Country artist Sam Snape delivers a powerful message about resilience and the wisdom passed between generations in his new single Shine.
Written during the Boggabri man’s time at the CMAA Academy of Country Music, Shine started out as a simple story of passing wisdom from one generation to the next on the farm, but Sam realised the song held deeper meaning for him.
“I went to the Academy with the idea. I couldn’t quite finish it in the end, and Duncan helped with that,” Sam said.
“Originally I wanted to write a song about a young boy on a tractor and his grandfather comes along with some life lessons and goals to think of throughout his life.
“When I was coming up with the idea, I didn’t realise I was a bit burnt out myself. I didn’t realise that was a thing until I looked into it and started hearing people talk about it and realised I was suffering burnout.”
Shine gently reminds listeners not to lose sight of what keeps them going.
“Now when I listen to the song, I hear that message: don’t forget how to shine. Keep the candle burning, but don’t forget what keeps you going,” he said
Sam’s late grandfather remains at the heart of the track, offering both comfort and inspiration through memory.
“I was really close with Grandpa,” he said.
“He passed away when I was young and still at home, so he never got to know that I’d go out and work on the farm and I feel like he’d be very proud of that.
“With this song, it’s as though he’s still alive, and he’s getting on the tractor and having a chat. When you’re sitting next to this person on the tractor, it’s the best spot to talk.”
For Sam, Shine marks an important chapter in his development as an artist – both musically and personally.
“It’s a meaningful one for me. It shows another side of who I am, not just as a songwriter, but as a person,” he said.
“Realising that burnout is real, and reminding yourself that you can work hard – but don’t forget what makes you shine.”
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