New Jersey native and Berklee College of Music songwriting professor Susan Cattaneo made her boldest artistic statement to date last fall with double album The Hammer & The Heart. Across two records, she practices what she teaches as a songwriter with the help of several special guests.
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Opening track and lead single "Work Hard, Love Harder," featuring roots-rock mainstays the Bottle Rockets, provides a collection of rock and folk-injected story-songs with a fitting first statement.
"I really wanted to write a manifesto for the album, a song that spoke to how I feel about making music and making music with people I love," Cattaneo says. "Ultimately, it's a song about prioritizing the important things in life. I met Brian, the lead singer of the Bottle Rockets, in Nashville a few years ago, and I wanted to work with them for the longest time. I love their music, I love their energy and I felt they were a perfect fit for this song and what it means to me. In the studio, our musical chemistry was immediate. There wasn't any hesitation."
Getting a prolific songwriter and busy touring act back together must've taken some patience, but it paid off for all talents involved. Director Brian McLelland of Blip Blap Video captured the energy and passion of a rocking, songwriter-driven song in the same vein as a Lucinda Williams or Mary Chapin Carpenter album cut.
Work Hard, Love Harder Lyrics
Father time's got a job to do
Punches in his time card then he's coming for you
You pray to Saint Joe for that 9 to 5
You should be praying to St. Valentine
The heart beats louder than the dollar
Shines a light in a world gone darker
Draws joy in permanent marker
Work hard but love harder
Hug your kids, call your mother
Be grateful and be kind to others
Kiss more, laugh more just for starters
Work hard, but love harder
You get so lost in your daily grind
You forget that there ain't no second time, no second time around
20, 30, 40 years fly through
Suddenly you wondering where'd your dreams get to
What are you waiting for?
What are you waiting for?
What are you waiting for?
Be a friend don't be a martyr
Make mistakes, they'll make you smarter
Take your life and turn it up louder
Work hard love harder
