Track 6 from 'Grace' (2004):  I wrote this song after a short stay in Chattanooga, TN.  I was there for love.  In true Noe nature, I gave up everything I had and knew for the hope I found something special.  In the end she broke my heart.  I equated my experience with her to my experience as a California boy living for the first time in the South... disarming, violating, surprising and in the end.. disappointing.  Everyone had a problem pronouncing my name.  People seemed to think in terms of black-or-white with no room for grey.  

Tennessee

Track 4 from 'Grace' (2004):  Back when I worked at San Francisco State University I met this very dynamic woman.  She was strong, independent, beautiful and a dancer.  She worked in my department for a semester and I was fascinated by her disposition.  She seemed to have life so together.  Then one day I overheard her crying.  I came into the file room and heard her telling someone how her boyfriend abused her and made her life a living hell.  I couldn't understand it.  How could a woman who seemed so strong be given over to such an awful partner.  This song was inspired and written for her.

Noe Gutierrez Jr