In Search Of The Mother Lode*
(The writer's perspective)

A few months ago I heard, in my mind, the melody to In Search Of The Mother Lode while driving. By the time I got home I had the rough chords formed for the verse. Even at this early stage in the songwriting process I sensed I was creating a song that was thoughtful in nature, insightful, and powerful - a cut above. The songwriting flowed naturally. I didn't feel as if I were forcing the process.

What emerged was powerful and endearing. A personal, yet universal message. A middle aged person looks back on their life desperately seeking a sense of purpose. All seems hopeless until the last verse, which gives way to a positive, hopeful, and meaningful conclusion - a wonderful new twist in style for me as a songwriter. It reminds me of how I get the chills at the end of Pretty Woman. Every time.

I began singing In Search Of The Mother Lode, accompanied with the acoustic guitar, for small audiences of 1 - 3 people. The response? Exceptionally gratifying. People related in a big emotional way. More often than not, listeners thoughtfully asked, "please, would you play it again?" And I did. I cannot recall a time I performed an original song where listeners asked for an encore. But this happened time and again. Audience reaction confirmed what I'd quietly believed - that this song was very special. It was everyone's story. Everyone's secret cry. People, hungry for confirmation that they are not living in quiet desperation. The song ends on a note of hope, declaring that there is good and true purpose in our lives even though we may not see it at the time.

My favorite feedback was the following insightful comment: "That's a song you can't write when you're 20 years old." I laughed. How true! Those of us creeping past middle age get it...and in a big way. There's no substitute for experience.

Existing song comparisons? - a cross between Desperado by The Eagles, and Angel by Sarah McLachlan - classic album favorites!

I believe my recording of this song has the ingredients for commercial success. Alternately, if it's covered by the right artist, it has the power to jumpstart that artist's career. I think a good match for this song would be an artist who has been in the game a while; had chart success; who may be at a dormant phase in their career (Country or Pop); looking for a meaningful comeback song.

I think you'll enjoy it. Perhaps you can help me increase exposure for it. I think the world needs it. Thanks.

Sincerely,

Joey "the songman" Daddario

* mother lode -"the important rich vein of ore (i.e. gold)".