one, I got me a plan
    I won't be in no bunker, eatin' peaches from a can
    I'll be holed up in the basement with two very special guests
    A big ol' stack of Flatt and Scruggs and a bag of Willie's best


    The pair will depart on a high note playing bluegrass and smoking weed.
  • Charlie Worsham and Jim Beavers wrote "High Note." It features traditional instruments, including banjo and fiddle, and wraps with an all-star bluegrass jam played by Jerry Douglas on dobro, Sam Bush on mandolin, and Billy Strings and Bryan Sutton on guitar.

    "Bryan Sutton first tipped me off to Billy Strings about seven years ago mentioning that the future of bluegrass was in good hands," Bentley shared. "I was totally blown away the first time I saw him. I've cut songs like these since my first record, and I knew I wanted to have him on this one, I'm such a huge fan. It was a lot of fun to have him, Jerry, Sam and Bryan all passing licks around... having them all on this record means a lot to me personally."
  • The song hearkens back to Bentley's 2010 bluegrass-influenced album, Up on the Ridge. That record was steeped in the bluegrass and roots music that first moved him to become a country musician.
  • Bentley filmed the energetic music video at Station Inn in Nashville. Bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe and bluegrass legends Ricky Skaggs and Ralph Stanley have all played there.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.