Honky-tonk revivalist David Ball just released the single "I Got a Broken Heart in the Mail." It's the first hints of what's on Come See Me, his first album in close to eight years. Ball recorded the album at his Franklin, Tenn. home and is being described as his "most personal record yet." That's namely due to the fact that he wrote, produced and played nearly every instrument on the album.
"I Got a Broken Heart in the Mail" finds Ball picking up right where he last left off as a honky-tonk country crooner. There's some Tex-Mex flair in his guitar picking and the thumping bass line. As evidenced by the title alone, Ball's "I Got a Broken Heart in the Mail" is an old-school country break-up ballad.
In typical Ball fashion, it's built around a feel-good groove and a mighty memorable chorus. He offers lines such as "looks like a lot of lonely nights are heading my way" with almost a wry smile--perhaps to keep from a few tears rolling down his cheeks.
Still, there's a feel-good spirit nestled within the song. That primarily comes out of Ball's bare-bones recording approach. It isn't bogged down by unnecessary instrumentation. There's a down-home spin that feels light, airy and with a touch of sweet natural rawness.
Ball, who had major hits with the likes of "Riding With Private Malone," "Thinkin' Problem," "Look What Followed Me Home" and "Honky Tonk Healin," is currently running a PledgeMusic campaign for Come See Me. There he says that bare-bones approach was carried out through the entire album. "This is under-produced, non-corporate country music," says Ball in the introduction.
Come See Me is slated for a September 7 release date via Private Records.
"I Got a Broken Heart in the Mail" Lyrics
The mailman came walking down the street, reached in his sack.
He brought me a letter, but now I wish he'd take it back.
I tore it open and read the words in disbelief
I never thought that you would send this to me
I got a broken heart in the mail today
Goodbye, good luck is all you had to say
Looks like a lot of lonely nights are heading my way
Cause I got a broken heart in the mail today
Like a fool, I thought everything was OK
I thought you were sending all your love my way
As I watched the mailman walk up to my door
But now I see that you don't love me anymore
I got a broken heart in the mail today
Goodbye, good luck is all you had to say
Looks like a lot of lonely nights are heading my way
Cause I got a broken heart in the mail today
Yeah, I got a broken heart in the mail today
https://www.wideopencountry.com/david-ball-i-got-a-broken-heart-in-the-mail/