Just saw Patterson solo and he talked a bit about this song before he dove in. Indicated the first two-thirds is entirely true - he was on a small solo tour opening for a band "that used to be big" (he wouldn't disclose who it was) and saw an intoxicated bar patron get ushered to an ambulance after a mishap on a mechanical bull. He was younger and not yet a father, so still doing drugs on a regular basis; his dealer is the "man on the guest list" that will make everything "alright."
What's really interesting and commented already is that he said he had to stick the song in his pocket for a few years before he could come up with an ending that felt right. Once he became a father and more devoted family man, the final verse about loneliness and longing for loved one(s) was developed and the song was ready for recording.
Just saw Patterson solo and he talked a bit about this song before he dove in. Indicated the first two-thirds is entirely true - he was on a small solo tour opening for a band "that used to be big" (he wouldn't disclose who it was) and saw an intoxicated bar patron get ushered to an ambulance after a mishap on a mechanical bull. He was younger and not yet a father, so still doing drugs on a regular basis; his dealer is the "man on the guest list" that will make everything "alright."
What's really interesting and commented already is that he said he had to stick the song in his pocket for a few years before he could come up with an ending that felt right. Once he became a father and more devoted family man, the final verse about loneliness and longing for loved one(s) was developed and the song was ready for recording.