Texas-based country artist Jon Wolfe is embracing his roots and reflecting on the passage of time with his latest single, “The Older I Get (More Country I’m Gettin’ To Be).” Released on all major streaming platforms, the song blends nostalgia, traditional country themes, and Wolfe’s signature authenticity.
In a recent interview, Wolfe shared with me the inspiration behind the track and what makes this song one of his most personal yet. Produced by longtime collaborator Dave Brainard and co-written with Tony Ramey, the single sets the tone for Wolfe’s upcoming releases planned for 2025 and 2026.
A Love Letter to Country Living
With lyrical nods to Hank, Merle, Waylon, and even Hank Snow and Hank Locklin, the song weaves a heartfelt tribute to the past with reflections on present-day simplicity. Wolfe described how the second verse became a particularly personal contribution: references to his dad’s pickup truck, leaving the city behind, and trading fast cars for classic rides all stem directly from his life today.
“I’ve been around and touring now for 15 years, and my first record came out 15 years ago. The guy that I was at that point in time is not who I am now and it’s just kind of cool to put that in a song,” Wolfe said.
He spoke candidly about how his tastes have changed over the years. “I’m starting to get into mowing the grass and going to bed at 8:30. It is just, truly a reflection of getting a little older and wanting more simple things and living out of the city.”
A Collaborative Process Rooted in Friendship
The song’s creation began with an idea from Tony Ramey. When Wolfe first heard it, he immediately connected with it. “I love it. And so I jumped in on the song with him, and we finished it together,” he said. While the first part originated with Ramey, Wolfe brought his own experiences and ideas to the second verse, creating a blend of both of their lives.
“Tony and I kind of made this song a little bit of both of our lives,” Wolfe explained.
This collaborative spirit is nothing new for Wolfe, who’s worked closely with Brainard and Ramey since 2017. Together, they’ve built a creative process that favors honesty over outside trends.
More Than Just a Song: A Lifestyle
Wolfe’s new music reflects not just his sound, but his lifestyle. He and his wife now live just west of New Braunfels, far from their old home in downtown Austin. In their time away from the road, they’ve developed an unexpected shared hobby: gardening.
“We’re like insane gardeners now,” he laughed. “I have no idea where this came from.”
The shift toward slower living is part of what makes his new work resonate. The single feels like a summer barbecue anthem, filled with imagery of good food, honky tonks, and waving the American flag. Wolfe notes that while the song leans patriotic, it’s not political, It’s about conviction and standing up for what you believe in.
Wisdom With Age
When asked what advice he’d give his younger self, Wolfe emphasized the importance of slowing down and keeping an open mind. “There’s a lot of things in life that aren’t life or death, even though we think they are at the time,” he said.
He believes openness could have helped him spot more opportunities earlier in his younger days. “You miss a lot of opportunities in life when you’re sort of headstrong,” he added.
As he grows older, Wolfe is leaning into the traditional values and musical roots that shaped him. From BBQ weekends to nods to classic country icons, “The Older I Get (More Country I’m Gettin’ To Be)” is a snapshot of a man who knows who he is and isn’t afraid to sing about it.
