CHAD: This one speaks for itself. There’s a lot of men out there who are pretty tough to live with. I’m pretty sure I’ve not always been easy. Somehow, though, they find partners who actually stay with them even when they don’t deserve it.

This song is from the perspective of a man who understands it, acknowledges it, and owns it.

It was while working on this song I learned - from Thea - that the order of words can make a huge difference between a line that is okay, and a line that is really good. Also, changing perspectives. One example would be changing “when you met me” to “when I met you”. The first one is awkward and clunky. The second is more smooth and easy to sing. Another great change she made was changing the word “folks” to “people”.

I think overall the song turned out really well, and it’s one of my favorites.

Anything you want to say about this, Thea?

THEA: Thank you, Chad…I should probably clarify for the readers a little bit. And if you’re a vocalist, you probably already know this:

It’s kind of a friction thing. The phrase “when you met me” has more friction in it than “when I met you”. (Just say the words. You’ll see what I mean.) The first phrase isn’t necessarily clunky, it just has more resistance…and sometimes it might be the preferred lyric, depending on other factors. The other thing I consider is how something lands rhythmically, how it dances with the melody.

Minor detailed changes like this are what I refer to as “cosmetic changes”.

The change from “folks” to “people” not only improved the picture in the mind’s eye (IMO), it added a little percussiveness to the phrase, which I love. “Most people woulda walked away then” just lands so beautifully right there.

If you recall, we made several of these cosmetic changes to this song, and I honestly think this one could be a country hit. Once you hear it, you don’t forget that hook.

ANYWAY…little effort, big impact…that’s me! [LAUGHS] We’d be nowhere with any of this without Chad, but I’m the annoying details person. I should put it on a business card.