Though born in New York, Peter's was raised in Boulder, Colorado, and then moved to Nashville in the late 1980s. There, she found work as a songwriter, composing hits for Martina McBride, Etta James, Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, George Strait, Anne Murray, as well as for Neil Diamond and co-writing songs with Bryan Adams. She has twice been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Song, in 1995 and 1996, and was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song in 2003.
Peters has released a string of studio albums of her own. The title track of her 1996 debut album The Secret of Life was later recorded by Faith Hill in 1999.
In the case of her new album, 'Blackbirds,' "juice" is certainly understatement. Recorded in Nashville, the album features a who's who of modern American roots music: Jerry Douglas, Jason Isbell, Jimmy LaFave, Will Kimbrough, Kim Richey, Suzy Bogguss and more. But it's not the guests that make 'Blackbirds' the most poignant and moving album of Peters' storied career; it’s the impeccable craftsmanship, her ability to capture the kind of complex, conflicting, and overwhelming emotional moments we might otherwise try to hide and instead shine a light of truth and understanding onto them.
'Blackbirds' is, in many ways, an album that is unafraid to face down mortality. But rather than dwell on the pain of loss, the music finds a new appreciation for the life we're given.
If anyone can open up that conversation, it's Peters. Inducted into the prestigious Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014, she has long been one of Music City's most beloved and respected artists, known never to shy away from darkness and struggle in her writing. Martina McBride's recording of her stirring "Independence Day," a song that deals with domestic abuse, was nominated for a Grammy and took home Song of the Year honors at the CMAs, and her work has been performed by everyone from Etta James and Neil Diamond to George Strait and Trisha Yearwood. "If Peters never delivers another tune as achingly beautiful as 'On A Bus To St. Cloud,'" People Magazine wrote, "she has already earned herself a spot among country's upper echelon of contemporary composers."
'Blackbirds' follows Peters' 2012 album 'Hello Cruel World,' which NPR called "the album of her career" and Uncut said "establishes her as the natural successor to Lucinda Williams." If anything, though, 'Blackbirds' truly establishes Peters as a one-of-a-kind singer and songwriter, one in possession of a fearless and endlessly creative voice.
The Secret of Life
Gretchen Peters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down at the Starlight Bar
One of 'em says, "You know I been thinkin'"
Other one says, "That won't get you too far"
He says, "This is your life and welcome to it
It's just workin' and drinkin' and dreams
Ad on the TV says 'Just Do It'
The secret of life is a good cup of coffee
The secret of life is keep your eye on the ball
The secret of life is a beautiful woman
And Marilyn stares down from the barroom wall
Now you and me, we're just a couple of zeroes
Just a couple of down and outs
But movie stars and football heroes
What have they got to be unhappy about?
So they turn to the bartender, "Sam, what do you think
What's the key that unlocks that door?"
Sam don't say nothin', just wipes down the bar
And he pours 'em a couple more
'Cause the secret of life is in Sam's martinis
The secret of life is in Marilyn's eyes
The secret of life is in Monday night football
And Rolling Stones records and mom's apple pies
Sam looks up from his Sunday paper
He says, "Boys, you're on the wrong track
The secret of life is there ain't no secret
And you don't get your money back"
The secret of life is gettin' up early
The secret of life is stayin' up late
The secret of life is try not to hurry
But don't wait, don't wait
The secret of life is a good cup of coffee
The secret of life is keep your eye on the ball
The secret of life is to find the right woman
The secret of life is nothin' at all
It's nothign at all
The secret of life
Couple of guys sittin' around drinkin'
Down at the Starlight Bar
One of 'em says, "You know I been thinkin'"
Other one says, "That won't get you too far"
"The Secret of Life" by Gretchen Peters is a reflective and introspective song that explores the meaning and purpose of life through a conversation between two men at a bar. The lyrics depict the men discussing their thoughts on life and what they believe to be the secrets to finding happiness and fulfillment.
The first guy expresses his contemplation about life, stating that he has been thinking about it. However, the second guy dismisses his thoughts, suggesting that merely thinking won't lead to any significant discoveries. This exchange sets the tone for the song, conveying the idea that life's secrets are not easily accessible.
The chorus reveals different elements that people often associate with the secret of life. It mentions a good cup of coffee, symbolizing finding pleasure in small things; keeping your eye on the ball, which represents focus and determination; and a beautiful woman, representing love and companionship. Marilyn Monroe is referenced, perhaps as a symbol of beauty and allure, displayed through her image hanging on the barroom wall. These ideas illustrate the different perspectives and desires individuals have in their search for meaning.
The song continues with a shift to the perspective of the singer, who considers himself and the other guy as "zeros" or insignificant individuals. They wonder why movie stars and football heroes, who seemingly have everything, would be unhappy. They turn to the bartender for answers, but he remains silent, implying that the key to happiness may not easily be explained or understood.
As the song progresses, the bartender, Sam, indirectly provides his response through his actions. He serves them more drinks, symbolizing the need to find comfort and escape in simple pleasures. The song also mentions Sam's martinis and Marilyn's eyes, implying that these elements hold their own secrets to life's meaning.
In the closing chorus, the singer expresses the importance of taking life slowly, without hurrying but also not waiting. The secret of life is ultimately deemed as nothing at all, suggesting that perhaps the real secret lies in accepting and embracing life as it is, rather than searching for a specific answer or formula.
Overall, "The Secret of Life" explores the subjective nature of happiness and the different perspectives people have in their quest for fulfillment. It suggests that life's secrets may be found in the simple pleasures, personal connections, and individual experiences each person encounters along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Couple of guys sittin' around drinkin'
Two individuals leisurely spending time together, enjoying alcoholic beverages
Down at the Starlight Bar
Located at the Starlight Bar
One of 'em says, "You know I been thinkin'"
One of them expresses a thought that has crossed his mind
Other one says, "That won't get you too far"
The other person implies that the thought shared is not particularly valuable or beneficial
He says, "This is your life and welcome to it
He asserts that what they are experiencing is their own lives, and they should embrace it
It's just workin' and drinkin' and dreams
Their lives predominantly consist of labor, indulging in alcoholic beverages, and aspirations
Ad on the TV says 'Just Do It'
An advertisement on television encourages taking action
Hell if I know what that means"
The artist confesses their lack of understanding regarding the intended message of the advertisement
The secret of life is a good cup of coffee
The hidden wisdom of existence lies in enjoying a well-made cup of coffee
The secret of life is keep your eye on the ball
To succeed in life, it is important to stay focused on one's goals and priorities
The secret of life is a beautiful woman
A gorgeous woman holds the key to understanding the essence of life
And Marilyn stares down from the barroom wall
An image or painting of Marilyn Monroe looks down upon the patrons from the wall of the bar
Now you and me, we're just a couple of zeroes
Both the singer and the listener consider themselves insignificant or unimportant
Just a couple of down and outs
They see themselves as unfortunate or struggling individuals
But movie stars and football heroes
In contrast, celebrities from the film and sports industry
What have they got to be unhappy about?
What reasons do they have to feel discontent in their lives?
So they turn to the bartender, "Sam, what do you think
To seek greater understanding, they direct their question to the bartender named Sam
What's the key that unlocks that door?"
They inquire about the secret or solution that leads to happiness and fulfillment
Sam don't say nothin', just wipes down the bar
Sam remains silent and proceeds to clean the bar's surface
And he pours 'em a couple more
He pours a few more drinks for them
'Cause the secret of life is in Sam's martinis
The true wisdom of existence resides within the martinis prepared by Sam
The secret of life is in Marilyn's eyes
Deep insight into the meaning of life can be found in the gaze of Marilyn Monroe
The secret of life is in Monday night football
Monday night football broadcasts hold the key to unraveling the secrets of life
And Rolling Stones records and mom's apple pies
Additionally, the music of the Rolling Stones and homemade apple pies prepared by mothers contribute to understanding life's mysteries
Sam looks up from his Sunday paper
Sam diverts his attention away from the newspaper he was reading
He says, "Boys, you're on the wrong track
Sam advises that the two individuals have been pursuing the wrong path or perspective
The secret of life is there ain't no secret
The truth about life is that there is no hidden or exclusive secret
And you don't get your money back"
Furthermore, no refund is provided for any effort or investment made in search of the secret of life
The secret of life is gettin' up early
The key to understanding life lies in rising early
The secret of life is stayin' up late
Moreover, staying awake and active during late hours contributes to comprehending the essence of life
The secret of life is try not to hurry
Avoiding haste is a critical component in uncovering the secret of life
But don't wait, don't wait
However, it is equally essential not to procrastinate or delay
The secret of life is a good cup of coffee
A properly brewed cup of coffee holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of life
The secret of life is keep your eye on the ball
Maintaining focus and attention on the main objective is fundamental to understanding life's secrets
The secret of life is to find the right woman
Discovering the ideal partner or woman is crucial to comprehending the true nature of life
The secret of life is nothin' at all
Ironically, the secret or essence of life is essentially nothing
It's nothign at all
In fact, it is a void or absence
The secret of life
This elusive secret of existence
Couple of guys sittin' around drinkin'
Two individuals relaxing and conversing while consuming alcoholic beverages
Down at the Starlight Bar
Physically located at the Starlight Bar
One of 'em says, "You know I been thinkin'"
One person expresses their contemplation or reflection
Other one says, "That won't get you too far"
The second individual dismisses the worth or potential of the previous person's thoughts
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gretchen Peters
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind