Song For Zula

Album: Muchacho (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This haunting, rueful tune was released as the lead single from singer-songwriter Matthew Houck's Muchacho album, the follow-up to 2010's Here's to Taking it Easy and the sixth under his Phosphorescent moniker. The LP was written in Mexico. "It sounds really cheesy, but I went down there with a guitar and got a little hut on the beach in Tulum, on the Yucatan Peninsula," said Houck.
  • This song portrays the post-traumatic stress of a soured relationship and Houck's attempts to will himself out of his funk. It was inspired by the singer breaking up with his girlfriend whilst touring Here's to Taking it Easy. "Relationships are tough when you're on the road, too-- my girlfriend would come on some of the tours, but it wasn't easy," Houck told Pitchfork. "Drugs and booze were involved. So I lost the place, lost the girl, and lost my mind."

Comments: 1

  • Annie from CaliforniaOne of the most hauntingly beautiful songs ever.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Jon Foreman of SwitchfootSongwriter Interviews

Switchfoot's frontman and main songwriter on what inspires the songs and how he got the freedom to say exactly what he means.

Adele

AdeleFact or Fiction

Despite her reticent personality, Adele's life and music are filled with intrigue. See if you can spot the true tales.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Dave Edmunds

Dave EdmundsSongwriter Interviews

A renowned guitarist and rock revivalist, Dave took "I Hear You Knocking" to the top of the UK charts and was the first to record Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk."

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.