The Story Behind the Country Classic, “People Are Crazy” by Billy Currington

There is much to be debated about life. No two people have the exact same worldview. That makes writing an irrefutable truth down in a song a hard-won task. However, Billy Currington’s “People Are Crazy” gets pretty darn close. Uncover the meaning behind this country classic.

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The Story Behind the Country Classic, “People Are Crazy” by Billy Currington

This old man and me
We’re at the bar and we
We’re havin’ us some beers and
Swappin’ “I don’t cares”
Talkin’ politics
Blonde and redhead chicks
Old dogs and new tricks and
Habits we ain’t kicked

We talked about God’s grace
And all the Hell we raised
Then I heard the old man say

Songwriters Troy Jones and Bobby Braddock penned this track together. Jones was a certified hitmaker while Braddock has become a legendary figure in country music. Needless to say, the combined effort of the pair was sure to win over listeners.

Jones kicked off the writing of this track while on a drive through the south. He tasked himself with trying to come up with “three things you can’t argue with.” Three guesses for what he landed on…

“I was in Alabama and decided to take a little ride in the country,” Jones once explained. “I was trying to think of three things you can’t argue with, and I came up with ‘God is great; beer is good; people are crazy.‘”

He then took his burgeoning song to Braddock, who rounded out this story of an unexpected friendship.

“It was Bobby’s idea to make the guy rich and leave all his money to the kid he’s talking to in the song instead of his own kids,” Jones added. “I wasn’t too sure about that idea, but I figured if you can’t trust Bobby with your song, who can you trust?”

Needless to say, that decision was a good one. Country fans have long loved this Currington cut. Though it’s impossible to come up with something truly unarguable, many have listened to this song with a knowing smile on their face. Revisit this country hit, below.

And I drop by today
To just say thanks and pray
And I left a six-pack right there on his grave
And I said

God is great, beer is good
And people are crazy

Photo: UMG Nashville