Love like you mean it, sings country/pop rocker Aaron Crawford in his new single, “Dreams Don’t Come Cheap”. While the title suggests a wealth of financial investment, Crawford breaks it all down for his listeners in this genuine and rather endearing up-tempo track. Featuring a swooning electric guitar and a rumbling rhythm, “Dreams Don’t Come Cheap” is the Northwesterner’s ode to hard work, an honest living, blue-collar grit and a little faith.
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Drawing just a smidge of inspiration from Johnny Cash’s “Walk The Line” and maybe even some rebellion from Merle Haggard, classic country fans, too, will find “Dreams Don’t Come Cheap” has something for everyone. What listeners will most likely glean is at the heart of Crawford’s songwriting is a man that holds his family, God and his word to the highest esteem. In that sense, it really fits nicely into that country music mold. But I must say, I got a very strong pop rock vibe, too, in his voice. He’s not overtly twangy or pushes the country music tropes like we’ve heard in ‘bro country’ the past few years. I think he amps it up a notch and takes the listener to a sacred, humble place that he himself grew up in. He’s lived a great life, you can tell, and he’s using his voice (literally) to give sage advice. He’s caring and considerate. I also think he has made a few mistakes or two – while he doesn’t own up to it in the lyrics, I think he’s looked in the rearview mirror and learned a thing or two. He definitely has a shared experience and it’s a universal one.
Crawford’s song structure is bright and optimistic. Even the electric guitar shapes are positive tones. I was waiting for a wailing or that steel-guitar tone but found instead an almost grunge-sounding arrangement. The guitar melts into the rhythm, with little fanfare. It’s like drinking a great cup of Joe. No syrups, no extra sweet is needed to match that rustic, plain black coffee. Truly, that’s the same vibe I get from Crawford himself. He’s not a Starbucks guy – after all, you can grind and brew a pot of coffee at home just the same. It’s clear to me that Crawford’s song is his personal motto. Stay out of the drama…just make sure you’re standing in the end, he sings with conviction.
Maybe this pick-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps song might be out of place in the modern music world where the production studio features just as many computerized sounds as they come, but I have to say, it was quite refreshing to hear a song that tells it like it is. I think listeners of any age will appreciate the message and the entertainment value. It’s got a great hook, and I found myself humming the words many hours later. I liked the head space this song put me in – and maybe even in a strange way, it almost felt the same as a make it count song. This is a song that makes you feel your best.
Chadwick Easton