While studying anthropology at Franklin and Marshall College, McNally began singing and playing guitar in clubs. After graduating and honing her skills on the streets of Paris as a busker, she secured a deal with Capitol Records in 1997. McNally was intent on making an acoustic record and entered the studio with studio professionals including Jim Keltner, Benmont Tench, and Greg Leisz. The resulting album Jukebox Sparrows was not released at the time.
In the interim, McNally opened for Stevie Nicks and Ryan Adams, and was part of the 1999 Girl's Room tour with Tara MacLean, Kendall Payne, and Amy Correia. She also modeled for Urban Decay cosmetics. In 2000, McNally issued the holdover EP Bolder Than Paradise. When Capitol finally issued Jukebox Sparrows in January 2002, it did so into a market that had already embraced such roots-flavored material as Ryan Adams and the O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack. McNally embarked on a press tour, and spent the summer of that year supporting John Mellencamp. In late 2002, she released the Ran on Pure Lightning EP, a collaboration with songwriter Neal Casal.
In 2005, McNally returned with the country, blues, and soul influences on the album Geronimo. The album's June release was accompanied by a summer's worth of live dates. Early 2006 saw the release of McNally's third album, North American Ghost Music. Tour dates with Son Volt also coincided its release.
McNally took off most of 2008 and 2009 after the birth of her first child. She has resumed performing and recording and toured with Dave Alvin & The Guilty Women. In 2009 she released the album Coldwater with her band Hot Sauce. McNally currently resides near Oxford, Mississippi.
In 2013, McNally released Small Town Talk, a tribute album to the songs of Bobby Charles. In an interview, McNally said that she was a longtime friend of Bobby Charles and Small Town Talk was inspired by Charles' first, self-titled album from 1973
You Made Me Feel for You
Shannon McNally Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause I got something to say
But you're talking about just nothing at all
And you're slipping away
We were crying together
It was a long time ago
Before you walk out the door
And leave me this way
You make me feel
You make me real
For the rest of my days
In so many ways
You make me feel
I've been trying to leave you
Why should we go on like this
But my heart can't breathe
When I hear you say
It's better this way
Ten thousand light years away from you
Keep thinking maybe it's time to let go
But by the end of the day
I still want to say "Do you?"
In "You Made Me Feel for You," Shannon McNally is conveying her frustration at trying to communicate with someone who has become distant and noncommittal. She has something important to say to this person, but they are not reciprocating and instead are talking about "just nothing at all." Despite their emotional connection in the past, she feels like they are slipping away, and she doesn't want to be left alone like this. The chorus reveals that this person has the power to make her feel and to make her real in ways that no one else can. She has tried to leave them, but her heart can't take it when they suggest that it's better to move on. She feels like they are light years apart from each other, but she is still holding on to the hope that they can reconnect and feel the same way about each other once again.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been trying to reach you
I have been attempting to communicate with you
'Cause I got something to say
Because I have a message to convey
But you're talking about just nothing at all
However, you are conversing about insignificant things
And you're slipping away
And you are becoming distant
We were crying together
We shared a sorrowful experience in the past
It was a long time ago
It happened many years ago
Before you walk out the door
Before you leave me behind
And leave me this way
And abandon me feeling like this
Just hear what I say
Just listen carefully to my words
You make me feel
You evoke emotions within me
You make me real
You make me feel authentic and genuine
For the rest of my days
For the remainder of my life
In so many ways
In numerous different manners
I've been trying to leave you
I have been attempting to distance myself from you
Why should we go on like this
What is the reason for continuing in this way
But my heart can't breathe
However, my emotions feel oppressed
When I hear you say
Upon hearing you speak
It's better this way
You suggest it is more advantageous to part ways
Ten thousand light years away from you
A vast distance lies between us
Keep thinking maybe it's time to let go
I repeatedly consider the possibility of separating from you
But by the end of the day
Yet, as the day concludes
I still want to say 'Do you?'
I still wish to ask you 'Do you feel the same way?'
Writer(s): Rodney Crowell
Contributed by Oliver R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Take5Geri
Totally enjoying this song and the singer who is new to me...Love it! Best wishes in your career Shannon McNally!
IFeelLikeImTakingCrazyPills
Ya, you should hear the guy that sang it 1st... If you like this one you'll be floored by Muddy Waters.
Julie Bull
Great song Shannon
Ring
Popped Up on Playlist! Love It!
Tony Angelpop
Gr8t voice !!!
John Thompson
Not much better than watching this woman own the song. I'm believing anything she's layin' down.
zootman2020
NIIIICE!!!
Drummingmatt
"oh baby please don't go, oh baby please don't go, down to new Orleans, you know I love you so"
Glenda J
Some kind of Awesome )0(
Daniele Mattioli
Yes.