"Call Me Country" by Jon Pardi is a song that reflects on the changing landscape of country music and the nostalgic longing for the traditional, old-school country sound. The lyrics describe the persona of the singer as a "ghost on the radio," symbolizing his feeling of being overlooked or forgotten in the modern country music scene. He also compares himself to a needle on a vinyl record, highlighting his desire to be heard and recognized like the classic country songs played on vinyl records. The song acknowledges the transformation of country music, where the traditional country sound and themes have been replaced by newer, more modern elements. The singer describes himself as a "country boy survival" who sings about subjects like freight trains, prisons, heartaches, honky-tonks, cowboys, outlaws, and good-hearted women. These are classic country music themes that were emblematic of artists like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and Hank Williams. However, the singer feels that the traditional country sound and its iconic figures have faded away. He laments that the cool names associated with classic country music, including Willie, Waylon, Merle, and Hank, are no longer as prominent or celebrated. The camaraderie among these artists, their passion for music, and their dedication to a more authentic country sound are also reminisced in the lyrics. The song expresses the singer's frustration, as he feels like a forgotten relic of the past, compared to the modern country artists who may have a more polished or commercial sound. He compares himself to an old violin, put away and never played again, highlighting his feeling of being discarded or neglected. The mention of artists like Paycheck and Cash, who are no longer here, further emphasizes the shift in both the industry and the genre. In summary, "Call Me Country" is a reflection on the changing landscape of country music and the yearning for the traditional, old-school country sound that has become overshadowed by contemporary styles. The song captures the nostalgia and longing for the authenticity and substance associated with classic country music.
