FAWM: "Meatloaf"

Meatloaf

2025 by @bobjestes

Liner Notes

#folk #singersongwriter #guitar #mandolin #vocals #harmonies #tribute

I was reminded of one of John Prine's writing motivations/techniques... on a certain day of the week, John would get together with Pat McLaughlin, or sometimes others, and sit down to write a song. When they were done with a song, they would head to 'Arnold's Country Kitchen' in Nashville and treat themselves to a meatloaf lunch. In tribute to the late, great John Prine.

Lyrics

Meatloaf

John Prine and Pat McLaughlin’s ritual before heading off to Arnold’s Country Kitchen in Nashville for a meatloaf lunch.

We get together all the time Wrestling with words and with the rhymes. I know there is a purpose for all this whim and woe... We gotta get it just right, ‘fore we go. If it don’t feel right, then it’s likely wrong. No meatloaf til we finish up this song.

Chorus: Then me and you, we’ll have so much to chew... We’ll laugh and talk and maybe have some brews. Meatloaf at the diner near the park... Our favorite, there ain’t no question mark.

Seems like such a normal day. Partly cloudy, a little grey. Turns out the mood is not so very dark. Going to the diner near the park. My bright, old smile, is hanging pretty long. Meatloaf when we finish up this song.

Chorus: Then me and you, we’ll have so much to chew... We’ll laugh and talk and maybe have some brews. Meatloaf at the diner near the park... Our favorite, there ain’t no question mark.

Meatloaf at the diner near the park... Our favorite, there ain’t no question mark.

Comments

@roblyon5150 2025

Very awesome tribute. I'm going to miss FAWM 😞

@paul_pedersen 2025

There's a lovely warmth to this song. Seems suitable if two friends are creating songs then dining out to reward themselves.

This reminds me of four Canadian artists who met at Allen's Restaurant in Toronto. As they chatted over lunch, they decided to create a show where they each take turns presenting songs. The name they chose for their show was Lunch at Allen's. https://www.lunchatallens.ca/

@paulhenry 2025

I like the couplet that ends the chorus: "Meatloaf at the diner near the park.../Our favorite, there ain't no question mark." That's a nice turn of phrase.