Billy Currington’s chart-topping single “People Are Crazy” resonated deeply with audiences, securing the No. 1 spot on the country charts and even breaking into the Billboard Hot 100. This catchy tune, released in March 2009 as part of his Little Bit of Everything album, not only became a fan favorite but also garnered Grammy nominations and ACM recognition. But where did this song, “People Are Crazy”, come from? The answer lies in a simple country drive and the collaborative genius of songwriters Troy Jones and Bobby Braddock.
Troy Jones, one half of the songwriting duo behind “People Are Crazy”, recounts the song’s humble beginnings. Inspiration struck during a drive through the Alabama countryside. “I was trying to think of three things you can’t argue with,” Jones explains, “and I came up with ‘God is great; beer is good; people are crazy.'” This thought sparked an idea, and upon returning home, Jones picked up his guitar and began to flesh out the first verse of what would become the “People Are Crazy” song.
The following week, Jones had a songwriting session scheduled with the legendary Bobby Braddock, a name synonymous with country music songwriting excellence. Nervous yet excited, Jones shared his initial idea and melody with Braddock. To his relief, Braddock loved it. Braddock’s seasoned songwriting instincts then took the song in an unexpected, yet brilliant, direction. It was Braddock who suggested the twist in the song’s narrative: instead of leaving his fortune to his own family, the song’s protagonist would bequeath his wealth to the very person he’s addressing in the song – a testament to the unpredictable nature of “crazy” people. Initially hesitant, Jones trusted Braddock’s judgment, recognizing his legendary status. “I figured if you can’t trust Bobby with your song, who can you trust?” Jones admitted.
After completing “People Are Crazy”, Jones initially viewed it as a solid album track, perhaps for another artist. However, fate had bigger plans. Billy Currington’s team reached out, expressing interest in the song, hinting it might even become a single. Despite the exciting news, Jones, like many songwriters, remained cautiously optimistic. The journey from song idea to radio airwaves is fraught with uncertainty. “You know, a songwriter worries all the time,” Jones reflects. “First, you worry that the song will be cut, then if it’s gonna be a single. If that happens, you worry about radio playing it, and I was worried about radio playing this one!”
Jones’s surprise was amplified when “People Are Crazy” resonated with a younger demographic, particularly 18- to 20-year-olds. The song generated significant buzz even before its official release as a single, a strong indication of its broad appeal. Ultimately, “People Are Crazy” proved to be more than just an album cut; it became a career-defining hit for Billy Currington, solidifying its place as a beloved “People Are Crazy Song” in country music and beyond.
