“I Thought It Was Leather” is one of only two “novelty” songs I’ve written for any album. It’s less fiction than fact and laced with metaphors and euphemisms. The music is reminiscent and a mix of early Iggy Pop and rock-a-billy Grateful Dead material. It’s mostly the result of a challenge, or “dare” if you will. Circa 1995, I was preparing to direct music for James “Buzz” Atwood and Foothills Performing Arts’ production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” On the set of TNT’s “Andersonville” in Wilmington, NC, Buzz turned to me with a notion. He suggested two lines he’d like to see grow up to be country music songs. The second was “I thought it was leather, but it was vinyl and it all tore up.” One year later, a long, bittersweet relationship came to an end. In “perspecting” the accompanying emotions, I could find no better way to metaphor the experience or person involved.

I Thought It Was Leather
Atwood/Hartman

She needs no introduction
She’s the one who loved me two
How could I be mistaken
The love that she was making wasn’t mine
On that woman’s surface lies designer leather far from genuine

I thought it was leather but it was vinyl and it all tore up
I caught them together
My house
His pants
Her bra
C cup

She’s got a style she can call her own
I love her but I’m not alone
I thought it was leather but it was vinyl and it all tore up

She did it all for my protection
She is far between and few
The rule and the exception the guests at your reception love to hate
Expect the unexpected
Protect the unprotected at the gate

The fabric of my life
Suggested retail in a sea of outlet merchandise
I’ve seen it all before
Caveat emptor
Salvation Army sacrifice

I thought it was leather
I thought it was real
I paid a pretty penny for the thoughts I couldn’t deal

It was vinyl
It was pain
It was final
It was vain

I just know
I just know
I just know