There’s something timeless about the way Ned LeDoux carries on the legacy of cowboy storytelling—firmly rooted in the soil of Wyoming, yet speaking to anyone who’s ever had to pull themselves up after life knocked them flat. His song “Upside of the Ground” isn’t just a clever turn of phrase—it’s a quiet anthem for those who’ve seen the hard side of living and decided to stand tall anyway.
Originally written by Mac McAnally and intended for Ned’s father—the legendary Chris LeDoux—this song takes on new life in Ned’s voice. With its mix of spoken-word verses and a steady, marching rhythm, it feels like an old friend sitting down to tell you the truth: not everything’s going to be easy, but you’re stronger than you think.
What makes “Upside of the Ground” so special isn’t just its melody—it’s the message. Ned doesn’t sugarcoat hardship. Instead, he leans into it with calm resolve. He talks about being “under” the ground, metaphorically buried by challenges, and then flips the perspective—“standin’ up from the upside of the ground.” It’s poetic without being pretentious, real without being raw.
There’s a lived-in quality to Ned’s delivery. His voice, reminiscent of his father’s but distinctly his own, carries the weight of generations—ranchers, rodeo men, and hard-working folks who’ve had to earn every good day they ever had. The instrumentation is subtle, letting the words do the heavy lifting. You won’t find overproduction here—just authentic country, the way it used to be, and the way it still can be.
For fans of cowboy poetry, honest lyrics, and quiet strength, “Upside of the Ground” feels like a gift. It’s not a hit made for radio; it’s a song made for real life. The kind you hum while fixing a fence, driving a dirt road, or just trying to get through a tough afternoon.
In a world chasing noise and glitter, Ned LeDoux gives us something rare—clarity, humility, and truth.