Touch And Go

Album: Love Is Magic (2018)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Touch And Go" is a soft, empathetic response to the story of American whistleblower Chelsea Manning, who transitioned to a woman while in prison. Grant was inspired by Manning's life after reading about how, hated by an entire nation, she attempted suicide.

    "I was very intrigued by her incredible story," he explained. "What kind of strength does it take to survive something like that while being decried as a traitor and a pervert for whom death is too good."
  • Did you play with Barbie dolls
    When no one else was around?
    Pardon me if I sound ignorant
    But the change is so profound
    What was going through your head
    As they struck you down to the ground?


    Grant admitted to Billboard that as a gay man, he finds transition confusing and doesn't understand it. He also can't comprehend what its like to be vilified by the nation that he loves. "So you see this person with this incredibly heavy burden on them, whether you understand it or not. I have the line in it like, 'did you play with Barbie dolls when no one else was around?' to talk about the way that we think about things," Grant added.
  • Want another song about Chelsea Manning? Check out Cass McCombes declaration of support for the controversial activist "Bradley Manning."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.