Luke Grimes Pays Homage To His Home In Gritty New Single "Oh Ohio"

Who knew Kacey Dutton could also bless your ears.

Photo Credit: Manuel Mancilla

The Yellowstone star Grimes grew up in Dayton, Ohio, wrote about the experience of leaving home and the point in one’s life when you realize that the place you come from isn’t “home” anymore, though it will always be a part of who you are.

Grimes grew up playing music in the church as the son of a Pentecostal pastor. His father also laid the foundation for the music he loves, introducing him to the works of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. The Ohio native is now finding his own voice and style as an artist, inspired by the likes of Colter Wall, Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, and the late Townes Van Zandt.

“I left Ohio over twenty years ago to chase a dream,” said Grimes. “It was a big moment for me when I realize that Ohio wasn’t my home anymore; I’m sure many people who have moved away can relate. It felt like home for a very long time but over the years I could feel the drift. ‘Oh, Ohio’ is less of a song about leaving home and more about losing it. It’s a breakup song but with a place. Knowing your time together is over but you are a part of each other forever," Grimes said in a press release.

The tune is tender yet sharply nostalgic. From the jump the subtle hum of the pedal steel and a soft undertone of a tender guitar drive the strong and relatable narrative.

Have you always been this bitter?

Have you always been this cold?

Or have I just been gone too long gettin' bought and sold?

Did someone steal your sunshine?

Have you always been this gray?

I don't know if it's me or it's you, but one of us has changed

Grime's infectious gritty tone aids in a haunting tail of realizing that things have changed since leaving home.

“Oh Ohio,” was written by Grimes, Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall, and produced by Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Dave Cobb. “I think Luke sings from the heart and is filled with conviction and honesty,” said Dave Cobb. “He’s living and breathing what he sings, and it’s been a blessing getting to be part of his journey.”

Luke Grimes's honest storytelling hits home for anyone who has put it all on the time to chase a dream. If this is a pre courser for his debut album, we are more than ready.