Here are ten behind-the-music pieces of trivia about my recently released song She Loves Me Anyway...
- I wrote it a few years ago, but held it until now.
- The opening line "I didn't say one kind word yesterday" was inspired by a quote painted on a stick that my wife bought that says "One kind word can change someone's day."
- I wrote the song quickly at the beach in Edmonds, WA while watching my kids play in the water to the left of the ferry dock.
- While my wife isn't a "high desert farmgirl," the image is certainly inspired by her and her family's strong connection to the high desert areas of eastern Oregon, and her patience with me and life seemed to fit the description.
- I did indeed once give my wife (then girlfriend) a bouquet of weeds picked on the side of the road when I forgot to buy flowers and knew she was hoping for them. She was underwhelmed.
- The song is a statement of gratitude to that someone who loves us, patiently, despite our flaws, and is the type of song that songwriters in their 20s don't write because they have no idea what a long relationship is like--which is why songs should be written at all ages.
- Once again, Alyssa Juun Stock really shined on the harmony vocals.
- The style of the music is very simple and not at all modern, reflecting an interest I've had recently in writing ultra-simple songs that don't hide behind complicated chord structures, gimmicks or confusing metaphor. It's just a little story that is what it is.
- The rhythm acoustic guitar sounds incredible in this recording, which was done at home on two very expensive, vintage guitars borrowed from Mark Demaray...that's a story I keep wanting to get to.
- I submitted this song for consideration to a playlisting service--their responses could hardly have been more complimentary, but they each declined on the grounds of it being too traditional for their listeners. This would not be the first time I've been out of touch with what the people want! She loves me anyway.