Miss America

Album: Moon Landing (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Blunt pays tribute to Whitney Houston on this '70s-tinged Rock ballad, which he was inspired to write after hearing news of the star's death. "It wasn't that I was a massive fan," Blunt told The Sun. "She had a phenomenal voice but the sideshow of her tragic life was hard to miss. And then it became the main show to her talent."

    "She had this incredible talent and an incredible life but it caged her at the same time," he added. "We put these celebrities on a pedestal. The red rope around the red carpet becomes a cage. Celebrity is a weird thing."
  • Blunt told MusicRadar.com about the background to this song: "I think it's a very sad story," he said. "What's worse is that it should be a great story. Her life should be a celebration. She was a phenomenal talent. She had a beautiful voice and she was an incredible-looking person. Inside and outside, there was something very special going on."

    "And yet, this sadness overtook it all, and I feel that we were the ones who were spectators to it," Blunt continued. "And we're the ones who enjoyed being spectators. We clicked online to read her story, to see her story; we bought the magazines. So we contribute in many ways, because every time you click on a link or buy a magazine, more paparazzi go out and follow those people. The same with Amy Winehouse and Princess Diana."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Joe Elliott of Def Leppard

Joe Elliott of Def LeppardSongwriter Interviews

The Def Leppard frontman talks about their "lamentable" hit he never thought of as a single, and why he's juiced by his Mott The Hoople cover band.

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.