“Birthday Cake For Breakfast”
Written by Nancy Johnson
Interview by American Songwriter
Nancy Johnson is the American Songwriter Spring Breakup Lyric Contest Promotion winner with her song “Birthday Cake For Breakfast.” American Songwriter caught up with her to get the story behind the lyrics.
How long have you been songwriting?
When I was around twelve, I wrote 1 terrible song and two partial, though no less terrible songs. At which point in time I discovered boys and that was that. Then years later and for a number of reasons, I started songwriting again -that was fifteen or twenty years ago. It started as a trickle, but apparently I had stories to tell, because I started writing more and more and here we are.
Why did you enter American Songwriter’s Spring Breakup Promotion?
There are two answers for that. The first is, like you guys, I agree that breakups are no fun, but a good breakup song? Oh heck yea
The next reason would be that I appreciate the fact that it was a lyric only contest, consequently, genre preference/bias doesn’t come into play, so the playing field is level -and how great is that?!
What was the inspiration behind your song, “Birthday Cake For Breakfast”?
That’s something of a funny story. I’m the mother of 4 boys whom I homeschooled so I was with them 24/7. With that, I’d get up at 4 AM every morning, make a cup of tea, and just have some quiet “me time”. But my favorite days were the days after birthdays, when there would be leftover birthday cake. I’d get up at 4 AM, make a cup of hot tea ladened with milk and honey, cut myself a slice of leftover birthday cake, and enjoy my quiet time.
At some point I got to thinking about what kind of crazy woman has birthday cake for breakfast and I ended up with a killer heartbreak song. And FTR, whenever I play that song at a gig, I ALWAYS tell the backstory because I don’t want people to go home depressed!
Are you planning to release any new music this year?
The short answer is yes, but the honest answer is I’ve got a lot of things going on in my life, plus I’m in the midst of writing a new book and several new songs, so I’ll see how it goes.
What’s one goal you have for your songwriting career in the next year?
An interesting question. My biggest goal was to win this contest (no kidding!) So I guess my next goal would be to continue to work on songwriting, followed by either releasing songs and have them become hits, or have other people release them and have them become hits. Hey, you DID say “goals” didn’t you?!
Who are your all-time favorite songwriters and why?
Gosh, there are SO MANY songwriters I admire! In no particular order: Bob McDill, Desmond Child, Nancy Griffith, Pat Alger, Adele, Tom Petty, Patti Griffin, James Taylor, Carol King, Glen Frey, Don Henley, Sarah McLaughlin, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Stephanie Davis, Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, Hugh Prestwood, and SO many more. Seriously, the list is endless.
As to why? All these people paint evocative pictures; Be they fun, tender, heartbreaking, empowering etc., I love that their melodies are eminently singable and the feel of their songs is superb!
What would you tell other artists who are considering entering the contest?
I would tell them to write their songs, edit, rewrite and edit again. Then once they are satisfied, to ABSOLUTELY submit them to ASMLO contest!
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Read the winning lyrics to “Birthday Cake For Breakfast” below:
VS. 1
The Alarm went off at 6 AM
Sun’s starting to rise
Coffee’s finished brewing
I Poured some bleary eyed
Half a spoon of sugar
Then went to get some cream
When I opened up the fridge
It all came rushing back to me
VS. 2:
Mom and Daddy stopped last night
They brought a birthday cake
Said, “We’re worried ‘bout you baby girl
‘Cause we know your heart still aches
Don’tcha sit at home all alone”
They said, “You’ve got so much to give”
But when you walked out of our door
There went my reason to live.
CHORUS:
No bacon, eggs or biscuits
The way I used to do
Every single morning
Before you said, “We’re through”
I just don’t feel like cooking
Since you set me free
Now it’s birthday cake for breakfast
For me
VS. 3
A guy from work has asked me out
At least a time or two
It’s not that I don’t like him
It’s just that he’s not you
So I’ll sit at home all alone
And pray you finally call
But as the silence fills the room
I know there is no hope at all
CHORUS:
No bacon, eggs or biscuits
The way I used to do
Every single morning
Before you said, “We’re through”
I just don’t feel like cooking
Since you set me free
Guess it’s birthday cake for breakfast
For me
BRIDGE
It’s been more than a year now
Since you said goodbye
And I’d give anything
If you’d only change your mind
Chorus:
No bacon, eggs and biscuits
The way I used to do
Every single morning
Before you said, “We’re through”
I just don’t feel like cooking
Since you set me free
Guess it’s birthday cake for breakfast
For me
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