“I’m goin’ once, goin’ twice, I’m sold.” This iconic opening line is instantly recognizable to country music fans as the beginning of John Michael Montgomery’s chart-topping single, “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident).” But the story behind this fast-paced, tongue-twisting tune is as engaging as the song itself. Writers Rich Fagan and Robb Royer crafted this hit not from a real-life auction experience in Grundy County, but from a creative spark during a casual conversation.
The song, released in 1995, became a signature track for Montgomery, known for his smooth vocals and blend of traditional and contemporary country sounds. Its infectious energy and clever lyrics propelled it to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying its place in country music history. The brilliance of “Sold” lies not just in Montgomery’s performance, but in the songwriting duo’s ability to capture the excitement and rapid-fire delivery of an auctioneer, combined with a romantic twist.
In an interview with Bart Herbison from the Nashville Songwriters Association International, songwriter Rich Fagan revealed the surprising origin of “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident).” It wasn’t a trip to a bustling Grundy County auction that sparked the idea, but a simple question from Robb Royer.
“Robb Royer and I were at this benefit at the Boardwalk Cafe, and we were talking,” Fagan explained. Royer proposed a song about an auction. Fagan, recalling Leroy Van Dyke’s classic “The Auctioneer,” was intrigued. They started brainstorming, quickly developing a verse and part of the chorus. Fagan suggested the catchy phrase, “I’m going once, going twice, sold?” Initially, Royer wasn’t convinced.
However, inspiration struck Royer later. “But he called me up about a half hour later…” Fagan recounted, highlighting Royer’s collaborative and thoughtful songwriting approach. This anecdote reveals the organic and sometimes unpredictable nature of songwriting, where ideas can evolve and solidify even after initial hesitation.
Fagan further elaborated on their creative process, noting a similar experience with another song where Royer was initially resistant to repetition. This insight into their dynamic showcases the push and pull, the negotiation and refinement that often occurs in successful songwriting partnerships. For “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident),” they had the core of the chorus, but crucially, they hadn’t yet placed “going once, going twice, sold” at the very end, a structural choice that Fagan believes amplified the song’s hook.
“Usually in a chorus, that would be (the end). But that’s not it, and I think that’s what made it even hookier. Just when you think you’ve heard the hook, boom. We hit you with (the rest),” Fagan stated. This clever construction keeps the listener engaged and surprised, adding to the song’s memorable quality.
The immediate positive reaction to “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)” was evident when Fagan first performed it at the Boardwalk Cafe. “The first time I did it at the Boardwalk Cafe, I got a standing ovation in the middle of the song,” he recalled. This early validation solidified Fagan’s belief in the song’s hit potential. “It’s not a listening room, and man, I quieted the room. I said, ‘I know this is a hit.'”
Interestingly, the Grundy County reference, which gives the song its distinctive title, was somewhat arbitrary. Radio host Austin Church, from the “Chili Shack” show, inquired about the origin of Grundy County in the song. Fagan’s response was lighthearted: “Well, remember you did a bit on the ‘Chili Shack’ and said so-and-so from Grundy County won a free trip to Alabama and a year’s supply of potted meat?” This humorous anecdote reveals the playful and sometimes random nature of creative inspiration, suggesting that even specific details in a song can arise from chance encounters and local references.
Despite the auctioneer theme, Fagan admitted he’s not an auctioneer himself, though he can talk fast. He even referenced another fast-paced song, “Hectic,” written by Chris Clark, which was deemed too fast for anyone to sing. This comparison emphasizes the unique vocal skill required to deliver “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)” effectively and highlights John Michael Montgomery’s talent in mastering the song’s demanding rhythm.
“Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)” remains a beloved song in John Michael Montgomery’s catalog and in country music overall. Its catchy chorus, engaging story, and the intriguing tale behind its creation continue to captivate audiences. The song’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration, creative inspiration from unexpected places, and the magic that happens when songwriters tap into universal themes with a fresh and innovative approach, even if it all started with a simple question about writing a song about an auction.
