Songfacts®:

• On "This Town Is a Ghost," The Cadillac Three delve deep into the raw and haunting ache of longing for a departed loved one. Lead vocalist Jaren Johnston pours his heart out as he reflects on the profound loss of his father, Grand Ole Opry drummer Jerry Ray Johnston. Jaren's gifted and caring father passed away on January 9, 2022, leaving an indelible void in his son's soul.
• Jerry Ray Johnston dedicated over four decades of his life to the industry. Hailing from Louisiana, he ventured to Nashville with unwavering determination, chasing his dreams with every ounce of passion. His musical journey began as a member of the country group Bandana, where their hits soared high on the charts throughout the mid-to-late 1980s. Jerry Ray went on to become a distinguished staff drummer for the iconic Grand Ole Opry, gracing the stage alongside some of country music's biggest legends.
• The lyrics of "This Town Is a Ghost" encapsulate the depth of Johnston's emotions, painting a vivid picture of his journey through grief. The swelling sorrow becomes a catalyst for his artistry, allowing the singer to express the pain and longing that accompanies the absence of a loved one.
  
  "I put off writing about my dad's passing for about as long as I could," said Johnston. "One day, I was writing with my good friend, Ross Copperman, and I had the title, but I wasn't sure it would be about Dad. I mentioned the idea of going there with it and Ross loved it. He helped me sculpt a story I knew I could sing with the band. I went more personal than usual."
• Writing "This Town Is a Ghost" was anything but a walk in the park for Johnston. It was a challenging and arduous process, yet it became a cathartic release, granting him the freedom to surrender to the overwhelming surge of emotions that had been weighing him down.
  
  "It was three of the hardest hours of my life," he noted. "Telling that story of pain to a sweet melody was brutal. Let's just say I cried a lot that day. Thank you, Ross, for going there with me. I hope the song is a little therapy for anyone that has gone through what I did."
• Directed by Luke Hutcherson, the music video serves as a profound tribute to the life and legacy of Jerry Ray. Through a simple yet captivating visual narrative, the video showcases cherished memories and significant moments that weave together to honor the depth and impact of a life well lived. The emotionally charged video shoot became another pivotal chapter in Johnston's ongoing journey of grieving and healing.
  
  "As we pulled into probably the most eerie venue in America, I steadied my hand with a cup of coffee on the bus, knowing it would be a long day," Johnston told The Boot.
  
  Though challenging, it held immense significance, allowing Johnston to confront the profound emotions tied to his father's loss and pay homage to his enduring legacy.
  
  "The 'This Town Is a Ghost' video shoot was me in a haunted pool all day, surrounded by pictures of my father and my life as a kid, while singing the song over and over again," he said. "As hard as some of the day was, I found it almost therapeutic, in a way. I was able to get out emotions I hadn't released yet. Luke Hutcherson did a great job capturing how I felt that day. We are really proud of how it came out."