‘They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That No More’ EP by Samuel Butler review.
Samuel Butler is a country artist originally from Essex before serving 13 years in the military. He draws inspiration from the likes of Tyler Childers, Colter Wall and Charles Wesley Godwin to name but a few, particularly their older records. This style is reflected with this EP as sounding ‘unpolished’ resulting in a more raw and authentic feel.
‘Of Fighting Age’
Sam tells me that this song is about an experience he encountered whilst in Afghanistan, but isn’t what most people think it’s about.
I like how the gentle guitar strumming creates a marching tone, and how the tambourine will ring out periodically almost echoing gunshot and its recoil.
The song isn’t a political song about war, but more presenting the human side to it, and poses the question ‘what is fighting age?’. The song also confronts the mental health of veterans, often seeing the faces of those encountered in the field, sometimes friendly, sometimes not.
‘Won’t Let Go’
Sam explains how not only did music help him after leaving the Army following 13 years of service, but so too does his wife. She helped him through his identity crisis after his time serving his country.
The song gives off a beautiful acoustic sound but is all about protecting our loved ones. It starts with imagery of looking at ourselves in the mirror “I gaze into the mirror, on days I’m feeling withered, and wonder what I see.” This is quite a powerful and emotive image. Whilst society may judge us primarily in appearance, we should all remember that there’s a lot lot more than superficial looks.
The song speaks of not letting others see or feel your pain. It’s a real love letter to those in difficult moments. We should all remember “there’s no place we can’t go, so long as I got you.” This solidifies the fact that together we can achieve anything.
The song continues to speak of promise, of acceptance. “Hoping one day to bring home, something, anything to make you, proud of me.” This lyric speaks to acceptance and self worth. Often acceptance is approved by an external validation source, however shouldn’t be substituted for false hope.
‘This Guitar’
One of the more polished songs, this guitar is I guess a metaphor for emotional baggage.
Its a song for the musicians carrying their instruments around, singing songs that nclude very personal details of their life to strangers. It also speaks to those who don't talk when they need to.
The song starts by referencing “There’s a song in my heart, I know is not mine only” perhaps a nod to sharing it with a special person. It also highlights our need for connections with others and to be heard. A particularly poignant lyric is “hoping somebody hears me, a very sad truth is that no one really cares.” Personally, this is quite tragic as songs are our story and often sharing our story can help others, even if only one person then it’s been worth it.
“I'm carrying this guitar
Like I carry my worries
The longer I hold on
It gets real heavy
I’ve spilled my secrets, my love, my agony
Won't someone please take this from me.”
This is a great example of personifying an object, relating it more to us and to others. An instrument, and indeed music is great for capturing emotions and feelings, and often aiding in therapy from some of these emotions.
‘You’ve got your mommas eyes’
Sam tells me that this song is dedicated to his second little girl, and to all of the parents with daughters.
The song starts by referencing gazing into a child’s eyes, and seeing not only their mothers eyes but also the life that’s yet to be lived. It also captures how when becoming a parent priorities change and how “things that mattered don’t no more”.
The lyrics continue to depict the world of parenting, citing “everyday there’s something new”, from learning new words to trying new food, and other precious milestones.
The song itself has an acoustic feel and you can almost hear the gentle sway rocking a baby to sleep with the song as a lullaby.
'They don't make'em like that no more'
Sam tells me that this song is a tribute to a late friend who unfortunately passed away following an altercation outside a bar. Within the song, he’s captured as a Ranger, but in reality he was a soldier as was Sam. There’s even a special tribute to his friend in the cover art, in a photo attached to his guitar case.
The lyrics capture two types of people, those who “live for your destruction, feed from despair” and those who “stand against them, lead from the front, nothing in return”.
The song captures the courage and bravery of his late friend, but can also be more universally applied to some of our own friends when quoting the track title. As the song progresses you can sense their friendship, and how it’s not only a celebration of his friend, but the acceptance of laying him to rest.
Sam’s EP ‘They Don’t Make’em Like That No More’ was released earlier this year and is available for you to download and stream on your usual music platforms. Make sure to also check out his social media @sambutler.music for events, gigs and other new music.
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