rockyourlyricsJillette Johnson (http://www.jillettejohnson.com) released few months ago her first album “Water in a Whale”; today she discussed with us the meaning behind some of her most important songs.
RYL: “Water in a Whale” is your last album, released one year ago; why have you selected this title?
Jillette Johnson: It’s a lyric from the last song on the album, True North. It’s a metaphor for grappling with failure and also a symbol for my voice in the world… Two themes that are very prevalent in the whole album.
RYL: “Torpedo” is one of the latest singles from the album, can you tell us which meaning the lyrics have for you?
Jillette Johnson: Torpedo is a song about resilience and about a fight for something worthy of whatever pain might accompany it. For me, that cause is my career and my place in the world as a musician.
RYL: How do you write the lyrics of your songs? Which importance do you give to their true meaning?
Jillette Johnson: It’s a dance between left brain and right brain. They always start with my subconscious and then I sculpt and edit them into something intelligible.
RYL: Which is your favorite song of all time? Why?
Jillette Johnson: Can’t pick one really. But I Think Its Going to Rain Today by Randy Newman breaks my heart.
RYL: Can you tell us the meaning behind the lyrics of “True North?”
Jillette Johnson: True North is about an inner compass that helps you get back to center when the whims and chaos of the world around you tempt you to sway.
RYL: Are you currently writing new songs? What inspired the last verse you wrote?
Jillette Johnson: Always. The last verse I wrote came from missing my family.
RYL: Where you will be in tour?
Jillette Johnson: All over the US.
RYL: Why you wrote the song “Cameron”?
Jillette Johnson: Cameron is a story of a friend of mine. And I felt it needed to be told.
RYL: “Last Bus Out” is our favorite song, what happens in California’s weather? These lyrics are inspired by something that really happened to you?
Jillette Johnson: Thank you! Sure, I mean I’ve definitely felt compelled to stay in a cozy bed and not get back on the road.
RYL: When a new album?
Jillette Johnson: Possibly the end of summer of 2015.
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