There Is No Arizona

Album: Shiver (2000)
Charted: 40
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • O'Neal wrote this song with her frequent songwriting partner Shaye Smith and Lisa Drew. It was the first single from her debut album Shiver.
  • The title of this song comes from Dolores Claiborne, the film adaptation of Stephen King's 1992 novel, and the reference made an impression on the horror author. O'Neal told us: "When I played in Bangor, Maine, which is where Stephen King is from, his assistant was in the crowd. So when I told that story, she must have gone back and gotten a book. Anyway, he ended up autographing a Dolores Claiborne book and sending it to me and saying, 'Dear Jamie, there really is an Arizona. Love from a fan, Stephen King.' And I thought that was so nice. It really meant a lot to me. It's one of the best gifts I've ever gotten." (Here's the full Jamie O'Neal interview.)

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.