Roots as Deep as the Mississippi: Copperhead Jones Redefines Devotion in “Selflessly You”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In the current landscape of country music, where the line between radio-ready polish and authentic grit is often blurred, Copperhead Jones has emerged as a refreshing outlier. With his latest single, “Selflessly You,” Jones doesn’t just offer a song; he provides a masterclass in the “country soul” genre—a grounded, emotionally resonant tribute to a love that remains unshakeable through the changing seasons of life.
From the High Seas to the Heart of Texas: The Artist Behind the Name
To understand the weight behind the lyrics of “Selflessly You,” one must look at the man holding the pen. Copperhead Jones (born Zack Jones) is far from a manufactured Nashville product. A U.S. Navy veteran, Jones began honing his songwriting craft in 2012 while deployed across the world’s oceans.
Originally hailing from Greenville, South Carolina, and raised in the coastal humidity of Cocoa, Florida, Jones eventually found his “anchor” in Midlothian, Texas. His military background and experiences with the highs and lows of service—documented heavily in his debut album Anchor—have instilled in him a “no-bullshit” approach to storytelling. As a Josie Award nominee and TCMA Emerging Artist of the Year nominee, Jones has spent the last several years proving that his blend of Southern rock energy and traditional country sincerity is exactly what the genre has been missing.
A Lyricism of Landscapes: “Selflessly You”
“Selflessly You” is a departure from the high-octane “Florida Man” energy found elsewhere in his discography, opting instead for a slow-burn intimacy that feels both personal and cinematic.
The track is built on a foundation of vivid natural imagery. Jones utilizes the geography of the American South to mirror the stability of a devoted partner:
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The Mississippi: The steady, unstoppable flow of the river serves as a metaphor for a love that doesn’t waver.
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Whispering Winds & Fertile Valleys: These elements paint a picture of a relationship that has been nurtured over time, finding growth even in the quiet moments.
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Deep Roots: A nod to the endurance required to weather life’s inevitable storms.
The core of the song lies in its recognition of a partner who “carries the weight” and accepts “both the good and the bad.” It is a refreshing take on the love song—moving away from fleeting infatuation and toward the gritty, beautiful reality of unconditional faithfulness.
The Master’s Touch: Kyle Roop’s Production
Much of the track’s success can be attributed to the synergy between Jones and award-winning producer and instrumentalist Kyle Roop. Recorded at the renowned Steel Records, Roop’s production is notably “organic.”
Rather than burying the performance under digital layers, Roop allows the arrangement to breathe. The instrumentation—likely a nod to Jones’ influences like Chris Stapleton and Travis Tritt—feels expansive without losing its sense of intimacy. Jones’ warm, sincere vocal delivery is the star here, front and center, sounding like a man who has lived every word he’s singing.
The Verdict: Timeless Country Soul
“Selflessly You” is more than just a single; it’s a statement of identity for Copperhead Jones. It bridges the gap between the rough-and-tumble Southern rock of his past and the soulful, grounded country of his future. For anyone who has ever leaned on a partner during their darkest hours, this song will feel less like a melody and more like a mirror.
Honest, grounded, and deeply relatable, “Selflessly You” is a reminder that the best country music doesn’t just tell a story—it honors a truth.