Whenever I interview a musician, I can hardly wait to get to my favorite part of the interview is asking an artist about the inspiration behind his or her songs. The inspiration for songs is as imaginative as can be—some stories are silly, some are lovely, others aren’t all that special—but they’re all interesting. This is why I love the latest Chicken Soup for the Soul Book: The Story Behind the Song.
I know, I know. I usually stay away from sloppy, emotional stuff, and Chicken Soup books can definitely fit that category, but this book is different. It offers a look into the minds of contemporary artists from a variety of genres, such as Jewel, Christina Aguilera, Kanye West, John Legend, Rick Springfield, Iggy Pop, Tom Higgenson of Plain White T’s, Ann Wilson of Heart, and many, many more!
For example, did you know that “Jessie’s Girl” was written about a cute girl in Rick Springfield’s stained glass class, the guy’s name wasn’t actually Jessie, and that it was the catalyst for his career? How about the fact there’s a real Delilah who inspired “Hey Delilah” by the Plain White T’s, but Tom Higgenson never actually dated her? I have learned all sorts of interesting facts about some of my favorite songs—“Livin’ On a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, “Operator” by Jim Croce (yes, I’m a dork!), “At Seventeen” by Janis Ian, “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett, and “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx. And I finally know what “Sister Christian” (Night Ranger) is all about! That in and of itself is worth the price of the book.
The fine folks at Plan A Media and Soul Publishing have given Backseat Writer a FREE COPY to give away to one lucky reader! To win this amazing book, all you have to do is head to Twitter, tweet this comment, “I want to win STORY BEHIND THE SONG from @backseatwriter, how ‘bout you? http://bit.ly/W5mfk” and you’ll be entered to win. Winner will be notified via Twitter, so make sure you’re following Backseat Writer (@backseatwriter) on Twitter. The contest ends December 1 at 5 PM EST.
Also, on December 1, Backseat Writer will be posting an excerpt from Chicken Soup: The Story Behind the Song–how Jewel came to write the song “Hands.” You will definitely want to read that!
CONGRATS TO OUR WINNER EVANGELINE D.! CHECK BACK FOR MORE FUN CONTESTS HERE AT BACKSEAT WRITER!
*In the interest of full disclosure, I want you, dear reader, to know that Plan A Media did provide me a review copy of this book. There, now the FTC should be happy!*
She is Beloved 
Wow! I’d love my husband to be able to read that book. For some reason whenever he sings the line, “I wish that I had Jessie’s Girl” it freaks me out! I’m glad to know that I have nothing to fear because there was no “Jessie.”
Brittney, are you on Twitter? If not, I can count your comment as an entry! 🙂
I’m not on Twitter… Would love it if you’d count this as an entry. By the way, Happy Thanksgiving!
I would love to win a copy and learn all the stories “behind the music”. I am one of those who has to know what it all means. Pick me, Pick me. It seems like an awesome read and great article.