Midland’s latest song is called “Cheatin’ Songs,” and since they are big fans of music from a wide range of decades, we wondered what they would consider a quintessential love song in country music. Lead guitarist Jess Carson thinks “Papa Loved Mama” by Garth Brooks is definitely on the list. He says, “It’s just a barn burner of a song… That’s a great song. We listen to the Garth Channel (on Sirius XM). Whenever that song comes on, it’s exciting to hear that song. It’s exciting to be surprised by that song.”
While bass player Cameron Duddy agrees, he points out that the song is kind of a bummer because, “It doesn’t work out good for mama, or papa.” She ends up in the graveyard and he ends up in the pen. But one of the things they think makes “Papa Loved Mama” a great song is that it’s a story song, but as Jess puts it, “It’s a really energetic story song, which is kind of a rare thing.”
Cameron jokes, “(Garth Brooks is) so excited to tell the story that ends in tragedy.”
While Midland’s “Cheatin’ Songs” doesn’t end in tragedy, it is a bummer, because it’s being sung from the perspective of a guy whose woman is cheatin’ on him, just like in the old songs.
Midland – quintessential cheatin’ song :30
Jess Carson – “I’m gonna say ‘Papa Loves Mama’ by Garth Brooks.
Cameron Duddy – “That one’s good.”
Jess – “It’s just a barn burner of a song.”
Cameron – “It doesn’t work out good for mama, or papa.”
Jess – “No, he’s in the pen and she’s …”
Cameron – “In the graveyard.”
Jess – “Yeah, unfortunately. That’s a great song. We listen to the Garth Channel. Whenever that song comes on, it’s exciting to hear that song. It’s exciting to be surprised by that song.”
Cameron – “Story song, too.”
Jess – “Yeah, it’s a really energetic story song, which is kind of a rare thing.”
Cameron – “He’s so excited to tell the story that ends in tragedy.”
Jess – “Yeah.”