Liz Rose Shares Her Story Before Taylor Swift
Right now, Liz Rose is probably best known for being the oft-thanked songwriter on Taylor Swift's team. But Swift isn't the only one who has Rose to thank. She's been a Nashville songwriter for years, and American Songwriter has an interesting story about her back story -- how she moved from Texas to Music City in 1994 and how she didn't really feel like she could call herself a songwriter until Gary Allan recorded and released her "Songs About Rain" in 2003. She's also written songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood and Bonnie Raitt. What I find so cool about Rose is that, if my math is correct, she didn't start this career until she was in her late 30s. And when she and Swift started writing together, like on "Tim McGraw" and "Teardrops on My Guitar," there was a 30-year age difference between the two of them. But music transcends numbers and even generations. Looking back on those first hits by Swift, Rose says, "I was so proud of her. It's so great to watch her grow up and with such grace and handle everything so well, and she's not changed a bit."
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AC says:
Haha I love Taylor but another post?! This will really get the haters started. But hey, it will quickly be the most commented blog on CMT in a few short hours.
GalPal says:
Of course another Taylor post! At least everyone now knows that she has someone who writes with her! Let’s see if CMT deletes this post.
awesomebill says:
Isn’t it a shame that Taylor always states that SHE writes and never mentions Liz. What an ego Taylor has.
barb b says:
i knew all along that she wrote
with liz rose and god know’s how
many more
Ty says:
Enough about Swift. This is why a lot of people don’t like her. She is shoved in your face all the time. Annoying!!!!!!!
Katie M says:
Pretty much every song I’ve heard that was written by Liz, I’ve loved. My favorite is a song she co-wrote called “Elizabeth” that was recorded by Billy Gilman on his Dare To Dream album. She has such a wide range of writing skills, but I definitely think something big sparked when she and Taylor started writing together, and I think it is something they both appreciate deeply.
Captain Booger says:
When it comes to the writing collaboration’s of Rose and Swift and who get’s the recognition, Rose has gotten the fuzzy end of the lollypop.
Not that I particularly like the songs, but it seems like Swift gets more than her share of the credit, plus she loves to soak it in and accept the credit.
kayko says:
Captain Booger, your name is much like your posts (as well as some of the other posters), you know something you purge from your head and then quickly discard.
Lola says:
Why??Why?? Why?? I’m quite sure there are better Singers. and Artists to blog about. This girl is over played. She can’t even SING! MOVE ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kayko says:
Lola, great suggestion “move on”…. why don’t you?
Lyle says:
Co-writing is nothing new. I don’t own any of Taylor’s music but I’m not quite sure why everyone expects she should write all her music alone. From what I gather from these posts, she takes the credit for these songs and doesn’t give any to this Liz Rose? You mean Liz’s name isn’t mentioned as a writer on any songs she writes with Taylor? Her name doesn’t appear on the CD? She doesn’t get paid? Taylor’s never mentioned Liz or given Liz any credit? If that’s the case, that’s so wrong but I suspect it isn’t quite so blatant as portrayed here. I will admit though that after much observation of Taylor (and seeing her in concert once) I have to admit that she seems a bit conceited to me. Of course how she couldn’t be with all the success she has had, well, I guess all artists are a bit self centered, right?
Keith Urban co-writes most of his music and he never takes #1 credit for them and always gives kudos and accolades to the people he writes with. If Taylor isn’t doing this then shame on her. But I think some of you guys are exaggerating because she and her music rub you the wrong way.
If you are sick of Taylor blogs there’s one sure way to limit them number posted. Simply do not respond. After a while, the blog writers will realize that no one is paying attention except a few rabid fans. Why do you think there are so many Taylor blogs? Because the bloggers enjoy seeing so many comments affixed to their blogs. They don’t care if the comments are positive or negative, as long as someone is paying attention.
DON’T RESPOND ANYMORE and I’ll bet all this info. on Taylor wills tart to taper off.
KM13 says:
I really wish some people would do their research before saying she ALWAYS says she writes her own songs. She doesn’t. She only specifically says she’s written a song all by herself when it is true like for Love Story. Every Taylor fan knows who Liz Rose is because Taylor talks about her ALL the Time. She’s even been in Taylor’s video blogs. She absolutely gives credit where it’s due. There’s no need for bashing and calling her out on false accusations.
PS. Taylor wrote, by herself, 7 of 13 songs on Fearless. (Fifteen, Love Story, Hey Stephen, You’re Not Sorry,Forever & Always, and The Best Day).
catalyst5609 says:
Everybodys known that shes had a co-writer.. Taylors talked about her a few times in interviews.. And I think its funny how people are always commenting about how they don’t like certain celebrities and claiming that they are shoved in their faces when obviously they clicked on this article, read it, and wasted their time commenting..
D Trotter says:
This is from as CMT news story by Ed Morris:
“SESAC, the performance rights company, honored songwriter Liz Rose at its Nashville headquarters(Sept. 28) for co-writing with Taylor Swift the hit single ‘You Belong With Me’.
“Swift was on hand to swell the applause. While it wasn’t announced in advance that Swift would attend, expectations she would drew a capacity crowd that filled the building’s lobby and stairwell. SESAC posted signs “Private Party/By Invitation Only”.
“…Swift eased in through a back entrance …stood quietly at the side of the room until Rose was announced ..”
The ceremony ended with Rose saying how much she loved Taylor and Swift returning the sentiment.
I bet there’s a couple thousand songwriters in Nashville wishing they could have had the chance to be slighted by Swift like that.
lifetime says:
Taylor is one of the best songwriters in music. and many artsits and critics have said that to..it is a fact…and yes Liz does co write also…but Taylor has a great mind for songwriting it comes easy to her!
D Trotter says:
By the way, I completely get how some people would get offended by singers jumping on the songwriting credits just because, as one wag put it, they happened to be texting in the same room.
So many songwriters are forced to acquiesce to listing an artist as “co-songwriter” just because they added a comma, or because the artist (duh! had an IDEA!) and asked some songwriting team to write her a song being about an orphan or something.
But attempts to rub the luster off Swift’s writing ability with such claims are just ridiculous. Swift’s first three number one Country songs were written SOLELY by her.
And EVERY song on Swift’s 2 albums is her own brainchild — the ideas and most of the writing came from Taylor, with Liz basically serving as song editor, advisor and a sounding board for brainstorming sessions. Like Lennon- McCartney, they are true professionals, fully capable of writing by themselves but able to work together too.
The remarkable thing about Liz is that she was able to remember and relate to the teenage feelings of this prodigy, and help and encourage her as much as needed.
Which wasn’t too much according to Liz: “I remember thinking: ‘Why am I here?’ She was SO FAST!”
“I think she ended up writing with me because I didn’t change what she was doing,” says Liz. “I tried to make it better and hone it. I really respected what she was trying to do and I didn’t make her write in the Nashville cookie- cutter songwriting mold.”
A good example is “Tim McGraw”, credited to Taylor and Liz. But Taylor wrote it (in 15 minutes!) in 9th Grade Math Class, about her own experiences. She was putting the finishing touches, with Liz looking at her “like I was crazy”, Taylor laughs.
Liz’s recollects Taylor saying she wanted to work on a song called “When You Think Tim McGraw” and thinking “You didn’t have a record deal and nobody else will cut it.” but she had learned there was no way to change this kid’s mind about what she wanted to do so Liz said, “OK! I’m not gonna argue!”
What she says now is: ” I’m so thankful I can pay the bills!”
barb b says:
TY you are so right
J.J. says:
“Like Lennon and McCartney”. Only you D Trotter would think Taylor could even be mentioned in the same sentence with John and Paul. Please, don’t comment back. I’m already reading a book.
hey - HEY! says:
J.J. you’re hilarious - by the time Fearless - the most decorated and awarded country album/cd ever - gets done selling it will be over the 10 million range.
Yes - Lennon and McCartney - maybe Paul is thinking of a duet even now!
Manhattan Project says:
LOL, it’s amazing. this little girl with the huge ego and minuscule talent. I heard her say SHE wrote all the songs on Fearless. I heard it on NATIONAL TV. She has proven that she is a liar and cheater, but yet you morons think that is ok, and keep on defending her. I’ll bet you guys think OJ was innocent too, right?
D Trotter says:
Just so you know Rodney, I don’t mind having my head up Taylor’s ^^^ at all.
D Trotter says:
Manhattan Project, where did you come from now?
Oh yeah, you’re J.J. too. There’s like 15 or 16 different screen names for hate-mongers, and every one is J.J.
D Trotter says:
J.J., I know you were offended by my comparison of Taylor-Rose with Lennon-McCartney. Nobody respects the Beatles more than I do, and it is way too early to predict that Taylor is going to achieve the kind of creative and commercial impact the Beatles did. Conversely, YOU don’t have a clue what Swift will achieve in her career either.
All we CAN COMPARE at this stage of their respective careers are albums #1 and #2.
Truthfully, Taylor’s first pair of albums are better written, more MATURE, and more consistently impressive than the Beatles’ first two. I think anyone with even a smidgeon of songwriting savvy (i.e., not a hater) would absolutely agree.
COMPARISONS:
1.Consistency/Quality: The Beatles padded their first two albums with numerous songs by other writers, from classic American rock ‘n’ roll to some really lame filler like “Taste of Honey”. Swift wrote or co-wrote every song on her first two albums. Nary a filler or weak track to be found. Edge Taylor.
2. Precociousness: The Beatles were older. At the time of their first #1 single, “Love Me Do” and first LP, Paul and John were between 20 and 22 years old; Taylor was 16-to-17 when she cut her “Tim McGraw” single and first album. Edge Taylor.
3.Lyrics/Song Structure: The Beatle’s earliest songs aren’t even close to the level of sophistication shown by Swift at the same comparative stage of their careers. Even “Our Song”, written when she was 12 or 13, has the kind of lyrical wordplay and syncopation that make “Love Me Do” seem like a First Grade Primer.
“Love, love me do
You know I love you
I’ll always be true
So plea-ee-ee-ese!
Love me do-o
Whoa-oh, Love me do.”
You wanna argue for the Beatles here? Give me a break! Advantage Taylor.
J.J. says:
You’re correct D. Trotter, I was offended by the Taylor/Rose and Lennon/McCartney comparison. I don’t care what she’s done thus far. We’re talking the Beatles here. In 25 years if Taylor’s reached or surpassed Lennon and McCartney in hit songs and reputation, I’ll be the first one to congratulate her. Until then, there simply is NO comparison.
I also resent your insinuation that I have countless screen names. I have no problem voicing my opinions and having everyone know where I’m coming from. If you know people that need to hide behind false names, please don’t lump me in with them. You don’t even know me. My name is Jan J. and I’m known as J.J. by my friends and family. It’s wise not to make accusations without facts to back them up. In this case you are dead wrong.
D Trotter says:
So if you want to really debate facts instead of trading insults, J.J., I’ll be happy to do so.
Comparisons of new artists to the legends are made all the time. OF COURSE, no one can be compared to the Beatles, especially not after 2 albums.
But anyone CAN compare the first two albums and early work of these artists — that’s REAL, not hypothetical. It’s done all the time. In basketball, they say “as good as Michael Jordan at the same stage of development”. In chess, they say “a young Bobby Fisher”.
You like to say how immature Taylor’s songs are, not to mention her fans. The truth is the Beatles early songs were far more simplistic than Taylor’s, and the fans at their concerts were dominated by screaming teen and pre-teen girls too (VERY similar,and OFTEN COMPARED to, the screaming at Taylor’s concerts).
Stevie Nicks COMPARES Swift’s songs to those of Neil Diamond and Elton John, both of whom have had a hit or two.
Here’s some more COMPARISONS you should love that aren’t from me, and aren’t even about her songwriting:
“In my whole career, I’ve never seen an artist who sold tickets as fast as Taylor Swift, and I’m talking about Bruce Springsteen, U2, and the Rolling Stones,” said Louis Messina who has been promoting major concerts since 1972. “Taylor Swift is going to one of the biggest female artists of all time, from Madonna on down.”
No, she won’t upstage the Beatles — no one can do that. But 40 years from now, she may own a very lofty perch all her own.
hey - HEY! says:
Garth Brooks in his hey day didn’t sell out Madison Square Garden as fast as Taylor Swift did.
Taylor Swift is already world famous having toured in Japan, Australia, Germany, England, and Canada. The Beatles didn’t even begin to tour
until they were in their 20’s. Taylor is just 20 - edge Swift.
LL Cool J introduced Taylor at the ACM’s for her song Change by stating: “She’s Fearless - She’s Talented - She’s Taylor Swift”
Shirley Manson is quoted as saying: “She (Taylor Swift) drew her own door and walked right through it.”
J.J. says:
hey - HEY! - “edge Swift”? You’ve got to be kidding? Are you 13 years old or just brain dead? Is it just stupidity or unbelievable audacity to put Swift and the Beatles together in the same sentence? I’m guessing you weren’t even alive during the Beatles reign and couldn’t appreciate them if you tried. There is no debate about this particular subject. It’s fact. Only complete arrogance would hold Taylor and the Beatles on the same playing field. IF Taylor ever gets to that point, that’ll be fine. But she’s not there now so don’t speak as if she is.
BTW, when you write something, make sure you get your facts straight. The Beatles toured in the USA, Australia, Japan, Scotland, New Zealand and Germany and well as their own country. Because they were into their 20’s has absolutely no bearing on anything. As a matter of fact, they had less time to make an impact if you want to use age as a yardstick. The Beatles changed American social history with their innovative lyrics, songwriting, and style of singing. They started the group or band craze. The Beatles also started the trend of men having long hair. The Beatles were the first pop group to write their lyrics on the back of their albums so people could sing along with them. I could go on and on and on.
The Beatles were undoubtedly the most influential band of the century. In a course of 8 years, they changed not only rock and roll, but also the face of all music forever. And in your limited little world you think Taylor has matched or surpassed that? OMG, what stones.
D Trotter says:
J.J., you are absolutely correct to describe the Beatles as the most influential band of the century.
Some of the things you mention are … well, just ODD things to emphasize: “American social history”, long hair, lyrics on album covers and the origin of the “band craze”?.
The importance of the Beatles lies in the music — their eclectic influences, close harmonies, the incorporation of minor, augmented and diminished chords into Rock ‘n’ Roll song structures and their relentless experimentation with new instruments and ideas.
Some ideas they didn’t innovate so much — Psychedelic music existed before Sgt. Pepper — as they assimilated it and popularized it. It was a time of enormous change, exploding out of a period of suffocating conservatism (see “Mad Men”), and the Beatles were harbingers, catalysts and symbols of those changes.
But they weren’t Gods. It’s okay to compare artists to aspects of their development. It’s not sacrilege to do so, nor any reason to accuse someone of stupidity or “audacity”, as you just did to “hey-HEY!”
I invited you to to compare Taylor’s first albums to the Beatles’ first efforts. Go for it! Surely these male titans had at least ONE song on their first album that is much better than anything a ninth-grade girl wrote for “Taylor Swift”. So what was it?
J.J. says:
I wasn’t speaking to you D Trotter. I’m not interested in your thoughts.
D Trotter says:
People who make you put up or shut up scare you , huh?
Wy I. Otta says:
Boy, some people sure do have a high opinion of themself.
Too bad nobody else does.
D Trotter says:
Well I know the 3:07 post didn’t come from me, and I’m guessing the 4:19 post didn’t come from J.J.. Sooo…. we have some “newcomer” named “Wi I. Otta” having a 3-way conversation WITH HIMSELF!
Did ya ever consider that ya might need serious mental health support?
Robyn says:
I’m an enormous fan of both the Beatles AND Taylor Swift, but when it comes to music critique, it’s not fair to let reputation and legacy get in the way of honest-to-goodness, technical critique, so please spare everyone your petty defence of “But they’re legends!”. Anyone could come up with better.
I won’t by any means deny that there are many similarities between Taylor Swift and the Beatles, because there are. I like them both, and there’s nothing wrong with comparing them.
America Free TV says:
Ce sera une page web terrible, pourriez-vous être intéressé à faire une entrevue concernant à quel point vous l’avez créé? Si oui e-mail moi!
Isabella says:
I may not have been alive in the Beatle’s era, but I respect and love them, as do most other people. However, comparing Taylor Swift to them isn’t some kind of blasphemy (as many others have stated). Personally, I am a huge fan of Taylor Swift. I saw her in concert this summer, and I found it to be a truly incredible experience.
I’d like to respond to many of the comments (more towards the top of the page) that are arguing that Taylor Swift doesn’t credit Liz Rose at all. I know that D. Trotter already adressed this, and did so well, but I’d like to also make it clear to some others (such as Lyle) that Taylor Swift DOES credit many people with helping her out. In the lyrics pamphlet of Fearless, many of the songs DO say ‘written by Taylor Swift and Liz Rose’. The talented young artist has often acknowledged the many people who help her on the road to success, and I think that (considering her extreme popularity) she IS relatively down-to-Earth. She said that the roar of a crowd is a gift which she will never take for granted, and she’s made only good decisions considering her health and the songs she writes. She doesn’t do drugs or get involved in scandals of that sort (unlike many other stars), and she writes songs that are about love rather than sex, and happiness rather than parties…she’s wholesome.
The main purpose though, was to combat false rumors about not giving credit where credit is due, especially in published works (like lyric packets). She does. And Liz Rose clearl finds no fault with her role in Taylor’s success. If she doesn’t have a problem with the amout of credit she’s getting (and we all can see from anything she says that she’s very proud and honored to work with and watch Taylor Swift grow), why should any of us?
lighting wholesale says:
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sustanon says:
This article on blog.cmt.com gives the light in which we can observe the reality.