Michael Ray’s 2021 EP, Higher Education, features a standout track, “Holy Water,” that resonates deeply with the country singer. Co-written with Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson, and Michael Hardy, the song tells the intriguing tale of a Florida preacher with a hidden side hustle in moonshine. But for Ray, this isn’t just a story; it’s a reflection of his own family history. Growing up immersed in family lore in Eustis, Florida, a particular story sparked the inspiration behind “Holy Water.”
Ray’s upbringing in Eustis, a city nestled near Orlando, was deeply rooted in family. Generations of his family lived in the area, creating a rich tapestry of shared experiences and stories. It was during a casual family gathering at his father’s house that a seemingly offhand comment from his grandmother unveiled a surprising family secret, directly inspiring the narrative of “Holy Water.”
“My grandmother asked to do a shot,” Ray recounts, “and so I did a shot with my grandmother, and when she set it down, she goes [to my grandfather], ‘Amos, this tastes like the moonshine we used to run.'” This revelation was the catalyst for Ray’s deep dive into his family’s past. He learned about his grandparents’ adventurous chapter as a “Bonnie-and-Clyde duo” who ran moonshine throughout Florida and up the East Coast. Their clandestine operation continued until whispers of being “noticed a little bit” prompted them to cease their moonshining endeavors.
[Placeholder for image of Michael Ray. Alt text: Michael Ray performing live, highlighting his connection to country songs and storytelling.]
The imagery and themes of “Holy Water” extend beyond just moonshine. Ray’s family history is also intertwined with the local church in Eustis. “The church we grew up in was this tiny, white church on the end of this two-lane dirt road,” Ray explains, painting a vivid picture of his upbringing. This wasn’t just any church; it was deeply embedded in his family’s legacy. The nearby community center was once his great-grandmother’s elementary school, and his great-grandfather was instrumental in building the church itself. Adding another layer to this familial connection, Ray’s father served as a preacher at this very church for many years, where Michael Ray himself grew up. This “tiny, white church” became a powerful symbol in “Holy Water,” representing both spiritual roots and the backdrop for his family’s stories.
Musically, “Holy Water” is also a deliberate choice, reflecting Ray’s desire to bring back a classic country sound. “I miss old story-songs,” he admits, emphasizing his appreciation for narrative-driven country music. He envisioned a sound reminiscent of Jerry Reed, infused with “Florida swamp” vibes – a sound that would transport listeners to his home state and resonate in his live performances. “Holy Water” became that song, perfectly capturing the essence of his Florida roots and delivering the storytelling he craved.
Upon hearing “Holy Water,” Ray immediately recognized its perfect fit with his artistic vision and personal story. “As soon as I heard it, I was like, ‘Oh, this is, first off, exactly what I’ve been looking for, what I’ve been trying to nail here,’ but also, like, it’s that story-song.” The song evoked powerful memories of “Cassia Baptist Church” and his “great-grandma’s little yellow house,” solidifying its personal significance. The unforgettable image of his grandmother casually revealing their moonshining past further cemented the song’s connection to his life. “Holy Water” is more than just a catchy tune in Michael Ray’s repertoire of songs; it’s a musical embodiment of his family history and Florida heritage, making it a truly authentic and meaningful piece in his discography.
