Massachusetts

Album: Town Line (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This love letter to Aaron Lewis' home state is a track from the Staind frontman's debut solo country EP, Town Line. He explained: "I live in the sticks of Massachusetts. I wrote the song sitting on the front steps of my house. In the spring, the peepers get so loud outside. When they come out, they bring on the night. It's chilling and familiar, and I've heard that sound my whole life. That's how I know I'm home."
  • Town Line was helmed by James Stroud. The legendary Country producer told Artist Direct about Lewis's recording of this song: "He sang about Massachusetts, but to me, he's singing about Texas and Louisiana where I grew up. The sentiment is the same. It's that emotional connection with where you grew up, what you're all about, and where you came from. When I listen to 'Massachusetts,' that melody is haunting. The way he sets up that chorus takes you where he came from, but it also takes me where I came from. If I could sing like that, I would say the very same thing, except where I grew up. Everybody who hears it can relate because they all come from somewhere that gives them the same sentiment he has, sings, and writes about."

Comments: 2

  • Dennis from Long Island, NyWhere my hero teaches classes everyday - who is this?
  • Joel from Vallejo, CaAll I can say is wow...
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.

Harry Shearer

Harry ShearerSongwriter Interviews

Harry is Derek Smalls in Spinal Tap, Mark Shubb in The Folksmen, and Mr. Burns on The Simpsons.

Don Dokken

Don DokkenSongwriter Interviews

Dokken frontman Don Dokken explains what broke up the band at the height of their success in the late '80s, and talks about the botched surgery that paralyzed his right arm.

Gene Simmons of Kiss

Gene Simmons of KissSongwriter Interviews

The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.