In Kevin's Own Words

Kevin Sharp: Song By Song - Measure Of A Man

The coolest thing about this song is that it was the first song ever pitched to me. I was at my first publishers meeting and it was the first song I heard. I had this feeling like, 'Uh-oh.' I assumed that all the songs were going to be that good. I had been gearing myself up, trying to figure out how I was going to tell somebody I didn't like their song, and I liked it. I grew up believing that a man was measured not by his financial worth but by how he lived his life and how he was respected by those around him. For that reason it was the perfect album title.

Nobody Knows

My relationship with this song is very personal. With my whole cancer experience my parents hurt to know what they could do to help me; they would have given anything to get inside my head and know what I was feeling. Even the doctors didn't know. The song is saying exactly that: 'I can tell you how I feel, but nobody knows exactly what I am going through.'

If You Love Somebody

This song is basically how we all want to feel in a relationship. Love is the only thing in life that can drive us to do things that may seem silly or crazy. This song is about the goofy stuff you do with someone you love, and it doesnąt matter because you feel totally comfortable with them. That's a goal a lot of us have: to find someone we feel that safe with.

There's Only You

This is what I would call a Kevin Sharp ballad. This is the stuff I grew up loving, like Kenny Rogers' "Lady." In fact, the first place I sang it in front of an audience was at my sister's wedding reception. I remember thinking about all the weddings I'd ever sung at and this was the first time I'd sung a song that was truly mine.

She's Sure Taking It Well

This song was on hold for John Berry for a long time and we were hoping that it would come back to us. In the last two days before we went in to cut the last few songs for the album, it did -- and I'm so glad.

The Strength To Love

It was my first meeting with Chris Farren, we were getting to know each other; he hadn't agreed to produce my album. He had just finished a demo of a song he'd written and I heard a part of it on a tape. I liked it so much that I asked to sing some of the vocal. I went in, cut it and it was like magic. It ended up being a song that played a major part in my getting a deal and convincing Chris to be part of the project.

Love Bomb

I can't sing a song that I haven't lived or experienced in some way. And I've been on both sides of this situation. I've been the one telling a girl I loved her too soon and I've been the one hearing it before I was ready. And when I was the one spilling my heart I remember thinking, "Oh, wow. Why did I say that?!" You wish you could take it back, but it explodes right there in front of you.

 I'm Already Loving You Too Much

I love the song. I feel very fortunate to have Chris Farren not only as a producer, but as a writer. We've all been were this song comes from. It's like being in high school, going on your first date, and feeling like, 'I'm already in love.' It's too much, too soon.

Population 4000 Minus 1

Basically, this song talks about my dreams and aspirations growing up in a small town and all the crazy things I wanted to do if I ever got out. When I left, I really missed the things I was trying to escape -- the dairies, the sameness, the solitude. Now what I really want is to go back to a small town someday. I guess you could say it's a grass-is-always-greener-on-the other-side song.

Somebody's Baby

After the first few bars I was sold on this song. I'm a sucker for a piano demo. I love the moods it can create. And the melody was so addictive to me. I had that song stuck in my head for days after I heard it and stuck in my tape player for weeks after I got a copy of it. I played it over and over while I was picking songs for the album. I knew I had to have it.

Love At The End Of The Road

This song is about finding peace with ourselves and those around us. It's very similar to a lot of songs that I've connected with in the past. I've used music to help me get over a difficult situation or time. And I've used lyrics to put into words or perspective what I was feeling. I hope this song will help people connect with those feelings. It's a song that sends up a light. It makes you think.