About That Song: Sarah Something
About That Song #111
In our special series, singer-songwriter Sarah Morris interviews artists about the songs that shaped them.
Hi! I’m Sarah Morris. I’m wildly in love with songs and the people who write them. There have been a few songs in my life that have been total gamechangers—songs that made me want to be a songwriter and songs I’ve written that made me feel like I am a songwriter. About That Song is a space where I can learn more about those pivotal songs in other writers’ lives.
In the 111th installment of this series, I was excited to chat with Sarah Something! Raised in Iowa and now living in the Twin Cities, Sarah blends folk, rock, country, and pop into an eclectic sound she likes to call #FrockyBop. We talked about a song that inspired her songwriting journey as well as some of her own songs.
Sarah Something’s Queer Country album cover artwork by Aaron Stottlemyer. Photo credit: Tom Smouse.
Sarah: Hi Sarah Something! Over the last few years, I have had a front-row seat to witness the rocket-style takeoff of your songwriting and recording career. Or maybe a front-porch seat? (As you do happen to live across the street from my parents). I’m frequently inspired by your whip-smart lyrics, your Music-Row-level catchy melodies, and your distinctive Sarah Something take on … all things. Including Subarus. And how we might be good to one another.
You recently released your second studio album, Queer Country, and are about to celebrate that release with a big show at Hook and Ladder Theater’s Zen Arcade, on Thursday, August 13th. This feels like a fantastic opportunity for me to learn a little more about you, and the songs that have made a difference in your musical journey.
Do you remember the song you heard that made you want to be a songwriter? Tell us about that song.
Sarah Something: Sam Cooke’s “Wonderful World,” written by Cooke, Lou Adler and Herb Alpert, is one that stands out as an early inspiration to me. I compose on acoustic guitar, so when I first started writing songs, the only chords I knew were G, C, D, A, E, Am and Em.
Sarah M: Um—that’s actually a fair amount of chords! I wouldn’t downplay that by saying only. And also—sheesh, that song is SUCH a good one. Hearing it immediately puts a smile on my face!
Sarah Something: As I started playing other people’s songs—especially Cooke’s—to get a feel for what chords go well together, I kept seeing chords show up I could actually play. That fed my curiosity for wanting to write my own songs, and not long after, that’s exactly what I did. Haven’t looked back since.
Sarah M: Once you began writing, did you feel like a writer immediately? It took me a few years of writing before I believed it—was there a song that gave you that “a-HA! I AM a songwriter!” moment? Tell us about that song.
Sarah Something: Back in 2018, I wrote a song called “Lesbian.” At that point, I think it was maybe the third song I’d ever written, and I remember having the distinct feeling as the melody locked into place like, “Wow, this is catchy, and it tells a real story. I can DO this! I AM doing this!” In fact, I reimagined it for my new album as a final nod to a song that, in many ways, started it all.
Sarah M: I AM DOING THIS! Yes—you are! I love it. Speaking of “Lesbian”—that song first appeared in a musical that you wrote—is that correct? What about that song made you want to revisit it, and record it as an album track?
Sarah Something: It was originally penned as the opening number to a queer women’s rugby musical I wrote.
Sarah M: Amazing.
Sarah Something: The song itself is my coming out story—being a tomboy growing up and meandering through high school and college before a woman finally asked me out, and I was like, “Oh. My. Goodness … I’m a lesbian!” It’s a celebration of the lesbian identity and also intended to be a fun, catchy song anyone can enjoy. One of my favorite things to see is people shouting “I’m a LESBIAN!” at the end, regardless of their own identity. I chose to reimagine it as a country song on my Queer Country album to provide closure from the musical theatre experience and pivot towards the country music path I’m currently on. Something old offering something new.
Sarah M: I’m so glad you’ve kept singing that song. I mentioned in the intro that, among the many topics you cover in your songs, you took time to share your reverence for the Subaru. A brand of automobile that hasn’t had as much musical play as some others (Hi Chevy! Why do you get allll the songs?). Can you tell us about that song?
Sarah Something: “Subaru Song” is the first track on my debut album, Orientation, and came about from a prompt in a Facebook singer-songwriter group I’m a part of.
Sarah M: Hey! I know that group! I’ve been writing over there since its inception in 2014.
Sarah Something: The word was “stench,” which made me think of trucks, and then I thought of country music. I landed on the idea of writing a country song about the kind of car I drive, which, as a lesbian, is … drum roll please … a Subaru (obviously). And “Subaru Song” was born. Note: I also mention Ford and Chevy in the song, so it kinda covers all the bases there.
Sarah Something’s Queer Country album release poster by Megan Schletty. Photo credit: Tom Smouse.
Sarah M: Let’s journey back to your latest release, Queer Country. You begin with the song “Build the Boat Together,” which is an invitation to a single person to join you in crafting a life of meaning—but also perhaps to the world at large? “When the tide calls for me, no anchor to tether, I hope you’ll stay with me so we can build the boat together.” Tell us about that song.
Sarah Something: “Build the Boat Together” is a concept I first heard about in Nothing to Fear, a book written by a hospice nurse about “demystifying death to live more fully.” My mom had been experiencing serious health issues and encouraged me to read the book. In the book, the author described death as the ocean. When it’s time, especially in a hospice context, one can hold tightly to the shore, kicking and fighting against the current until finally pulled under, or one can build a boat with their loved ones and have them there as the boat gently drifts away. I thought this was such a beautiful way to describe death, and a helpful reminder on a great way to live life too.
Sarah M: Oh, yes. It feels like a beautiful way to live, to sing, to love, and also to think about death. What a gift to your listener. Do you have any upcoming Midwest shows where we might hear you sing that song?
Sarah Something: Yes! For the first time ever, I’ll be headlining my own live show to celebrate the Queer Country album release, and the incredible team of Wren + Wilde will be opening. Word is you may be there too, right, Sarah Morris?
Sarah M: I sure will be!
Sarah Something: Two full bands, one incredible night. I’ll be performing the entire Queer Country album plus a few previously released tracks from Orientation and even a couple of brand new songs I haven’t recorded yet. The show is Thursday, August 13 at the Hook and Ladder’s Zen Arcade in Minneapolis.
Sarah M: I’m looking forward to it. Thank you so much for talking with me all about THAT song. And THAT song and THAT song … And congratulations on your new album!
Get your tickets to Sarah Something’s Queer Country Album Release Show Thursday, August 13 at the Hook and Ladder’s Zen Arcade in Minneapolis! Doors are at 7pm and the show starts at 7:30pm with openers Wren + Wilde.
Listen to “Build the Boat Together”
Queer Country Album Credits
Producers: Sarah Julius, Sarah Morris, Eric Blomquist | Drums: Nate LeBrun | Electric & Acoustic Guitar: Steve Bosmans | Bass Guitar: Ian Combs | Fiddle: Haley Rydell | Pedal Steel & Keyboard: Dave Mehling | Background Vocals: Sarah Morris & Maria Coyne | Engineer: Eric Blomquist | Mix: Eric Blomquist | Master: Rob Schlette
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Morris. Photo credit: Tom Smouse.
Sarah Morris is a superfan of songs and the people who write them, and a believer that certain songs can change your life. A singer-songwriter / mama / bread maker / coffee drinker who recently released her fifth album of original material, she’s been known to joyfully sing with people in her Big Green Bathroom.
