Paper Scratcher

Album: Blind Melon (1992)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • A track from Blind Melon's first album, lead singer Shannon Hoon wrote the lyric about a homeless man he used to see on his way to work. This guy would scratch the faces off the people in the newspaper photos.
  • In our interview with Blind Melon guitarist Christopher Thorn, he talked about coming up for the music to this song with the group's other guitarist, Rogers Stevens. "I had written a beautiful subtle droning solo for the outro of the song, but once Rogers heard that part he also soloed over it. Of course, Rogers' solo is incredible. Beautifully written and played perfectly. It's a great example of the interplay that happens between Rogers and I when we play guitar together."

    Thorn adds that he had just discovered open tunings and used them to create a moody sound on this track.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.