Shelby Park - Sarah Jane Nelson
Album Release Date: April 29, 2022
Sarah Jane Nelson spent 20 years as an actor telling other people’s stories. Now, as a Nashville-based singer and songwriter, she’s weaving her life experiences with universal truths to tell stories of her own.
“For many years, I was terrified to be truly vulnerable in my songwriting. I was used to playing a part. As an actor but also in my personal life in the role of the happy wife with the perfect family. When I finally filed for divorce, the façade crumbled and I was left with the task of picking up the pieces and building a new life. It was scary to write my last record, “I’m Not Broken,” but when I released it, I got daily emails from new fans telling me that they cried as they listened as it felt like I was singing their story. Reading those messages each day, hearing that my music provided comfort and hope, I felt empowered to go even deeper with this new record and be fearless in giving voice to the stories of those who have felt unheard and under-represented for a long time.”
Nelson’s latest release, “Shelby Park,” includes songs about marriage, divorce, motherhood, beauty, and self-acceptance. She even tackles the issue of sexual assault with the hauntingly brave and beautiful, “Smile Pretty.” Straddling the worlds of Americana and Classic Country, she sings truthfully and from the heart.
Born in southern Arkansas, Sarah Jane grew up with loving parents who would flirt and sing in harmony to 1960’s break-up songs by Elvis Presley and Skeeter Davis. Summers were spent with her Mammy and Pappy traveling to bluegrass festivals in their motorhome, the little curly-haired girl dancing to the fiddles and banjos, embraced by the tight-knit bluegrass community. Her father’s work takes the family to the bayou of Monroe, Louisiana, and the utopia is interrupted when her idyllic home breaks up, rocked by infidelity that nobody saw coming. Her world turned upside down, she retreats to the radio, back to her sad country songs, stories woven around her pain.
A month after high school graduation, Sarah Jane won America’s Miss T.E.E.N. beauty pageant, moved to NYC, and started performing in plays and musicals. Within a few short years, she made her Broadway debut in Julie Taymor’s “The Green Bird.” Then life took priority over career, she got married, had children, moved to Nashville, and then got divorced. As a newly single mother, Sarah Jane turned back to the country and gospel music from her childhood, writing her way to resilience, through grief, and toward love.
Nelson’s latest effort, Shelby Park, was recorded at The Rukkus Room and Monster Studios in Nashville and produced by Sarah Jane Nelson, Jamie Tate (Taylor Swift, Thomas Rhett & Justin Moore.) Sarah Jane wrote 7 songs and paired up with “I’m Not Broken” co-writer Kenny Foster for 3 tunes. For the heartfelt love letter from mother to child, “Mama Loves You” Nelson co-wrote with fellow single-mom and East Nashville songwriter, Katie Boeck.
Sarah Jane recently won the country division in the MerleFest Chris Austin Songwriting Contest and has been a finalist for the International Songwriting Competition and Kerrville New Folk Festival. She regularly plays shows at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
Prior releases include “I’m Not Broken”, lauded by Wide Open Country “Sarah Jane Nelson channels a little Loretta Lynn attitude on her fiery new song “Reap What You Sow.” Only rather than warning her man’s mistress that she “ain’t woman enough” to take her man, she’s practically begging her to take him off her hands.”
Other full length albums include A Little Bit of Everything, Saving Grace, Wild Women Don’t Get the Blues, and A Country Christmas.
Although her career and musical influences span a wide range, Sarah Jane Nelson is no straightforward theatrical talent, trying on a costume of a genre. The songs on “Shelby Park” come from a decidedly Americana truth: from a single mother hanging onto a dream through unexpected changes, from a singer returning to the land and music of her childhood, from a keenly observant writer telling the stories of others born out of her own specifics.
Nelson’s childhood influences ring loud as one can hear hints of Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Wynonna Judd, and Mary Chapin Carpenter.
“In the last couple of years as I’ve become focused on my songwriting craft and personal development work, I’ve been getting much more comfortable in my own skin. I feel like that comes through in this new record. Every song has a bit of me and a bit of the stories I’ve heard along my way. My goal is to write from my truth while illuminating universal truths that help women feel heard and seen. In sharing myself, I share their stories as well.”
Short Bio for Sarah Jane Nelson
I Wish I Missed You - Story Behind The Song and Video
I have made my career writing breakup songs and was influenced by the great classic country and folk ballads I was raised on. This song is different though. It’s about going through a breakup and feeling peace instead of pain. You know in your gut that it’s the right choice for all, and there is a unique sadness in that.
I Wish I Missed You - Lyrics and Production Credits
CREDITS:
I Wish I Missed You written by Sarah Jane Nelson
Produced by Sarah Jane Nelson and Jamie Tate at Rukkus Room (Nashville, TN)
Mixing & Mastering: Jamie Tate
Vocals: Sarah Jane Nelson
Acoustic Guitar: Pat McGrath (Luke Bryan, Lori McKenna, Lee Brice, Brandy Clark)
Piano: Jimmy Nichols (Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Lorrie Morgan)
Drums: Tommy Harden (Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Justin Moore)
Upright Bass: Paul Martin
Pedal Steel: Smith Curry (Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift)
Fiddle: Joe Spivey
LYRICS:
I’m not sad because you left me here alone
I’m not cryin because you broke my heart
In the quiet of this house here on my own
This time’s got me thinking, we may be better off apart
I wish I missed you, Wish I was lonely, these tears are falling for all I hoped we’d be. I wish I missed you, instead of feeling so relieved but this empty house sure feels like home to me
I meant every word in my vows. I swore we’d never be where we are now.
That’s why this peaceful feeling is weighing my mind
I’m not cryin cause I’m sad, I’m cryin cause I’m fine
I wish I missed you, Wish I was lonely, these tears are falling for all I hoped we’d be. I wish I missed you, instead of feeling so relieved but this empty house sure feels like home to me
Tired - Story Behind the Song and Video
Since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated by the thankless work that women do. I saw my great grandmother, grandmother, and mother work their fingers to the bone for little praise and no paycheck. As a “modern woman” I see many women in this generation earning money outside the home and as fulfilling all the roles of the 1950s housewife as well. It’s no wonder that women are anxious and depressed. When women said they “wanted it all” I don’t think this is what was intended. The hook of this song is especially important to me because so many women who run their households, are forced to do so while making their husband feel like he is actually running the household. I hope the lyrics of this song help women feel empowered to take their place and raise their voice. We have come so far but we still have a long ways to go to get to equality in the home. This one is for all those tired women out there who have been “driving from the back seat” for far too long.
Tired - Lyrics and Production Credits
CREDITS:
Song Produced by Sarah Jane Nelson and Jamie Tate
at The Rukkus Room (Nashville, TN)
Mixing & Mastering: Jamie Tate
Video Produced and Directed by Sarah Jane Nelson
Video Cinematography and Editing by Jeremy Burchard
You think I’m weak, defenseless and meek You go to your gym, build a shell to hide in and you call it strength
You tell me what to do, and that I’m too much You think that caring about nothing but you is what makes you tough
Meanwhile I’m working all day, cooking your meals, raising your kids, paying your bills and I’m tired. Baby, I’m tired.
Tired of giving everything. Tired of hoping things might change. Tired of being less than I know I can be. Tired of working all the time. Tired of never getting mine. I’m tired, of driving from the backseat
You cash the checks and take all the praise. You make the rules then take off your shoes at the end of the day, but honey that ain’t the end my days never done I keep running in circles trying to please everyone and I’m tired.
Tired of giving everything. Tired of hoping things might change. Tired of being less than I know I can be. Tired of working all the time. Tired of never getting mine. I’m tired, of driving from the backseat
Drive - Story Behind the Song and Video
I wrote this song at a time when I was commuting a long distance to take my kids to school and pick them up at the end of the day. Sitting in traffic for hours was killing me and I went to a meeting with Dan Keene who I met when he was at ASCAP many years ago. I sat down in front of him and he asked how I was doing. I said that I was exhausted with so many hours of driving every day and I was worn out by all the gridlock traffic that was in my future. I’ll never forget that he looked at me and said, “Sarah Jane, I know it’s a lot but one day you’ll turn around and they won’t need you to drive them anymore.”
Drive - Lyrics and Production Credits
music and lyrics by Sarah Jane Nelson and Kenny Foster
She’s all buckled, but I’m white-knuckled
Cause that’s my heart in the seat on the seat behind mine
She’s cryin, I’m tryin’ To keep her calm as the world outside is racin’ by
Never tried so hard to stay between the lines, on that drive
Used to get where I was goin, these four wheels were just a way
Of gettin’ me to my point B and never lookin’ back at A
It’s where we’ll karaoke, make our ice cream runs, practice funny faces.
Where we’ll do our growin’ up. On those drives
School mornin’, third warnin’,
She comes runnin’ down the driveway, one shoe in her hand
Traffics crawlin, she’s bawlin, bout somehtin’ she swears I could never understand
Then I reach back and she holds on real tight, on that drive
Used to get where I was goin, these four wheels were just a way
Of gettin’ me to my point B and never lookin’ back at A
It’s where we karaoke, make our ice cream runs, practice funny faces.
Where we do our growin’ up. On those drives.
Now I’m the one with tears rollin down my face
Thinking back on all the times, as she pulls away
Used to get where we were goin, these four wheels were just a way
Of gettin’ us from our point B and never lookin’ back at A
It was where we karaoked, made our ice cream runs, practiced funny faces.
Where we did our growing up. On those drives
Space - Story Behind the Song
I thought about this song for many years before I wrote it. After I went through divorce, I discovered all the spaces around me. My fingers would swirl around the space where my wedding ring had been for 12 years. I felt naked without it even though I knew I was much better off divorced. There was space in my closet, my fridge, my couch, my bed…
Space - Lyrics and Production Credits
CREDITS:
Space written by Sarah Jane Nelson and Kenny Foster
Produced by Sarah Jane Nelson and Jamie Tate at Rukkus Room (Nashville, TN)
Mixing & Mastering: Jamie Tate
Vocals: Sarah Jane Nelson
Acoustic Guitar: Pat McGrath (Luke Bryan, Lori McKenna, Lee Brice, Brandy Clark)
Piano: Jimmy Nichols (Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Lorrie Morgan)
Drums: Tommy Harden (Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Justin Moore)
Electric Bass: Alison Prestwood (Blake Shelton, Elizabeth Cook, Jim Lauderdale)
Pedal Steel: Smith Curry (Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift)
Cello: Melodie Chase (Jessie James Decker, Brandi Carlile)
Boat on the Shore - Story Behind the Song and Video
Boat on the Shore - Lyrics and Production Credits
A few years ago I was walking near a marina and saw a sailboat that was dry docked. I marveled at what a beautiful piece of art it was. The curve and finish of the wood, the polished metal, the thick woven ropes… I was in awe.
Years passed and then one night before bed, I thought of that boat and that although it was beautiful, it was not serving it’s true purpose in the world. It was made to sail.
I suddenly thought of a beautiful, perfect housewife looking out the window of her beautiful, perfect home and the term “boat on the shore” came to me.
I made a note on my phone that said “Boat on the Shore” and when I woke up the next morning at 5am, I saw that note and wrote the song in one sitting.
I hope this piece resonates with those who have an ache inside to pursue their gifts, talents, and higher purpose in life. Maybe someone will be inspired to travel, explore, better themselves, serve others, get an education, or face their fears.
Making this record is my version of setting sail from the shore. I am committed to practicing what I preach, so when I get scared that I’m being too vulnerable and honest in my songwriting, I take that first step out of my door, and sail from the shore….
Smile Pretty - Story Behind the Song and Video
by Sarah Jane Nelson
I never get political but I have to mention that during the Kavanaugh hearings a couple of years ago, I kept seeing posts on social media that said, “She must be lying because she waited so many years to tell.”
I thought to myself, “Gosh, I never told. I kept all the pain, confusion, and hurt inside. And I’m an outspoken person! If I never told anyone, imagine how many women are suffering silently.
I wrote Smile Pretty to shed light on this issue and I hope it starts a conversation for women who hear it. If we all raise our voices, imagine the power we would take back.”
The video features women who are survivors of sexual assault. Casting and directing this video was a powerful and moving experience for me. I spent all week cutting out the images from magazines and even that brought up many thoughts about body image and the way women are portrayed in media.
Jeremy Burchard joined me once again as the cinematographer and editor. I think the whole cast and crew felt like we were creating an important story that needed to be told and my hope is that this video will inspire other survivors to share their story and lift the veil of silence and shame that many feel after they are the victim of sexual assault. Even if this song has an impact on one person, it will have been worthwhile.
Smile Pretty - Lyrics and Production Credits
by Sarah Jane Nelson
I never get political but I have to mention that during the Kavanaugh hearings a couple of years ago, I kept seeing posts on social media that said, “She must be lying because she waited so many years to tell.”
I thought to myself, “Gosh, I never told. I kept all the pain, confusion, and hurt inside. And I’m an outspoken person! If I never told anyone, imagine how many women are suffering silently.
I wrote Smile Pretty to shed light on this issue and I hope it starts a conversation for women who hear it. If we all raise our voices, imagine the power we would take back.”
The video features women who are survivors of sexual assault. Casting and directing this video was a powerful and moving experience for me. I spent all week cutting out the images from magazines and even that brought up many thoughts about body image and the way women are portrayed in media.
Jeremy Burchard joined me once again as the cinematographer and editor. I think the whole cast and crew felt like we were creating an important story that needed to be told and my hope is that this video will inspire other survivors to share their story and lift the veil of silence and shame that many feel after they are the victim of sexual assault. Even if this song has an impact on one person, it will have been worthwhile.
Mama Loves You - Story Behind the Song and Video
by Sarah Jane Nelson and Katie Boeck
Since my children (now 13 and 15) entered the world, they became my world. I thought I knew what unconditional love was before I had kids, but after I watched those little humans grow in me and birth out of me, I finally discovered true love.
As they’ve grown into teens I’ve been feeling compelled to write a song to let my children know that no matter the ups and downs we encounter in life, my love for them will never waiver.
Even after I’m gone, preferably many years from now, I hope that this song will endure as a lasting testament to the special place where I held them in my heart.
On Mother’s Day, children usually honor their mom, but I hope that “Mama Loves You” will be a song that mom’s can dedicate to their children to celebrate the deep love they feel.
Mama Loves You - Lyrics and Production Credits
by Sarah Jane Nelson and Katie Boeck
Since my children (now 13 and 15) entered the world, they became my world. I thought I knew what unconditional love was before I had kids, but after I watched those little humans grow in me and birth out of me, I finally discovered true love.
As they’ve grown into teens I’ve been feeling compelled to write a song to let my children know that no matter the ups and downs we encounter in life, my love for them will never waiver.
Even after I’m gone, preferably many years from now, I hope that this song will endure as a lasting testament to the special place where I held them in my heart.
On Mother’s Day, children usually honor their mom, but I hope that “Mama Loves You” will be a song that mom’s can dedicate to their children to celebrate the deep love they feel.
Listen to Shelby Park
Photos for Shelby Park
Photo Credit: Kurt Ozan / Hair & Make-up: Dayna Anne / Styling: Blakley Collier
Location: Shelby Park, East Nashville, TN
“Sarah Jane Nelson channels a little Loretta Lynn attitude on her fiery new song "Reap What You Sow." Only rather than warning her man's mistress that she "ain't woman enough" to take her man, she's practically begging her to take him off her hands.”
Wide Open Country
"Nelson is sexy, funny, sweet, sultry, and intense, all at the same time."
LA New Times
"First Rate Singer"
The Hollywood Reporter
"... a knock-’em-dead singer who can zero in on the ache in a lyric."
The Miami Herald
"If you like Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kathy Mattea, Alison Moorer, and her sister Shelby Lynne then you can add another name to the list."
The Rocking Magpie (UK)
Album Credits
Produced by: Sarah Jane Nelson, Jamie Tate
Mixing & Mastering: Jamie Tate
Vocals: Sarah Jane Nelson
Background Vocals: KP Hawthorne, Matt Szlachetka, Adam Wood
Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Bouzouki, Mandolin: Pat McGrath (Luke Bryan, Lori McKenna, Lee Brice, Brandy Clark)
Piano/B3: Jimmy Nichols (Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Lorrie Morgan) Jody Nardone (Brian Setzer)
Drums: Tommy Harden (Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Justin Moore)
Electric Bass: Alison Prestwood (Blake Shelton, Elizabeth Cook, Jim Lauderdale)
Acoustic Bass: Paul Martin (Waylon Jennings, Ashley Monroe), Vickie Vaughn (Della Mae)
Pedal Steel and Dobro: Smith Curry (Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift)
Dobro: Kurt Ozan (Luke Combs, Jana Kramer)
Violin: Joe Spivey (Time Jumpers, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Miranda Lambert), Andrea Young (Farewell Angelina), Bobby Chase (Gillian Welsh, Kacey Musgraves)
Cello: Melodie Chase (Jessie James Decker, Brandi Carlile)