(This is part of a series of posts about releasing some early music via Bandcamp. In these posts, I am trying to shine a light on the writing of the songs – where inspiration comes from and how it manifests itself in music.)
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, I realized that I needed to try to express my anguish (at the devastation) and anger (at political incompetence) through song and out of those mixed feelings emerged Katrina Blows In, which became a standard song for my band, Sofa Kings, for a number of years. My attempt was to catch a feel of New Orleans with the sound and tell a story of survival from someone in the midst of the approaching storm.
There’s also the political element — of how the system failed people in the time of their greatest need, and how we need to rely on each other as much as possible.
“If we all pull together
we might find a way to weather the storm …”
I really like how my bandmates brought their own ideas to this song, shaping it into a full-blown track instead of the dirge-like demo that I had in mind. There’s life in here, just as there was still life in those who made their way out of Katrina, even though their world would never be the same. I was hoping to honor those people as best as I could, from my perch in the Northeast.
In live shows, the opening riff would often bring people to the dance floor, although I am not so sure they were listening to the lyrics. I think they were moved by the beat and the mandolin. I’m playing guitar on this one, and singing the lead. It’s one of those songs that I can listen to, and nod my head, and know that we pulled this one off pretty well.
Peace (in the storm),
Kevin
Well, I was nodding my head to the beat, too – but also paying attention to the way this song was woven together. Writing lyrics is just another form of writing workshop!
I love this – I like the contradiction between the boppin’ rhythm, which feels happy and skippy – and the lyrics which hint at the impending doom coming our way. Cool song. I also like the universal theme that can be taken away – like about finding higher ground – which might nothing to do with Katrina at all.