Track-by-Track: Katie Powderly Deliberates on ‘Live by the Song, Die by the Song’ [EP]

When it’s just you, your voice, and your guitar, there isn’t much to hide behind, which is how Katie Powderly likes it. The singer-songwriter shines brightly on her latest release, the five-song EP Live by the Song, Die by the Song, released at the end of December via Red-Winged Blackbird Records. In writing these songs, Powderly utilized a stripped-down approach, relying predominantly on her talents as a songwriter and vocalist. And it’s those talents that are very apparent, with a collection of powerful, heartfelt tracks. They will get you thinking, but the answers, those you will have to seek out for yourself.

Powderly crafted Live by the Song, Die by the Song is a storyteller’s record. Each one tells one chapter of a broader narrative. Through metaphor and symbolism, she comments on the subject matter, but it’s up to the listener to put the puzzle pieces together. The songs may come across as love stories, but they also have more universal ideas. Loyalty, passion, and regret are themes strung throughout the EP. Her powerful lyrics and bold, honest approach lend a cathartic quality to these songs. Impressively and sincerely, Powderly packs a lot into five tracks.

Joining us today for a track-by-track rundown of Live by the Song, Die by the Song is Katie Powderly. She provides thoughts and insights into her overall vision in writing this record.

1. “Tobacco”

Katie Powderly: “‘Tobacco’ is about dodging a bullet. The plot describes someone claiming to be reformed despite a track record that indicates they are not trustworthy. What are you going to believe when faced with a discrepancy between word and action? Will you follow the guidance of the head or the heart?

“An inner conflict can develop when you want to believe that they’ve changed, but don’t yet have any evidence to support this new vision of themselves they’re trying to present. You can know a person’s track record and reputation yet still find yourself vulnerable at times to their allure. No matter how hard we try to exercise discernment, we are all vulnerable to certain universal hopes and desires. We are just human. We all yearn for things like connection and happily-ever-after.

“But overall the song is like a warning shot; ‘I see what you’re trying to do, and even though I feel tempted at times, I’m not going to let you do it. I see through you.’”

2. “My Mourning Dove”

“‘My Mourning Dove’ is a song about throwing in the towel. Acknowledging a lost cause. A release of anguish and regret.

“There are multiple storylines going on in this song. One is a tale of two friends who should not have become lovers. The other aspect is that one person in the relationship is descending into the depths of depression and addiction, and the song is an attempt to reach in to save that person before it’s too late. Before they self-destruct.

“No resolution is given. The answer is not yet revealed even to the narrator.”

3. “High Horse”

“‘High Horse’ is a song about the ending of a friendship or relationship where you can tell the other person is not being fair or accurate in their recounting of events. It’s about that feeling of being so ‘done’ that you’re willing to be misunderstood and take on the title of ‘The Bad Guy’ just to wash your hands of the situation and move on. It’s a desperate plea for no contact, even if that comes with erosion of reputation.”

Katie Powderly ‘Live by the Song, Die by the Song’ [EP] album artwork

“‘Revolving Door’ is the resignation that you have not, in fact, dodged the bullet you knew was headed your way. You succumbed to temptation and have been made a fool.”

5. “Love Me One More Time Before I Go”

“‘Love Me One More Time Before I Go’ is a ‘two can play at that game’ song.

“It’s an acknowledgement of your partner’s true character and is a warning to them that they are not the only ones presented with opportunities to be unfaithful. Both parties have to choose to honor the relationship, even when no one is looking. Especially when no one is looking.

“This song represents the onset of bitterness that comes before a relationship formally comes to an end.

“It’s marking the transition from hopeful romantic foolishness to almost contempt from feeling hurt and let down too many times. But rather than taking on the role of victim, it’s addressing the issue from perhaps a more empowered place. Maybe. That’s probably for the listener to judge for themselves.”