The first day I brought that guitar home, all I wanted to play was oldies music. Must have been some of that spirit still kickin’ around in the ol’ hollow body. After a few days of playing those rhythms and patterns I developed one that was unique to me and started singing along. In this particular case the melody came along with some lyrics and once that happens, there is a sense of accomplishment. Keep in mind, that is only the beginning.

Once the spark of the song caught on, I needed to search for lumber to throw on that fire! I already had the phrase “Up & In” as the “tipi” base so, that was good. I wanted to move the idea of the traditional lyric “Down & Out” forward into a positive phrase that would give the listener as well as myself hope that there is a solution for catching the blues! Searching for my “lumber” was me digging through my memory of those hard times past. That’s where the ideas for the verses came in.

The resolving of the song where I sing “Now I’m Up and In” is where it all comes together (we get to roast marsh mellows if we’re still using the campfire analogy). The song was complete and not only does it move that idea forward, it also pays tribute to it idea by sharing some of my personal low times. We all go through rough patches but we all get to reach those “Up & In” moments to if we embrace our inner strength to get there. I like my marsh mellows roasted golden on a twig, what about you?

I hope you all enjoyed my essay. Follow me @katiebulley to stay in the loop about my new album ‘Sun Wolf’ coming this spring! Recorded at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, TN!

Sincerely,