Sometimes writing a song is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. I find the corner pieces first, then construct the frame with the edge pieces fill in the rest. Dividing the pieces into piles based on color, texture and subject, I immerse myself in the process of discovery. Piecing each line together one syllable at a time, I try to stay open to whatever direction the song may lean to. A good writer allows the song to reveal itself, and does not force the song to become something it's not meant be. 

This song came together a bit differently... like two half-full ketchup bottles at a diner. I had written the first verse in something I refer to as "quantum writing". It usually happens when I'm driving, and it happens in what feels like a single thought. Every word, every note just sings itself out of my mouth and I scramble to press the red button on my voice recorder. The chorus happened in dreamland, between doodles on a piece of paper-- but months before.

The challenge for me was singling out these two giant pieces and fitting them together... This truly was a challenge because I'm constantly recording ideas, writing down thoughts, humming melodies and strumming new chord progressions. One of the reasons I love writing so much is the divine intervention I often experience in this type of situation. 

I had been carefully narrowing down my song selection for the EP based on tempo and subject matter, wanting every song to represent the things I've experienced and learned in the recent past, and mercy was prevalent. When I received this verse fully intact and ready to be sung, I got the feeling I already had the chorus. Sure enough, I stumbled upon a notebook and on one of the pages I had written "Mercy Forgets". In that moment, I remembered that I had really wanted to write a song with that title, and knew I had found the match. On the same page, the lines were scribbled (in no particular order) that now make up the chorus to Mercy Forgets.

This song almost didn't make it into the studio. Fear got ahold of me and I started thinking "This is so dumb, the chords are too simple, no one will like it, etc, etc.". Even on the first day of tracking in the studio, I almost called my producer to tell him not to do this one (I was really sick that day-- not a good time to make big decisions!). When I stopped by the studio to listen a few days later, I tapped my foot nervously while I listened... Out of the 5 songs, it was my favorite. I said to James, " I was so worried about this song! I almost called you to tell you not to track it!" He smiled and said, "Even if you had, I still would've tracked it. This ended up being one of my favorites."

The writing process is more than just writing. It's battling your organization system, insecurities, fears, pride... Thank God for divine intervention :)

Hey friends! As I officially kick off my new blog, I thought it would be appropriate to start somewhat of a tradition. Whenever I add a new song to the website, I will be sharing the story behind how it was written. Doesn't that sound like fun? I think so, too. Since "I Love You Too" is the only song currently on the site, that's where we'll start!

Once Upon a Song: I Love You Too

In October of last year, Sheree' Spoltore' of NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) connected Matthew Barnett and I to write together. After a few emails and schedule changes, we met at Starbucks on a freezing cold, miserable, rainy evening to kick off our co-writing session. Coffee in full effect, we started discussing song ideas. Matt had this beautiful guitar part written (which you can hear throughout the song on guitar and piano) and I (selfishly) really wanted to be part of writing the song with him because it was so captivating . We both started humming melodies and it just reminded me of a love song. It was quite comical for a few reasons. First of all, we had never met before- Matt is a blissfully married man, and I am a blissfully single girl. Secondly, we are songwriters- and songwriters seldom write love songs. Unless you're Diane Warren. All that said, we decided to pursue this whole "love" concept...

I had recently been watching a movie and heard the line "I love you, too". It's something you hear on a daily basis- but it stuck out to me that time. Some people are able to express themselves through words easier than others. This song was written from the perspective of someone who is entirely aware of their loved one's worth, but hasn't made it known. I am often able to express myself better in songs than in real life, so this song was particularly cathartic and heartfelt for me.

Matt and I finished the song a few weeks later, and he worked on producing the track for it. It was such an honor to work with Matt. It's rare to write so well with a stranger. We have both received a lot of positive response from our friends and colleagues about the song, which is such a blessing. I look forward to sharing another Barnett & Vine song in the near future...

Until then, stay as sweet as you are.
-Rebecca