This song began with a story, a poignant memory shared by my father. He recounted visiting his stepmother, Lil, in the hospital during her final days. In a moment of tenderness and perhaps a touch of beautiful confusion, Lil believed her best friend was present in the room alongside my dad. Her friend, in reality, had passed away years prior. While some might perceive such a moment with unease, my father, with his remarkable ability to find grace in unexpected corners of life, embraced it. He simply stated about their conversation, “the three of us enjoyed it a lot.” This sentiment, so characteristic of my dad, became the emotional bedrock for what would become this Yeah Song.
Musically, this track represents a conscious effort to adhere to certain songwriting principles, specifically those championed by my friend Ben Weasel, a truly gifted and accomplished singer-songwriter. Ben has long advocated for utilizing standard song structures and key changes as a framework. Initially, it might seem restrictive, but I discovered, as Ben assured, that these “rules” actually liberated my creativity. By working within this structure, I was able to craft what I believe are some of the most immediately appealing and memorable melodies in my songwriting journey. This disciplined approach, inspired by Ben’s guidance, proved to be instrumental in shaping the final form of this yeah song.
It’s worth noting that Ben’s influence extended beyond just structural advice; his overall support was invaluable throughout this project. He’s been a true friend and a guiding force.
For those familiar with music theory or music performance, you’ll recognize the song’s foundation in conventional song progression, particularly in its use of key changes and arrangement. However, the distinctive character of this yeah song emerges from the sonic choices made during production. The instrumentation and the varied vocal effects woven throughout the track are where the artistic personality truly shines. These elements, layered onto a classic framework, give the song its unique flavor.
My sincere hope is that you find as much pleasure in listening to this song as I experienced in its creation – from the initial spark of inspiration to the songwriting, playing, and recording process. It’s a yeah song born from a heartfelt story and shaped by musical insights, and I’m excited to share it with you.
