“The Pedal on the Right”
Interview by American Songwriter
Elizabeth Grace is the American Songwriter Highway Hits Lyric Contest Promotion winner for her song “The Pedal on the Right.” American Songwriter caught up with Elizabeth to get the story behind her road trip hit.
How long have you been songwriting?
I wrote my first lyrics back in high school—predictably angsty teenage stuff. I’ve played around with lyrics now and then over the years, and for the past few years, have written quite a bit. I wrote a song for my husband as an anniversary gift and enjoyed the process so much that I’ve kept going.
Why did you enter American Songwriter’s Highway Hits Promotion?
The topic spoke to me. I immediately knew the direction I wanted to take it, so I sat down and poured it onto the page.
What was the inspiration behind your song, “The Pedal on the Right”?
Some months back I had a conversation with a friend about a guy who just up and left his old life behind. My friend commented that his girlfriend was dazzlingly lucky. Done, no muss, no fuss. We laughed, but that conversation stuck with me.
Who are your all-time favorite songwriters and why?
Don Williams is definitely my all-time favorite. He had a wonderful way of getting right to the heart of things—not just the good stuff like love and gratitude, but also the truth that we’re all a little bit screwed up and scarred. My husband and I went to as many of his concerts as we could, sometimes when we could afford it and sometimes when going meant we’d have to eat macaroni for a week. It was always, always worth it.
Other songwriters who make my list of favorites include James Taylor, John Mellencamp, Michael David Rosenberg (Passenger), Tom Petty, Christine Kane, John Denver, Kacey Musgraves, Billy Joel, John Prine, Brandi Carlile, Van Morrison, Taylor Swift, Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, and Dorothy Fields (who, like me, wrote only lyrics). Yeah, that’s a lot.
Are you planning to release any new music this year?
I’ll keep writing, that’s for sure.
What would you tell other artists who are considering entering the contest?
Do it! Here’s the thing: If you enter, you may or may not win. If you don’t enter, you absolutely won’t win.
Read the winning lyrics below:
Hey, why don’t you take a road trip?
Don’t look in the rear-view mirror
It’s the pedal on the right, babe
Go anywhere but here
Crank the music way up
Leave all your worries behind
Nothin’ to keep you stuck, babe
Sweet freedom on your mind
Call and give your notice
Tell ‘em you ain’t comin’ back
You can find another job, babe
It’s the ultimate life hack
We’ve all heard the stories
Of somebody who’s had enough
Tired of work and family
Tired of life bein’ tough
So they go out to buy a paper
Or just to get some fresh air
Then they start runnin’ and keep on goin’
Disappear without a care
Pack a bag
Fill the tank
Grab some snacks
Don’t look back
(It’s easy)
Pack a bag
Fill the tank
Grab some snacks
Don’t look back
(You can do this)
It’s the pedal on the right, babe
Nothin’ to keep you stuck
Crank the music way up
Aren’t you tired of life bein’ tough?
Don’t look in the rear-view mirror
Leave all your worries behind
Call and give your notice
Now don’t that ease your mind?
Me? Well sure I’ll miss you
But of course I understand
I’ll muddle through alone, babe
I know it’s hard bein’ a man
It’s a pedal on the right, babe
It’s probably time you should go
Don’t worry ‘bout a thing, babe
Hey, why you movin’ so slow?
Pack a bag (I packed it for you)
Fill the tank (I topped it off)
Grab some snacks (I put a cooler in your back seat)
Don’t look back (It’s time to go)
It’s the pedal on the right, babe
Do you want me to start the truck?
There’s some extra cash in your wallet
And I wish you the best of luck
Most Popular
Comments / 0