"She Wouldn't Be Gone"

On Friday, October 7th, 2011, I watched amazingness happen in front of my eyes and in my ears.  I witnessed an unnoticed voice put on a show that was better than any entertainer I have seen.  I already blogged about him and another song he wrote, "If You'd Called Yesterday."  (Look back through the blogs and back through your memory.)  I dragged my family to this place in Nashville called "Douglas Corner" to see the incredibly talented Cory Batten.  Well, the bouncer kind of scared everyone but they got over it.  (He had at least a 3 ft beard and was well over 6 ft tall)  Anyways, I walked in and turned around to see another one of my favorite songwriters, Karyn Rochelle.  Needless to say, I felt like I died and had gone to heaven.  This place oozed with amazingness.  Subsequently, I met Karyn Rochelle and Cory Batten and told them how they've changed my life, no big deal, but they were the most down to earth, amazing people ever.  Made us respect them that much more.  Well, little did anyone that night know that the world would totally stop when Cory Batten sang.  There's people who can sing and then there are those who can sang.  Well, Cory Batten can SANG!  Like the phone book, dictionary, vowel sounds, anything...and you will stop everything you're doing and listen.  This guy needs to be taking over the country charts right now.  Anyways, this song may have re-modernized Blake Shelton's career but this introduced Mr. Cory Batten to the world.

What makes this song so different is that it's not everything someone did to win someone back, it's everything they didn't do.  We all can sit down and tell the world what we did, but I think it's the hardest to admit what we didn't do, where we went wrong, and that in the end, we are the guilty one.  Well this is like straight down a crooked road.   This is music.

FM Radio:
Singer: Blake Shelton/Cory Batten
Songwriters: Cory Batten, Jennifer Adan
Song: "She Wouldn't Be Gone"

Red roadside wild flower if I'd only picked you
Took you home set you on the counter
Oh, at least a time or two
Maybe she'd thought it through

Yellow sunset slowly dippin' down in the rear view
Oh, how she'd love to sit and watch you
I could have done that a whole lot more
If I hadn't been so stubborn
Been so selfish
Thought about her more
Thought about me less
Joked and maked her laugh
Held her when she cried
A little more that, maybe I

Wouldn't be drivin' like hell
Flyin' like crazy down the highway
Callin' everyone we know
Stoppin' any place she might be
Goin' any place she might go
Beatin' on the dash
Screamin' out her name at the windshield
Tears soakin' up my face
If I had loved her this much all along
Maybe, maybe, yeah maybe
She wouldn't be gone
She wouldn't be gone
She warned me it was comin'
Said if I didn't change
She was leavin'
I just didn't believe
She would ever really walk out
God, I believe her now
Called her mamma
Cried like a baby to her best friend
If they've seen her, they ain't sayin'
They ain't sayin
Now, I'm cursing like a fool
Prayin' it ain't too late
All I wanna do is fix my mistakes
Find her, beg her for one more try
Until then damn it I"ll

Wouldn't be drivin' like hell
Flyin' like crazy down the highway
Callin' everyone we know
Stoppin' any place she might be
Goin' any place she might go
Beatin' on the dash
Screamin' out her name at the windshield
Tears soakin' up my face
If I had loved her this much all along
Maybe, maybe, yeah maybe
She wouldn't be gone
She wouldn't be gone

I wouldn't be beatin' on the dash
Screamin' out her name at the windshield
Tears soakin' up my face
If I had loved her this much all along
Maybe, maybe, yeah maybe
She wouldn't be gone

Red roadside wild flower if I'd only picked you
Took you home set you on the counter
Oh, at least a time or two
Maybe she'd thought it through

Here's the video from that night:

"Footloose"

Franklin, Tennessee has a special place in my heart.  I feel like it's God's little hometown on earth.  It feels perfect to me.  I absolutely adore it.  Well, when I heard we were going to be in Nashville when the Footloose premiere was going on in Franklin, I totally flipped and became one of those screaming fans that you see in the background on E!.  Well, we literally had the most amazing time and we met Julianne Hough who looks like God sculpted her with his hands, totally un-humanly beautiful.  Check my Facebook pictures.  And then...my mother and I just died when Mr. Shelton walked by.  Totally no ego, absolutely un-humanly gorgeous, and out of reach was Mr. Shelton.  Seriously, check my pictures.  Well, I was really apprehensive when I heard he had the title song, but let me say I was soo wrong!!!!!!! This is brilliant and I need to actually go see this movie!



FM Radio:
Singer: Blake Shelton
Songwriters: Kenny Loggins, Dean Pitchford
Song: "Footloose"

I've been working so hard
I'm punching my card
Eight hours for what?
Oh, tell me what I got

I've got this feeling
That time's just holding me down
I'll hit the ceiling or else I'll tear up this town
Tonight I gotta cut

Loose, footloose kick off your Sunday shoes
Please, Louise pull me off a my knees
Jack, get back c'mon before we crack
Lose your blues everybody cut footloose

And you're playing so cool
Obeying every rule
I dig a way down in your heart
You're burning, yearning for songs

Somebody to tell you
That life ain't passing you by
I'm trying to tell you
It will if you don't even try
You can fly if you'd only cut

Loose, footloose kick off your Sunday shoes
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/k/kenny-loggins-lyrics/footloose-lyrics.html ]
Oowhee, Marie shake it, shake it for me
Whoa, Milo c'mon, c'mon let's go
Lose your blues everybody cut footloose

Cut footloose
Cut footloose
Cut footloose

We got to turn me around
And put your feet on the ground
Now take a hold of the phone
Whoa, I'm turning it loose

Loose, footloose kick off your Sunday shoes
Please, Louise pull me off a my knees
Jack, get back c'mon before we crack
Lose your blues now everybody cut footloose

Loose, footloose kick off your Sunday shoes
Please, Louise pull me off a my knees
Jack, get back c'mon before we crack
Lose your blues

Everybody cut everybody cut
Everybody cut everybody cut
Everybody cut everybody cut
Everybody everybody cut footloose

"That's When I Knew"

After something major happens in our lives, why is it that after we have fought a battle do we see why we even fought the war?  I never understood that.  What is it about that one moment that suddenly changes everything.  It's like this magical turning point when that make believe light bulb goes off in our heads.  Well take all that and meet a relationship context.  Totally amazing.  I found this incredible song so randomly and it was so meant to be.  Katrina Elam should be of the same status as Carrie...she is unbelievable. 

FM Radio:

Singer: Katrina Elam

Songwriters: Jim Collins/Ashley Gorley

Song: "That's When I Knew"

It wasn’t when you walked out

Wasn’t when you said goodbye

It wasn’t when I sat down had myself a real good cry

It wasn’t when I tore your picture from the frame

Threw it in the fire and sent it up in flames

I still felt the same


Then tonight I met someone
We went out and we had fun
He made me laugh, we danced all night
And I didn’t see your face when I was looking in his eyes
That’s when I knew
I was over you

I was staying busy

Trying to keep you off my mind

Baby but your memory it put up a real good fight

I went out with friends to have a drink or two

They tried to cheer me up there was nothing they could do

I was still missing you

Then tonight I’m there with him

It felt so good to feel good again

He took my hand and I didn’t mind

And I didn’t try to stop him when he kissed me goodnight

That’s when I knew

I was over

Crying in my pillow

Praying that you would come home

Waiting for the phone to ring

Wondering where it went wrong

Wishing I could move on

Thought I’d never feel this way

Thought I’d never see this day


Then tonight I met someone
We went out and we had fun
He made me laugh, we danced all night
And I didn’t see your face when I was looking in his eyes
That’s when I knew
I was over you

That's When I Knew by Jim Collins

"Break Down Here"

We left for Nashville and prayed that this, literally, would not happen.  900 miles and 15 hours later, I think I had in mind what a good driving song should consist of.  I love my ballad heart and I love this song.  Found this gem SO many years ago, remove these kind of 'naturally' flat vocals and you have an incredible song.  What is it about driving and remembering?  We need to figure this out.

FM Radio:
Singer: Julie Roberts
Songwriters: Jason Matthews, Jess Brown
Song: "Break Down Here"


Mile marker 203
The gas gauge leanin' on the edge of E
And I'll be danged if the rain ain't pourin down
There's somethin smokin' underneath the hood
It's a bangin' and a clangin' and it can't be good
And it's another 50 miles to the nearest town

Everything I own is in the back in a Hefty bag
I'm outta cigarettes and I'm down to my last drag

I'd sure hate to break down here
Nothin' up ahead or in the rear-view mirror
Out in the middle of nowhere knowin'
I'm in trouble if these wheels stop rollin'

God help me, keep me movin' somehow
Don't let me start wishin' I was with him now
I've made it this far without cryin' a single tear
I'd sure hate to break down here

Under fifty-thousand miles ago
Before the bad blood and busted radio
You said I was all you'd ever need

But love is blind and little did I know
That you were just another dead-end road
Paved with pretty lies and broken dreams
Baby leavin' you is easier than bein' gone
I don't know what I'll do if one more thing goes wrong

I'd sure hate to break down here
Nothin' up ahead or in the rear-view mirror
Out in the middle of nowhere knowin'
I'm in trouble if these wheels stop rollin'

So God help me, keep me movin' somehow
Don't let me start wishin' I was with him now
I've made it this far without cryin' a single tear
And I'd sure hate to break down here, oh no

I'd sure hate to break down here
Nothin' up ahead or in the rear-view mirror
Out in the middle of nowhere knowin'
I'm in trouble if these wheels stop rollin'

So God help me, keep me movin' somehow
Don't let me start wishin' I was with him now
I've made it this far without cryin' a single tear
I'd sure hate to break down, it's to late to turn around
And I'd sure hate to break down here

Mile marker 215

 

"Oh Love"

Carrie Underwood can sing me the dictionary.  Well, it also helps that Hillary Lindsey is the musical 'Webster's' and defines every positive adjective out there.  This song just explodes your heart.  There is much to be said about a song that leaves more unspoken than said; and this song is one of those rare treasures.  I cannot explain why this song didn't shoot to #1 because it is more than worthy of it.  Flawless production, flawless vocals, flawlessly written, stays with you...should I say more or should I just let you listen?  Read these beautiful words on your second listen.  This isn't a song about all the typicals in a relationship, this is the 'love of your life' type song.  A long that is boundless, endless, and "Deep as the life from God's own breath."  Breathtaking.

FM Radio:
Singer: Brad Paisley/Carrie Underwood
Songwriters: Hillary Lindsey (It shouldn't surprise you), Aimee Mayo, Gordie Sampson
Song: "Oh Love"

Strong like a mother holds her child
Free as horses runnin' wild
Real as a prayer on a lonely night
As sure as the ocean tide

Oh love oh love
All the many colors that you’re made of
You heal you bleed
You’re the simple truth
And you’re the biggest mystery
Oh love oh love

Deep as the life from God’s own breath
Endless even after death
Gone like a sunset

You can break a heart in pieces
Put it back together again

You can break down sweet forgiveness
You’re the one that never ends
Oh love

Oh love oh love
All the many colors that you’re made of
You heal you bleed
You’re the simple truth
And you’re the biggest mystery
Oh love oh love

"Big Cry"

If we could wash every bad feeling, bad memory, or anything that we wanted to forget away from us, we probably wouldn't have music.  I probably wouldn't live my life for it, nor would I be sitting here writing this right now.  Well, let me see I'm glad I can't forget to remember.  
I would kill to hear Hillary sing this song...literally, you know me and you know my heart by now.  Well, take a listen to this brilliant song with this fresh structure, which I love, and let the horns and amazing lyrics & melody take you to a place where only a broken heart can.


FM Radio:
Singer: Sara Evans
Songwriters: Hillary Lindsey, Troy Verges, Angelo
Song: "Big Cry"

Chorus
Give me a sad song that I can hold on to
Anything to set me free
Just one big cry, big tears in my eyes
To wash you away from me

I need a night all by myself
Got some things I need to work out
I got this fever that just won't break
I got some troubles I got to shake
Give me, give me

Give me a sad song that I can hold on to
Anything to set me free
Just one big cry, big tears in my eyes
To wash you away from me

I know, I know I'm gonna have to cleanse my soul
If I'm ever gonna get back on my way
One night, one night, one dark and lonely night
And then will come a brighter day
Just give me one night, one night, one dark and lonely night
And then will come a brighter day

Give me a sad song that I can hold on to
Anything to set me free
Just one big cry, big tears in my eyes
To wash you away from me

"I Hope You Find It"

I'm one of those writers who cannot write a blog, or anything non-music related, without listening to music in the process.  There is something about music that makes me feel 'free.'  It sounds crazy but it's the 'lets bare our heart and soul to the people who do not read this blog' way of getting 'it' out.

It's amazing how, as a person, you could stand in a room filled with hundreds or a few and know that there is something that makes you feel different.  You can't put into words what 'it' is but you just know.  Some people spend their whole lives trying to find it, that one spark that makes them ride lightning, well, I am fortunate enough that it found me.  It's just a natural feeling, for me at least, of knowing who you are, where you stand, and what you're supposed to do in this crazy life.  Well for me this is just part of 'it.'  Music and getting into someone's heart through a lyric and a melody is lightning I'm trying to ride.  But for all of you who have yet to feel what I feel, "I Hope You Find It."

If you ask me what my favorite book or story is, I will instantly say "The Last Song."  Nicholas Sparks is, undoubtedly, my favorite author.  That story and movie just changed me somehow, I dom't know how but I knew I felt like so much more of a deeper person after reading and watching that story.  The movie was incredible, but if I didn't read the book before hand, I would've never appreciated the depth of the story that was only partially put in the movie.  Well this song was the credit roll song and it stuck with me.  Go ahead, tell me how I have lost my musical integrity...but first listen to this song, really listen.  Then, you can yell at me.  And how fitting is it that Jeffrey Steele wrote this song.

FM Radio:

Singer: Miley Cyrus

Songwriters: Jeffrey Steele, Steve Robson

Song: "I Hope You Find It"

These clouds aren't going nowhere, baby
Rain keeps coming down
I just thought I'd try to call you, baby
For you got too far outta town
And I hope that you get this message that I'm leaving for you
'Cause I hate that you left without hearing the words that I needed you to

And I hope you find it,
What you're looking for
And I hope it's everything you dreamed your life could be
And so much more

And I hope you're happy, wherever you are
I wanted you to know that
And nothing's gonna change that
And I hope you find it

Am I supposed to hang around and wait forever?
Last words that I said
But that was nothing but a broken heart talkin', baby
You know that's not what I meant
Call me up, let me know that you got this message that I'm leaving for you
'Cause I hate that you left without hearing the words that I needed you to

And I hope you find it,
What you're looking for
And I hope it's everything you dreamed your life could be
And so much more

And I hope you're happy, wherever you are
I wanted you to know that
And nothing's gonna change that
And I hope you find it
Whatever it is out there that you were missing here

And I hope you find it,
What you're looking you
And I hope it's everything you dreamed your life could be
And so much more

And I hope you're happy wherever you are
I wanted you to know that
And nothing's gonna change that
No, no, no
And I hope you find it
I hope you find it 

"Dreamers"

I am living proof, it takes a hell of a lot of guts to go after what you want.  I'm all for the impossible but also knowing what is inside your reach.  There are millions of people out there who hold the same skills as you, similar talents, and are prettier..let's face it there always is someone!  The only thing that can separate you from them is knowledge.  There's a decision you make when your feet first hit the floor in the morning, to try or not to try.  Do you walk around with your head down knowing that you will never succeed or do you keep your head high and keep on keeping on.  (Great hook, right?)  Well, believe me, I am the first to say that I know way too much and some people would think I'm a weird stalker but little do they know...I'm learning.


I study a song and a songwriter until I can close my eyes and recognize they wrote the words that I am hearing artist X singing.  I sound crazy but really I am trying to learn the craft of songwriting inside and out.  I want to learn the rhyming patterns, the structures, what's not written or sung in black and white.  I. want. it. all.  I honestly don't care what I have to do to reach the pinnacle of my career but I know that the more I know will only propel me forward, never keep me stagnant.

Here's to us dreamers.  And "Thank God the dreamers aren't done dreaming yet."

P.S. - Someone needs to record this song....People need to hear this.

FM Radio:
Singer: Gordie Sampson
Songwriters: Gordie Sampson, Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas
Song: "Dreamers"

"She's A Wildflower"

I'll admit, I am human.  Sometimes it is hard not to judge people but deep down we all know that we make perceptions.  Well, I think roots are just as or more important than wings.  If you didn't have a foundation on which you can reflect back on when your soul feels questioned, you would undoubtedly turn to the wrong things.

I'll admit, I was the girl in this song.  But I am proud to say I feel like dandelion dust, the wind is slowly picking parts of me up and leading me to where I am supposed to go.  Some days it feels like you've waited so long to come so close but let me tell you...it will be worth it.

I heard this song, well watched the video of Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson sing this song since years ago.  A while ago Carrie Underwood had it on hold.  But although I LOVE this song, it is perfectly suited for Lauren Alaina, I cannot wait until she releases this!  This will inspire so many 'wildflowers' out there just waiting for that spark in the wind.


FM Radio:
Singer: Hillary Lindsey/Soon to be Lauren Alaina/Point of Grace
Songwriters: Hillary Lindsey/Gordie Sampson/Steve McEwan
Song: "She's A Wildflower"

She was the kind of girl that never quite fit in
Holes in her shoes and freckles on her skin
Every time she saw those school doors open wide
She’d wanna turn around and run back home and hide

She got used to being stuck at the back of the line
The kind that kept her head down
Most of the time
Secret dreams ‘bout the boy in the high school band
And wake up thinking
She never had a chance

Chorus:
She’s a wildflower
That’s waitin’ on a sunny day
Waitin’ on the winds of change to blow
Just a red hot spark that’s looking for a little flame, yeah
Trying to find the perfect place to grow
She’s a wildflower

She makes a wish on every single star she sees
Yeah somewhere deep down she still believes
She prays every night before she goes to bed
Pretty soon her life is gonna change
She just doesn’t know it yet

She’s a wildflower
That’s waitin’ on a sunny day
Waitin’ on the winds of change to blow
Just a red hot spark that’s looking for a little flame, yeah
Trying to find the perfect place to grow
Yeah she’s trying to find a place
She’s a wildflower that’s waiting on a sunny day
She’s the secret that nobody knows
She’s a wildflower, she’s a wildflower, she’s a wildflower 


Watch Hillary & Gordie's Version: