500 Miles to Memphis is an Americana punk band from Cincinnati, OH. Their music is a cross-genre blend of country, Americana, bluegrass, and punk rock. Ryan Malott formed the band in 2003. Since then they have released four studio albums, which have received international praise, won multiple awards, and been licensed to numerous movies, TV shows, and video games.

They have actively toured the United States since 2003. 500 Miles to Memphis consists of Ryan Malott (vocs, guitar, banjo), David Rhodes Brown (lap steel), Noah Sugarman (bass, vocs), Kevin Hogle (drums), and Aaron Whalen (guitar, vocs).

From 2008-2012 was a very tumultuous time for the band. It was plagued with lineup changes, drugs, alcohol and all of the stresses that come with performing 250+ shows a year. However, the core members stayed together.  In 2010, 500MTM jumped back into the studio with Erwin Musper and cut We’ve Built Up to Nothing. This album was noted as a large departure from the band’s original sound. While still a successful album, the sound had taken a more experimental turn. Shortly after the album’s release, Aaron Whalen joined on lead guitar moving Noah Sugarman back to his original position on bass.

“Lead Me On” is the 13^th cut on We’ve Built Up to Nothing. You’re not going to find a prettier song.

You didn’t seem to care when you caught me staring through the crack in the doorway you left
You turned around and slipped off that sundress
And I nearly fell to my knees
Can’t you spend one night with me
Darlin’ why you gotta tease
Here I am lead me on
I been holding out now for way too long
But I’ll keep the door open if you decide to come along

Got no need to hide when I’m feeling
Discretion is no part of me
The chase is on but I keep on runnin’
I seem to get farther away
Did I come on too strong
Why do you let me hang on
Here I am lead me on
I been holdin’ out now for far too long
But I’ll keep the door open if you decide to come along

Listen to our favorite songs on repeat
And stare at that mess of bed sheets
Looks like you had yourself a good time with me
I guess that’s all it’ll be
It ain’t too much fun for me
I guess I’m just memories
Here I am lead me on
I keep holdin’ on til you to say that we’re done.
I ain’t gonna leave here ain’t gonna leave
Til the cops show up on your front lawn
And drag me away
Unless you want to come along
Songwriter:  Ryan Malott