For more than three decades, Skip Ewing has spent hours putting pen to paper and crafting country songs. If you’re a Kenny Chesney, Collin Raye, Mark Wills or Randy Travis fan, you’re also a Skip Ewing fan. And while those artists are just a glimpse into the impressive resumé Ewing has built, which also includes a Grammy nomination, a BMI Songwriter of the Year award and more than a half dozen chart toppers.
With a new single, “Knots,” available now and a new album on the way, the latest installment of our Songs I Wish I Wrote series offers a glimpse into the songs that shaped Ewing and his love for crafting stories!
1. “Wichita Lineman”- Glen Campbell
I was too young to remember when I first asked for a guitar, but I was told Glen Campbell was the reason. I had to choose one song for this list, but Jimmy Web’s “Wichita Lineman,” “By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” and John Hartford’s “Gentle On My Mind” are all indelibly etched in my mind as some of the best country songs ever written. The songs, vocal performances and production were absolutely mesmerizing to me—and still are.
2. “Hungry Eyes”- Merle Haggard
The two biggest influences for me as a writer were arguably Merle Haggard and James Taylor, for too many songs to list. With Merle, it was truth, earthiness and grit. He was completely believable. What he wrote and sang matched perfectly with his persona and vocal. I chose “Hungry Eyes” because the images and social implications always moved me. Nevertheless, I might have chosen “Working Man Blues,” “Makeup and Faded Blue Jeans,” “White Line Fever” or “Red Bandana.” There are so many to choose from. At the time, I thought he wrote all the music he sang. Of course, later I found out otherwise. Nevertheless, he was the real thing. His work carved a space in my country roots and profoundly influenced my appreciation for country music.
3. “Frozen Man”- James Taylor
James Taylor’s JT album is probably the album I’ve listened to more than any other. Although songs like “Fire & Rain,” “Secret O’ Life,” and “How Sweet It Is” are mainstays, “Frozen Man” is perhaps my favorite song of his ever. Lyrics, music, guitar playing, production; every element is brilliant. If you haven’t heard it, you should go listen.
4. Stardust album by Willie Nelson
As far as albums go, this is likely my second most listened to album besides the JT album. When I discovered Stardust I couldn’t believe how fantastic every single song was: “Someone To Watch Over Me,” “Moonlight In Vermont,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “Georgia on My Mind” etc. This collection changed the way I understood melody, the way I approached lyrics poetically, and most certainly my choices in chord progression. It also gave me an even greater respect for Willie’s musicianship.
5. “She Thinks I Still Care”
Written by Dicky Lee and Steve Duffy. I heard Merle Haggard’s version before I knew there was a George Jones version. But whichever one you listen to, you can’t help but appreciate the traditional musical approach that grounds the lyric’s irony. This was the first time I recognized purposeful irony in a song and the strength it could have for the listener. It really is well-written and allows for the singer himself to appear unaware of his predicament (even though we know he is).
6. “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover”- Paul Simon
I hope you don’t mind, I’m adding this as a bonus song for a unique reason. I remember being very young, sitting in the backseat when this song came on the radio. Steve Gadd played the lone snare opening, and it was the first time I really understood that there were actual people behind all the music I heard. I had to find out who it was that played such an iconic riff, and it fundamentally changed my experience of listening to recorded music of any genre. To this day, it reminds me of how precious the musical talents are that fundamentally support and shape the music we record. I hope we will continue to champion the musicians in Nashville as precious and vital to the heart, collective artistry and humanness of the music we make. It isn’t exclusive to country or classical, but it’s especially pertinent in Nashville and everywhere symphonies are (blessedly) still supported by involved communities.
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