Taking Bad with the Good was inspired by the story of a small roadhouse owner who lost everything due to the inevitable bypass of his small town by a major expressway. Despite his extraordinary strength and resolve, the decline and eventual collapse of his beloved livelihood gave rise to the heartbreaking mantra, ”I’m tired of taking bad with the good”. Although the song serves as a fitting metaphor to any life-challenging setback, it’s also hoped that to the listener, it evokes a vicarious glimpse into the trials of rural life.