Americana Highways proudly premiered Charles Wesley Godwin’s heartfelt new track, “Strawberry Queen,” a standout from his highly anticipated album Seneca, released on February 15th. Produced by the acclaimed Al Torrence, Seneca boasts contributions from seasoned musicians like Eric Heywood (Son Volt, Ray LaMontagne) on pedal steel and Ben Townsend (Hillbilly Gypsies) on fiddle and banjo, enriching Godwin’s Appalachian storytelling with authentic instrumentation.
Growing up immersed in the culture of Appalachia, West Virginia, Charles Wesley Godwin brings a unique perspective to his music, offering insightful glimpses into the region’s life and spirit. Producer Al Torrence masterfully captures this essence on Seneca, particularly in “Strawberry Queen.” The song evokes a nostalgic, old-time country atmosphere, reminiscent of a lively barndance romance, through its traditional rhythms and the crisp sounds of acoustic guitar and stringed instruments. Godwin’s lyrics express a charming surprise at finding love where he least expected it: “I never would’ve guessed it in a hundred years or more… I’d meet a lowland angel like I’d never seen before.” This “lowland angel” is central to the queen song narrative Godwin weaves.
“Strawberry Queen” is deeply personal, serving as a musical ode to Godwin’s wife. The song tenderly reflects on their meeting and his delightful astonishment at falling for someone outside his Appalachian background. She hails from Plant City, Florida, famously known as the “strawberry capital of the world,” a detail that sparked the creative seed for this endearing queen song. The “Strawberry Queen” title itself is a loving nod to her origins and the sweetness she brings to his life.
Musically, “Strawberry Queen” draws significant inspiration from the legendary Carter Family, particularly A.P. Carter’s melodic composition style. Godwin credits producer Al Torrence for expertly highlighting this influence, ensuring the recorded version perfectly mirrored his initial vision for the song. “This was one of those songs that came quick,” Godwin explains, recounting the effortless creation process while dog-sitting: “I was dog-sitting for some friends, sitting in their living room with all the dogs around my feet and came out with this after a couple of hours start to finish.” This spontaneity and heartfelt inspiration shine through in “Strawberry Queen,” making it a genuine and captivating queen song within Godwin’s growing discography.
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