Patti Lynn Clark Barnett

I recently received an email from someone who had heard some of my songs and thought they reflected an interesting enough life to warrant my writing an autobiography. Since the e-mailer seemed like a totally rational individual who probably thought my songs chronicled my life, I wondered just how many others mistakenly think the same way.

While it is true that song writers will draw on personal experiences for some songs,  I believe most of us get an idea and then do the musical architecture and arithmetic of adding, multiplying, subtracting, building and trimming. The song may come totally from imagination, from something  read or be inspired by other peoples'  lives and experiences.

"House in the Burbs", is an example of a composition comprised of a grain of truth and a load of fiction. True, we had just bought our first house in a nice suburban neighborhood when the song took root. But in no way does it reflect the nature of the neighbors or the competitiveness so pervasive in much of suburbia today...an idea I incorporated into the song.

The  patriotic and tribute songs are the most  reliable  and authentic. And "Velma Jean" which is about my friend  from high school/ college, is a prime example of  the tribute songs. 

 I just learned today that Velma Jean, who lost her battle with juvenile diabetes in '97 was joined once again with her preacher brother, D.C Byrd, who went home to be with the Lord  this week.

 He was a man who lived his life in the service to Jesus Christ.  Velma's family treated me like their own. And "preacher brother", D.C. thought I was a very funny kid. So, he and little sister, Velma Jean, along with many others are probably still having a joyous family reunion today. All who knew him can say his was a God honoring life well lived.