Jordan Smart, “Apple Don’t Fall,” // GemsOnVHS™

Winner of the Gems in the Rough 2023 content, Jordan Smart. We recorded this one when he visited Nashville, as part of the grand prize, picking up his Gold Tone instrument and filming with us. This is the song that really turned me into a Jordan Smart fan. He has a way of writing that is just so personal, powerful and real. I think the problem with a lot of songwriters writing about addiction is the tendency to make it all “me, me, me”. This is a problem common in all writing, being unable to write sympathetically from other points of view. A great writer is able to put you in the shoes of another person and take you there, emotionally. That’s kind of the point of art, in my opinion. Beyond self exorcism, its about putting people into a state that they can be empathetic to the feelings of OTHER people.

In this song, Jordan illustrates the effects of generational pain that alcoholism and addiction in general. It isn’t just you that hurts when you destroy your life with alcohol – its a stream that carries on down the ages, from your parents to you, you to the children, and beyond. The fight never really ends – addiction is never really cured. Addiction to anything is something you wake up with every morning and have to decide to resist. For many people, the reason to do so is easy to find when you look into the eyes of people who love you. For others its harder to find. Either way, this song made me tear up when he played it live in the office at a show, and damn near every time he plays it.

All love to Jordan, keep playing your truth brother. Check out more of his tunes here (https://www.jordansmartmusic.com/).
Thanks to Gold Tone for sponsoring our little thing. (https://goldtonemusicgroup.com/goldtone/)

Consider becoming a Patreon contributor to help sustain this project. For the price of a cup of coffee every month, you let us continue finding and filming amazing artists.
https://www.patreon.com/gemsonvhs

GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.
We’re on instagram (@gemsonvhs or @anthonysimpkins)
Like us on FB too! (http://www.facebook.com/gemsonvhs)
www.gemsonvhs.com

Written by GemsOnVHS