Premiere: Amy Jack’s “The Dogs Keep Barking (But the Bus Keeps Moving)”
Your new single, “The Dogs Keep Barking (But the Bus Keeps Moving),” is an anthem of resilience and determination — timely, inspiring, and a perfect match for the energy of March Madness. With the national basketball tournament in mind, did you write the song to have an energetic, fast pace to capture the excitement of the games?
We wrote “The Dogs Keep Barking (But the Bus Keeps Moving)” because that’s something my friend from Oklahoma, Stan, used to say. One day while we were on the phone, I asked how things were going, and he said, “The dogs keep barking, but the bus keeps moving.” Stan was a coach, athlete, and Army veteran in Fort Sill, OK. He was offered scholarships in three different sports — football, basketball, and either tennis or baseball. I once played tennis with him and tried not to get killed!
When I was 13, I was beating 45-year-old men in matches. My coach — who was in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame — once told me I could’ve gone pro if I had started earlier. But coming from a small town, we didn’t have a tennis program in high school. Even my golf instructor in Nashville said I could’ve earned a scholarship, but again, we didn’t have a golf program either.
This song is 100% inspired by Stan. I lost him over Memorial Weekend, and it was a huge loss — he was truly irreplaceable. He was brilliant, had a colorful personality, and lived with a zest for life. Remington and I actually wrote the song a few years ago. Stan also inspired his son, who became a world-class defender of liberty and freedom. His son has appeared on CNN and Fox News as a legal analyst and even won a landmark Supreme Court case involving a high school coach who was fired for praying on the 50-yard line.
Yes, I absolutely wrote this song with an energetic, fast-paced beat in mind. I wrote it not only for the tournament vibe but also for everyday life. I live in Dallas now, and with all the traffic and fast-paced living, it reminds me of that Merle Haggard song, “Stop the World and Let Me Off.” Life moves quickly — technology, the cost of living, everything. But even through setbacks, we have to keep moving forward. You have to stay strong and believe in your purpose and what you’re meant to leave behind.
I read something recently that said 150 years from now, we likely won’t be remembered — not even famous people. That really stuck with me. We have to live our truth and be true to ourselves. That’s what this song is all about.
Did you want the melody to reflect the ups and downs of a close game or the tension of a big moment?
All of the above. In the music business, there are so many ups and downs — especially for artists, producers, and musicians. There’s no real security. You experience big moments, but you still have to keep your bus moving despite all the uncertainty.
We wanted the melody to feel uplifting, energetic, and even a little humorous. It’s about real life — just like a basketball game, life is full of highs and lows.
What is the most emotional moment you’ve experienced in the past while watching the tournament?
Those buzzer-beater games where your team loses are always emotional. My team, the University of Oklahoma, made it to the championship in 1988 under the legendary Billy Tubbs. We lost to the University of Kansas — that was probably the most emotional tournament moment for me.
Who do you think will win the tournament this year?
I’m picking Houston to win it all. Of course, with March Madness, anything can happen — there’s always the potential for an upset, so you’ve got to choose wisely.
When you look ahead career-wise, what vision fuels your determination?
One time, a rodeo cowboy in Oklahoma told me in his thick country accent, “You can’t ever quit music, Amy.” That stuck with me. He was fearless — those cowboys are in the arena with wild animals. Sports are one thing, but rodeo is another level of grit and courage. His words gave me strength to keep going.
I want my music to reach people across the world and serve a real purpose. I want it to uplift, inspire, and even help heal people. I hope it helps others feel validated and seen.
Introducing Amy Jack, Amy Jack’s debut album, was produced by country music legend and GRAMMY-Award winning artist Merle Haggard. One of the final projects the late 38-time no.1 singer/songwriter produced, Introducing Amy Jack continues to uphold Haggard’s legacy with a country sound that’s honest and thought provoking. Featuring a cover of Haggard’s “Got Lonely Too Early,” Jack co-wrote ten of the tracks on the album. “Merle taught me the value in being honest,” Jack shared on her experience working with the country music icon as he helped perfect her authentic country sound.
A native of Oklahoma she was raised by a family of music teachers, Amy sings with ease and conviction. “Music is the most powerful mover in the world,” she believes. Jack currently lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in North Texas, and she graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in TV/Radio/Film. Knowing radio first hand, her career took off as an account executive for iHeart Media and Cumulus, which has elevated her knowledge of music standards and helped her to land placement on multiple iHeartMedia stations.
Jack’s music speaks to the masses, proven by a successful track record of power features. Her song, “For The Love of the Game” was prominently featured on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Committee’s ‘Road to Rio’ Tour, in addition to a featurette for Kobe Bryant on FOX Sports and the ESPN Network during March Madness the same year. Her song, “Shake And Bake” was featured in a Fox Sports segment for NFL star and Heisman Trophy winner, Baker Mayfield. Fan-favorite track, “Born To Lead,” was featured as the soundtrack to the NCAA’s Lombardi Awards.
With the helpful guidance of the iconic Merle Haggard and her expertise in the industry she has established, Amy Jack brings passion and heart to each of her songs, proving her music can bring together all corners of our culture.