2013 Grammy Predictions: “Cost of Livin’” by Ronnie Dunn

I’d love it if this song won. Dunn's "hard-working but out-of-work" song has been nominated for Best Country Solo Performance. It’s poignant, evocative, and doesn’t descend into schmaltz.

It’s a good song for getting through hard times.

All the songs on Dunn’s album Ronnie Dunn are available for free download on Freegal.

Cost of Livin' by Ronnie Dunn



Photo: Daniel Schwen



“Cost of Livin’” is available for a free and legal download from the Freegal site. To learn how to Freegal works, click here.

I’ve always thought that country songs lyrics have the best imagery, and this song is a case in point.

On the surface, it’s a matter-of-fact account of a man who is out of work and needs a job. He’s not given to overstatement, but in the details you can hear a quiet desperation:

“I work weekends, if I have to, nights and holidays

                           

Give you forty, and then some, whatever it takes.”

Dunn's voice carries the emotion perfectly.

It’s reminiscent of the plaintive songs that came out the Great Depression.

Dunn (one-half of the duo Brooks & Dunn) is off to a fine start with his solo career.