When you press play on “Dirt Cheap” by Cody Johnson, you’re stepping into a story that feels lived‑in—like the worn porch swing on a chilly evening, or the old oak tree in a family yard where children once played. It’s not just a country song. It’s a gentle invitation to pause and reflect on what truly matters in our lives.
Released on March 11, 2024 as the second single from Johnson’s album Leather, “Dirt Cheap” is a slow‑burning ballad that touches on themes of home, memory, and the value of family heritage. The song is penned by songwriter Josh Phillips, who drew inspiration from his own experiences renovating an old farmhouse that became more than a house—it became the heart of his family’s most treasured moments.
When Phillips recorded the first version of the song at Nashville’s Listening Room, the standing ovation made him realize he was holding something almost sacred in his hands—and he was right. Cody Johnson, a proud Texan with deep roots in ranch life, listened to the song and recognized his own story woven into its gentle rhythm and heartfelt lyrics. That alignment—with the songwriter’s truth and the singer’s life—brings “Dirt Cheap” to life in a way that few songs manage.
Here’s what listeners were saying shortly after its release:
“I’m in shock at how beautiful this song is.… I never really shed tears to music but this song got a chokehold on me.”
“Lyrically Dirt Cheap is a superior song, and it reinforces that country music can still have a more traditional sound.”
And recognition followed. The song quickly climbed to #1 on Country Airplay charts, earned Gold certification from the RIAA, and ultimately became Johnson’s very first Academy of Country Music “Song of the Year” win at the 60th ACM Awards in May 2025.
What’s unforgettable about “Dirt Cheap” is that it reminds us some things—like the land we love, the people we raise our children around, the gravel road you can almost taste when summer ends—are worth far more than anything any amount of money could buy. Johnson’s voice carries that truth with grace and simplicity, delivering every line as if he’s inviting you to take a seat next to him on that porch.
This is a song that warms the heart and lingers in the quiet places of our minds, long after the last note fades. That’s why “Dirt Cheap” isn’t just another country single—it’s a gentle story you’ve heard before, told with respect, tenderness, and that unmistakable sense of home.