"Speak Now" was recorded in five rooms in New York, one in California, and one in Iowa. Many of the songs are about change and transition, and the damage done by the passing of time, silence, inertia and inaction (or action at the wrong time) Some notes about the songs God Save New Orleans- this was written as the rains were still falling and recorded in Iowa on the following Fat Tuesday Violin was played by Andrew Crowe Kate Willer and Jessica Bradish sang harmony Dance Lessons- This was inspired by a story about Marge Champion still practicing every day and by some rehearsals of my own Heartache- This sentiment was given to me by someone who found me too chaotic to handle All Your Might- Recorded in Los Angeles just after the Karaoketown and Outskirts sessions Santana- For my cousin Rained On-Written during a freezing rainstorm at the central park resevoir-the first song I wrote in New York Chinatown Bus- An east coast reference inspired by many trips to Philidelphia and Boston Your Gay Friend- speaks for itself Esmerelda- About my friend's second uterus which I named and imagined as a jealous lover. Not joking Lesson Plans- Inspired by a woman I knew in Eufaula, AL Speak Now- Inspired by something said in Atlantic City and fleshed out at a funeral procession in Crowne Heights Lie- From the "Songs From the Magic Trash Can" record soon to be released Colorado- A true story-originally sung by Ben Roseberry on "Seasoned Greetings"-here is my version Sing as Soft as You Can- From the Diner Is That Your New Man, and Stop Growing Up- for Liza Peace Be With You- The only song written while sitting by the magic trash can-Usef the janitor at World Wide Plaza was quite taken with it Make 'Em Miss You- inspired by a conversation with a friend