Certain lyrics have a way of embedding themselves in our minds, resonating on a deeper, almost subconscious level — “If I told you that a flower bloomed in a dark room, would you trust it?” is one such example for me, à la Kendrick Lamar. Some albums too become timeless companions, as is the case with “A Star Is Born” for my mom and I. It’s our go-to listen for long car rides down the shore, and dare I say, perhaps even better than the film itself. Then there are those songs, like Fall Out Boy’s early 2000s anthems, that transport us instantly to moments from our past, such as ice-skating on Friday nights in eighth grade (another prime example from my varied musical repertoire). Art and music are deeply personal, interpreted in myriad ways. This drove me to seek the stories behind the music, straight from the artists themselves. So I took a minute with eight different musicians to explore the inspirations, experiences, and emotions that drive them.
Through their own words below, they share the intimate and often untold narratives that have shaped their most beloved songs — from Drayton Farley’s “Pitchin’ Fits” and Gavin DeGraw’s iconic “Chariot” album that’s making a renaissance return two decades later, to Meghan Patrick and Kristen Kelly’s country lyrics that delve deeper than just boots and trucks… to Troy Cartwright’s praise for his all-time favorite songwriter, Maisy Kay’s reveal of her nostalgic karaoke go-to, SPELLES’ love for the Gladiator soundtrack, and Erin Bowman’s trip down memory lane to an apartment that started it all.
DRAYTON FARLEY
Drayton Farley, an Alabama native, brings an authentic voice to the country, folk, roots, and Americana music scene, with lyrics drawn from personal experience that resonate deeply with listeners. Best known for his songs “Pitchin’ Fits,” “Blue Collar,” and “American Dream,” his smoky, raspy tones and Southern inflection create a bittersweet, familiar atmosphere, making each song feel like a comforting return home.
What’s a song of yours that makes you feel particularly nostalgic, and what memories does it bring back?
My song “Pitchin’ Fits.” Hearing the original recording takes me back to this old apartment my wife and I lived in, where I wrote and recorded that song. I’m so grateful for the song and all the places it’s ultimately taken me, but I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t miss the days before I cut it. Life moved much slower then, and I wish I could go back sometimes to soak up a little more of it. It was a strange part of my life, but those days were very important to me. That song launched my family and I into a whole new life — definitely a better life — but we all wish we could spend one more day or two back then sometimes.
Where’s your favorite place to listen to music?
My favorite place to listen to music is probably with my AirPods in on an airplane, or while driving alone in the car. Those are about the only places I can listen with undivided attention and really appreciate the music and study it.
What’s the most fun you’ve ever had while writing or recording a song, and what made it so memorable?
There’s a new song that isn’t out yet… it’s called “I Need Your Love.” It’s a song I wrote around ten years ago and for the longest time, I was trying to run away from it. At least I suppose that’s why it sat around for ten years. I recently cut the song in the studio and for the first time with this particular song, I fully felt it and understood why it never got thrown away after all that time. It’s a feeling that I can only describe as magical. Every now and then, this happens with a song and when you’re lucky enough to experience it, you just know that you’ve created something special. For a long time I dreaded it, but now I can’t wait for the world to hear it.
Can you share a line or verse from one of your songs that you feel holds a deeper meaning? What does it signify to you?
There is a line in “Twenty on High” that says, “What did you expect from an adolescent kid who was all out of allegiance to pledge?”
It’s one of my favorite lines that I’ve written. At the time of writing it, I think I was being straightforward with the lyrics. But now, I realize that I was having a shift in my way of thinking and breaking a few molds that I’d lived in my whole life. I was becoming more willing to go against a lot of the ideas I’d been born into just by the circumstance of place. And I was beginning to walk my own path without some of those ideas and traditions keeping me back from the path I was meant to take.
If you could only play one vinyl album on repeat for the rest of time — which would it be, and why?
That would be Bon Iver’s “For Emma, Forever Ago” record. That entire album does something to me spiritually that I’ve never had another record do. It’s one of those albums that introduced me to a brand-new world of music and songwriting. An absolute masterpiece. It’s definitely helped me get through some harder times in life, and it’s one that I’ve never grown weary of listening to. Justin Vernon has a very special way of turning stories into these unimaginable cinematic soundscapes that take the listener to a completely different universe.
GAVIN DEGRAW
Gavin DeGraw is a multi-platinum entertainer, releasing “Chariot 20” this September, a re-envisioned version of his iconic 2003 album, “Chariot.” Known for songs like “I Don’t Want to Be” and “In Love with a Girl,” Gavin’s unique blend of pop, soul, country, folk, and funk has led him to share the stage with legends like Billy Joel, The Allman Brothers, Maroon 5, and Shania Twain.
If you could only play one vinyl album on repeat for the rest of time — which would it be, and why?
Who can pick one vinyl? It would probably be Sgt. Pepper’s “Lonely Hearts Club Band.” It’s mind-altering. I am still interested in the record and I have been listening to it for 30 years. The music and the lyrics are still so thought-provoking.
Can you share a line or verse from one of your songs that you feel holds a deeper meaning? What does it signify to you?
I often go back to a lyric that was on an older record of mine, “Free.” The song is called “Why Do the Men Stray” and the line is “Old men get all their killing done with youth.” It signifies how they sent children to war to do all their bidding. It was just introspective for me when I wrote it at the time. I was trying to write a Bob Marley type song. So that song is like my version of Marley’s “Redemption Song.”
Tell us about a song that holds a special place in your heart and why it resonates with you on a personal level?
“I Only Have Eyes For You” by The Flamingos… my dad used to sing that song in the kitchen.
How has your hometown or upbringing influenced your music and the stories you tell through it?
My hometown has influenced my lens on life in general and that’s translated through my music. My hometown and household are how I learned to view the entire world. Whether you leave that town or not, your view of life is based on where you came from. Growing up, working class, in a town that had a job problem — it gives you a perspective. It was a town where people felt underrepresented and underappreciated, and perhaps it gave a chip on my shoulder so much that I like to write about it and talk about it.
Who’s a songwriter you wish got more recognition?
Chris Whitley — he died too early and was a great guitar player and great singer.
MEGHAN PATRICK
Meghan Patrick is a dynamic country artist known for her powerful vocals and deeply personal songwriting in songs like “Walls Come Down,” “Country Music Made Me Do It,” and “Wild as Me.” Her upcoming album, featuring the title track “Golden Child” and the single “Stoned Alone,” showcases her ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with a modern country sound.
Can you share a line or verse from one of your songs that you feel holds a deeper meaning? What does it signify to you?
I think the whole chorus of “Golden Child” holds some of my favorite lyrics, and while they say a lot at face value, there’s more beneath the surface.
“Just be careful what you wish for honey, you never know it might come true…”
As well as, “Everything that glitters ain’t golden child.”
Both speak to the idea that sometimes the things we put on a pedestal or think we need to be happy, aren’t really all they’re cracked up to be.
“Don’t be tempted by the easy money, it might cost more than you’re willing to lose” also speaks to the question: What are you willing to sacrifice or give in exchange for these things you’re chasing? If it comes easy, there are likely strings attached, or it may be a short-term gain for a long-term loss of something you can’t get back.
And one of my favorite lines ever is, “The same thing that takes the edge off, it can take the shine off after a while.” We all find things, substances, people, etc. that we use to cope and get by — but they aren’t always the healthiest ways to cope, and eventually too much will put you in a bad place.
Where’s your favorite place to listen to music?
Probably while driving in my truck. If I need to listen to mixes or I want to dig into a new record, I go for a long drive on a back road… It’s very peaceful for me and I feel like it helps me immerse myself in the music.
What’s your favorite movie/cinematic soundtrack, and why?
There are so many I love, but one of my favorites is Top Gun. Peak 80’s music and I love it. “Danger Zone” was the pump-up/walk-out song for me and my band for years, and “Take My Breath Away” is iconic.
What’s the most fun you’ve ever had while writing or recording a song, and what made it so memorable?
The most fun I ever had writing and recording a song was with “Stoned Alone.” The day I wrote the song with Ben Williams and Caitlyn Smith, we had already written another song that day and I was still feeling creative. Caitlyn said, “I’ve got an hour before I have to head to the airport” and Ben said, “Let’s do a power hour!”
I had the idea for the song already, but it was a blast challenging ourselves to write a song within that hour, and it has some of my favorite, most fun lyrics. When we got into the studio, all we had to show the players was a rough worktape of just me singing with an acoustic guitar, so we really got to build it from the ground up and think
outside the box. We didn’t take ourselves too seriously, we just enjoyed jamming and making music… and it’s the best time I’ve ever had in the studio.
What’s your go-to karaoke song, and do you have any special memories associated with it?
For the longest time, my go-to karaoke song was “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin. Fun fact: The first night I met my friend-turned-manager, Randi, I sang that at karaoke. I like to think Zeppelin is what brought us together.
TROY CARTWRIGHT
Troy Cartwright is an American country music singer-songwriter from Dallas, Texas, now based in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies, Cartwright has gained attention with songs like “Hung Up on You” and “My First Beer,” blending traditional storytelling with a modern country sound.
If you could only play one vinyl album on repeat for the rest of time — which would it be, and why?
I think “Wildflowers” is top-to-bottom one of the greatest records of all time. It has no skips and I think it captures Tom Petty at the height of his power. To me, the record tells this story of a man looking for answers to all of life’s greatest questions, and putting down his answers in a way that only he can. The simplicity in his songwriting allows for the feeling to hit you differently each time.
Can you share a line or verse from one of your songs that you feel holds a deeper meaning?
There’s a lot of depth in my song “Married Now.” In the first verse, I was dealing with something that was really hard to explain — we lose people in life, but it’s not always appropriate to be the one reaching out. There’s a silent grief that we all have and carry with us. I just did my best to try and focus on that feeling, and get it down on the page.
Who’s a songwriter you wish got more recognition?
I’m such a massive fan of Hayes Carll. I think he’s gotten plenty of recognition along the way, but for my money, he’s one of the finest songwriters we’ve got. Songs like “Beaumont,” “Chances Are,” and many others are ones I go back to again and again.
Where’s your favorite place to listen to music?
I think most music is synonymous with moving. My first preference is the car, but a walk or anything moving always does the trick. There are songs that come on today that bring me back to memories from 20 years ago and put me right back in that place. That’s proof to me that music is tapped into some power that we don’t fully understand. It’s a real-life time machine.
What’s a line or lyric you’ve written that always makes you smile, and what’s the story behind it?
“You must be the prettiest girl I don’t know.”
I just think it’s the greatest thing ever. It reminds me of all the times I tried to do something that was quite unlikely, but it somehow worked out. I think that has kind of been the story of my life.
MAISY KAY
Maisy Kay is a rising singer-songwriter from a small town in England, now based in Los Angeles, known for her unique blend of nostalgic dance and fantastical pop music. With collaborations with industry giants like Timbaland and Tiësto, she’s made her mark with hit singles like “The Storm” and “Karma Is A B*tch Like You,” captivating audiences across the U.S. and internationally.
What’s one song you’ve written that you think would be perfect for a road trip playlist?
“In Your Car.” It’s a song all about driving, and there’s something about the bridge that very much makes me want to drive down the highway with the windows down.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Definitely “Part Of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. I would always sing it as a little girl at the pool, and I still have a soft spot for Ariel.
Tell us about a song that holds a special place in your heart and why it resonates with you on a personal level?
“Experience” by Ludovico Einaudi. The first time I heard the song, I was at Capitol Records, and a dear friend had played it for me. I almost cried with how beautiful I found it, and to this day, I listen to it whenever I need inspiration or a mood boost.
Where’s your favorite place to listen to music?
I love listening to music anywhere in nature, whether it’s at the beach or at a nice park with a book. There’s something very soothing about it. Although I do love listening to music on car drives too.
What’s your favorite movie/cinematic soundtrack — and why?
I have always adored the Avatar soundtrack since I was a little girl. Especially “Becoming One With The People.” I think the soundtrack does such a good job of encapsulating this fantastical alien world, and there’s so much emotion in the music, that you can really feel the shifts in the scenes by just listening.
ERIN BOWMAN
Erin Bowman is an American pop singer and songwriter known for her independent spirit and debut single “Problem,” which launched her career in 2011. Her music has been featured in various media since, such as “I’m Me” in ABC’s promo for the show I’m Not Dead Yet, “A New Day” in ABC’s latest season of All American, and “A Change Is Coming” in a new ad for ESPN Women.
What’s your favorite lyric of all time (either from you or someone else)?
There are so many incredible lyrics out there that it’s so hard to choose, but one that always comes to mind is a line from “Stayin Alive” by the Bee Gees: “Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother — you’re
stayin’ alive, feel the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’ and we’re stayin’ alive.”
To me, that lyric just sums up what life is like for everyone, no matter who you are. Struggle is a universal feeling and that was perfectly put by the Bee Gees. And although the subject is serious, the song is still uplifting because you realize that we are all one, we’re all in it together. It makes you feel a part of something bigger and like you’re not alone.
Tell us about a song that holds a special place in your heart and why it resonates with you on a personal level?
“You Learn” by Alanis Morrissette is a song that’s always resonated with me. Life is all about learning… sometimes it feels good, and other times it hurts like hell. Every time I listen to the song, it hits me with all the feelings because it’s just so incredibly accurate. The good times and the bad times teach you. It’s an amazing thing to be able to learn from all that life throws your way.
What’s the most fun you’ve ever had while writing or recording a song, and what made it so memorable?
Writing and recording my EP “Apartment 101” was such an incredible chapter of my life. I had gone through so much — ending a 7-year relationship, moving to Los Angeles, and then falling for someone who was no good.
Writing and recording that EP really brought me back to life. I don’t even think I realized that until years later, but the joy I felt working on that album and those days in the studio with the co-writers and producers were exactly what I needed to heal. I had done so much of the writing in LA, and then visited London where I met the group who I ended up recording the songs with. Both writing and recording that EP with new friends in amazing cities was exactly what I needed.
What’s your favorite movie/cinematic soundtrack — and why?
I absolutely love Bridget Jones’ Diary soundtrack. The music is just so perfect in those scenes. I love the pause during the fight scene when they’re playing “It’s Raining Men,” and then the office scene where Bridget quits her job with a great line, followed by Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.” You realize how important music is in a film when you watch those scenes, because they wouldn’t hit as hard without those songs. Music has such an impact.
What’s a song of yours that makes you feel particularly nostalgic, and what memories does it bring back?
My song “Apartment 101” makes me feel super nostalgic. That was my apartment number when I lived in LA and I felt a lot of feelings there, learned a lot there, and wrote a whole lot of songs there. It was such a great apartment and although most of my time in LA was spent writing sad songs, it was such a happy time writing-wise because it all felt so effortless. The creativity was really flowing for me in that apartment. I look back at that time and I’m really grateful for that.
KRISTEN KELLY
Kristen Kelly is an American country music singer from Lorena, Texas, known for her debut single “Ex-Old Man” from her self-titled EP. Produced by Tony Brown and Paul Overstreet, her music captures the essence of contemporary country with a distinct personal and edgy touch. She’s also known for songs like “He Loves to Make Me Cry” and “The Trouble with a Heartbreak.”
Tell us about a song that holds a special place in your heart and why it resonates with you on a personal level?
“The House That Built Me” written by Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin. I was in my first tour van in Austin, Texas, and had to pull over on the side of the road when I first heard the song. I thought about growing up on Iron Bridge Road in Lorena, Texas in the house that my dad moved into from a nearby town and remodeled himself. I thought about all the good, and the beautiful life I experienced there with my dad still around and my parents still married.
Can you share a line or verse from one of your songs that you feel holds a deeper meaning?
“You gotta live your life with purpose til your train runs out of track. Don’t get caught up in the circus and be just another side show act.”
That’s from my song “Ashes,” which I co-wrote with Erik Dylan. The song was featured on Episode 1 of Season 7 of the hit Netflix show The Ranch. I hope and pray that each and every person takes the time to discover what sets their world on fire. And in doing so, I hope that they go all in and let that passion fuel their purpose for good. The good Lord knows we could use a lot more of that around these days.
How has your hometown or upbringing influenced your music and the stories you tell through it?
I’m from a small town in Texas and was raised by a hairdresser and a mechanic. My grandfather was a country singer-songwriter and I have 45’s (vinyl records) of his music. I listened to a lot of country music and classic rock growing up. Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with the blues. I feel like sonically, all of that comes together in the music that I write and record as an artist, and gravitate towards as a listener.
Where’s your favorite place to listen to music?
I love to listen to music when I mow. I also get a lot of windshield time in with all my travel and I definitely listen to music while driving. I can’t tell you the last time I turned a TV on — I’ve usually got music playing around the house instead. I’m pretty much always surrounded by music, whether it’s Mozart, a healing frequency, a playlist on shuffle, or a radio station dialed in. As cliché as it sounds, music is literally the soundtrack of my life.
What’s a line or lyric you’ve written that always makes you smile?
The lyric “I know life won’t be like this forever, like there’s no politics in the weather. So you can find me somewhere out there listening for his wisdom” from my song “His Widsdom,” which I co-wrote with Timothy Baker. It makes me smile because I love spending time outdoors. Mother Nature does what it does and it’s beautiful. So many folks try to politicize everything these days and it’s really nice to silence all the noise and tune into the symphony that is the outdoors.
SPELLES
SPELLES, the Los Angeles-based duo made up of Kathryn Baar and Luc Laurent, have been releasing haunting, cinematic and soulful music since 2015 with the release of their debut SPELLES EP. They’ve secured TV placements on such shows as Pretty Little Liars, Charmed, and Grey’s Anatomy, among others. Last November, they released their debut LP “Diving Into the Arms of the Divine.”
Can you share a line or verse from one of your songs that you feel holds a deeper meaning?
I wrote a song called “Wild Heart” that was released on my SPELLES EP in 2015. The song begins with the lyrics, “In my dreams I am weightless. I swim like a comet through the darkness.”
At the time, I was going through a period of intense anxiety and depression. I was surprised at how my mental health was directly affecting my physical health so much. My body felt heavy and achy all of the time, among other symptoms. Going to sleep was the only time in the day that I felt free from the physical and emotional challenges I was experiencing. That is what those lyrics in “Wild Heart” are referring to.
Tell us about a song that holds a special place in your heart and why it resonates with you on a personal level?
There are so many songs that hold a special place in my heart. One of them is “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders. It’s one of the songs that when it plays, it transports me back to my early childhood living in Toronto, Canada. This was also the first song that I remember feeling interested in the lyrics. The line in particular that stood out to me is “Take me out into your darkest hour. I will never desert you.” I love the symbolism in those lines.
If you could only play one vinyl album on repeat for the rest of time — which would it be, and why?
I would choose Nina Simone’s “Finest Hour.” It makes me feel like I’m in a different place and time. Her song, “Wild Is The Wind” is one of my favorites. I used to listen to this album a lot in high school when I would paint.
Where’s your favorite place to listen to music?
I love walking around any city I’m in at the time while listening to music. Especially when I’m traveling. It makes me feel like I’m in a movie and the music is the soundtrack to my life.
What’s your favorite movie/cinematic soundtrack — and why?
My favorite movie soundtrack of all time is the Gladiator soundtrack by Hans Zimmer. I love the world element to the sonic palette and gorgeous vocals. It’s actually a dream of mine to become a film composer one day.
Credits:
Written by Carly Long | @bycarlylong
Photography courtesy of the artists
