Be My Record Label » Blog Archive » First Song, Part One: Writing the Song

First Song, Part One: Writing the Song

by Christine
on August 4, 2008
in Songwriting

Note: I appreciated NancyCz’s comment in the last post about how listening to these songs in advance will change the overall listening experience of the CD.

It most certainly will.

So, you can listen to this song and decide whether or not to keep listening to others. Or I can open up, say, SIX of the songs to you – and save the rest, or whatever.

(And Nancy – you can hit the play button on the song below and plug your ears and go, “LA LA LA LA LA!” really loud so you can’t hear it.

VIRGINIA (Part One)

Okay, our first song is “Virginia.” (This is Part One because I first wanted to share a little about the writing of this tune.)

I first wrote this song in about three hours. I wrote it for my niece (Virginia) on her birthday while sitting in my hotel room. These are the first lyrics scribbled on my hotel writing pad before I went to her big birthday party…

The song was about a little girl waking up on her birthday. And the hook was “Before you even blink your eyes Virginia is growing up.”

Bringing in a Co-writer

Then, about a month ago, Steve Seskin and I spent two solid days writing together in Nashville. The whole point of this was so I could play my new songs for Steve, who would help me re-write any of the ones I was stuck on. Steve is very good at this.

I played “Virginia” – and he liked it. But it was in that dog-hears-a-high-pitch-head-tilting way. Not in a “Whoa-what-a-great-song!” way.

So, we tore the song apart . It took almost the full day – and at one point the lyrics were so bad that we made a parody song that changed my original hook line from “Virginia is growing up” to “Virginia is growing pot.” We found this hysterical and wasted lots of time adding new lines that sent us into fits of laughter.

Then, at Steve’s suggestion, I let go of the song being about a little girl, and let it be about someone a little older. The song began to move effortlessly. The second verse is totally word-for-word what I said out loud to Steve when he asked me to describe this adventurous girl. It was Steve’s idea to lose the hook line altogether – which is why, at the end of the chorus – it goes “Virginia…” and leaves the thought hanging and moves right into the second verse.

Where’s that Confounded Bridge?

Steve and I didn’t write a bridge for the song.

(FYI: A bridge is the one section in a song that is totally different from the other sections – musically, lyrically, whatever. So, say, in Jimmy Buffet’s song “Come Monday,” it’s the part where he sings “I can’t help it honey, you’re that much a part of me now…”)

Not every song needs a bridge. But often, you simply know when a song does need one.

So, when Steve was out of the country and unreachable, I came up with the bridge. It’s unfinished in the version of the song below. The bridge I wrote switches the song into first person. This kind of thing drives Steve nuts about my songwriting. When he first heard this bridge, he wasn’t convinced.

Then, while I was walking through LaGuardia Airport on my way to record, my cell phone rang. Steve was calling to tell me that the bridge had grown on him, and that it was a very “Christine-ish” bridge. (Read: “This song has no chance of becoming a hit.”)

I’ve since come up with the last two lines of the bridge – and you’ll hear that later. In this version of the song, and in tomorrow’s version - I will “la la la” through the missing lines. (There are always a few re-writes when you record a CD - and always a few unfinished lines.)

So here’s the song. Please know that this version of the song is me at my kitchen table singing into Garage Band on my computer. It’s VERY rough - with flubbed chord changes and bad singing. Tomorrow, I will post the first round of work that Ben and I did on this. For now, just get acquainted with the song…

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If you like this post, you can PRE-ORDER the CD now!

Elaine wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 2:15 am :

Thanks for sharing this process with us! I’m looking forward to hearing the next version tomorrow!
Reply to Elaine
Elaine wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 2:16 am :

P.s. are you posting the ‘Pot’ version too?!
Reply to Elaine
Christine wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 6:35 am :

Thanks Elaine. I was thinking that the pot version could be the song I write for the person who wins the song contest!
Reply to Christine
Maggie wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 6:56 am :

thanks for sharing the process of birthing a song.
Reply to Maggie
Mark wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 7:13 am :

Wow that was freaking fantastic. I loved it!

I really did. I loved it.

You slipped that bridge in there like butter, Christine. It seemed totally appropriate (and necessary)…to these ears anyway.

Such a pleasure to hear the demo - you at your kitchen table, roughing it out. How awesome is that? Awesome.

I predict this will be a crowd favorite. (For one thing, who doesn’t like the name Virginia?) That aside, the song has a positive vibe and a hit-ish quality about it. And it is quintessential Christine Kane and that’s a GOOD thing.

Thank you so much for sharing this. (Love the guitar playing, too.) Great way to start my day…more please!
Reply to Mark
Lisa Call wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 7:27 am :

Wonderful! Getting the scoop on the process is great as it is all quite a mystery to me where the music comes from (visual art so much more obvious to me). Definitely looking forward to reading and hearing more.
Reply to Lisa Call
Christine wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 7:33 am :

Thanks Maggie!

Mark - You’re so sweet. Thanks for all the good mojo here. (The guitar playing is the lamest thing about the song (IMHO) but thanks!)

Lisa - I’m the OPPOSITE of you. Visual art mystifies me. I’m in awe of anything visual and how that process evolves. Thanks!
Reply to Christine
Sheri McConnell wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 7:46 am :

I loved it too–thanks so much for sharing your songs and the process. I am really enjoying it.
Reply to Sheri McConnell
Sue wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 7:49 am :

I am with Mark. Loved it. Loved the growing up of Virginia and her dreams. And it does have such a positive vibe. For what it’s worth, this is so fun to me that i plugged my earphones into my laptop at work so i could listen to it this morning. While i was listening, someone asked me what i was smiling about so early on a monday morning….that sums it up!!
Fun to be in the process!
Reply to Sue
Fiona Purdy wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 8:03 am :

Thanks you Christine for sharing, the song is awesome, it really hits home for me.
I can’t wait to hear it evolve throughout the process!
Reply to Fiona Purdy
Don Mak wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 8:43 am :

I think it sounds great.

Song contest? Did I miss something?

-dm
Reply to Don Mak
Katriena wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 9:53 am :

I just listened to this once and it’s already stuck in my head. That can’t be a bad thing. And like so many of your songs, it tells a solid story and makes me feel like I know something about Virginia, and even more importantly, care about her.

Following this process is fascinating. Thanks so much for sharing!
Reply to Katriena
Sandy wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 9:56 am :

I love this song! It would be a song that I would buy the whole album for if I had to. I love it so much that I posted about it and your whole project.

This project is so wonderful because you are recreating your reality in the business you are in. And, you give the rest of us hope that is possible to do the same.

So, thank you so much for sharing this with us today. You have no idea how much this resonated for me.

The post is here if you are interested. http://tinyurl.com/56jvp4
Reply to Sandy
Emily wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 10:33 am :

I liked it! It made me smile. I also agree with Elaine, hearing the pot version would be fun =D.
Reply to Emily
fivecats wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 2:29 pm :

“Steve was calling to tell me that the bridge had grown on him, and that it was a very “Christine-ish” bridge. (Read: “This song has no chance of becoming a hit.”)”

Okay, so here’s where I get to ask, “Is this what you really want?”

I mean, what’s a “hit” have to do with this process? Is having “hit” and receiving the attention and accolades of the general public what you really want at this point in your life and career? Sure, the money would be nice, but is all of that worth the dramatic lifestyle change that fame would bring?

So, let’s face it: your style of music isn’t likely to become a standard feature on Top 40 radio. But that’s because it’s YOUR style of music, not whatever-happens-to-be-the-passing-fad-for-this-month. I don’t think you’ve ever recorded music looking for that type of “Hit” status, have you?

The other thing that concerns me is in your initial announcement for this site you suggested that this CD might be your last. I haven’t read through the comments to see if anyone else has asked you “Why” but I’m genuinely interested in knowing why. I can’t believe you’ve said all you have to say through your music and I don’t think it’s being unprofitable for you (or is it just not profitable enough?). Isn’t making music (and selling it) part of the “whole Christine Kane package”? Can one part truly be removed from the whole with the whole being successful?

And, more importantly, with you being happy?

…
Reply to fivecats
Meg wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 3:29 pm :

What a pretty song! I’ve been listening to it over-and-over all day. Oh, I remember feeling like “Virginia” in my twenties. The rowboat, being captured in the moment, thanks for all that has come her way, dreamer, fool, living out loud… all of it…GOOD TIMES.

It’s been a fun adventure the last year or so, trying to recapture that part of myself now that I am in my 40’s. This may be my new anthem

So, for tomorrow’s version, does the little-web-do-hickey that I click to play it have the option of an auto-repeat button?

Thanks Christine, You Rock!
Reply to Meg
Shawn wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 6:30 pm :

Christine, the last line gave me chills. What a perfect ending.

Thanks for letting us be part of the process.
Reply to Shawn
Christine wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 6:42 pm :
Thanks for such great encouraging thoughts here. And fivecats - some of those questions will be perfect to build a blog around. Hit songwriters think in terms of commerciality - it’s just the nature of the beast. But it’s worth some clarifying. don mak - the song contest is one of the pre-order package options. It’s called the “Write Me a Song, Girlfriend” Package. if you win, i write a song about or for you or your dog or your spouse or whatever.
Reply to Christine
1. fivecats wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 10:37 pm :
  
  “And fivecats - some of those questions will be perfect to build a blog around.”
  
  well, yeah…
  Reply to fivecats
David Kreger wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 9:03 pm :

Hi Christine - This is great, getting to read about and listen to your creative process! The themes here are wonderful - gratitude, living consciously and actively, chasing dreams, and passage of time. The first time I listened, I felt a little reminiscent of the theme of Joni Mitchell’s “Circle Game” - someone’s life moving so quickly as you watch, as in a fast-forward movie. As you check in from time to time, you see her switching gears into new directions as she grows, and one day you turn around and go - “Wow!” I like the technique where you connect the verses together without giving us a conclusion or bottom line on Virginia each time, holding it back - for me, it speaks to the seamless flow of her life that way as you watch and check in. I also really like the upbeat guitar rhythm that adds to the story - it’s not a sad story at all, it feels good, like fulfillment and being truly alive while living. Very neat, and I definitely hope this one makes the album. I’d probably vote to hear several songs this way to experience and comment on, and then let the other ones on the CD be a surprise. (You know, the other 25 songs you’re gonna cram into this CD for us, right? Yeah RIGHT she says….). Take care, and enjoy this process - WE SURE ARE!! - Dave
Reply to David Kreger
Michelle wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 9:45 pm :

Christine,

Thanks for sharing not only the music and process but also the example of vulnerability in the middle of it all.

I liked the contrast between the beginning of the song with the imagery of silence and the lake and the call to live out loud as it came from within. Nice!
Reply to Michelle
Jana Bouc wrote on 04 Aug 2008 at 11:35 pm :

I love it just the way it is including the guitar playing and would immediately buy the CD hoping all the songs would be this good!
Reply to Jana Bouc
Ariff wrote on 05 Aug 2008 at 2:01 am :

Wow. I loved the song, especially the last line, “Virginia makes another dream come true.” It just feels so fitting in the end.

Now, if only you’d put up the pot song…
Reply to Ariff
NancyCz wrote on 05 Aug 2008 at 6:21 am :

Okay, let’s face it, once you put it out there, Ms. Kane, one cannot NOT press play. One cannot cover their ears and sing LALALA. One can do nothing but say, “Damn, not only is she this courageous daring woman doing something unconventional that other artists would most likely shy away from…”

Nope, not only that… but also, “She’s done it again!”

LOVE IT!

Interested to hear how it changes… and loved reading the story and hearing this version (which was different than I imagined when reading it).

Thanks for always bringing something so interesting forward.

I have no freaking will power!
Reply to NancyCz
barb b wrote on 05 Aug 2008 at 9:29 am :

this is way too cool. as a writer who only shares her work with my poetry group and teacher, (until it is “done”),you are to be admired for putting it all out there. and since i have no clue about how a cd is made, this gives me insight to the process. i love it. way to go. bb
Reply to barb b
Christi wrote on 05 Aug 2008 at 10:05 am :

Okay, it might be rough, but it still gave me chills.

Thanks for letting us into the process. Can’t wait to hear more! (And I just preordered. Yay!)
Reply to Christi
Patricia wrote on 05 Aug 2008 at 1:10 pm :

Finally had a chance to listen this morning. Christine, I applaude your courage. Letting us into the private world of creating is very brave. In this slicked up world, where everything is shiny and perfect, this is refreshing. I do painting demos in front of groups of students occasionally and the vulnerability I feel is nearly crushing. It’s wonderful to feel the support I get from my students, and it’s wonderful to witness the support you’re getting. The world is more than ready for this lovely song just as it is.
Reply to Patricia
thea wrote on 06 Aug 2008 at 7:13 am :

oh my god I absolutely positively ADORE this song-in a spine tingling jump up and down dance around way!

I see this as being a wonderful theme song for me and my tribe of girls:

denise (http://www.blogger.com/profile/03831320334520839164), jen (http://www.jengray.com/) meg (http://meggenge.blogspot.com/) Stace (http://stacied.typepad.com/schmoopy/) just to name a few…

I wish you could come to Squam workshops with us.

hee hee-I am convinced you would have a blast:)
Reply to thea
Becky wrote on 06 Aug 2008 at 4:06 pm :

Hey, Christine,
Thanks for letting us tag along on the process. Captivating. It enriches the experience of the song, which was very cool without enrichment. Christine, unplugged, at the kitchen table, and the animals were quiet!
I loved the opening lake imagery….
Reply to Becky
Heather wrote on 06 Aug 2008 at 5:01 pm :

Love it love it love it. Thanks once again for letting us in on the process.
Reply to Heather
Jeffrey wrote on 07 Aug 2008 at 10:56 am :

I for one am glad that it has a very Christine-ish bridge. The song has a beautiful message sounds great. It is a privilege to be included in the development process of this song.
Reply to Jeffrey
Jeffrey wrote on 07 Aug 2008 at 10:56 am :

I for one am glad that it has a very Christine-ish bridge. The song has a beautiful message and sounds great. It is a privilege to be included in the development process of this song.
Reply to Jeffrey
Cid wrote on 07 Aug 2008 at 12:18 pm :

I am in love…this one is particularly heartwarming since I just lost a dear family friend a week ago. Her name was Virginia

You are so inspirational…thanks for you!
Reply to Cid
unreliable narrator wrote on 07 Aug 2008 at 3:12 pm :
1) I can’t BELIEVE you are doing this. You got the ovaries of CAST-IRON, woman. Woot! 2) There’s something off, or off-ish, or off-esque? about the chords in the chorus and how they accompany the melody, specifically the second line when you sing the bit about waking up in the morning? It’s a letdown for me sonically after the suspended fourth (? I think? or seventh, maybe) of your singing the name “Virginia” which is so upward-reaching and lovely and a great hook for the whole thing. I’m just saying. I’m happy with the bridge but it’s the chorus that feels rocky to me, musically. 3) I like the quick strums on the verse, with the semi-talking-blues list of the things Virginia does. Cool! 4) Did I mention how you have a HEART OF FIRE to be doing this in the first place? I did? Oh. 5) Yay!
Reply to unreliable narrator
1. Christine wrote on 07 Aug 2008 at 3:30 pm :
  
  Unreliable Narrator - you are dead-on here. I played the five when I was supposed to play the one chord. (Or vice-versa.) And believe you me - I heard from Steve almost instantly about it. The next version is fixed. (But I still messed up a chord in the second chorus. Ah, the joys of ProTools.) And thank you for complimenting my cast-iron ovaries. I rather enjoyed the laugh!
  Reply to Christine
unreliable narrator wrote on 07 Aug 2008 at 3:16 pm :
PS–ages and ages ago, I sent my Bay Area folkie-loving college friend the link to your song “Right Outta Nowhere”–I wasn’t sure why, but thought she needed to hear it. She just emailed me she’s applying to graduate school and getting married (to her partner, but legally this time), and that the song has accompanied her as she’s moved her life forward in new, unexpected ways. How’s *that* for a hit, rock star!? ;o)
Reply to unreliable narrator
1. Rhiannon wrote on 10 Aug 2008 at 1:34 am :
  
  Hi Christine - This whole process is so intriguing to me as like Lisa Call (hi Lisa!) musical creation is so much more mysterious to me than the visual. I am finding it so enjoyable to see things unfold and learn how it comes together. And I love the idea of you singing at your kitchen table with Garage Band. Kitchen tables are at the heart of a lot of creativity !
  Reply to Rhiannon
Beth wrote on 11 Aug 2008 at 8:24 am :

I’m way late to the game here, but I wanted to comment on the brilliance (and courage) of dropping the hook line after “Virginia . . . .” Doing that allows you to lead into the next verse and ultimately make the whole thing lead to the very ending when you resolve it lyrically. In my own songwriting I’ve found that the small changes are easy to be willing to make (I buff and polish individual words and lines a lot) but the big ones are the tough ones to be willing to do, especially after the song as existed as a song for awhile. This particular decision (along with, of course, the whole change of focus in terms of how old Virginia is) makes a huge difference, and helps me remember to be more open to doing the big revisions.
Reply to Beth
Debbie Goodrow wrote on 25 Aug 2008 at 8:02 pm :

I applaud your courage at putting the less-that-perfect stuff out here for us all. The insights your words and song have provided are lovely. And I -love- your way of singing her name Virginia… and moving into the new chapter of the song and her life.

Just one things floored me. In your comments was said; “…a very “Christine-ish” bridge. (Read: “This song has no chance of becoming a hit.”)”

“..no chance of becoming a hit” I never in the world would have though you would allow such a negative thought, without at least noting it and giving it marching orders!
Reply to Debbie Goodrow