Grace’s presence has affected Wilson’s songwriting — she says she thinks twice now, before writing some of her rough-and-tumble lyrics.
However, sometimes things just have to be said. Such as the lyrics to “Don’t Make Me Take My Earrings Out,” from her upcoming album — a song threatening another woman to stop flirting with her man:
Don’t make me take my earrings out / ‘Cause I’ll show you what a catfight’s all about / I’ll throw you down and mop the floor / A man like mine is worth fighting for.
“Some of the songwriters I write with catch themselves,” Wilson said. “They say something differently instead, because they have daughters and they don’t know what they’ll think. It’s a hard argument when you’re being creative. But sometimes it’s necessary.”
All of the other portions of Wilson’s career center around her daughter, who tours with the band. She has best friends who are members of the crew, and regularly plays “Mario Kart” with them.
“I grew up in a mobile home, so living in a bus with a plasma TV isn’t too hard,” Wilson said.
Her tour schedule is oriented around Grace’s education: Plenty of concerts are scheduled during summer. Some shows can be performed during the school year — but only if they can get home by Sunday.
And Wilson’s recording studio is located on her Tennessee farm. Having it at her home allows Wilson to be a mom, stay active in her daughter’s life and stay in touch with all her latest interests.
Such as the Jonas Brothers.
“Those kids are right where they need to be,” Wilson said of the trio. “They make great music that my daughter can listen to.”
