Best Songs of 2013 – Best Songs of 2013 – #9
This has to be the strongest year in recent memory for female country artists. I’ve already posted a Pistol Annies song, and today’s SOTD is the first of three by female country performers in my top ten.
Ashley Monroe is herself a member of Pistol Annies, making her the only artist to show up in my top 25 twice.
Like a Rose (the album) is a charming solo debut, alternately sweet, sad and funny. Monroe anchors every track with her expressive vocals and slightly twisted viewpoint. I’m not sure how many country singers before her have delivered love songs about introducing light bondage and marijuana to liven up a dull marriage.
I love this title track for its beautiful simplicity as well as its message of perseverance. So many country songs are about dark times. This one is about the sunrise that follows.
Mama started drinking, and my brother just quit trying
I’m still bouncing back, Heaven only knows
How I came out like a rose
Ran off with what’s his name when I turned eighteen
He got me out of North Dakota, but it did not change a thing
I left it in the yard all covered up with snow
And I came out like a rose
Sitting in this diner with a coffee in my hand
Waiting on a bus to some promised land
I got a one way ticket as far as it goes
And I came out like a rose
So I’m headed south to anywhere that ain’t so damn cold
Where I can warm my heart and shake the chill from my bones
It took awhile to get here, it’s been a long, hard road
And I came out like a rose
Sitting in this diner with a coffee in my hand
Waiting on a bus to some promised land
I got a one way ticket as far as it goes
And I came out like a rose
It took awhile to get here, it’s been a long, hard road
And I came out like a rose
Meet Me In Montauk 
Pretty enough song, but top ten for the year? I don’t get that.
Her voice reminds me of… someone I can’t quite place. Dolly Parton maybe? Regardless, it’s a pleasant familiarity. I love how you have completely embraced all things country music, and I can appreciate how it happened. Once you let your cynical guard down to the various themes and clichés inherent in the music, it’s easy to throw open your arms and just take it all in. This is a lovely song, and I think it’s sweet that it’s one of your top ten of the year. 🙂
Now I realize I got it all wrong, I was introducing light marijuana and heavy bondage…if only I had known!
Nice song 🙂