What next?

For the longest time, I have been a closet songwriter. But slowly I have been coming out...cowriting...even performing for the .... gulp .... public. Eek! Over the past few years, several folks have presented me with a question. They have asked me when I have a gig, or where my band is playing, or if I have anything on iTunes. (I can technically answer the last question...released by Layton James, "Let The Storm Roll By"....just a little shameless self-promotion. I'm done now.) To which I politely inform them that I am not an artist, I am a writer. For as long as I can remember, I have told people that I am not interested in being a performer...therefore, I write songs only for others in hopes that I will someday get a cut. Now, I will admit that I have slipped up a few times, and written some very personal material. But for the most part, I try to write things that other folks will sing. Recently, I submitted a few of these tunes to NSAI for song evaluations, with mixed results. One of them received pretty good reviews, and I am planning on getting it demoed. Another one....eh, not so great reviews. The evaluator suggested a complete re-write...which I rarely do. Further in the evaluation, he went on about how to approach writing. He talked about thinking more like an artist when I work on a new song. Of course...I have spent several years avoiding the "A" word. I am not an artist...I am a writer. But really...is thinking like an artist that far of a stretch? What do I have to lose? I may write songs too edgy for others to cut....but in all reality, that's the problem I currently have. I have one "cut" ... unless Layton cut one of our co-writes. He talked about it...I should probably find out if he followed through. Maybe submit it to my BMI catalog. Yeah, I should probably find out about that. Anyhow, back to my main topic for today. To be an artist, or not to be an artist? I mean, I'm not going to sell everything, saddle up Nobe, ride down to Nashville and pray that I'll get noticed. I'm not going to claim to be a fantastic singer...because I'm not. Maybe with a little auto-tune...okay, no auto-tune. But maybe I do need to think like an artist? Maybe I need to write songs that I want to play. If someone likes them and wants to cut one, great! If not, oh freaking well. I'll play the song down at open mic night and I'll enjoy every second of it. Yes, I will cross lines. I will shock people. But hell, if I wanted to be a cookie-cutter country writer...that would mean that I'd be like the hundreds of thousands out there trying to fit into the mainstream. And Lord knows, I am not mainstream. I will write songs that shock you. I will write songs to evoke emotion. I will go where no writer has gone before. Anyone want to tag along for the ride?

The Story Behind Someone's Busted

So I posted the lyrics for "Someone's Busted" several months ago. At the time, I didn't post the story behind the song, I just thanked the ... well... slut... for the inspiration. So I figured that I should probably explain the details of that night.

On a cold friday night, my buddy and I headed up to 8 Second Saloon in Indianapolis for a Colt Ford show. When we got up there, we discovered that all the tables in the reserved section had been moved, leaving the dance floor open....translation: over the period of the evening, I could make my way to the front of the front of the stage. Well, I quickly became...intoxicated, and started dancing to the opening band. I was unable to sneak closer to the stage though, due to the fact that there were a couple of frat brats and hoes grinding on eachother. Needless to say, in order to avoid contracting any STDs, I kept my distance. I mean, they were getting NASTY! There was one gal in particular who was raunchier than the rest. She had this one younger guy in her cross-hairs and was going to stop at nothing. So I stood there with Lanky, making fun of them. Then I turned to the old guy and we started making fun of them. There's a line between seductive and....white trash hoe. This gal crossed that line all night long. So I rolled my eyes and chugged another beer, waiting for Colt Ford to take the stage. I must say, he put on an amazing show. I wasn't a huge Colt Ford fan going into the night, but I left singing "Chicken and Biscuits". As I proceeded to flirt with the bass player, I noticed that the hoe and the young guy were getting...closer. At one point, they were even making out. But then....oh but then the most entertaining event of the evening began. All of a sudden this random guy is shouting at the top of his lungs at the gal. Of course, this caught everyone's attention. It was then that I noticed that this gal wasn't as young as she initially looked. So...intrigued, I wondered why they were fighting in the middle of the dance floor. And he laid into her. I mean he called her every name in the book and ripped her apart. The young guy had a look of pure shock on his face and his friends began backing away. The couple screamed at eachother for a few minutes before she broke down in tears with the whole "I'm sorry! I didn't mean anything by it"...and so on. The screaming guy left and her friends helped her off the dance floor. I just couldn't help myself. I leaned over and asked one of the young guy's buddies "was that her boyfriend?"
"Nope, that's her husband"
"Did she tell your friend she was married?"
"Nope, she told him he was getting laid tonight"

.... And I thought to myself, that would make a great song. I mean, there are hundreds of songs about husbands cheating, and wives getting their revenge. But I found that this role reversal was worthy of a tune. So, Someone's Busted was born. I initially thought about pitching it to Layton, but then decided that it would be more entertaining coming from a woman. It took me a while, but I put it to music and it has now become the most well-recieved song in my "set". No matter where I play, it always gets a couple of cheers. And it's a fun one to play. So thank you Colt Ford for putting on a great show! Thank you Lanky for the tickets! Thank you bass player for the tour pick! And thank you drunk bitch for a great song!


Someone's Busted

Just Keep Writing is Back!

I know. Shame, shame, shame on me for neglecting the very blog which provided the motivation for becoming a better songwriter! But I'm back! I've been thinking a lot about this blog lately and where it is heading. Needless to say, I failed to complete my challenge of writing 100 songs in one year. Epically. I think I may have cleared the 40 song mark, which is not acceptable, but there's nothing I can do to change that. So I have been a bit bummed out about that fact, which has kept me away from this blog.

So, in order to rekindle the flame, I have decided to completely revamp this blog! It began as a 100 song challenge. Now Just Keep Writing will document the journey of an aspiring songwriter/ band roadie / wannabe artist. So when I finally make it to Nashville, my... 12 followers will be able to say "hey, remember the time you played _____________ at _____________ and they all threw eggs?!" or "remember when ______________ told you to give up? I bet they are eating their words right now". Okay, so in all reality, most people will probably say "Hey, aren't you the dork with the blog?" and I will smile and nod...then offer to sign autographs. Not really, but you know you are chuckling at this point.

I don't think I will continue to use this blog to post lyrics (unless they are completely off the wall and intended only for amusement). I will still post links to my Reverbnation and blog about new songs that I have posted. I will rant about my frustrations. I will lend my opinions on the country music industry...well...some opinions. I will tell the tales which are so crazy and ridiculous that they cannot be made up. Like the time that my boyfriend was playing at a dock party and a drunk fell into a strangers boat. Literally, all we saw were feet in the air. Epic! You can't make that shit up!


So, what has changed since I last blogged? Not much, in all reality, I tried singing in a band, but since they were a hardcore rock band and...well...I'm about as hardcore rock as Tibetan nun, it didn't work out. I'm still a proud NSAI member and I love my new NSAI friends. They are the coolest ever. I'm in the process of putting together a CD so I can try to get on the list for the local Songwriter Showcase. And who knows, maybe I'll put my own band together someday? All I know is I'm in a great place right now. I've got the support of all my friends and family. I have two amazing dogs and four amazing horses. And I have a couple of kickass guitars. What more could a girl want?

Hello!!

Hey folks! I'm so sorry for my absence. Things have been crazy lately, to say the least. But alas, I am still writing and playing! Just not as often as I'd like. Whenever I get the house to myself, I will be recording several new tunes. I must say, "Dead Man Walking" is becoming one of my favorite songs to play, even though I have yet to perform it live. I plan on returning to Player's Pub open mic nights over the summer, so hopefully I will have some interesting stories to post. Thanks to all of those who are still reading!

Dead Man Walking

Well folks, I'm sure my fellow songwriters will be able to relate to the origins of this song. Do you ever hear a hook and take it somewhere else in the back of your mind? Well today I was listening to some Lynyrd Skynyrd with my boyfriend and he played a song titled "Dead Man Walking".... LIGHTBULB!!!! So, this is my version of "Dead Man Walking"...in the style of Miranda Lambert.


Dead Man Walking
© 2012 Chelsey Sears

I hear his boots a draggin'
Up the front steps
I'm not a gamblin' woman
But I'm willing to bet
He's got lipstick on his collar
And whiskey on his breath

Looks like a dead man walking
Across the porch
Hopin'  his key will work
When he gets to the door
Sure he'll make excuses
With his sweet talkin'
But he's a dead man
Dead man walking

This ain't the first time
And it won't be the last
But for once I'm gonna stand my ground
And I ain't holding back
He probably doesn't have
The slightest clue that

He's a dead man walking
Across the porch
Hopin'  his key will work
When he gets to the door
Sure he'll make excuses
With his sweet talkin'
But he's a dead man
Dead man walking

I'll be starin' daggers
Right through his cheatin' heart
'Til he makes a bee-line
Back out to his car

Like a dead man walking
Across the porch
'Cause he ain't welcome
'Round here no more
'Cause there's no way
His sweet talkin'
Can raise a dead man
Dead man walkin'

Down The Drain

Before anyone asks, I don't know why I wrote another depressing and somewhat angry drinking ballad. I'm actually in a super fantastic mood today. I toned it down a bit from my original idea, but hopefully it will still get the point across. :)

Down The Drain

© 2012 Chelsey Sears

Holdin’ an unopened bottle

In a brown paper sack

He shuffles through the door

Swears it will be the last

Even though he knows inside

The promise he just made

It’s going down the drain

His head starts to spin

As the night presses on

Each second lasts for hours

But he’s too far gone

To even care about the time

‘Cause since she drove away

It’s just been going down the drain

Yeah the kitchen smells of whiskey

But he hasn’t had a drop

‘Cause if she was still there

She’d be beggin’ him to stop

So he stands at the sink

Drowning his pain

Watching everything go down the drain

In ev’ry ounce he finds a mem’ry

Laced with regret

Knowing that the bottle

Was the reason that she left

There’s a part of him

That just wants one more taste

But the other part pours it down the drain

The kitchen smells of whiskey

But he hasn’t had a drop

‘Cause if she was still there

She’d be beggin’ him to stop

So he stands at the sink

Drowning his pain

Maybe she’ll come home someday

But ‘til then he’ll just pour it down the drain

Please pardon my absence...

It has been quite a while since my last post. I have been super busy lately! But rest assured, I have not placed my musical ventures on the back burner, as I have done in the past. Recently I have been diving into my musical lifestyle headfirst! A few weeks ago, I began playing at a local venue called Stable Studio during their Open Jam nights and I love it! The venue is amazing and the people are so helpful. And I'm slowly getting over my stage fright! I officially have six performances under my belt since I first began playing at the open mic night at the Players Pub! It gets easier every time. But now, I have a new challenge. I have to learn how to play standing up. Why, you might ask? Well, because I have been asked to play an opening set. Nothing has been finalized by any means, but I'm still super stoked.
And on top of all that, I'm still trying to work on some co-writes. And top of all of that I've met someone pretty amazing. So, all in all, life is good right now. Life is very good :)

Clean Slate

I actually wrote this one a while ago, and thought that I posted it on here. But I guess I didn't! So, here it is!

Clean Slate
© 2012 Chelsey Sears

Last night I caught my man
At the bar with that "just a friend"
And I could tell by the way he took her hand
Just where it was gonna go
Then this mornin' my boss
Threatened to take my job
I got mad, told him off
Then sped back home

No I didn't lock myself inside
Grab a box of chocolates, lay down and cry

Now I've got nothin' to hold me back, nothin' to tie me down
I'm gonna pack up all my things, leave this ole town
In my rearview, in the dust
Gonna burn these tires up
'Til I find a place
With a little farm house and a clean slate

They aren't gonna know my past
The skeletons, or the rats
That used to stab me in the back
In the name of jealousy
'Cause in a town like this
Folks tend to frown on it
When you try to live
On crazy dreams


But now I've got nothin' to hold me back, nothin' to tie me down
I'm gonna pack up all my things, leave this ole town
In my rearview, in the dust
Gonna burn these tires up
'Til I find a place
With a little farm house and a clean slate


Now I've got nothin' to hold me back, nothin' to tie me down
I'm gonna pack up all my things, leave this ole town
In my rearview, in the dust
Gonna burn these tires up
'Til I find a place
With a little farm house and a clean slate

I'll Drink To That

This is just a little something I starter writing during my lunch break last week. It's supposed to be an upbeat, summery, country party song.


I'll Drink To That
© 2012 Chelsey Sears

Here's to summer weekends
Wearin' flip flops
Dancin' 'round a bonfire
In a pair of cut-offs
Blowin' up the speakers
With Hank and Johnny Cash
I'll drink to that

Here's to road trips
To only God knows where
Just fillin' up the tank
And taking it from there
Don't check the glove box
'Cause you won't find no maps
Yeah I'll drink to that

Just live in the moment
'Cause the best memories
Are ones made when you are
Flyin' by the seat
Of your pants when you let loose
And stop holdin' back
Yeah I'll drink to that

Here's to the morning after
A hard break up
When you open the curtains
See the sun
And realize his leavin' might
Not be so bad
No it's not so bad
I'll drink to that


Just live in the moment
'Cause the best memories
Are ones made when you are
Flyin' by the seat
Of your pants when you let loose
And stop holdin' back
Yeah I'll drink to that

A year has passed, but the challenge lives on!

Well folks, a year ago I very optimistically decided to challenge myself to write 100 lyrics/songs in 365 days. Well, sadly, I wasn't able to complete this task. Between graduating college, getting a job, learning guitar and working with co-writers, my goal slowly faded in the distance. However....I will not quit until I finish 100 lyrics! Who knows, I may continue this blog until I get a cut (which means that I may be blogging until I'm 90!). Working on this blog has taught me that, no matter how pointless is may seem, as long as I just keep writing, the song will work itself out!

Someone's Busted

To the drunk gal who was dancing with the frat boys until her husband found out...thanks for the inspiration!

Someone's Busted
© 2012 Chelsey Sears

She set her sights
On getting lit last night
And findin' a cowboy on the floor
She was busy dancin'
On some younger man when
He walked through the door

Yeah, he spotted her from across the room
Waited 'til the song was done, then made his move

When he saw them kissin'
He noticed her ring was missin'
That's when he threw one back, and started cussin'
Discovered "girls night out"
Was code for "runnin' 'round"
he thought she could be trusted
Looks like someone's busted

If she 've checked her phone
She would've known
He had offered to stop in and buy
One for her and her friends
Never thought when he walked in
She'd be with another guy

Yeah, I wish you could've seen the look on her face
When she spun around and saw her husband walkin' her way

'Cause  he saw them kissin'
And noticed her ring was missin'
That's when he threw one back and started cussin'
Discovered "girls night out"
Was code for "runnin' 'round"
he thought she could be trusted
Looks like someone's busted

I tell you hell broke loose
Durin' that Waylon tune
As he shot down her every line
I hate to say this
But I really got a kick
Out of seein' those tears well up in her eyes

Now I don't like seein' anybody hurt
But, then again, she got what she deserved

Yeah, he saw them kissin'
And noticed her ring was missin'
That's when he threw one back and started cussin'
Discovered "girls night out"
Was code for "runnin' 'round"
He thought she could be trusted
Looks like someone's busted

Yeah, he thought she could be trusted
Looks like someone's busted

Slip Away

Hey folks! I was just sitting in church this morning and this one popped into my head. It's a male country lyric. Number 46, I believe. It's not the most commercial, but it's another lyric closer to my goal of 100!

Slip Away
(c) 2012 Chelsey Sears

Back when I was just a boy
I looked up to uncle joe
Followed his every move
Since I was five years old
One afternoon on the lake
With a cane pole in my hand
I asked "hey Uncle Joe,
Why don't I have an aunt?"

His face lit up and I saw a fire in his eyes
When he said "kid, once upon a time"

I had a ring in my pocket
For when the time was right
But then one hot summer day
I let my pride
Tear us apart and it's a crying shame
Kid, you should never let a woman like that slip away

One day he pulled out his wallet
At the convenience store
And an old wrinkly picture
Fell to the floor
I picked it up and stared at
The prettiest girl I'd ever seen
'fore he took it back I asked
"uncle joe, who is she?"

His face lit up and I saw a fire in his eyes
He said "kid, once upon a time"

I had a ring in my pocket
For when the time was right
But then one hot summer day
I let my pride
Tear us apart and it's a crying shame
Kid, you should never let a woman like that slip away

Well wouldn't you know it
When I was twenty three
I fell in love with
The woman of my dreams
Called uncle joe one night
Around two a.m.
After she drove away in tears
'cause of something I said

He got real quiet, and I already knew
What was coming, he said "kid let me tell you

Take that ring out of your pocket
And chase her down tonight
Tell her that your sorry
Boy you best swallow your pride
'cause it would be a crying shame
To let a woman like that slip away"

Yeah kid, you know it's a crying shame
To let a woman like that slip away

No don't let her slip away

Get Even

So as I was driving this morning, this concept popped into my head. My middle school biology teacher used to say "I don't get mad, I get even". Well, I couldn't resist it. So, here's number #45!!! I'm iced in today, so I may even get some music going for this!

Get Even
© 2012 Chelsey Sears

Well darlin' lately,
You've been actin' shady
And your phone's been buzzin' all night long
I wasn't born yesterday
So don't you dare try to say
"oh baby, it's just my mom"

Not sayin' you're guilty, but I also know you ain't
A picture perfect man, honey you're no saint
I'll just warn ya, 'fore you think about cheatin'
Just know, I don't get mad, I get even

Just wait until I head down
To our fav'rite bar in our hometown
Folks will wonder why I'm alone
Then after a couple shots
They're gonna  hear how I walked
in on you and her, gettin' close


Not sayin' you're guilty, but I also know you ain't
A picture perfect man, honey you're no saint
I'll just warn ya, 'fore you think about cheatin'
Just know, I don't get mad, I get even

You know how them rumors spread
And it won't be long until they get
All the way to your grandma's farm
You know they'd break her heart
No, you don't wanna break your poor grandma's heart


Not sayin' you're guilty, but I also know you ain't
A picture perfect man, honey you're no saint
I'll just warn ya, 'fore you think about cheatin'
Just know, I don't get mad, I get even

Saved By Your Mem'ry

This is going to be an extremely random one folks.  It's going to be a male country ballad. I guess I'll just start typing and see where it leads

Saved By Your Mem'ry
© 2012 Chelsey Sears

I Lean back, close my eyes
And try to ignore
That empty whiskey bottle
I just dropped on the floor
I know it wont bring you home
Or solve anything
But maybe, just maybe
After one more drink

I'll fade away, to somewhere cold and dark
With no happy ending in sight
'Cause when you were still here
Those hardest moments where the times
When you'd smile and take my hand
Say "babe, it's gonna be alright"
Maybe, after one more drink I'll be
Saved by your mem'ry tonight

I know in the mornin'
I'm going to regret
The achin' in my heart
And the poundin in my head
Yeah deep down I know I know
This isn't good for me
But maybe, just maybe
After one more drink


I'll fade away, to somewhere cold and dark
With no happy ending in sight
'Cause when you were still here
Those hardest moments where the times
When you'd smile and take my hand
Say "babe, it's gonna be alright"
Maybe, after one more drink I'll be
Saved by your mem'ry tonight


Yeah, the preacher man tells me
That you're in a better place
And that you're gonna be
Back in my arms someday
It feels like I'll be waiting
For eternity
But maybe, just maybe
After one more drink

It took a week, but I got some recording done!

I'm busy recording tonight! I will only post one at a time so I can see how it charts. Hopefully I'll be able to break into the top 10 with this batch!

Click Here to Listen! or play it on the side widget! 

I Kinda Like It

#42! I'm getting closer to my final goal! This particular song began as a facebook status this morning. My good friend Penny told me to turn the status into a song. So during my lunch break I pulled out my notebook and just started jotting things down. I have the music ready for this, I just need a few days to practice it. I'll post the audio as soon as I get a decent recording of it! This is a very upbeat female country song. I honestly can't wait to play it at open mic night.

I Kinda Like It

© 2012 Chelsey Sears

A rusty old pick-up truck on a hot summer night

Speedin’ down a country road. Yeah you know I love to slide

Around every little turn, ‘round ev’ry little bend

Catchin’ air ramping off a one lane bridge

Sure my momma taught me to keep that lead foot light

But for some crazy reason it just feels right

To stomp it to the floor and feel the gears shift

I don’t know what it is, but I kinda like it

A pair of big strong arms and piercing blue eyes

With a bit of a southern drawl he gave me butterflies

Got me starin’ at the phone, got me countin’ down the days

‘til he rides up again to carry me away

All my friends warn me, not to fall too fast

But with a man like him there’s no holdin’ back

He’s got me laughin’, got me smilin’, Holdin’ on to ev’ry kiss

I don’t know what it is, but I kinda like it

Spent four years and student loans on a fancy degree

Then I somehow managed to get the job of my dreams

Still somethin’ was missin’ in my chaotic life

But I think it when I stepped up to the mic

Sure folks tell me, just to give it up

You don’t have the look, you can’t sing, You don’t play good enough

I ain’t here to be seen, ain’t tryin’ to get rich

I don’t know what it is

I just like it. Yeah I kinda like it