Cody Johnson’s “Dirt Cheap” Hits #1 On Country Radio Chart
Cody Johnson’s song “Dirt Cheap,” written by Josh Phillips, reached #1 on Mediabase this week.
The song was released in 2023 and later certified Gold by the RIAA, meaning it sold over 500,000 units. It is featured on Johnson’s latest album, Leather, which he is currently promoting on tour.
Josh Phillips originally pitched the song to Luke Combs, but Phillips’ wife suggested Johnson after he did not use it. The song’s producer, Trent Willmon, connected the two, and the hit song was born.
The Meaning Behind “Dirt Cheap”
The song pulls on the heartstrings. It opens with an offer:
“You know all the others went and cashed outWe got the subdivision all mapped outIt’ll sit right here on this landAnd you can leave town a rich man”
Two men approach an elderly farmer, hoping to buy his land for their development. The Farmer refuses because:
“Cause I got a little girl that used to swing right there. I still see her pink bow in her brown hairShe’s in the big city, but she still calls homeWhat’s she gonna do if she comes back, and we’re gone?”
The farmer recounts proposing on that land and burying his loyal dog under a nearby tree. Making it impossible to leave. The song ends with:
“Oh, long as all this is here, why the hell would I ever leave? And you can’t buy that kind of dirt cheap.”
Johnson personally connects to the story and considers himself “that old man in the song.” In a recent interview with Country Top 40 with Fitz, Johnson spoke about why he decided to be a first-generation cattle rancher. He wants to leave the benefits of that life to his kids and grandkids.
See the full interview below!
I know you love Cody Johnson ‘s song DIRT CHEAP! Get the STORY behind the SONG!
Country Top 40 with Fitz ~ Cody Johnson @codyjohnson #CountryMusic #CT40withFITZ #DIRTCHEAP #COJO #CodyJohnson #Texas #Tennessee #Nashville #CountryLife #DIRT pic.twitter.com/KyTlTSNvlr
— FITZ (@FollowFITZ) June 5, 2024
RELATED: Cody Johnson’s “‘Til You Can’t” Earns Powerful Remake From Kelly Clarkson
Why Fans Love “Dirt Cheap”
Fans love the compelling story, showing up in the millions for the official music video. Although it was only posted two months ago, “Dirt Cheap” has 6 million views on YouTube.
This is what fans had to say about the song:
“I can’t stop crying. Fifth generation and no one will take this farm! We lost our corn crop to drought but praying for the cotton. love farm life.”
“Daughter told them straight up to leave daddy alone. I’m not emotionally stable enough for this video. I just cried my eyes out. So powerful.”
“This is the most POWERFUL song I’ve heard in a long long time.”
“As a farmer, this song almost made me weep. Land is one of God’s most precious creations, and He left it up to us to give it all the Tender Loving Care in the world and save it for future generations. Thank you, Josh Phillips for writing this beautiful song, and thank you, Cody Johnson for recording it.”
“Love that line it’s not something you fall into but something God gives you.”
“This is real country music. Tells a real story. Wow”
Watch the touching song’s official music video here: