It’s hard to argue with Nova Scotia-based country crooner Lisa Richard about her latest single, “Together.” While she’s singing the praises of two of our favourite daily rituals—both the pillars of coffee and good books (her selection of Olga Tokarczuk’s Flights remains a mystery)—she highlights the other thing she loves most, other than being on her own: being together with everyone else.
Now, I know it’s been a while, and most of us forget what it’s like to spend time in the company of anyone besides our pets, there is plenty of historical precedent for this behaviour. People have been bumping elbows, breaking bread and generally hanging out since before you were born. With a bit of practice, a few awkward handshakes and some real honest talk with the folks we love, we might just get used to encountering people at a distance of six feet or less once again.
However, as another example in what is proving to be a bizarre trend lately, Richard says that “Together” wasn’t even written for our current state of isolation. It just seems like every musician has a song about spending time with their friends sitting on the backburner.
“‘Together’ was written a few years ago with my co-writers Rick Tiger and Jeff Wanex in Nashville,” says Richard. “We wrote it after one of my trips to Europe where I got to perform in Budapest. I remember thinking that, although the majority of the audience didn’t understand English, they could fully understand the music I was playing. It’s true what they say… music is a universal language!
“I had no idea (the song) would be so relevant two years later. I hope everyone gets a chance to be ‘Together’ again soon.”
Hitting all the country vibes with themes of family and friendship, and, possibly, moist breathing, Richards further reinforces those messages with a lyric video created by Warren Robert.
“We wanted to remind people of that special feeling we all get when we are with the people we love and care about — family, friends, loved ones, and the joy of spending time in places that make us happy.
“The take-home message in this song is to not take any of these things for granted, and to enjoy every minute of being ‘Together.'”
Lisa Richard is currently preparing to release her sophomore album later this year.