Better On A Beach

Every now and then, you come across a song that elicits an unexpected excitement. Whether it be the result of a particularly catchy line, a solid hook, or the emotions evoked by the imagery, sometimes a song can not only elevate your desire to write, but also bring encouragement through any troubled times.  This past summer, as Layton and I were becoming a bit restless, in regards to our relocation, we made an impulsive and somewhat financially irresponsible decision to plan a return to St. John. At that moment, I was immediately engaged in full island mode.  This elation was quickly evident in my writing as I set out to create a song that would convey my love  for the island life.

Typing with fervor, the lyrics magically came together, without question or hesitation. A melody in my head, I picked up my guitar and began to strum a simple progression, with a modern pop country groove, and the dream of having a hit on my hands as it was, without a doubt, one of my most commercial works to date. Playing it for Layton, I smiled excitedly as he told me that he really liked it, and my eyes lit up when he followed with “Jake might even want that one”. Seeing that my only song placed with Jake is Longshot at Best, which he began to play a few years ago, I’ve been itching to get another song on his roster. I told Layton that I would send him the lyrics and the chord progression so he could record a demo to send to Jake. Anxious to get the ball rolling, I was at one of Jake’s shows, intending to flag him down after the final set and begin discussing the song, when he played a fairly new tune that he had written, titled “Better Than This”.

My ecstasy was quickly calmed as I listened to Jake’s song, which is a fantastic song that I highly recommend downloading from iTunes. However, my song almost directly contradicts that song that Jake wrote. My hopes for placement faded. Though I was excited for the momentum Jake had gained with his tune, personally I was a little disheartened.  So sat on it for a few months, thinking maybe he would still want it.  I even mentioned the song to Jake’s father, who suggested that I still send it to Jake, but I knew it’d be nonsense for him to follow up one of his popular songs with another tune that essentially would discredit the vibe of the initial release.  I tossed around the idea of having a professional demo made, in order to pitch the tune for other artists, but with the upcoming relocation, my budget is completely strapped. As much as I enjoy this song, moving to Orlando and being able to once more wake up next to my partner in crime is my greatest priority. With these factors in mind, I decided that its place is in my blog, in hopes that maybe, someday, I will receive an interest in placement. Written for a male vocalist, “Better On A Beach” conveys to the listener that you can elevate even the best of plans if only you add a little sun and some sand. 

Better On A Beach

© 2016 Chelsey Sears

There’s nothing wrong with sipping on a longneck

On the tailgate of your truck

Sweet thing beside you, in her muddy boots

You’re both praying you’ll get stuck

That’s when you lean back, in your ballcap

Thinking “ain’t no topping this”

But I’mma break it down, gonna tell you what I’ve found

Truth of the matter is

Life’s better on a beach, picture her, ‘neath a clear blue sky

In a string two piece, don’t it sure sound nice?

The cooler’s well stocked, go ahead, pop a top, take a long slow drink

Life’s better on a beach, bonfires, yeah they burn a little brighter

When the hot sun sets and the tide rolls higher

Try it once, you’ll see, Life’s better on a beach

Better on a beach

Hey buddy, you’ve been working for the weekend

It’s fin’ly in sight

She’s got her best dress laid out, you’re heading downtown

For a little wine and dine

I know your mind’s set, how ‘bout we make a bet

‘Cause some plans are meant to change

Don’t stop, don’t park, ‘til you find a sandbar

It’ll blow your mind away

Life’s better on a beach, picture her, ‘neath a clear blue sky

In a string two piece, don’t it sure sound nice?

The cooler’s well stocked, go ahead, pop a top, take a long slow drink

Life’s better on a beach, bonfires, yeah they burn a little brighter

When the hot sun sets and the tide rolls higher

Try it once, you’ll see, Life’s better on a beach

Better on a beach

Better on a beach

Mixing everything from Reggae to Cash

When she hears the beat drop, boy you know she’s gonna dance

North, South, East, West, by the ocean, ‘round a lake

Relax and escape

Life’s better on a beach, picture her, ‘neath a clear blue sky

In a string two piece, don’t it sure sound nice?

The cooler’s well stocked, go ahead, pop a top, take a long slow drink

Life’s better on a beach, bonfires, yeah they burn a little brighter

When the hot sun sets and the tide rolls higher

Try it once, you’ll see

Life’s better on a beach, picture her, ‘neath a clear blue sky

In a string two piece, don’t it sure sound nice?

The cooler’s well stocked, go ahead, pop a top, take a long slow drink

Life’s better on a beach, bonfires, yeah they burn a little brighter

When the hot sun sets and the tide rolls higher

Try it once, you’ll see, Life’s better on a beach

Better on a beach

Oppenheimer Bay Beach, St. John, USVI