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Paul Cody’s single, “Raise A Glass,” arrived as a moment of release, reflection, and shared joy, shaped by decades of songwriting, touring, and lived experience. The song captures a lighter, celebratory side of Cody’s artistry while remaining grounded in the storytelling tradition that has defined his career since his teenage years.
The idea for “Raise A Glass” began with a simple nudge from Cody’s brother, Ken, who encouraged him to write something upbeat and fun. At the time, Ken had been immersed in the easygoing spirit of Jimmy Buffett alongside classic rock and country records. That influence sparked something immediate. In less than an hour, Cody had written the chorus, multiple verses, and the foundation of the song. Its first audience was a family one, performed at Ken’s birthday party with early lyrics tailored to relatives and shared memories. The experience served as a reminder for Cody to create from a place of happiness and to let music exist as something people can enjoy together.
Blending Past Perspective With Present Craft
Though the song feels current, its roots stretch back years. “Raise A Glass” was originally written when Paul Cody was younger and later revisited for his upcoming double album, New Beginning. Reworking the song allowed him to bridge past and present, pairing early inspiration with the perspective he has gained as a songwriter. Over time, his approach has shifted from capturing moments as they happen to observing experiences, blending personal history, stories from others, and elements of fiction. That evolution allows Cody to step into the listener’s role as he writes, refining each song with intention and clarity.
Classic Influences, Timeless Sound
Musically, “Raise A Glass” reflects the influences that shaped Cody from the start. Growing up, he absorbed the sounds of John Denver, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, The Eagles, and Jackson Browne through his family, alongside rock staples like The Beatles, The Who, and The Rolling Stones. Lyrically, writers such as Paul Simon, Dan Fogelberg, James Taylor, and Denver left a lasting imprint. When writing this song, Cody imagined a collaboration of spirit between Jimmy Buffett and Bob Dylan, letting the melody and words unfold naturally on guitar.
The song was crafted with live performance in mind, whether in an intimate club or a packed outdoor venue. Cody often pictured a crowd singing along, smiling, and moving together. That vision carried into the recording process with The Erie Riders, whose musicianship helped shape the final sound. Drawing from a previous version of the song, the band leaned further into country textures and added layered harmonies, including a closing sing-along that captures the feel of a late-night bar room chorus.
Setting the Tone for a New Beginning
“Raise A Glass” also offers a glimpse into what listeners can expect from New Beginning, a 17-song double album that balances driving rock tracks with reflective story songs. While the album opens with its title track, this single plays a key role in maintaining momentum and emotional range, delivering character-driven writing and thoughtful wordplay rooted in classic country and rock traditions.
A Toast to the Journey and the Moment
After years of opening for national acts and performing for audiences of all sizes, Cody sees “Raise A Glass” as a tribute to the road, the people he has met, and the moments shared along the way. With a tour planned following the album’s release, he looks forward to performing a song he never tires of, especially as more listeners begin to know the words.
At its core, “Raise A Glass” encourages listeners to savor the moment they are in. The song acknowledges life’s mix of joy and hardship while urging appreciation for what is present right now. Whether inspired by family, freedom, love, or simple togetherness, Cody hopes the song becomes a soundtrack for celebration, reminding listeners to raise a glass to the moments that matter most.
Check out Paul Cody’s “Raise a Glass” below:
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