Fort Worth Songwriters' Association

FROM THE PRESIDENT

When my Uncle Buck got into the music business, his manager suggested adding an “s” on his last name because it flowed. So, Buck Owens became a famous country entertainer and the rest is history. My cousin, Randy Owen followed in his footsteps and became the lead singer of Alabama. I still remember when I saw him in concert and he pulled me up on the stage to perform with him.

When my 3rd cousin, Jake Owen, became a country music entertainer, I began to see a pattern. I thought to myself, “what is this draw to country music”? It never affected my other relatives, Clive Owen, an English actor, or my Great Grandfather Reginald Owen, who was famous for his starring role in the 1938 movie “A Christmas Carol”.

Now, you may have discovered another pattern here. I am lying about everything you have read so far in this article. But, is it a lie or am I not telling the truth? Is there a difference? I guess it really depends on your perspective. Is there a time when telling a falsehood is acceptable or permissible? The answer is “yes”. One exception to this rule is called “songwriting”.

We all tell stories in our songs. Some are true, some are not. We write about divorce or break-ups; when we are happily married. We write about drinking and partying; when we prefer to be in bed by 9:00pm and are non-drinkers. We write about adventures on the road, when we have never left home. The list goes on and on. Sometimes the best songs come from a good or bad experience we have never personally encountered. That is what makes our craft so enjoyable and challenging.

My cousin, Randy Owen, once told me “songwriting comes from the heart and tells the personal story of each listener”. Or, maybe he didn’t say that and I just made it up. It really doesn’t matter because I am a songwriter and I lie - a lot. Take care and keep the music growing.