‘Wanted Man’ by Ren Jackson review

Ren Jackson, having previously brought us songs like ‘Rodeo’ is releasing another incredible song and anthem titled ‘Wanted Man’ 27th April 2026.

The title alone is very intriguing and has a couple of connotations; firstly being an outlaw, yet on the other hand being highly desirable.

Ren tells me the song was inspired by a situation where a man was seeing multiple women, and how he is a criminal of the heart. Trying to process this, Ren turned to music and was inspired by spaghetti westerns hence the incredible artwork and link to the title. She continues to tell me how it’s intended to be anthemic and anti outlaw.

“This is the story of the wanted man,
 News travels quick in a small town,
Crossin’ state lines up and down —
We found out, we found out,
We found out about you.”

Starting off with a cinematic intro, very inspired by Lainey Wilson’s ‘Wildflower, Wild Horses’ the lyrics lay out the picture of the story. Lyrics reference how “news travels quick in a small town” drawing the listeners intrigued as to what the news could be, yet perhaps drawing on how relatable this is in our own lives. Given the context to the song, “We found out” is evidently the collection of women this guy had been speaking with. This is repeated for added impact but also speaks to the collective voice of the women making it a great start to a true anthem.

“Well, he ain’t no Bon Jovi,


He’s wanted dead or alive,


Out here sowin’ wild oats,


And livin’ on a lies


Doing what he’s always done,
Just an outlaw on the run,
Never stays, you’ll pay the price 
Keeps one hand on the gun.”

The first verse provides reference to a music legend, and was the basis of the idea to the song Ren tells me. The comparison speaks of how the man might perceive himself to be of an inflated status. I love how there’s not just a reference to JBJ but also to his song which gives greater meaning to the song as builds into the theme of the song. Reference to “sowin’ wild oats” is reference the miscreant is engaging in promiscuous behaviour. “Living’ on a lies, doing what he’s always done” speaks towards his character and how perhaps there is excitement and thrill in this type of activity and trying not to be caught or found out. The verse then references him as an “outlaw on the run” continuing how these characters never stay around to offer explanations or help pick up the pieces, something someone who truly is into you would do! The final part of the verse details keeping “one hand on the gun” a reference to being tactically ready if using the western reference, however could be considered to be a little cruder, with men stereotypically thinking only of one thing. Shooting their shot.

“Wanted man, wanted man

wanted by none

Crossing off our names, he must think that we’re dumb, branded by his words, gone on for too long, oh too long

He’s a wanted man, He’s a wanted man.”

The chorus starts by repeating the title “Wanted Man” and is perhaps a nod to the differing connotations and interpretations of being a “Wanted Man”. Whilst the number isn’t specified “crossing off our names” suggests that there’s quite a few on the go. I find the choice of words interesting when it’s referenced “branded by his words” it speaks to many connotations, one being a quote tattooed on themselves, the other to the Western Cowboys and ranching. With so many women on the go there has to was to identify who is who, and to reach this conclusion it’s clearly gone on far too long as the lyric then continues to reaffirm.

“Caught up with the preachers daughter down in Abilene

She told me what he’d done to her, I told her what he did me

Now his face belongs on a poster

Ladies load your holsters we ride at dawn

To right his wrongs”

Verse two paints a vivid picture of catching up with friends and exchanging war stories from dating and life more generally. It becomes apparent they’re talking of the same individual and linking to the Western feel to the song, feel that his face belongs on a poster, a wanted poster. The end of verse two is interesting and is a call to arms to finally put this cowboy. Even the lyric “load your holsters we ride at dawn” captures the Western feel to the song. It’s hard not to then want to “right his wrongs”, although not necessarily through violence. In this sense, the holsters are metaphorical for all of the accounts and perspectives.

“We ain’t no damsels, we’re the law tonight,

Cowgirl boots and lassos by the firelight,

Dusty boots and alibis

He can run but he can’t hide

Now it’s time to turn the tides

See the tears in his eyes”

The bridge has an air of rebellion, and defiance. “We ain’t no damsels, we’re the law tonight” proving that they’re able to enforce what should be expected in a relationship, and how to conduct oneself. Ren tells me that the call and response is inspired by an Adele song (Rolling In The Deep) using this technique to symbolise the collection of women coming together in unity.“Cowgirl boots and lassos by the firelight” shows how much they mean business and ready to snare him for his crimes. Much like any criminal and outlaw, “he can run but he can’t hide” and speaks to the dedication to justice. “Now it’s time to turn the tides, see the tears in his eyes” is stating how the tables are turning, instead of them (the collection of women) shedding tears over a broken relationship and not having sufficient and mutual respect, it will now be the cowboy, wishing that he’d been more respectful and not trying to be a player.

“He is history, history tonight

He is history, history tonight”

This statement is repeated to reinforce feeling and quash any temptation to rekindle, and is again also similar to a call and response, almost as though it’s the motto of a cult.

The song finishes with the chorus, reinforcing the “wanted man” outlaw feel to the song. Again “branded by his words” speaks to feeling deeply affected, and in some sense scarred by them. It speaks to the realisation that it has “gone on for too long, oh too long” which may feel difficult but acceptance of actions and words exchanged against expectations need to be considered. We all want to be the sole focus of a loved one’s attention and affection, so learning of multiple conquests at once means distance needs to be made, because although many may be keen on a bad boy, this outlaw is a “wanted man” in more ways than one.

“Wanted Man” is available for download and streaming from 27th April 2026. Make sure to check out Ren on her social media pages for not only details of new music, but also of upcoming gigs and performances.

renjacksonsings@gmail.com