Show Me a Leader

Album: The Last Hero (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This high-energy rocker speaks of the band's desire to see someone who can guide us through the difficult times. "Lyrically, it reflects the frustrations that a lot of people are feeling with the current state of the world, vocalist Myles Kennedy stated: "The world is looking for trustworthy effective leadership and not this undignified dog and pony show that's really made a mockery of our system."

    Guitarist Mark Tremonti added, "It's indicative of our process. Myles had this guitar intro that I loved, and I had the chorus. We put them together. The words call out for a proper leader."
  • Mark Tremonti recalled the genesis of this song to Music Radar:

    "I remember getting on the phone with Myles, and as usual we have this discussion where we have to decide how we're going to make this record a little different than what we've done in the past, keep on developing and going deeper into the rabbit hole.

    I said that one thing I want to do is try to incorporate a seven-string, because it's never been my thing and it's never been something that has really inspired me that much. But I wanted to break it back out and see if I could find some inspiration there.

    Then Myles showed me his part of the intro for Show Me A Leader and I started playing the seven-string over it. It just added so much depth. Such a big low-end and something we haven't had… we've had drop B stuff but this was even heavier-sounding… deeper-sounding."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

Maxi Priest

Maxi PriestSongwriter Interviews

The British reggae legend tells the story of his #1 hit "Close To You," talks about his groundbreaking Shabba Ranks collaboration "Housecall," and discusses his latest project with Robin Trower.

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"They're Playing My Song

It wasn't her biggest hit as a songwriter (that would be "Bette Davis Eyes"), but "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" had a family connection for Jackie.

Millie Jackson

Millie JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Outrageously gifted and just plain outrageous, Millie is an R&B and Rap innovator.

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.