• Home
  • Bio
  • Love Letters
    • About Love Letters
    • Love Letter
    • Dandelion Crowns
    • The Thing I Have To Say
    • Barstool Boyfriend
    • You Are Talking About My Sister
    • Better Version of Me
    • Woe Is Me
    • Anchor
    • Picture Frame
    • You Are Mine
    • Air That I Breathe
  • Shows
  • Gallery
  • Store/Press
    • Music
    • Merch
    • Press Kit/EPK
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Projects
    • Ali Gray's Country Jamboree
    • Ali & Joe
    • DRUNCH!
    • Twang Time
    • Two Hicks and a Chick
    • Mish Mash
    • Martin Zellar's NEIL! Tribute
  • Podcasts

Ali Gray

  • Home
  • Bio
  • Love Letters
    • About Love Letters
    • Love Letter
    • Dandelion Crowns
    • The Thing I Have To Say
    • Barstool Boyfriend
    • You Are Talking About My Sister
    • Better Version of Me
    • Woe Is Me
    • Anchor
    • Picture Frame
    • You Are Mine
    • Air That I Breathe
  • Shows
  • Gallery
  • Store/Press
    • Music
    • Merch
    • Press Kit/EPK
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Projects
    • Ali Gray's Country Jamboree
    • Ali & Joe
    • DRUNCH!
    • Twang Time
    • Two Hicks and a Chick
    • Mish Mash
    • Martin Zellar's NEIL! Tribute
  • Podcasts

About Love Letters

If it’s true the root of the word courage (cor) is Latin for “heart” and its earliest form meant to speak by sharing everything in one’s heart, then Ali Gray’s newest release, Love Letters, is a triumph of courage. 

The third solo album from Minneapolis singer-songwriter Gray, Love Letters was spurred by the abrupt death of a troubled, close friend – and all the attendant regrets one can have about not having done more to help. “That was the impetus,” says Gray. “I then ended up going to a cabin alone and wrote song after song to people I care about – lyrical letters about things I want to say to each before it’s too late.” 

Right from the opening track, “Love Letter”, we’re thrust into that immediacy. Though intended only as a demo, “none of the more ‘produced’ efforts we subsequently recorded seemed as real, vulnerable or good,” says Gray. “The demo was quieter; more raw and stripped down. Being this track is what catapulted the record, I ended up wanting to keep to that way – to honor my friend and his song, and the message behind it that led to all the others.” 

What follows are nine tracks written for her daughter, husband, mother and father, sister, plus a small handful of close friends – and perhaps one crucial enemy: “Barstool Boyfriend” turns sentiment and confessional upside down as she vents anger and hurt toward an ex, concluding with an unexpected twist (“sometimes I wish I had me a gun / I’d blow your brains out / now that sounds fun”). And “Anchor” actually comprises a note penned to herself; a bittersweet yet hopeful song about Gray’s personal battles with depression and anxiety. The album concludes with a lullaby-worthy version of The Hollies’ “The Air That I Breathe”. 

Those familiar with Gray’s past work know it leaned solidly toward rootsy Americana with touches of ‘70s rock. “And a lot of lovelorn tales,” she professes with a laugh. “But as much as I’m fond of those styles, this album has been about reconciling who and how I am. I have a strong voice and can get it to do what I want, but I also know I’m no Janis or Aretha. I wanted this record to be softer, fluid, more open; I wanted it to represent more of what I’m really like and less of what I might sometimes wish I was like.” 

For Gray, the genuineness of that choice – and the deep-seated honesty of the material – is what will be most fear-inducing as Love Letters goes public. Her utmost hope is the innate intimacy of the songs will transcend their predominantly personal nature for audiences. “I hope the listener will hear the heart and soul behind it – that it will carry over to others, lend comfort and possibly help others articulate what’s in their own hearts for the people in their lives while the opportunity is still there.”

Love Letter

I’ve been putting together pieces 
Trying to work it out 
It seems you were in pieces 
there is no doubt 
Was there even just one moment? 

That I could have helped
Did I miss that one moment?
When you still had hope 

Chorus: 
This is my love letter to you 
I am not sure you ever knew 
How much you meant to me 
How much I miss you 
This is my love letter to you 


I am filled with so many could haves 
That wont get me far 
Just filled with so many should haves 
should have called you more 


So I have wanted to ask you 
But you aren’t here 
Was I a good friend to you? 
Whisper in my ear 

If I could reach you 
I would go there 
I would pick you up, fix you, it’s not fair

0:00/???
  1. 1
    Love Letter 4:17
    0:00/4:17

Dandelion Crowns

You wrapped us up   
Rocked us to sleep  
Made dandelion crowns  
Prayed our souls to keep  
If I should be  
just like you  
then I would be the best I ever knew  

I colored in the lines you  
Paid close attention  
Wanted a cultured life  
Was always your intention  
Remember the times, it was just you and me  
Not a cent (dollar) to spend yet seemed so free   

You took me to the store  
Right to the dolly aisle  
I knew the score  
You had to save awhile  
We travelled near and far  
All in the name of art  
But spending time with you was my favorite part  

I knew you had pain you  
Never talked about it  
But even as a kid I’d  
Sometimes pick up on it  
So many nights I know you must have cried  
but every morning all I saw was pride

0:00/???
  1. 1
    Dandelion Crowns 3:07
    0:00/3:07

The Thing I Have To Say

I was 8 and 10 and 16 sitting in class 
None the wiser, banking on time to pass 
You burst through the door suit all shiny 
Say, It’s time to go, I’m a little clammy 
We jump in your fast car 
I think we got away 
Sometimes we got pulled over 
But it was always the best day 

Before you go, there’s things I have to say 
I think you’re the greatest in every way 
I hope I’ve made you proud 
I hope you find me humble 
I try to get right back up 
Even after I stumble 
People wait till it’s too late 
To say the right thing 
And even though you hate it 
I think you’re amazing 

No one is perfect, not even you 
But somehow through your mistakes 
You still came to my rescue 
From mean girls in school 
To the “not marrying kinds” 
You gave it to me straight 
Even when love left me blind 

Now here we are, life is pretty easy 
No more kid stuff, it’s all been pretty breezy 
But tell me one more story 
from your days of glory 
I’ll hang on every word, 
Because one day i will be sorry

0:00/???
  1. 1
    The Thing I Have To Say 4:25
    0:00/4:25

Barstool Boyfriend

When I met you You led with charm 
So damn handsome I was disarmed 
We had such a blast Taking on the town 
Little did I know? You were just a clown 

You were my Barstool Boyfriend, Barstool partner 
Only fun when we’re in a bar together 
Politics don’t bother me none 
When things get hazy Even you are fun 

All your friends thought I was the best 
Can’t imagine What the rest were like 
I should have known You never heard Springsteen 
Thought you were funny No you were just plain mean 

Now here we are Ten years fly by 
Sober as a judge And all I ask is why me? 
I hear you talkin’ Wish I could plug my ears 
You’re saying nothing A bunch of wasted years 

Now you’re my Barstool Husband, Barstool partner 
Only fun when we’re in a bar together 
Sometimes I wish I had me a gun 
I’d blow your brains out 
Now that sounds fun

0:00/???
  1. 1
    Barstool Boyfriend 2:54
    0:00/2:54

You Are Talking About My Sister

I feel so damn helpless 
Watching it all play out 
Everyone seems so damn reckless 
Some keep it in some lash out 
And here I am so tight lipped 
Wanting all to speak out or me 
So afraid to rock the boat 
Taking my cue from Let It Be 

But it’s time to find the courage 
It’s personal to me you see 
You are talking about my sister 
She practically raised me 

She raised 3 kids on a teacher budget 
She wants to change the world, and still finds faith in it 
She believes in God and bows in his mercy 
Please tell me, what’s the controversy? 
She loves Grape Nuts and strong black coffee 
She hates to cry, that’s where we disagree 
She feels injustice and won’t take the blame 
I’m fairly certain, we’d all feel the same 

I get you are scared 
Of what you do not know 
But I’m tired of giving you a pass 
It’s a game of dominos 
Im standing proud my head held high 
No more hiding in the back 
I’ll raise my hand you can call on me 
I need to pick up my slack

0:00/???
  1. 1
    You Are Talking About My Sister 4:31
    0:00/4:31

Better Version of Me

You’ve taught me to dream, You’ve taught me to fall 
In your miracle, With you I have it all 
When I lived without you, Tried to make perfection 
In all space and song, Now you are the exception 

guarded before you, Dotting every I 
I paved the way and yet I can’t deny 
You arrive here showing me my plan had failed 
You have convinced me to do a past life exhale 

 Of all the things I hope you are 
You hitch your wagon to a star 
Fly high above all fear 
cause they can interfere (I know they interfere) 
you’ll lead with love and warmth and grace 
and never feel you have to chase 
I just know you’ll be- a better version of me 

  you’ll have self-worth, know what is right 
and never backdown from a fight 

You'll speak in words that take a stand
and always lend a helping hand

0:00/???
  1. 1
    Better Version of Me 4:28
    0:00/4:28

Woe Is Me

Milk chocolate eyes, looking my way 
I nearly choked, on my chardonnay 
Shiny black hair, strong dimpled chin 
If we were playing “Hold ‘Em,” I’d be all in 

Then we locked eyes, just like in the movies 
Man, this guy, did something to me 
Weak in my knees, come closer please   
I looked him, up and down, all around, north to south 

Then he had to open his mouth, wouldn’t you know it? 
Then he had to open his mouth, completely blow it 
Then he had to open his mouth, and it was too late   
Then he had to open his mouth, wish I had duct tape 

Woe, is me, I could have stared at him for hours 
There won’t be, any diamond ring or baby showers 

Why is it that every single time I see a really really really hot guy 
He’s arrogant, dumb, or both? 

 Why’d he have to open his mouth?, it’s such a puzzle? 
Why’d he have to open his mouth?, could have used a muzzle 
Why’d he have to open his mouth?, no talent, no class 
Why’d he have to open his mouth?, another gorgeous dumb-ass, woe is me

0:00/???
  1. 1
    Woe Is Me 2:56
    0:00/2:56

Anchor

I Fly I Fly Away 
What I leave behind today has dramatically changed 
I was always alone on my own 
Finally feel all connected attached at the bone 

Who was I before I gained from it all 
Even the times I just wanted to fall… 

the anchor did shift  but was always there 
What once was lost now perfectly clear 
It settled in carving it’s way 
finally no question It’s here to stay 

out of sight I am pulled back in 
To my ground, my earth It will always win 
Spent my time searching It was always near 
even in the mundane there’s nothing to fear 

rest instead of drift is hardest to learn 
But with it in place I find God’s grace

0:00/???
  1. 1
    Anchor 4:32
    0:00/4:32

Picture Frame

You pick me up curbside my heart skips a beat 
You have the agenda I’m in for treat 
After 15 years there’s things I know for certain 
When it comes to you and me there's nothing unspoken 

We’ll talk till we solve everyone’s problems but never our own 
Laugh at old stories Thinking we’ve finally grown (jokes one me) 
Listen to your new favorite mix with daisies in our hair,
Stop where they all know your name it’s in a picture frame 

That car really did crash no one believes us 
in grandpa’s convertible no one could blame us 
we saw the Dunkin’ Donuts somewhere around 5th street 
Attempting to find it later, a payphone coiled in retreat 

The freedom of the road brought us to Ames 
We found love for our soldiers when the Navy Ship came 
And all along it was you and me  we need another 
Oh there was that time when you kissed my brother

0:00/???
  1. 1
    Picture Frame 3:37
    0:00/3:37

You Are Mine

How do I put into words who you are to me?
You are my breath, you are my heartbeat. 
To be truly free is not an easy task
but on a cool May night, you got on your knee and asked.

You are mine, you are mine, you are mine, you are mine. 

At my worst you loved me to my best
at my lowest you brought me above the rest
every night I fall asleep holding your gentle hand
you are my best friend, you re my soft place to land.

My whole world was made complete when I walked down to you
then our love grew to a fmaily of three from two.
If I thought I loved you before I had an awakening
to see you as her daddy is simply breathtaking. 

Sometimes I get afraid to love you as much as I do
an honest fear you'll leave when the spell's through
even when I least deserve it I find you on my side
you are my safety net, my forever partner in crime. 

 

0:00/???
  1. 1
    You Are Mine 4:56
    0:00/4:56

Air That I Breathe

If I could make a wish 
I think I'd pass 
Can't think of anything I need 
No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound 
Nothing to eat, no books to read 

Making love with you 
Has left me peaceful, warm, and tired 
What more could I ask 
There's nothing left to be desired 
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak 
So sleep, silent angel, go to sleep 

Sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe 
And to love you 
All I need is the air that I breathe 
Yes to love you 
All I need is the air that I breathe 

Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak 
So sleep, silent angel, go to sleep 

Sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe 
And to love you 
All I need is the air that I breathe 
Yes to love you 
 

0:00/???
  1. 1
    Air That I Breathe 4:35
    0:00/4:35

All content ©Ali Gray 2018 | Site Photography by Michelle Tanner Photography + Design

  • Log out
Powered by Bandzoogle

notes
0:00/???
  1. 1
    The Thing I Have To Say 4:25
    0:00/4:25
  2. 2
    Love Letter 4:17
    0:00/4:17
  3. 3
    Dandelion Crowns 3:07
    0:00/3:07
0:00/???