Ernest Keith Smith, known mononymously as Ernest (stylized in ERNEST), is a… Read Full Bio ↴Ernest Keith Smith, known mononymously as Ernest (stylized in ERNEST), is an American country music singer. After writing songs for Morgan Wallen, Jake Owen, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett and Chris Lane, he signed a recording contract with Big Loud in 2019.

Ernest Keith Smith was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. He took an interest in hip hop music at an early age, citing the Space Jam soundtrack and a compact disc of Eminem songs given to him by a friend as his main influences. At age 19, he suffered a heart attack brought on by a viral infection, and developed a drug addiction while in college playing JUCO baseball. After recovering, he moved back to Nashville and began writing and recording songs, in the Bro Country style with Matt Royer, the brother of his now wife, who owned a recording studio. This association led to him co-writing the title track of Florida Georgia Line's 2016 album Dig Your Roots. The following year, recording under the mononym Ernest, he began to cut country rap singles: "Dopeman" and "Bad Boy".

In addition, Ernest began writing songs for Chris Lane and Jake Owen. This led to him signing a recording contract with Big Loud, the label to which both Owen and Lane are signed, in 2019. Concurrently, he began touring with Lane and Mason Ramsey later in the year. Ernest had further success as a songwriter in 2020 with Lane's "Big, Big Plans", Morgan Wallen's "More Than My Hometown", and Sam Hunt's "Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90s". He also released his first single for Big Loud, titled "Cheers". This was followed in 2021 by two more singles; the first was "American Rust", issued in June. It was followed in December by "Flower Shops", a duet with Wallen.

Ernest also host his own podcast titled Just Being Ernest, in which he talks to other musicians about the music industry. The podcast first started April 19, 2020.

All We Need
Ernest Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

A little one bedroom on the south side
It's a quarter mile walk to a bus ride
Little malt liquor store with the bars up
Mr. Rodgers never sung about this stuff, nah
She works doubles at the IHOP
And I've been flippin' wrenches at the car shop
Makin' minimum wage
But at the end of the day

We got all we need
Just some empty pocket kisses
Second hand in hand wrapped up in you, girl
This is all we need
Couple neon lit slow dancing silhouettes
On a cracked paint wall
Baby, we got all we need

Do do do do do
Do do do, do do do do

When Friday finally hits five o'clock
We'll grab a couple Dixie cups and a wine box
Get a little buzz going on and unwind some
And if we need a little smoke, we can find some
No, we ain't rich, but I know we ain't the worst off
Get a little paycheck on the first stuff
And if we burn it all by Monday
'Cause we do what we always do, that's okay

'Cause we got all we need
Just some empty pocket kisses
Second hand in hand wrapped up in you, girl
This is all we need
Couple neon lit slow dancing silhouettes
On a cracked paint wall
Baby, we got all we need

We got all we need
Just some empty pocket kisses
Second hand in hand wrapped up in you, girl
This is all we need
Couple neon lit slow dancing silhouettes
On a cracked paint wall
Baby, we got all we need

Do do do do do
Do do do, do do do do

Do do do do do
Do do do, do do do do

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ernest's song "All We Need" depict a humble and contented life that revolves around love and simple pleasures. The song begins by setting the scene of a modest one-bedroom apartment on the south side, where the couple resides. Despite the challenges they face, such as the distance they must walk to catch a bus and the presence of barred-up liquor stores, they find solace in each other.

The first verse sheds light on the individual circumstances of the couple. The singer mentions that his partner works long shifts at the International House of Pancakes (IHOP), while he himself spends his days working on cars, earning minimum wage. However, their material circumstances do not define them. At the end of the day, they have each other, and that is what truly matters.

The chorus emphasizes the simplicity and fulfillment they find in their relationship. They cherish "empty pocket kisses" and holding hands, even if their possessions are second hand. They are content with their love, represented by the imagery of "neon lit slow dancing silhouettes" on a cracked paint wall. The repetition of the phrase "we got all we need" underscores their gratitude and satisfaction with their current circumstances.

The second verse introduces the idea of letting loose and unwinding when the weekend arrives. They plan to enjoy themselves with wine from Dixie cups and perhaps even smoke something if they feel the need. Despite not being financially well-off, they make the most of their situation and find joy in simple pleasures.

Overall, the lyrics of "All We Need" celebrate the beauty of love and contentment with what one has. Despite financial limitations, the couple finds happiness in their relationship and the small pleasures they can afford. The song encourages listeners to appreciate the simple things in life and find fulfillment in the love and companionship they share with their significant other.

Line by Line Meaning

A little one bedroom on the south side
We have a small apartment in a less affluent area

It's a quarter mile walk to a bus ride
Our transportation options are limited, but we make the most of it

Little malt liquor store with the bars up
There's a sketchy liquor store with security bars on the windows

Mr. Rodgers never sung about this stuff, nah
Our struggles and environment are not commonly talked about

She works doubles at the IHOP
My partner works long hours at a restaurant to make ends meet

And I've been flippin' wrenches at the car shop
I work as a mechanic, using my skills to earn a living

Makin' minimum wage
We earn just enough to get by

But at the end of the day
Despite our difficulties, we find contentment

We got all we need
We have each other and that's all we need

Just some empty pocket kisses
We express love and affection in simple ways

Second hand in hand wrapped up in you, girl
We find comfort and joy in each other's presence

This is all we need
Our love and connection bring us true happiness

Couple neon lit slow dancing silhouettes
We enjoy romantic moments in a dimly lit, old-fashioned setting

On a cracked paint wall
Even the imperfect surroundings become beautiful to us

Baby, we got all we need
We are truly grateful and content with what we have

When Friday finally hits five o'clock
The end of the workweek brings relief and anticipation

We'll grab a couple Dixie cups and a wine box
We appreciate the simple pleasures, like sharing a drink

Get a little buzz going on and unwind some
We relax and let go of stress, enjoying the moment

And if we need a little smoke, we can find some
We indulge in occasional relaxation through smoking

No, we ain't rich, but I know we ain't the worst off
We may not have much, but we acknowledge others face greater struggles

Get a little paycheck on the first stuff
We receive our paycheck at the beginning of the month

And if we burn it all by Monday
Even if we spend all our money quickly

'Cause we do what we always do, that's okay
We continue living our lives as we always have, and it doesn't bother us

Do do do do do
Repetitive melodic sounds signifying a lighthearted mood

Do do do, do do do do
Continuation of the melodic sounds

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Craig Wiseman, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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