Lesson on "Everywhere I Go"

Introduction to the Song

So the first song I want to talk to you about and show you how to play is "Everywhere I Go." This song is from my first album, Catching a Tiger. It was in the mix quite early, and it's still one of my favorites for its raw, vulnerable emotion and its powerful message. Performing it never ceases to be a cathartic, lovely experience.

The Inspiration Behind the Song

I started writing "Everywhere I Go" when I was living in Hollywood, California. At the time, I was probably about 24, 25 years old, maybe even 23.

• I lived in a little Hollywood apartment, having one of those dark nights of the soul.
• Experiencing existential dread, I often thought, "Who moves to LA to become a professional singer? This is a crazy dream!"
• I felt lost and questioned if I was on the right path.

I wondered:

• Am I doing enough to achieve my dreams?
• Am I being a good person?
• What am I supposed to want out of life?
• Where am I going?

As a fairly spiritual person, I found myself praying for guidance, believing in a force of good that would have my back if I stayed the course. I needed to be brave yet vulnerable, and through that combination, I found the faith to keep going.

It was in one of those moments of feeling lost that I began to write "Everywhere I Go."

Collaboration and Song Structure

Later on, I brought the song to Kurt Schneider, a producer I work with a lot. We have a long history, as we just made my new record together that's coming out this year.

I brought him snippets of "Everywhere I Go," mostly the verse parts, along with the sentiment and idea behind it. Together, Kurt and I ended up tightening up the chorus and writing the rest of the song.

Missing the Bridge

Interestingly, I never initially wrote a bridge for this song. In the US, we call it a bridge, but in the UK, it's referred to as a middle eight.

• **Song Structure:
  • Verse
  • Pre-chorus (or bridge, in the UK)
  • Chorus
  • Usually followed by a bridge or middle eight section before returning to the chorus.**

For "Everywhere I Go," I hadn't written this part, and it almost did not make it onto the album. At the last minute, I was convinced to record it and managed to throw together the bridge.

The Impact of the Song

I didn't think much about "Everywhere I Go" initially, but after my album Catching a Tiger was released, I received wonderful feedback about the song over the years. Now, 12 years later, I've sung it at friends' weddings.

Just today, I saw a recording of a friend where the song was played as someone walked down the aisle. I've also heard stories of people who experienced significant moments in their lives with this song:

• Someone in a car accident nearly missed a dangerous event as the song played.
• Many shared how it became a powerful anthem for them.

This song has become a vulnerable plea to the universe for guidance but also carries a sense of hope, suggesting that even when bad things happen, there's still safety.

A Special Memory in Norway

Another memorable experience with "Everywhere I Go" happened early in my career after Catching a Tiger was released. My band and I played at a festival in Tonsberg, Norway.

• The weather was gloomy, and it seemed like it might rain.
• During the performance of "Everywhere I Go," I held out a long note and looked to the sky.

In a beautiful moment, the clouds parted, and sunlight streamed down. The audience began to cheer, not for the song, but because the sun had come out! This moment was special, especially since it was my first time performing in Norway, and many in the crowd were hearing me for the first time.

You can't predict these moments, but they create unforgettable memories, like the sun shining out during "Everywhere I Go." After all, who doesn't love it when the sun comes out in the summertime?

Conclusion

In summary, "Everywhere I Go" is more than just a song; it represents vulnerability, hope, and connection for both myself and those who listen to it.