Feature: Christin Hyshka Decodes “Boy Before The Man”
What was the creative process like for this particular song?
It’s funny… I might say the creative process for this one was kind of forced! On my first album, I had written a song for my daughter called Eva’s song and my son asked me once why he didn’t have a song. As a parent, you try to keep things as even as you can, so I sat down and tried to write one for him. I think what came out with ‘Boy Before The Man’ was a manifestation of my future self giving my past self advice on how to lead a good life. I suppose that’s all any parent would want for their son. To try to influence his journey from boy to man in a positive, fulfilling way.
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the songwriting process for “Boy Before The Man?”
I mentioned the song I wrote for my daughter Eva’s before, and I think the biggest challenge was I didn’t want it to sound anything at all like that. As soon as I would get down lyrics that talked about babies or childhood memories, I just scrapped them and told myself, “It’s been done before”. Perhaps that’s when the breakthrough happened - in the push to write something completely different.
What has been one of your most favorite memories along the path to making “Boy Before The Man?”
Easily my son’s reaction to it. He’s 9 right now, and he told all his buddies that this was his song, that he’s the boy before the man. I’ll pick up a friend of his in the truck and first thing he says is “Dad, play my song for so and so…” It’s been super fun.
Was there a pivotal moment in your life when you decided to follow your path as a musician?
That’s a two-answer question. I remember being out of high school and calling my dad to tell him that I figured it out. I wanted to enroll in a music program at a local college. He didn’t understand that at the time and asked me what I thought I’d do with a music degree? How would I make my living? I don’t blame him; my dad worked hard his whole life and wanted me to go to school to get a career not follow a dream. So, I went to school for marketing. It wasn’t until Covid happened when my business had a serious slow down that I said to myself, if not now, then when? So, I dived into music again. That’s probably where the “run from suits and ties” line came from in the song now that I think about it.
How do you balance crafting relatable stories with maintaining your unique voice as a songwriter?
I think the relatable stories are likely what keep things unique. I’ve always loved ballads growing up. Bob Dylan or Steve Earle were some of the best at writing them, but those songs were never about themselves. They would look at the world around them and get inspiration from that. I’ve always tried to model that in my songwriting. If I hear a story that inspires me or notice a friend struggling or succeeding with something, I’ll try to put myself in their shoes. Chances are, if they are experiencing it, someone else is too, and that makes it relatable. All I have to do is pay attention, then get writing.