Ryan Mack, Sand in My Boots (Acoustic) | COVERS

In the 53^rd edition of COVERS (2023), Ryan Mack delivers a compelling rendition of “Sand in My Boots,” originally performed by Morgan Wallen.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and totally cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers, as opposed to the original/most famous performer.  It is open to both established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 53^rd edition of COVERS (2023), Ryan Mack delivers a compelling rendition of “Sand in My Boots”, originally performed by Morgan Wallen.

“She asked me where I’s from / I said, ‘Somewhere you’ve never been to / Little town outside of Knoxville’ / Hidden by some dogwood trees.” Those memorable lyrics hail from “Sand in My Boots”, one of the best songs from the Morgan Wallen catalog in my opinion.  “Sand in My Boots” commences his blockbuster LP, Dangerous: The Double Album (2021).  While Wallen was speaking from his experience on this Josh Osborne / HARDY / Ashley Gorley song penned for him, Ryan Mack, a talented Irish pop musician who deserves far wider recognition, excels at his role as the coverer.  Even though Mack isn’t anywhere close from being from Eastern Tennessee either, he makes us believe he could be with his authentic, nuanced, and passionate performance.

Mack impresses with his incredible tone – his voice sounds top-notch on this stripped, acoustic version of “Sand in My Boots.” Even though Mack doesn’t have a southern drawl like Wallen speaks of when singing, he can relate to having an accent being Irish.  He’s at his best in the chorus, which is the centerpiece – the crowning achievement – of “Sand in My Boots.” Particularly as the record percolates, the chorus reaches a fever pitch, allowing for Ryan to showcase the sheer power and punch of his instrument:

“Yeah, but now I’m dodging potholes in my sunburnt Silverado

Like a heart-broke Desperado, headin’ right back to my roots

Somethin’ ‘bout the way she kissed me tells me she’d love Eastern Tennessee

Yeah, but all I brought back with me was some sand in my boots.” 

As far as the narrative of the song, Mack does phenomenal conveying the fact this this city girl he liked didn’t end up coming back with him to East Tennessee with him… Of course, we know Ryan isn’t from East Tennessee in the first place.  Anyways, “Sand in My Boots (Acoustic)” is a marvelous cover by Ryan Mack.

🎙 Ryan Mack • 🎵 “Sand in My Boots (Acoustic)” • 🏷 Ryan Mack • 🗓 12.22.23

Ryan Mack, Sand in My Boots (Acoustic): Covers No. 53 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Ryan Mack; cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Ron Lach from Pexels; Paul Brennan from Pixabay]