As their winding career path makes clear, though, nothing important is ever established or sustained without struggle and re-evaluation, without the willingness to adjust course now and then. Theirs has been a journey for which they have drawn strength from both success and misadventure, turning missteps into lessons and challenge into triumph. The result is a hard-won artistic maturity, and the CD that embodies the latest phase of their journey, Fortuneteller's Melody, represents a liberating step forward.
The process began, as always, with Kristyn's songwriting. As Kelsi and Kassidy took to the road for a radio tour accompanying the release of Sweet Right Here, a rebound record which went gold and gave the trio renewed momentum, Kristyn spent more than three months turning the stuff of life into art with the help of collaborators that included Don Schlitz and Sheryl Crow.
From there, though, everything was new. The trio chose to work with Grammy producer of the year and another Kristyn songwriting collaborator, John Shanks, known for his work with Melissa Etheridge, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Alanis Morissette, Bon Jovi and many others. In working with him, they re-invented the way they make records: instead of the meticulous planning that went into earlier efforts, they worked almost off-the-cuff.
"We would walk into the studio this time not knowing the song," says Kristyn. "John and I would be finishing one in the other room then we’d go straight in and record it. Kassidy might learn it as I was finishing the lyric. We were allowing the songs themselves to take control, rather than our arrangements of the song."
"It freaked me out because I love to be prepared," says Kassidy. "With the other records, we would arrange songs for a month and then go into the studio totally ready, but I surprised myself this time. There's freedom in this approach, and there's something great and fresh about that."
The result was a recording process that echoed the approach of songwriting.
"It forces you to draw from a place that's beyond the surface," says Kristyn. "You find things in yourself that you didn't know were there. For Kassidy, it's her voice. 'Where are those licks going to come from?' 'Where is the soul going to come from in the music?' John just made us find it."
What held it all together was the consistency of voice in Kristyn's writing, the nuanced look at life, love and redemption that made up the project's songs.
"This is about relationships," she says. "It's about life and love and being on the road and being in a family and what happens when there's drama and trouble and tragedy. You can see the growth of the character and the life experience, and then you see the conclusion. It's also very honest. I don't feel like I'm shielding the truth here." She calls it "a grown-up record with elements of fun and youthfulness."
The upshot is that Fortuneteller's Melody, recorded in Los Angeles and Nashville, unfolds like no SHeDAISY album before it.
"In our other records," says Kristyn, "we talk about each song being a little snapshot or a mini-movie, but this new record presents an entire story, from song one through twelve, with each bleeding into the next."
It is a story drawn from experience.
"I was always a little tentative about just throwing everything out there," says Kristyn, "especially when it's really personal. These are all journals for the most part, but that is the blessing and the curse of writing your own material and letting people see what it's like on the inside of you rather than just the outside. I don't feel so restricted this time. I feel like we don't have anything to lose. We have a lot to say and we are in a really liberating place right now, so it was just a different approach. I don't need to mask anything. I have nothing to worry about. It feels good."
As much of a departure as it is, Fortuneteller's Melody is, given their history, the natural next step in SHeDAISY’s incredible journey.
Kristyn, Kelsi and Kassidy Osborn grew up in Magna, Utah, raised, as their father says, "on the three B's--Beach Boys, Beatles and Beethoven." Kelsi and Kassidy sang and performed in local theater, then began singing at retirement homes, churches, and in the neighborhood. Kristyn took part for a while, lost interest during high school, then regained it during a trip to New York to accompany Kelsi on a TV audition. Kristyn then accompanied her father to Nashville for a music business seminar, and a few months later, with Kelsi and Kassidy still in junior high, they moved to Music City. Within a few months they had landed and lost a record deal, recording an unreleased album.
They spent five years working in mall department stores and playing clubs at night, honing their craft, while Kristyn and Kelsi began attending classes at a local university to learn every aspect of the business.
"I learned how we had been taken advantage of," Kristyn says. "We recorded a project for RCA that never got released. That album was missing something and it taught me a lesson. We did what we were told. We didn't stand up for ourselves because we were so young. We were told to do a song and we did it. There were only three of our songs on there."
Gradually, their hard work and Kristyn's education paid off and, in 1997, they signed with Lyric Street Records.
Their first album, The Whole Shebang, rode unabashed exuberance, clever writing and aural brilliance to double platinum status, launching SHeDAISY into the mainstream of modern country music. "We had years to prepare for that record," says Kelsi, "and there was no one saying, 'You can't produce a demo like that.' When we hooked up with [producer] Dann Huff, he helped those demos come to life even more. We just put it out and said, 'Here is our music.'"
Fans and radio were all over the record and doors swung open everywhere. "Little Good-Byes," "This Woman Needs," "I Will...But" and "Lucky 4 You (Tonight I'm Just Me)" all reached the Top 10. Nominations poured in from the Grammys, the CMA, the ACM, the American Music Awards and the Blockbuster Music Awards. The Whole Shebang spent 99 weeks on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The group released a re-mixed version of the LP and a well-received Christmas album.
"I think we were spoiled in the beginning," says Kassidy. "Once you've had that, you don't want to settle for less. The good thing is that means you'll keep trying to do better."
"Knock On The Sky was much more of a science experiment," says Kristyn, "and that was really exciting--'Let's try this' and 'Let's do that' and 'What if we stack these vocals?', but some people couldn't get past the sound to be able to hear the songs themselves. Sometimes when there's too much of a sheen people won't always take the time to hear what you're saying."
Kristyn calls Sweet Right Here, their third release, "our trampoline--a bounce-back. We stepped back sonically a little bit, and the record reflected the fact that things were a bit simpler in our lives." Hits like "Passenger Seat," the hilariously self-referential "Don't Worry 'Bout A Thing," and "Come Home Soon," a song and video still treasured by the families of servicemen and women, recaptured much of the magic.
"I think we came a long way back," says Kassidy. "We were able to re-establish ourselves with radio and our fans after more than two years without a new radio hit. Going gold was really a goal for us, and I think with this new record we will keep accelerating and reach higher goals."
Part of that acceleration is taking place on the road. The trio chose not to tour early on, preferring to wait until they had released more hits.
"We had so many opportunities to go on the road," says Kristyn. "If we'd started six years ago developing a live show, we'd be in a different place now, but we are in essence starting from scratch in the last couple of years. But that also means it's as enjoyable as when you're starting brand new. We're back in fresh that place and it's really nice."
"We've been working with this band now for two years," says Kristyn. "Our focus is on the live show, convincing people we can pull it off. We don't have any bells and whistles, we don't have any sets that move and we have no flames. We have no explosions. It's just a great show without all that stuff and we're proud of it. Our next step is to get out there in front of a lot more people."
Theirs is the gift of self-confidence born of the rock-solid foundations of family and faith, and the knowledge that while they continue to learn, they have given their all to their recorded output. It lets them stretch each time they re-enter the studio.
"Each record has got to be a challenge," says Kristyn. "We don't want it to be easy. This time out, we're not afraid of anything. It's a different world that we're all breathing in. I think we feel ready to say it, to tell it like it is, and we're proud of it."
The result is a CD that showcases the best of one of modern country music's most innovative and compelling acts, one that adds an exciting new chapter to their legacy.
I Dare You
SHeDAISY Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who can see through the boldness and pride
Someone strong enough to put my faith in
Someone willing to let me inside
So be a man
And be my man
I dare you to need me like nobody else
I dare you to want to want
Want to be good to me
Baby you've got your reasons dangling
from kite strings
Can you open your hands and let them fly
I know you won't always say and do the
right things
But some things are worth a try
If you can
Be my man
I dare you to know me like I've never known
I dare you to show me that I can be shown
Dare you to want to want
Want to be good to me
Tell me I'm
Tell me I'm the one who deserves you
And every time
Every time you know that you want to
Yeah, I dare you
I dare you to hold me like you never
Will, again
Kiss me and leave the earth standing still
Dare you to want to want
I dare you to need me like nobody else
I dare you to feel me like you've never felt
I dare you to want to want
Want to be good to me
Yeah, I dare you to want to want
Want to be good to me
The song "I Dare You" by SHeDAISY is a plea for a deep and loving connection with another person. The song suggests that the singer has been hurt before and is looking for someone who can see past their boldness and pride to connect with them on a deeper level. The chorus challenges the potential partner to open up to the singer and be willing to take a chance on a meaningful relationship. The singer wants to be seen and held by someone who desires them more than anyone else. The lyrics suggest that there is a level of vulnerability required in truly connecting with someone, but the payoff is worth the risk.
The song captures the essence of falling in love and the hesitations that come along with it. It speaks to people who have been hurt in the past and may be hesitant to open up to someone new. The singer challenges her potential partner to take a leap of faith and try to connect with her on a deeper level, to feel her like they've never felt before, and to want to be good to her. The song is a call to action for people who may be afraid of getting hurt, to take a chance on love and to see where it could go.
Line by Line Meaning
God only knows how I've needed a friend
I've been looking for a friend to confide in and share my troubles with. Only God knows how much I've needed someone like that.
Who can see through the boldness and pride
I need a friend who can look past my exterior and see the vulnerable, sensitive person underneath.
Someone strong enough to put my faith in
I need a friend who I can trust wholeheartedly and have faith in when times get tough.
Someone willing to let me inside
I need a friend who is open and willing to let me into their life, allowing me to see their true self.
So be a man
I'm challenging you to be strong, brave, and assertive in our relationship – to take the lead and show me that you care.
And be my man
I'm asking you to be more than just a friend – to be my romantic partner and show me your love.
I dare you to need me like nobody else
I'm daring you to love and rely on me more than anyone else in your life – to make me your priority.
I dare you to feel me like you've never felt
I'm daring you to experience my love and connection in a deeper, more intense way than ever before.
Baby you've got your reasons dangling from kite strings
I know you have your own reasons and fears that hold you back from committing to me. They're like strings holding a kite back from soaring freely in the sky.
Can you open your hands and let them fly
I'm urging you to let go of those fears and doubts, and take a chance on us. Set your reasons free and see where our relationship can take us.
I know you won't always say and do the right things
I understand that you're not perfect and will make mistakes in our relationship – and that's okay. I still want to try with you.
But some things are worth a try
Our relationship is one of those things. Even though it may not be easy, I believe it's worth taking a chance on.
I dare you to know me like I've never known
I'm daring you to really get to know me – to understand my hopes, dreams, fears, and quirks in a way that no one else has before.
I dare you to show me that I can be shown
I'm daring you to demonstrate your love and affection for me in a tangible way – to show me that I can trust you and that you're serious about our relationship.
Tell me I'm the one who deserves you
I want you to express your love and admiration for me – to tell me that I'm the one who truly deserves your affection and commitment.
And every time you know that you want to
I want you to show me that you truly want to be with me – every time we're together or talking, and in everything you do.
I dare you to hold me like you never will, again
I'm daring you to cherish every moment we have together – to hold me close, knowing that you may never have another chance.
Kiss me and leave the earth standing still
I want you to kiss me in a way that takes my breath away – to make me feel like time has stopped and we're the only two people in the world.
I dare you to want to want
I'm daring you to want me – not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. I want you to crave our connection and love.
Want to be good to me
I want you to treat me well – to be kind, respectful, and loving in everything you do. I deserve nothing less.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JASON DEERE, KRISTYN OSBORN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind