Really Great

Album: Steadman's Wake (2021)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • After a 20-year studio break, The Connells returned with their ninth studio album, Steadman's Wake. Its lead single, "Really Great," is a tongue-in-cheek response to the not-so-great state of the world in 2021.

    "'Really Great' is told from the point of view of someone who is going through a less than 'really great' time, between external stuff like global pandemics and global warming and political turmoil, as well as more personal stuff," Mike Connell, the band's leader and primary songwriter, told Songfacts. "So, that would be the 'never-ending, mind-bending turnstile' and 'thunder-clapping, soul-sapping whirlwind.' But between a favorite old song and a beautiful day and someone to share the experience with, the person singing the song is seeing 'clear skies and sunshine.'"
  • Longtime Connells fans will notice something different on this upbeat guitar track. Says Connell: "All major chords here, which doesn't happen very often with my songs."
  • Founded in North Carolina, the band became regulars on college radio after the release of their debut album, Darker Days, in 1985. To coincide with their comeback album in 2021, they issued their debut album on streaming platforms for the first time.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."