Convention

Album: Crushing (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is a sarcastic swipe at strangers who impart uninvited advice. Julia Jacklin explained to Uncut magazine: "Any artist who sits at their own merch table gets unsolicited advice. Sometimes people only seem to know how to interact by telling you what you should be doing. On guitar, with your voice. And honestly, it's always men. Always. And no, it's never usually helpful. But I pretend it is to make it stop."
  • "Convention" is the only track on Crushing that was influenced by political events. Jacklin explained to DIY magazine that she remembers listening to the radio in her mom's kitchen when Trump was announced as the Republican presidential candidate.

    "I just remember this feeling of dread even though I didn't think he would win," she said. "I just thought, oh please don't give people like this a microphone, a platform when there are so many other voices from people that have actually done the work and have important, hopeful, helpful things to say that need to be amplified and listened to."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Keith Reid of Procol Harum

Keith Reid of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

As Procol Harum's lyricist, Keith wrote the words to "A Whiter Shade Of Pale." We delve into that song and find out how you can form a band when you don't sing or play an instrument.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.

Rosanne Cash

Rosanne CashSongwriter Interviews

Rosanne talks about the journey that inspired her songs on her album The River & the Thread, including a stop at the Tallahatchie Bridge.

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce PavittSong Writing

The man who ran Nirvana's first label gets beyond the sensationalism (drugs, Courtney) to discuss their musical and cultural triumphs in the years before Nevermind.

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.