Wanda’s Song
Wanda’s Song
This was the first song we wrote when we moved to Nashville. It took a long time to write, many sessions, many hours. We didn’t have a very concrete idea for the story when we started. It started out with the hook “If that is all you see, then you don’t see me”, basically saying that people often look at superficial things, instead of really trying to get to know someone. Initially the story was very complicated. Too complicated. When we finally settled on the taunting/teasing idea, we were able to make it work better. The three of us knew people in our childhood who Wanda represented. And we could relate to the experiences of the main characters. It was cathartic to write this song and make a statement denouncing the kind of behavior that put Wanda in the place she finds herself. We are particularly proud of the bridge to this song—we think it’s one of the strongest we’ve ever written. Also, it’s the most interesting song we have musically, thanks to the acoustic groove John Paul Lourence came up with, with the verses in a minor key, and the chorus in a major key–it gives the song the funky feel it has. Rusty Danmyer and Larry Franklin nailed the dobro and fiddle parts respectively, really enhancing the recording. The process of writing this song was a good reminder that it often helps to have a fairly strong concept of the direction of the song before you begin writing—it usually makes the writing sessions much less frustrating.
Eric,
How are you! We have been so busy. We have a few more books published and are currently revising 240 lesson plans. I still want to do something with “WANDA” in the future. We haven’t song any “Wanda” CD – why I don’t know. It’s a great song and I still play it during my presentations and refer people to your website.
I sent it to my publisher, but they aren’t prepared to deal with CDs.
Do I have your permission to include the lyrics in one of my lesson plans? The lesson requires students to discuss the song and its messages.
Alllan Beane
Dear Reading Brothers,
My school is having a Take A Stand Against Bullying Week, and me and and some of my friends are in charge of it. For a presentation, 3 of us want to perform Wanda’s Song. It is perfect for what we are trying to make fellow students understand. I was going to play guitar for it, while we sang, but i can’t find the chords anywhere! Please, if you would make the chords available somehow, it would really help us out, and mean a lot to our school. I understand if this isn’t possible, but please consider it.
Thank you,
Tanya
This is an amazing song! You guys should make a music video out of it! (let me star in it lolz-I’m trying to get my big break). But seriously-this is a really good song, with a really strong message that needs to be heard and affects so many people and students in every school. It’s a beautiful song. Great job!