by Alex Wilson (songwriter)
Album
Dust & Diamonds
Year
2025
Genre
Country/Americana/Southern Rock
Duration
3:42
Description
"Southern Steel" is a powerful anthem of resilience, steeped in the spirit of the American West. Blending the grit of Americana with the heart of Country, this song paints a vivid portrait of a woman facing hardship with unwavering determination. Through its raw storytelling and rootsy instrumentation, it celebrates the strength forged in adversity, echoing the enduring spirit of the modern cowgirl.
Lyrics
[Verse 1] A cowgirl don't break clean She ain't your movie screen This ain't some LA scene We don't break clean [Chorus] We just take it to the chin We get up and ride again When the world's falling in Take it to the chin 'Cause we don't break clean [Verse 2] She don't play by the rules Or dance around the truth I don't know who lied to you But she don't break clean She's a wildflower in the weeds [Chorus] She just takes it to the chin Gets up and rides again When the world's falling in Take it to the chin 'Cause we don't break clean [Bridge] Yeah, it takes a lot of dirt to grow a rose It takes a little hurt to grow a soul And she's got a soul that shines like gold Strong and free, never growing old [Verse 3] A cowgirl don't break clean She ain't your fragile dream She's tougher than she seems We don't break clean Got the heart of Tennessee [Chorus] She just takes it to the chin Gets up and rides again When the world's falling in Take it to the chin 'Cause we don't break clean [Outro] No, she don't break clean Southern Steel, through and through She don't break clean
Notes
Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar (steel-string preferred) providing a steady rhythm; electric guitar with a slightly overdriven tone for lead lines and fills; bass guitar laying down a solid foundation; drums with a focus on the snare and kick for a driving beat; optional pedal steel guitar for added country flavor. Tempo: Medium tempo, allowing the story to unfold naturally. Key: E Major or A Major. These keys are common in country and Americana music and suit the vocal melody well. Feel: A steady, driving feel with a touch of melancholy. The electric guitar fills should be expressive and add to the emotional weight of the song. The vocals should be delivered with conviction and a slight rasp. Consider adding subtle harmonies in the chorus for emphasis. The bridge is a good spot for a dynamic shift, perhaps with a slightly stripped-down arrangement before building back into the final verse and chorus.