I started the week with a song by Daniel Gallup from his upcoming EP, and I thought it fitting to close the week out the same way.
‘Solid Ground’ is a beautiful song, and my favorite thing Daniel has recorded in his young career. It fires on all cylinders, both musically and lyrically, and in its back half achieves a moment of transcendence that takes it to another level. This is a first class effort, from writing to performance to production.
‘Solid Ground’ reminds me very much of John Mayer, an artist I know Daniel admires. That comparison feels particularly apt when the gorgeous guitar solo (shout out to Lucas Kohen, who also produces) segues into the soaring final chorus. That’s goosebumps-inducing stuff right there.
Lyrically, too, the song is quite special. It’s about finding your way through your troubles and doubts and finding a soft place to land. For me, the key line comes in the second verse when Gallup sings “there’s far less danger when you stop pretending and just be you.” The solid ground is self-acceptance.
This song could be a hit, but it’s already something more important: a true work of art.
Don’t take the highway
If you see my old love
Don’t send her my way
And if it goes wrong
I hope you find grace
I hope it’s true
Love thy neighbor
And hold your family
Talk to strangers
They can be friendly
There’s far less danger
When you stop pretending
And just be you
‘Cause I found solid ground
I looked down
And it all made sense
I sing out proud to the clouds
Expel my doubts
Try to make amends
Unearth your real smile
Don’t flaunt a fake one
Conserve what’s worthwhile
What’s worth maintaining
Reserve your pain now
For that which might break you
Right in two
In your darkness
Find serenity
Although it’s startling
It shows your inner peace
And if you can’t beat those demons
Oh no
Just don’t hear them through
I found solid ground
I looked down
And it all made sense
I sing out proud to the clouds
Expel my doubts
Try to make amends
I found solid ground
I looked down
And it all made sense
I sing out proud to the clouds
Expel my doubts
It’s time to make amends
Time to make
Time to pay recompense
Meet Me In Montauk 
This one is indeed special! Thank you for helping to expose this song and Daniel’s music generally to a wider audience.
By the way, the cover art was done by our talented daughter, who is also putting the finishing touches on a visualizer video soon to be released.
This one is truly a work of art ❤️ I just love it and thank you for showcasing Daniel’s wonderful music this week. Also love the cover art and can’t wait to see the video created by Maddie
I get a lump in my throat almost every time I listen to this song, and I got a tear in my eye reading your last line this morning.
I do hope the song reaches an audience who would surely love and appreciate it as much as we do. I’m grateful Daniel teamed up with Lucas to bring this gem to soaring heights. It should launch both of their music careers.
I agree on everything you said Amy ❤️
Well, didn’t expect to be tearing up this Friday morning, but here we are! Thank you for this truly grounding review. ❤
What a beautiful review! I love being a part of a family who supports on another this way 🙂 And I’m also a big fan of this song, I look forward to more people discovering it.