How I Go by Yellowcard

Album: Lights And Sounds (2005)

Get the Sheet Music License This Song

This song was inspired by the 2003 Tim Burton movie Big Fish, starring Albert Finney. Like the fantasy film, the lyrics tell the story of a former salesman who, from his deathbed, regales his son with tall tales about his life. >>
Suggestion credit:
Donovan Berry - El Dorado, AR
This features guest vocals from Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks. Yellowcard frontman Ryan Key was hoping Maines would appear on the country-flavored Ocean Avenue track "View from Heaven," but the record label refused to reach out to Maines because Yellowcard wasn't a big enough band yet to attract such a big-name contributor. After Yellowcard exploded into the mainstream once "Ocean Avenue" hit MTV and radio, however, the plan seemed feasible. The Chicks landed at the same studio where Yellowcard was working on Lights And Sounds, and Key saw his chance.

"I finally got up the balls to go over there and say, 'Hey, we kinda want you to sing on this song...' We gave her a copy of that track, and when she came back, the first thing she said was, 'How many kids do you have?'" he told Billboard.

The then-single, child-free singer cleared up the confusion. "I wrote it, like the rest of the album, in an out-of-body experience kind of way," he explained. "I told her, 'It's not about me - I'm not even dating anyone right now!'"
Maines was originally going to sing backing vocals but after she heard the demo, she came up with her own lyrics and vocals and the song turned into a duet.
This features a 25-piece orchestra conducted by the band's violinist, Sean Mackin.

Please sign in or register to post comments.

Comments: 8

Maddie from Wichita, KsThis song is amazing. 'Nuff said.
Dawn from Salt Lake City, UtThis song gives me TOTAL goose bumps... the way they sound together and the orchestra in the background.... LOVE IT!!!! Am I the only one?
Shannon Mulvany from Spokane, WaBeautiful. This is one of my favorites on the album. I own it, and I just have to say . . .WOW! I love the piano at the beginning. Another song that someone should post on here that's also on this album is "City of Devils".
Shong from Wausau, Wiyes, it's about big fish...and yes natalie maines from the dixie chicks...she sounds really good in this song w/ ryan...it's so good...
Meagan from Sulphur, Lathe female guest singer would be Natalie Maines from the Dixie Chicks, she sounds amazing if i do say so.
Shong from Wausau, Withis song is about a father passing away and telling his son about his crazy stories about his life...
Shong from Wausau, Wii like this song...with the female guest apperance...on the song...singing with ryan key...
Tom from Bremerton, Wa"I Could tell you the wildest of tales, my friend the giant and traveling sales"
How I go"
"Life's a circus, so we are small"

all hints to the movie

see more comments

Timothy B. SchmitSongwriter Interviews

The longtime Eagle talks about soaring back to his solo career, and what he learned about songwriting in the group.

Pete AndersonSongwriter Interviews

Pete produced Dwight Yoakam, Michelle Shocked, Meat Puppets, and a very memorable track for Roy Orbison.

Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton talk twin guitar harmonies and explain how they create songs in Judas Priest.

Victoria WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

Despite appearances on Carson, Leno and a Pennebaker film, Williams remains a hidden treasure.

Sam PhillipsSongwriter Interviews

Collaborating with T Bone Burnett, Leslie Phillips changed her name and left her Christian label behind - Robert Plant, who recorded one of her songs on Raising Sand, is a fan.

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.