Red Light, Green Light

Album: Red Light, Green Light (2022)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "This song pulled from a relationship I had long ago, involving unrequited love," Vonda Shepard explained in a Songfacts track by track. "The character in the song leads me on and can't make up his mind, so I would never know who/what to expect - Red Light? Green Light? Are we on or off? But the truth is that this relationship never actually fully manifested to the degree I write in this song. My character in the song feels slighted, even though 'you were never mine.'"
  • The powerful piano ballad is the title track of Shepard's ninth studio album, which was produced by her husband, Mitchell Froom. According to the singer, Froom - who's also helmed projects for Fleetwood Mac, Elvis Costello, and Los Lobos - wanted the album opener to have a modern edge: "This is probably the most modern production on the album, and Mitchell felt strongly about going in that direction. It worked!"
  • The album's September 2022 release coincides with the 25th anniversary of Ally McBeal, which featured Shepard's "Searchin' My Soul" as its theme song and gave her a regular gig on the show as a lounge singer.

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.