So, if you read my splash page, you will know that I’m an avid musician and I’m also a gardener. I thought if I’m doing posts here about gardening in The Singing GreenThumb, I should be doing some music too. My brother Vern is getting married today, and I thought about my relationship with my husband and this song… so this is kinda for my brother but not really. Maybe he and Lisa will get a chuckle out of it. I do hope that Lisa does not trip on any dirty cloths of Vern’s… lol (that will make more sense as you read on).
I’m going to chat about one of my most popular songs, “The Glue”. This song is near and dear to me, and really shows a testament of how songs can come out to you. There are many song writers out there, and they can all attest that some come easy and some take time, patience and love. I have always thought I song will be fully born when it is ready to be born, and the more you force it, the authenticity fades away in the song. It’s essence never really develops. Some writers may disagree and that is ok, we all have our own journey in the writing process.
Anywhoooo…. back to “The Glue”. This is a song that literally poured out of my in 10 minutes. My fastest song ever to write. So, when my husband and I started living together (not married at the time) we were both going through the growing pains of living together. He had never lived with a girlfriend, and it had been many years since he had had a roommate of any kind. I had never lived with a partner, just roommates. So, we both had a learning and adjustment period.
One thing he had always done pre-me was leave his socks on the floor when going to bed. So, at night when I would get up to use the bathroom, they would be in my pathway at times. One night I tripped on one and had a pretty good tumble. I was FURIOUS!!! We had a spat the next day, but had to iron it out as I was leaving on tour for a couple weeks. So we said sorry and such before he left for work. Our apology didn’t feel done to me when he drove away, so I grabbed my guitar and felt inspired to write a little song for him.
The song came pouring out fast and furiously, but this time without feeling furious! (pause of laughter??? maybe??) So, I recorded it on his computer in this quick little live performance using the built in PC recording app. I left a sticky on the computer telling him to play it, then finished packing and hit the road for my tour.
Well, my cellphone rang later that day and it was him with how much he loved it. And this time we really felt like our fight over the socks was over. The song ended up on my 3rd album “Interwoven Roots”, and it ended up winning Single of the Year at the Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards.
Sometimes when songs come from the heart, they shine for others as well as yourself. This song was more about trials and learning curves. Many people refer to two lines in specific:
“Because what makes us so strong are the little things that go wrong.” -I really feel that it is the little ups and downs that really build character, understanding, and learning how to co-exist with others. These little trials will either “glue” you together or split you apart, depending on how you move forward with them.
“Make it through the rapids that come so quickly at us,” – This line is, I think, obvious. When things go wrong, it is usually unexpected, and it is how you get through these times that can define a relationship and how it moves forward. These events are like rapids, and you will either grab the gunnels and flip, or work together to guide your canoe through the rapids. This takes skill… LOTS of skill…. figuratively and literally.
“I’ll grab the paddle, you can grab the canoe… Do what we love and it becomes the glue…” – So this line shows that the glue is also built with good events, not just the challenging ones. Take time to find those things you like to do and enjoy them. It is so easy to get caught up in the little ups and downs and tasks of life that we forget to enjoy our time together. The glue needs to be reapplied from time to time, so this line is about getting out and doing some fun things together.
Well, that’s all I will say about this song. It’s one of my favs, and not because it one a few awards, but because it is just “real” to me. (And at the risk of sounding arrogant, others too based on what my fans have told me.)
So, I know that my brother Vern and Lisa have been together for many years now and finally tying the knot today (July 10, 2020). Relationships take work, love, attention, and of course take some ups and downs. Vern and Lisa will do well. And Lisa? If you are reading this, please let me know any tripping or silly stories of you and Vern, and maybe it will inspire another crazy, cool, quirky song that people love. All the best on your special day!
Alright, take a minute to listen to the song if you want. Thanks to all of you who read this blog! The video was put together by Damien Gilbert with Epica Pictures. He took some footage, and we added some that we had of our own from real life situations. Some are goofy….
Hope you enjoyed this little blog! See you all soon. 🙂
Shy-Anne
