He said, "Boys, whatever you're offering, it won't be enough."
If you’ve heard the lyrics dirt cheap Cody Johnson belts out with that signature Texas grit, you know that line isn’t just a lyric. It’s a gut punch. It’s the moment an old farmer looks a couple of suit-wearing developers in the eye and tells them their money is worthless compared to the mud on his boots.
Honestly, in a world where everything seems to have a price tag, "Dirt Cheap" feels like a relic. But it’s a relic people are desperate for. Released as the second single from his 2023 album Leather, the song didn't just climb the charts; it dominated them. It hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and, just last year in 2025, it cleaned up at the ACM Awards, taking home Song of the Year.
But here’s the thing most people don't realize: Cody didn't even write it.
The Song Luke Combs Almost Had
The backstory is wild. Josh Phillips, the lone songwriter behind the track, originally had someone else in mind. He actually sent the song to Luke Combs. Combs is a hit-making machine, but for whatever reason—maybe fate, maybe a missed email—it didn't happen.
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Phillips' wife, Jordan, was the one who nudged him. She told him to get it to Cody Johnson. Phillips had a connection through producer Trent Willmon, and the rest is history. When Cody heard it, he didn't just like it. He lived it. At the time he recorded Leather, Cody and his family were actually living in a trailer while their home was being built. He was at the top of the music world, but his boots were still in the mud.
Why the Lyrics Hit Different
The song tells a story about a farmer being pressured to sell his land for a subdivision. You know the drill—everyone else is selling, the check is huge, "you could leave town a rich man."
The farmer's rebuttal is a tour of his memories:
- The Swing: His daughter used to play there. He still sees her pink bow in her brown hair.
- The White Oak Tree: That’s where his best friend (his dog) is buried.
- The Front Yard: Where he got down on one knee and proposed.
It’s all based on Josh Phillips' real life. He and his wife bought a 1904 farmhouse intending to flip it. But after living there, after his daughter Hunter grew up there and his son Zack took his first steps, he couldn't sell. He realized you can't buy that kind of history.
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Lyrics Dirt Cheap Cody Johnson: A Breakdown of the Meaning
When you look at the lyrics dirt cheap Cody Johnson delivers, the "hook" is a clever play on words. Usually, "dirt cheap" means something is a bargain or worth very little. In this song, the "dirt" is anything but cheap. It's the most expensive thing the man owns because of the life lived on it.
"Naw it ain't something you fall into, it's something God gives you and you hold onto."
That line specifically brings in a spiritual element that Cody often talks about. He’s a rancher. He’s a cowboy. To him, land isn't an investment; it's a stewardship.
The Music Video's Emotional Punch
If the song didn't make you cry, the video definitely will. It stars Red Steagall, the legendary cowboy poet and Cody’s real-life mentor. Seeing Red play the old farmer adds a layer of authenticity you just can't fake. Even the songwriter, Josh Phillips, makes a cameo as one of the contractors trying to buy the land.
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There’s a scene where the farmer’s wife disappears from her rocking chair. It’s a quiet, devastating way to show she’s passed away. It explains why he can't leave. If he leaves the farm, he leaves her behind.
Why This Song Matters in 2026
We’re living in a time where corporate subdivisions are eating up family farms at a record pace. It’s happening in Tennessee, Texas, and everywhere in between. "Dirt Cheap" has become an anthem for people who feel like the world is moving too fast and losing its soul.
It’s rare to see a song written by a single person (no "co-writer rooms" here) win Song of the Year at the ACMs and the Nashville Songwriters Awards. It proves that a simple story told honestly still beats a polished pop-country track any day of the week.
Key Takeaways for Fans
If you're trying to capture that same "Dirt Cheap" energy in your own life, here’s what the song is really teaching us:
- Value the "Stray" Moments: Like the lyric about the wife never being able to turn away a stray dog—those small acts of kindness are what build a life.
- Legacy Over Currency: A bank balance doesn't remember your daughter’s first steps or your wedding proposal.
- Hold Your Ground: Sometimes the best thing you can do is say "no" to a big check to keep your peace.
The next time you pull up the lyrics dirt cheap Cody Johnson sang, remember it’s not just a song about a farm. It’s a reminder to look around your own "dirt"—whether that’s a small apartment or a suburban backyard—and realize that the memories you’re making right now are priceless.
To really appreciate the depth of the track, listen to the acoustic version or watch the behind-the-scenes "making of" video with director Dustin Haney. It shows just how much heart went into every frame.