Before I begin, I want to thank some people for encouraging me to re-open the door to what has been, for decades, a relatively never-known dimension of myself. My wife, Karen, has inspired me with her creativity and unending support. Friends like
, and have provided inspiration and spirited encouragement. Forever grateful to know these talented people.
Some songs take years to write. Others take a lifetime.
For me, The Yellow Line was a little bit of both. Its roots reach back to the summer of 1979 on a muggy east coast evening filled with the bitter sting of heartbreak and the raw, unfiltered emotions of youth. But its true shape didn’t emerge until more than four decades later, when I decided to revisit that long-buried memory and transform it into something meaningful—a song that, I hope, captures the universal pain of lost love.
It all started with a moment of clarity amid chaos all those years ago. I was behind the wheel of my old Chevy Nova, speeding away from the wreckage of a failed relationship. The highway stretched endlessly ahead, a black ribbon bordered by the faint glow of yellow lines. My thoughts were as tangled as the curves in the road, swirling with anger, sadness, and regret. Somewhere in the haze of emotions, a thought struck me: driving under the influence of a broken heart might just be more dangerous than drinking and driving! That realization planted a seed, though I wouldn’t know it for many years.
Revisiting an Old Memory
Fast forward to last year, when I set out to write a metaphorical “Heartbreak Highway” song. I wanted something in the spirit of Waylon Jennings but with the modern grit of Chris Stapleton. That’s when those long-forgotten words resurfaced:
"Drivin’ while I’m drinkin’, every thought of you, it’s a dangerous brew…"
It was like rediscovering an old photograph, a snapshot of a younger, more reckless version of myself. The line became the backbone of the song, setting the tone for a story about heartbreak, self-destruction, and the long road to healing.
Writing for the Voice in My Head
As a songwriter, I’ve always written with other voices in mind. I imagine how the lyrics will sound when someone else sings them, shaping the melodies and emotions to fit an imagined performance. This approach has guided me since I began writing songs at 14. Though I briefly dreamed of becoming a singer-songwriter myself, I ultimately chose a career in radio, finding a different kind of fulfillment behind the microphone. No regrets.
Still, writing music in my quiet moments, has remained my outlet - my Zen. It has long been a way to process the experiences that shape my life. With The Yellow Line, I wanted to create something authentic, something that would resonate with listeners who’ve felt the sting of heartbreak and the reckless abandon it often inspires.
From Poetry to Melody
The songwriting process for The Yellow Line began with the lyrics. I tried to shape the lyrics into a simple poetic narrative to capture the raw emotions of that 1979 drive. The imagery of the highway, the blurred lines of heartbreak, and the dangerous allure of escapism all found their way into the verses and chorus.
Once the lyrics felt complete, I turned my attention to the music. I wanted the melody to be familiar. And to reflect the song’s emotional journey—starting with a somber, introspective tone and building to a powerful, cathartic crescendo. The familiar chords came naturally, as if they’d been waiting for the right moment to surface with my words. I tried to design the music as I could hear someone like Chris Stapleton singing it in the way he creates a cohesive song that balances vulnerability with strength.
Bringing the Song to Life
No song truly comes to life until it’s performed and recorded. For this, I turned to producer Craig Willoughby at The Chocolate Box. Iowa country artist, Jason Brown referred me to Craig’s expertise. His collaborative spirit and musicianship was literally instrumental in shaping the final arrangement. He understood the emotional core of the song, understood the musical direction from my rough demo, and helped me translate it into a rich, textured sound that captured the nuance I was hoping for.
And some real magic happened when Tina Haase Findlay lent her voice to the project. Tina’s raw, soulful vocals added a depth and authenticity that took the song to a whole new level. Her harmonies in the final chorus are nothing short of breathtaking, conveying the heartbreak and hope at the heart of the song. Oh my, did she bring it home!
The Journey of a Song
The Yellow Line is more than just a song; it’s a journey. It’s a reflection of my younger self, barreling down the highway in search of solace and clarity. It’s a testament to the power of music to heal and transform even the most painful memories. And it’s a reminder that some stories are worth revisiting, even decades later. Songwriting isn’t always about communicating the here and now. It can be about retrieving important memories and emotions that never leave your soul and understanding their universal value in a current song.
Looking Ahead
The decision to start releasing my music in the autumn of my life has been both exciting and nerve-wracking. As a songwriter, there’s always a vulnerability in sharing something personal. And as a virtual unknown in Iowa songwriting circles, it can feel a bit presumptive to think I might have a place among so many gifted song-crafters who have been sowing seeds across our musical landscape for years.
While The Yellow Line is deeply rooted in my past, it’s also a stepping stone toward the future. Writing and recording this song has reignited my passion for sharing my work and reminded me why I started writing songs in the first place. There are more stories to tell, more emotions to explore, old songs to revisit and more songs to write.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this process, especially from my wife who has found success as a playwright later in her life, is that it’s never too late to revisit a dream. Whether it’s picking up a guitar after years away or turning an old memory into a new creation, the act of making music is a gift in itself.
So, to anyone out there chasing a creative spark, my advice is simple: follow it. Whether it takes months, years, or decades, the journey is worth it. And if you know a guy, who knows a guy, who knows Chris Stapleton, maybe pass this along.
You never know where the road might lead.
Listen to The Yellow Line
You can also find The Yellow Line on Spotify, Apple Music, or your favorite streaming platform. Just search for Maxwell Schaeffer – The Yellow Line. Thank you for listening, and for being part of this journey.
Watch the Lyric Video!
I’m honored to be a member of the Iowa Writer’s Collaborative. Look below for columns by other members in the weekly roundup of posts.
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