The Neighborhood Dames
Songwriter McLean Cannon took my drafts of Violet’s songs and turned them into real ones! I knew I wanted them to have dimensionality and a historic vibe without adhering to true turn-of-the-century Tin Pan Alley styles, because the book itself has modern sensibilities.
“With a Little Bit of Luck” is a friendship love song that recalls spending time outdoors with a best friend. Have a listen! McLean really nailed the nostalgia without making it mournful.
“You and Me (Me and You)” is the first song Violet writes, encouraged by her best friend Minnow. Even though Minnow’s reasons are self-serving, her confidence in Violet changes both their lives. In the lyrics, you can hear Violet’s aro/ace identity start to form. She has no interest in dating and she’s doubling down on that by writing this song celebrating what she has: a best friend who believes in her. She doesn’t need anything else.
“Matthew This, and Matthew That” is a spite song. Violet is sick and tired of hearing about her best friend’s boyfriend. Minnow is not a fan of this one, even though Violet has the tact to change Matthew’s name to Stanley. They both know who she means, though!
“Lemon Loo Loo (Sour Is Sweet to Me)” puts Violet’s scorn for the sweetness of romantic love into a humorous ballad. She’s a bit sour herself, and this perspective is pretty radical in a culture that prizes romantic overtures and young marriage. Violet’s mother, Jean, breaks out of the expected pattern herself—which is one of the mysteries that fuels the novel. I like to think that Jean, for all her flaws, has opened a window for Violet to consider being true to herself.