The Journey of “Ask Me How I Know” by Garth Brooks: From Inspiration to the Charts
The Background
If you are a fan of country music, you will be familiar with the name Garth Brooks. He is one of the most successful country singers in modern times and is famous for his hit songs such as “Friends in Low Places”, “The Dance”, and “Thunder Rolls”. Brooks has a reputation for storytelling in his music, and his latest single, “Ask Me How I Know,” is no exception.
The Inspiration
According to Brooks himself, the inspiration for “Ask Me How I Know” came from a conversation he had with a young songwriter. The songwriter asked Brooks what he would say to his younger self if he could go back in time, and Brooks replied, “Ask me how I know.” He elaborated that this phrase means “trust me, I’ve been there,” and it stuck with him. He said that he knew he wanted to write a song around that phrase.
The Process
Brooks wrote “Ask Me How I Know” with two other songwriters, Mitch Rossell and Bryan Kennedy. The three of them wrote the song in about 45 minutes. Brooks said that he knew he had something special when he heard the first few chords and the melody that followed. He said that he could hear the finished song in his head, and it was exactly what he wanted.
The Meaning Behind the Song
“Ask Me How I Know” is a song about love and heartbreak. It tells the story of a man who has been through a lot in his life and has learned from his mistakes. He is trying to help a young man who is going through a similar experience and is offering him advice on how to deal with the pain.
The chorus of the song goes:
“Ask me how I know
He’s been here before
Same ol’ places, same ol’ people
And the same ol’ pain
We’ve been here, oh, we’ve been here
Ask me how I know.”
Brooks said that the song is about the cycle of life and love. He said that everyone goes through heartbreak, and everyone comes out on the other side stronger and wiser.
The Reception
“Ask Me How I Know” was released in 2016 and became Brooks’ 60th top 10 hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. It peaked at number 2 on the chart, and it also reached number 33 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Brooks’ storytelling abilities and the emotional depth of the lyrics. The song also struck a chord with fans, who related to the message of the song.
The Award
In 2018, “Ask Me How I Know” won the Country Music Association award for “Musical Event of the Year.” Brooks performed the song with the finalists of the TV show “The Voice.”
The Verdict
“Ask Me How I Know” is a testament to Garth Brooks’ ability to tell a compelling story. The song is relatable, emotional, and showcases Brooks’ voice and songwriting abilities. It’s no wonder that it has become one of his most successful songs.
In conclusion, “Ask Me How I Know” is a great addition to Brooks’ already impressive discography. It’s a song that will resonate with anyone who has gone through heartbreak and come out stronger on the other side. It’s a song that shows why Brooks is one of the most successful country singers of all time.
