In an interview with Apple Music, Miranda Lambert delves deep into her latest album, Postcards from Texas, and the honesty behind her songwriting. “I signed up as a singer-songwriter to tell the truth, and a lot of those truths, especially the ugly ones, are mine,” she shared. “Because I’m a human being, and I am a passionate one, and I’m a Scorpio on top of all that.” This declaration sets the tone for an album that encapsulates both her struggles and triumphs.
Discovering “Armadillo” While Driving in Austria
While discussing the track “Armadillo,” Lambert recalled the first time she heard the song. “We were driving through the mountains in Austria, and I put in my earbuds,” she said. “Aaron [Raitiere]’s like, ‘Here’s one.’ And it said, ‘I met Armadillo out in Amarillo, and he asked me for a light.’ And I was like, ‘Okay, yes. A hundred percent yes. I’m cutting this.'” She felt the song needed to be the album’s opener, explaining, “If you’re going to have an album full of songs and so much emotion, you’ve got to make sure you have the fun.”
Knowing When to Close Chapters
Lambert also touched on the importance of recognizing when it’s time to move on. “I think it just somehow is just clear,” she told Apple Music. “The big ones to me in my life of ‘this is done’ is just clear.” Drawing on her experiences, she added, “As you get a little bit older, you’re like, ‘Now I’ve seen what happens if you let it fester,’ so you just learn to cut it off.” Her long-time manager, Marianne, inspired a mantra that has guided Lambert for over 21 years: “If it’s a maybe, it’s a no.”
A Snapshot of Two Decades
Reflecting on the journey that inspired Postcards from Texas, Lambert said, “This record is a snapshot of more like two decades versus the last two years.” With a new record label and a milestone 40th birthday, she found herself seeking freedom and a return home to reset for a new chapter. The album captures the emotions she’s felt over two decades as both a woman and an artist.
Brendan’s Role in Pushing for Vulnerability
Lambert’s husband, Brendan, played a significant role in shaping the album. “He was the one that was pushing for the ones that I was a little on the fence about as far as vulnerable and raw,” she revealed. Citing the song “Run” as an example, she said, “He was like, ‘You have to cut that song.'”
The Gypsy Lifestyle and “Running”
Lambert feels a deep connection to the notion of running, a theme evident throughout the album. “I think the reason that I love horses and Airstreams and the bus is because it is a way to run to something, not necessarily away from something,” she explained. This love for travel and freedom defines her “gypsy lifestyle,” allowing her to chase dreams while keeping a piece of home with her.
Living Life Like Loretta Lynn
Quoting one of her idols, Lambert recalled, “Loretta said it, ‘Go live your life so you have something to write about.'” She lives by this advice, exploring and experiencing life to gather inspiration for her songs. “If you’re an artistic person, you got to gather information, and you can’t do that in your same environment all the time,” she emphasized.
The Raw Honesty in “Run”
Lambert admitted that she wasn’t always ready to perform deeply personal songs. “I wasn’t ever ready to perform it until now,” she said of “Run.” The song is “an admission of human error… but it’s also a resolve.” For Lambert, songs serve as a reflection of life’s rawest moments, even when they were once too painful to sing about.
Learning to Sit in the Hard Times
“I definitely have regrets,” Lambert confessed. She believes that “we don’t learn when everything’s going great.” Instead of avoiding hard times, she now chooses to sit with them. “I’m supposed to be learning something, so maybe I should sit here and listen to the universe right now,” she explained.
“No Man’s Land” as an Invitation, Not a Warning
On the song “No Man’s Land,” Lambert clarified that it’s not meant to be confrontational. “I want to be in your space. I want you to be in my space,” she said. The song invites understanding and acceptance, underscoring that it’s about needing space to be oneself.
Writing “Alimony” and Embracing Her Roots
The writing of “Alimony” came naturally to Lambert, as she drew from childhood experiences. “My parents were private investigators… My whole life was mom and dad following somebody that was trying to pin something on the other person to get their alimony.” When co-writer Shane McAnally suggested the title, Lambert knew it was perfect. “We got to use all of our little Texas puns, and it was fun,” she reminisced.
“I Hate Love Songs” – A Taste of Pain and Creativity
Discussing the older track “I Hate Love Songs,” Lambert described it as a representation of chasing what can hurt you. “I think it’s because we’re hungry and creative,” she explained. The song itself is unique in its structure, featuring verses without a chorus or bridge, reflecting its raw, unstructured emotion.
Fans Keep Her Honest
Lambert credited her fans for their unwavering support. “They’re the reason that have stuck it out from ‘Kerosene’ and now they’re bringing their daughters to my shows,” she said. Their encouragement has empowered her to continue telling the truth through her music.
Watch the Interview Now
Listen to Postcards from Texas
Photo Credit: Apple Music
