Your Voice, Your Choice #6 – Melanie Meriney
Delighted to continue a great new feature on Belles and Gals today – “Your Voice, Your Choice”. We introduce one of our favourite songs from a country artist and then the artist tells us in turn about a song that has inspired them and has a special place in their heart. Today we feature up and coming US artist Melanie Meriney.
Melanie Meriney hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is now based in Nashville, Tennessee. She recently released her new E.P. ‘Up in Lights’ which features the brilliant ‘Lifeboat’ as the final track, which is also her new single (download Melanie’s music here). I asked Melanie about ‘Lifeboat’ which we have chosen as her featured song:
“In a broader sense, “Lifeboat” is about vices and how tempting it can sometimes be to use a person or object as an escape from the emotions we are trying to deal with. Originally “Lifeboat” was a song idea I had written down in the notes on my phone. I just thought it was a cool object that could be applied to a bunch of situations. I was supposed to write with this girl and she was running about an hour late due to some car trouble. I kept jotting down a line here and a line there while waiting, thinking I would bring them up once she got to the writing session. Finally, after writing more than half the song, I decided to just let it write itself and finished before she even got there. We wrote something else that day.
While I wouldn’t say the song is truly autobiographical, I can definitely relate to the characters and the scenario. I think most everybody has that one “fallback” person that they go to, whether just to talk or escape. But I think ultimately, we can’t run from our underlying issues. We have to face them.”
Melanie Meriney has chosen “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain
“Still The One” by Shania Twain would have to be my favorite song! I’m pulling you back into the 90s for a minute, but it’s definitely a song that still resonates with me! My first concert was a Shania Twain in third grade. Her voice is so unique and so cool that I found myself drawn to her music instantly. I love “Still The One” because, besides it being the ultimate #relationshipgoals for a love story that has weathered through hardship, its lyrics tell you to not listen to naysayers. Your own beliefs and your own faith in what you’re doing (or who you love) will bring you right where you’re supposed to be. It also brings up the idea that the things most worth fighting for are often the things that aren’t the easiest, most assured, path. Dedication and commitment can take you a long way.
