Track #2, “That Girl”
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Several people know the secret behind this song, but for those who don’t it might come as a surprise to find out that the song “That Girl” was written for my daughter, Elle. I believe I started by coming up with the first line of the chorus to the song while I was in the shower. I hadn’t decided that the song was going to be about my daughter at that point, but once I made that decision the rest of the song fell into place pretty quick. I emailed a demo to the rest of the guys that just included everything but a bridge (which Russ wrote later).
I had just joined the Fundamental Elements a few months earlier and we were starting to write new songs for what would eventually be “The Cycle We’re Living In.” I wanted to write an acoustic song to fit with the style of the stuff the band had written before I was a member. I always tend to write my best songs out of my current life experiences, so the thrill of being a new dad was a natural creative catalyst for me to write about.
One thing that I’ve always loved about a good song (or any art for that matter) is when you can read in your own story and make the song have special significance for yourself. I can think of several songs that I love that have special meaning to me because when I heard the song it was like the writer was able to capture my own emotions better than i could articulate it myself. With this in mind I intentionally tweaked the song so that the it could be interpreted as a song about any new love relationship even though the original sentiment was from a father/daughter perpective.
For example, the second verse originally started:
Her eyes are water and I’m drowning in the view, my only daughter and a deeper shade of blue.
But was changed to:
Her eyes are water and a deeper shade of blue, now that I got her I’m just drowning in the view.
It’s At the end of the day I’m super happy about how this song came out and is probably the song that I’m most proud of on the whole album. Especially when the girl behind “That Girl” asks me if I can turn on Fundamental Elements and play “her song.”
Love it!
The only thing better than “the song” is “the girl!”
-one of her grandfathers
Good thing you changed the line. #2 might have been a bit put off in a few years :)
and for those of us that know the background, couldn’t be truer, couldn’t be prouder… thanks for sharing
It’s our favorite FE song! The boys always sing along when “Elle’s Song” comes on!
And I was thinking the same thing Dustin said…
ok that’s the feakin’ coolest thing i’ve ever read…great story! elle is a lucky gal!
From a musical standpoint, I remember us really struggling to get this song feeling good. At one point we almost dismissed it, but especially after our producer Stephen helping us with the arrangement, it turned into one of the top cuts on the album. Funny how things evolve from the original versions.
@Luke – and that’s why he’s a PROducer and not an AMAducer.
You guys have talent. I like the tune. Good Luck!
This has definitely become a fan favorite. Great song, Joe. I must say, that’s one of the best bridges I’ve ever heard.
Joe, This has been a Mohr favorite from the first time we heard it…sorry, my brother is taking so much credit!!!
Love you guys!!!