Continuing my look at Just Daniel, the new EP by singer-songwriter Daniel Gallup…
‘Somewhere in August,’ track four of the EP, is another of my favorites. It has a laid back country vibe that suits the melancholy of its lyrics. In sound and theme, this song reminds me a lot of my beloved Miranda Lambert. I’m not sure if Daniel has listened to her work.
This is the most cryptic and metaphorical lyric of the set. In a TikTok, Daniel says that a failed American Idol audition led to the writing of this song. I like that something so specific led to a song about so much more.
For me, ‘Somewhere in August’ is about the uncertainty of young adulthood, about what it’s like to occupy the space between the comfort of childhood and the unknown path ahead.
Speaking of TikTok, you can follow Daniel there, as well as on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
Down the street from my old house
There’s a drawer full of misgivings
That I just emptied out
Somewhere in August
You make a left then a quick right
Then you stumble past a street lamp
Where you used to dance at night
Somewhere in August
Well I guess it’s lost its charm
But it used to feel so cozy there
And now it just feels warm
Somewhere in August
Well the cost is finally clear
A sell-out in September
Staying anywhere but here
Anywhere but here
Somewhere in August
Just a tad bit off the track
There’s a tree well marked
A riddle etched in bark
That I still can’t quite crack
Somewhere in August
A bright light and you can’t miss it
But if you should
It’ll do you good
It shines stronger from a distance
Somewhere in August
If I’m honest I’m not sure
But I’ve heard tale
Of relics up for sale
From the month that lives next door
Somewhere in August
Fair and modest I’ll settle down
Hang my goodbyes
All out to dry
And finally leave this town
Finally leave this town
Meet Me In Montauk 
As Daniel tells the story, this song originated with his mom Amy asking when the next American Idol audition was, to which Daniel responded “Somewhere in August,” to which Amy commented that this would be a great title for a song. Next thing you know, Daniel picks up the guitar and one of his most beautiful, poignant songs was born.
My. Favorite on the album. I LOVE this song ❤️❤️❤️❤️
The ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ CD was in heavy rotation on my drives to and from school. Though up until this point I can’t say I had considered any comparison to Miranda Lambert on this song. That being said, I know how much you enjoy her work and so I will take it as a high compliment!
This was likely the song most precious to me on the EP where I was very careful in contemplating the production. I wanted to ensure that the lyrics resonated, but was torn on how much instrumentation I wanted to add period. I’m very happy with where we landed.
There are moments such as the drums building in intensity on the last line “Finally leave this town” that bring a new level of feeling to the song that I only hoped for in writing. It’s a beautiful thing for someone as overly analytical of their own work as me to be able to step back and appreciate the work of another musician lending their talents or the adorning of a lyric with harmonies meticulously crafted alongside their producer.
I will not comment on exactly what the “theme” or “deeper meaning” of this song is as it feels one best to let the listener interpret how it resonates with them, but I love starting a song from an idea and discovering what it is I feel on the topic through songwriting!
I remember hearing this one for the first time when Daniel played it at a park close to the Hollywood sign while we captured some content. I totally thought he was playing a cover of a beautiful song that I hadn’t heard before. I asked Daniel who the song was by and he thought I was kidding. But I totally wasn’t.
Anyway, proud sister over here!