Travis Meadows “Pontiac”
If you want to start with something that’s true, one of the best songwriting mentors you can look to is Travis Meadows. He has a way of writing about his experiences that brings others in and not only reveals a bit about himself, but also creates a perspective...Mary Gauthier “Between The Daylight And The Dark”
Mary Gauthier is known for her strong scenes and emotional context, and “Between The Daylight And The Dark” is no exception. Written with Fred Eaglesmith, it’s a great example of how to create a movie in the listener’s head – and...Lucinda Williams “Car Wheels On A Gravel Road”
Lucinda Williams is a songwriting super-shero. Yes, most successful women who have to deal with a male-dominated industry often are. But, she was one of the first women, no – songwriters, to raise Folk and Americana music to a “maybe Nashville needs to...Jason Isbell “Cumberland Gap”
Having worked in the Cumberland Gap area back in the day, I’d drive up 25E through Tazewell TN, past the Mustang Lounge, and wind my way through the gap toward Middlesboro Kentucky. Why do I remember these places so well? I was standing in the back room of a...Gillian Welch & David Rawlings “The Way It Will Be”
If you’ve followed the folk and Americana genres, or read Pat Pattison’s books on songwriting, you know who Gillian Welch and David Rawlings are. Since Revival, their first album in 1996, Welch and playing partner David Rawlings have become Americana...Brandi Carlile “The Eye”
I got a direct message through twitter asking about a Brandi Carlile song called “The Eye” (thanks Helen!). While I’ve listened to Brandi Carlile since her first album, I now realize I haven’t mentioned any of her songs on the site, so...Eric Church “Record Year”
We’ll deconstruct Eric Church’s “Record Year” to discover the songwriting devices that made this song a #1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart and #44 on the Hot 100 Chart, and garnered three CMA nominations. Written with band mate Jeff...Chris Stapleton “Parachute”
“Parachute,” written by Chris Stapleton and Jim Beavers, is one of my favorite songs on Traveller. It delivers a universal message in a very economical package. For example, you’ll find a single chord progression repeating itself, sparse imagery and...Lori McKenna “The Bird & The Rifle”
Lori McKenna’s “The Bird & The Rifle” is a lesson in song craft. And, she’s a great example of how writing first for yourself, growing your skills and then being able to write for a genre outside your own can result in commercial success....Adele “Hello”
Written by Adele and producer Greg Kurstin, “Hello” focuses on a telephone conversation/voicemail. The song brilliantly leverages the strength of direct address to create a highly personal moment, while the melody moves from ballad to power ballad...Aaron Watson “Bluebonnets”
How do you make a very personal moment a song that can connect with thousands and top the Texas Regional Radio Music Chart? Aaron Watson did just that with “Bluebonnets,” which also charted as high as #13 on the Music Row Country Breakout Chart. The song was...Tyler Farr “A Guy Walks Into A Bar”
Cliches are well – cliche. They’re predictable, boring, and not something your ears perk up for . . . except when done in a way that gives them a twist. “A Guy Walks Into A Bar,” written by Melissa Peirce, Jonathan Singleton and Brad Tursi (Old...Song Themes: Same But Different
Listening to these two songs is a great way to hear how the song themes can be the same, but written in two very different ways. We’ll take a listen to the single co-writers Jennifer Nettles, Hillary Lindsey and Ashley Gorley called “His Hands” and...Dolly Parton Jolene Best Direct Address Ever?
Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” was based on a young girl who approached her early on in her career. She had red hair, green eyes and fair skin – Dolly asked her name. It was Jolene. She quipped “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene – I’m...No More $900 For Pitchable Demos!
FREE Song Demo “Quick Class”
FOLLOW MY BAND ON SPOTIFY
Get Gig DatesFREE Social Media Class!
My Song Pitch Demos
Named a Top Songwriting Site!
Thank You!
We've been named a top songwriting site three years in a row thanks to you!
YOU'RE PROTECTED
Our Privacy Policy
We've been named a top songwriting site three years in a row thanks to you!
YOU'RE PROTECTED
Our Privacy Policy