Song Deconstructed: ‘Fingers Crossed’ by Maura Streppa

Maura Streppa: “Sometimes songs just appear, and as a songwriter, I feel it’s my job to capture them.”

The Nashville-based singer-songwriter breaks down a song that required the honest truth, even if it went against her mother’s wishes

Maura Streppa’s journey from the suburbs of Chicago to Tennessee, with time spent in North Carolina, is reflected in her music – a blend of Northern roots and Southern influence. With a voice grounded in Southern rock, she brings depth to modern singer-songwriter melodies. Her songwriting moves between upbeat honky-tonk rhythms and honest, introspective songs about the challenges of life in your 20s.

It’s been a productive start to the year for Streppa. First up was the poignant ballad, Silver – an outpouring of emotion that reflects on the pain of heartbreak. Up next is new single, Fingers Crossed. Raw and unforgiving, it’s the latest showcase for both her soulful voice and ability to mine personal experience to find those wider truths. Enthralled, we asked Streppa to tell us more…

More Songs Deconstructed

INSPIRATION

Fingers Crossed explores the aftermath of a love gone wrong. Unfortunately, this song draws inspiration from several past relationships. While writing, I focused on one particular ex, the same one who inspired my previous single, Silver. Fingers Crossed represents the shift from the sadness of that breakup, explored in Silver, to the anger that followed as I processed what happened. I realised how easily I was deceived, and, frankly, I was pissed.

Maura Streppa: “Sometimes songs just appear, and as a songwriter, I feel it’s my job to capture them.”

LYRICS

The song began with a chord progression my co-writer, Max Gall, had come up with. Almost immediately, the line, “Wish we would’ve skipped a few steps” kept repeating in my head. I wasn’t even thinking about my ex that day, but sometimes songs just appear, and as a songwriter, I feel it’s my job to capture them.

From that first line, the song practically wrote itself. It was one of the fastest I’ve ever written. After my ex and I broke up, my mom wisely suggested I use the experience as a learning opportunity. That sentiment inspired the line, “Mama said, ‘it was all for the best’/But fuck that, and fuck you/Fuck everything I thought I knew.” My mom suggested I soften the language, but I felt it was important to be honest about how I truly felt. Max and I shared a look, a silent agreement that the song demanded that raw honesty.

The original chorus consisted of statements: “I was just there to keep you company/You were so well aware you weren’t in love with me.” Max suggested turning them into questions, and I was immediately drawn to the idea. The breakup left me questioning everything, so phrasing the chorus as questions felt much more natural and authentic.

Maura Streppa: “Fingers Crossed marks a departure from my previous releases and signals a new era for my music.”

MUSIC

One of the things I love about writing with Max is his ability to create beautiful guitar parts, often using alternate tunings. My own guitar skills aren’t the strongest, so it’s refreshing to work with his fresh progressions.

IN THE STUDIO

The studio session for Fingers Crossed was incredibly fun. I described to my producer, Tim Miller, that I wanted a hauntingly beautiful yet angry vibe. I wanted to highlight the open tuning, and our electric guitar player, Nathan Keeterle, absolutely nailed it. He even came up with the bridge lick on the spot, which I loved for its almost “California action movie” feel. Caleb Fisher came on a little later in the process and added some cool effects during the mixing process. The song starts stripped down and gradually builds, mirroring the rising anger as the narrator reflects on the relationship. Then, at the end, it simply fades away.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Fingers Crossed marks a departure from my previous releases and signals a new era for my music. I’m really excited about this raw and honest sound we’ve developed. Consider it a Valentine’s Day gift for those who don’t celebrate. ❤️

Fingers Crossed by Maura Streppa is out now. News, music, live dates and more via maurastreppa.com

You can also join us on a co-writing session with Streppa in our special Nashville issue of Songwriting Magazine

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