Country singer-songwriter Cody Johnson, from Sebastopol, Texas, is known for his original blend of traditional country and Southern rock.
Born into a musical family, he began playing the guitar and singing at the age of 12, balancing his early music career with a job as a prison guard.
Cody Johnson’s music often shows his rodeo background, personal experiences, and dedication to traditional country values, earning him multiple awards and a loyal fan base.
About the Song
Guilty As Can Be is a traditional country track highlighting his signature blend of honky-tonk grit and heartfelt storytelling.
The song, released independently before Johnson’s major-label rise, represents his commitment to preserving classic country sounds while connecting with modern audiences.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Album | A Different Day (2011) |
Guilty As Can Be Lyrics by Cody Johnson
Verse 1
Once I had me a woman
Everything was goin’ my way
She thought I had hung the moon
And she had an angel’s face
Til’ one night I pulled in my drive
And somethin’ was goin’ on
There was a long bed Ford in my spot
That I damn sure didn’t own
I walked up to the screen door
And I heard this awful noise
I moved on to the living room and there sat my two boys
I said “Where’s mama?”
And they both pointed to the bedroom down the hall
Now, I ain’t ever been a fightin’ man
But red was all I saw
Chorus
See brother ’cause I’ve been down and I’ve been out
And I know how it feels
To stand up for what you think is right
Then get knocked off your heels
And if murderin’ a man who didn’t understand
Just what she meant to me
Means I’ll rot here in this cell for eternity
Well then mister I’m as guilty as can be
Verse 2
Well I wish I had me a picture of what his face looked like
When I kicked in my bedroom door and raised my 45
I said ain’t the kind to hurt a woman and I hope you understand
But somebody’s got to die today
Son, it looks like you’re the man
Chorus
See brother ’cause I’ve been down and I’ve been out
And I know how it feels
To stand up for what you think is right
Then get knocked off your heels
And if murderin’ a man who didn’t understand
Just what she meant to me
Means I’ll rot here in this cell for eternity
Well then mister I’m as guilty as can be
Bridge
That’s what I told that jury
That’s what I told that judge
And I knew there’d be hell to pay if I fulfilled my grudge
See I don’t mind these prison bars tucked off in these pine trees
One thing about that cheatin’ woman
She won’t cheat again on me
Chorus
See brother ’cause I’ve been down and I’ve been out
And I know how it feels
To stand up for what you think is right
Then get knocked off your heels
And if murderin’ a man who didn’t understand
Just what she meant to me
Means I’ll rot here in this cell for eternity
Well then mister I’m as guilty as can be
I said if murderin’ a man who didn’t understand
Just what she meant to me
Means I’ll rot here in this cell for eternity
Well then mister I’m as guilty as can be
Outro
Go ahead and lock me up, boys
I’m guilty anyways
Similar Songs Like Guilty As Can Be
Here are similar songs by Cody Johnson that share themes of heartbreak, accountability, and traditional country storytelling like Guilty As Can Be:
- Monday Morning Merle: Shows heartbreak through classic country storytelling, blending regret and reflection with a soft, thoughtful tune.
- With You I Am: Expresses deep gratitude and personal growth inspired by love, wrapped in heartfelt and sincere melodies.
- The Only One I Know (Cowboy Life): Shares the tough realities and sacrifices of rodeo living, capturing honest emotions with a rugged sound.
- Nothin’ on You: Delivers a remorseful confession with twangy guitars and pedal steel, giving rise to raw feelings of regret.
- Chain Drinkin: An energetic honky-tonk tune about drowning pain in bars, highlighting self-destructive coping and sorrow.
Similar Artists Like Cody Johnson
Below is a list of artists who share similarities with Cody Johnson, including their genres and notable albums:
- Jon Pardi
Genre: Country, Honky Tonk, Country Rock
Notable Albums: California Sunrise (2016), Heartache Medication (2019) - Tyler Childers
Genre: Country, Americana, Bluegrass
Notable Albums: Purgatory (2017), Long Violent History (2020) - Luke Combs
Genre: Country, Country Pop
Notable Albums: This One’s for You (2017), What You See Is What You Get (2019) - Parker McCollum
Genre: Country, Texas Country
Notable Albums: The Limestone Kid (2015), Gold Chain Cowboy (2021) - Randall King
Genre: Country, Texas Country
Notable Albums: Shot Glass (2017), Leanna (2020)
Frequently Asked Questions
When Did Cody Johnson Start His Music Career?
He formed the Cody Johnson Band in 2006 and independently released albums before signing with Warner Music Nashville in 2019.
What’s Cody Johnson’s Biggest Hit?
Til You Can’t (2021) earned him a Grammy, CMA Single of the Year, and CMT Male Video of the Year.
What Awards Has Cody Johnson Won?
He has won a Grammy for Best Country Song (“‘Til You Can’t”), CMA Awards for Single and Video of the Year, and the Texas Regional Music Award for New Male Vocalist (2011).
