Today marks a significant milestone for country artist Cody Hibbard as he releases his debut album, Long Ride In A Short Bed. This album showcases not only his talent as a singer and songwriter but also offers a deep dive into his personal journey and experiences.
Born in Seoul, South Korea, and adopted into a family in Adair, Oklahoma, at just 13 months old, Hibbard was raised on a 340-acre farm where the values of hard work and resilience were instilled in him from an early age. With a father who worked as a trash hauler and a mother who was a teacher, Cody’s childhood was shaped by the demands of farm life. Summers were spent hauling trash, while school days began and ended with hunting, fishing, and tending to animals. “I basically did anything my dad needed done,” he recalls, reflecting on the formative years that helped build his strong work ethic.
“Long Ride In A Short Bed” Video Featuring Aaron Watson
Album Highlights
The album features several standout tracks that showcase Hibbard’s range as a songwriter and his ability to connect with listeners on a personal level:
- “Rollin’”: An upbeat and vibey track about life’s ups and downs, emphasizing gratitude for the little things.
- “Set in My Ruts”: A song reflecting on his upbringing and the experiences that shaped him.
- “Had It Been a Boy”: An emotional song about his daughter, exploring the idea of how he would have reacted differently if he had a son.
- “I Wouldn’t Be Here”: A heartfelt acknowledgment of the influences and people that have shaped his life.
Listen to Long Ride In A Short Bed
Insights from Cody
In a recent interview, Cody shared his thoughts on his music and personal journey. He expressed his love for rural life, saying, “I enjoy being out in the middle of nowhere in the country.” This connection to his roots is a significant influence on his music, grounding it in authentic experiences and storytelling.
When discussing his songwriting process, Cody emphasized the importance of vulnerability: “It has to come from a spot deep down…you have to be vulnerable…My main thing I tell other writers is, if you’re writing for yourself, don’t force it.” This approach is evident in the raw, honest lyrics that characterize his debut album.
Fan Favorites
Since playing the album’s tracks live, Cody has noticed a strong response from fans. “Just about all of them have been fan favorites,” he shared. “We dropped ‘Rollin’’ as the first single, and when we play that one, everyone just gets up. ‘Kill the Messenger’…it’s kind of a southern rocky country song that gets people interested. ‘Had It Been a Boy’ had people crying in the crowd.”
This emotional connection with his audience is a testament to the authenticity and relatability of his music.
Personal Struggles and Triumphs
Cody’s journey to this point has not been without its challenges. He openly discusses his battle with addiction, which began during his time at the United States Naval Academy following a shoulder injury that led to an introduction to painkillers. “The Naval Academy prescribed me a bunch of pain pills, and I had no idea how addictive they could be. That was a tough era…I spent an entire semester in college addicted to painkillers,” he revealed.
Cody’s ability to overcome these struggles and use his experiences to fuel his music is a testament to his resilience. His song “Had It Been a Boy” is particularly poignant, inspired by his relationship with his nine-year-old daughter. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, he shared, “When we found out it was a girl…it was just like holy crap, man, you know…I need to be that 18-year-old kid again, who had a future in front of them and act like I want a future, not for me, but for her.”
Cody Hibbard’s debut album Long Ride In A Short Bed is a powerful introduction to an artist who is unafraid to be vulnerable and share his story. With a blend of personal reflection and relatable storytelling, the album offers something for everyone and marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career in country music.
As Cody himself puts it, “This collection of songs is, I don’t know, in my opinion…some of the best you’re gonna hear this year.” For fans of country music looking for authenticity and heart, this album is not to be missed.
Long Ride In A Short Bed Track List
- Kill The Messenger (Cody Hibbard)
- Bad Trip (Cody Hibbard)
- Had It Been A Boy (Brinley’s Song) (Cody Hibbard, Rose Falcon, Kyle Schlesienger)
- Storm That I Ride (feat. A Thousand Horses) (Cody Hibbard, Michael Hobby, Graham Deloach, Bill Satcher)
- Right Behind You (Cody Hibbard, Mike Moberly, Tommy Karlas)
- I Wouldn’t Be Here (Cody Hibbard, Tony Lane, Rivers Rutherford)
- Rollin’ (Cody Hibbard, Marc Oriet, Bryan Frazier, Alex Maxwell)
- Long Ride In A Short Bed (feat. Aaron Watson) (Cody Hibbard, Rivers Rutherford, Adam Craig)
- Set In My Ruts (Cody Hibbard)
- Backroad To Heaven (Cody Hibbard, Wesley Davis, Reid Morris)
Photo by Brooke Stevens.
