[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkxyT27xRH0&w=420&h=315]
The kick drum and finger picking opening of ‘Have You Ever’ by Brandi Carlile is what initially drew me in to this song, but the lyrics, harmonies, pace, and instrumentation sealed the deal. ‘Have You Ever’ is based on a funny anecdote about one of the members of her band drunkenly wandering through the woods, but the meaning and relevance can extend beyond that.
The lyrics paint this beautiful picture about quiet, snowy, and peaceful woods. “Have you ever wandered lonely through the woods?/And everything there feels just like it should.” The song builds from the initial bass drum and finger picking, slowly picking up steam as a three part harmony is introduced, a tambourine, and bass.