Breakdown

Album: Cole World: The Sideline Story (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Cole originally made this song in 2008 and based it around a sample of Finnish jazz saxophonist Eero Koivistoinen's track "Bells." He explained to Billboard magazine: "I started with these drums, and I was like, 'Man, what if I did these upbeat drums… it can almost be a party. What if I put this real emotional sample on it,' and that's what I did, I chopped up this sample."
  • Cole's white mother, aunt and cousin raised him in Fayetteville, North Carolina. His African American father left him at a young age, which is the subject matter of this song's first verse. Cole told Billboard magazine it's "probably the most personal song on the album."

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.