Big Star

Album: Sound Of Lies (1997)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Jayhawks guitarist and vocalist Gary Louris told us that he has "a lot of famous friends." However, though his band have yet to become 'big stars' they've achieved longevity in their career. This song is, "about achieving a place that you thought you wanted to be and maybe it would make you happy. It's a typical human response. If I get there, then I'm finally going to be happy. And in reality, you probably won't be. You should just be happy with what you have."
  • We asked Gary Louris whether the critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful band Big Star was an inspiration for the song? He replied: "Not exactly. Maybe in the back of my mind." "You could say it about the Velvet Underground or Big Star or The Jayhawks," he added: "world's unluckiest bands. They should have been bigger. But everybody in the audience started a band. Everybody that saw them started a band. The old cliché. But it's true."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Tony Banks of Genesis

Tony Banks of GenesisSongwriter Interviews

Genesis' key-man re-examines his solo career and the early days of music video.

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Sam Hollander

Sam HollanderSongwriter Interviews

The hitmaking songwriter/producer Sam Hollander with stories about songs for Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, Train, Pentatonix, and Fitz And The Tantrums.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.