When Speed Speaks for the Heart
Montgomery Gentry is a prominent American country music duo, made up of Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry. They have left a lasting mark in the country music world with numerous inspiring songs. One of their standout tracks is “Speed”, released at the end of 2002 as the second single from the album My Town.
“Speed” was written by Jeffrey Steele and Chris Wallin.The song debuted in December 2002, as the second single off the My Town album. Before that, the album’s lead single “My Town” was released in June 2002. Musically, “Speed” carries a country flavor — mid tempo, narrative lyrics.
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Story / lyrics
The song speaks of a man trying to escape memories of a past love. He swaps his old truck — laden with those memories — for a car that can go “speeding,” hoping that fast motion will help him outrun the past. In the music video, the memory of his former lover appears along the road as he drives fast, and eventually he leaps out of the car and runs into a field, as though trying to leave the past behind. -
Production / visuals in video
The music video was directed by Trey Fanjoy. Montgomery Gentry perform on a two-lane road at night. A billboard at the car dealership shows a phone number with area code “661,” hinting the video may be set in or around Bakersfield, California. -
Underlying meaning / message
“Speed” is not just about fast driving or running away. It functions as a metaphor for the desire to move beyond emotional pain — the longing to heal one’s heart by “moving,” by acceleration. Speed can be a mental escape, but sometimes one must stop and confront the past to truly move on. -
On the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, “Speed” debuted at #57 in the week of December 28, 2002.
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The song climbed higher over time, though it did not immediately reach the top of the country charts.
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For the year-end chart of 2003, “Speed” ranked #24 on the Country Songs list.
After their lead single “My Town” introduced the album, “Speed” helped to highlight the emotional depth and variety in the duo’s repertoire. Across their videos and stage performances, motifs such as country roads, vehicles, memory, and home runs frequently throughout their work, a signature of their country style.
Tragically, in 2017, Troy Gentry died in a helicopter accident, leaving Eddie Montgomery to continue performing as a solo act. Nevertheless, songs like “Speed” still stand as testaments to their artistry, spirit, and the country-roots identity they cultivated.
“Speed” is one of those Montgomery Gentry tracks that, when you listen closely to the lyrics, you sense an inner struggle. At times, we want to run fast to leave pain behind, but what’s truly needed is to face it, to let go — only then can we really be free. This song is not loud or flashy, but in its calm tone lies longing, fragility, and a quiet hope.
For country music lovers, “Speed” remains among the signature songs in Montgomery Gentry’s catalogue, especially when considering how they tell stories with imagery and emotion — simple yet profound.