THE SONG: This song is about growing up. Growing up is this two lane road. In one sense it happens whether you like it or not... in another sense it only happens if you put in the effort; There's a a passive side and a focused, deliberate side.
If you're not careful, as you live, learn and grow you can lose something. Life gets more complicated... you understand some things more, some things less... you grow thicker skin... you get used to the way things are. Some of this is great.... even essential for survival I think. But, I noticed that for me, at times, I was making things complicated that didn't have to be. Especially relationships. IT's easy to turn love into some kind of odd war or game or worse. The best love is simple... and cuts through the complications with it's selflessness, directness, it's lightness... even in the face of infinite heaviness.
The lyrics of this song are aimed at someone... me:) More than anything else, It's me, singing to me. I hope no one takes it as preachy... it's not meant to be that way... but if they do, that's fine too! I guess coming off as preachy isn't too bad, as long as it's something worth preaching... something true... something I know is consistent with the Lord. He says to love Him with the pure love of a child... and therefore to love others in the same way. Sounds good to me. Simple.
THE RECORDING: I love this piano sound... "tack piano" in Ivory. It's got all the quirky creaks and clicks and weirdness of an ancient piano. I thought it worked well to setup the nostalgic stuff in the lyrics. Felt right.
This is Cory Joseph on acoustic guitar. He played so great and transparent. You can really hear him though at the end of the chorus... juicy finger picking touch on my 1966 Martin D18. Mic'd with my Vintage Telefunken U47. Good combo, those two... those three, including Mr. Joseph.
While I'm talking guitar, I have to mention the player of this beautifully melodic guitar solo. One of my other good pals, Scott Harrah. This guy NEEDS guitar... he speaks through the thing. I know that's a cliche'... but it's true. He feels every note. Makes it sound like a voice. When my wife Natalie heard this solo she said "Oooh I love it... that's so Scott". And it is. Thanks Scott... not only is it perfect for the song... it meant this song didn't need a bridge... Love Simple: Song Simple.
This song features my Fatty Snare... I describe that snare in my "about the song" for "Reckless"... go see!
The Section Quartet is all over the song as well. A co-arrangment. This song got at least 20% better once they got on there... love the way they can capture that subtle gypsy sound. Verse two has some sweet nuggets in the violins... listen for it.
Enjoy. And keep love simple when you can.
:)!A
Original Release Date: September 21, 2010