“Put Some Drive in Your Country” – The Bold Song That Shaped Travis Tritt’s Career
When Travis Tritt released “Put Some Drive in Your Country” in 1990, few could have predicted how much of a lightning rod it would become in country music. At a time when the genre was embracing a smoother, more polished sound, Tritt dared to mix in the hard-driving energy of Southern rock—and not everyone was ready for it.
Featured on his debut album Country Club, the song wasn’t the biggest chart hit. But it became one of his most defining tracks, setting him apart from other Nashville newcomers.
“I was a huge fan of Waylon Jennings, Hank Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Allman Brothers. I just wanted to create something that reflected who I was,” Tritt once said.
The song opens with a screaming electric guitar—a sonic punch that immediately set it apart from anything else on country radio at the time. Lyrically, Tritt calls on listeners to bring some fire and energy back into country music, which he felt was becoming too tame.
Controversial from the Start
Traditional country radio stations were divided. Some refused to play the song, saying it was “too loud” or “not real country.” But Tritt didn’t back down. He performed it proudly, often using it to open his concerts with explosive energy.
A Turning Point for His Identity
Though it didn’t chart as high as some of his later hits, “Put Some Drive in Your Country” became Travis Tritt’s personal anthem. It announced to the world that he wasn’t going to follow Nashville’s rulebook. He was going to do country music his own way—louder, bolder, and infused with attitude.
Lasting Legacy
In hindsight, this song was ahead of its time. It paved the way for modern country-rock stars like Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, and Eric Church—artists who blend rock and country without apology. For many fans, Tritt’s boldness in that era was the beginning of a shift that changed the genre forever.
More than just a song, “Put Some Drive in Your Country” is a mission statement. It represents Travis Tritt’s belief that country music should be honest, passionate, and full of life.