In his 2016 autobiography, Born To Run, legendary rocker Bruce Springsteen took a few paragraphs to point out the audacity of him making it – out the millions that watched The Beatles and The Rolling Stones on The Ed Sullivan Show, millions took up playing a guitar or playing in a band. Of those millions only a select few actually become talented enough to play on a stage; out of those just a few select few made it anywhere near the level of success of The Fab Four or Mick Jagger. 

Now imagine the same scenario in 2020. As waves of uncertainty and fears sweep our world, the millions of musicians and artists and vying for attention, angling for a few views on social media, an artist like Elizabeth Lyons is already a few chapters into her story. She’s getting through the fray. 

She’s proving it. 

“This is a great time to just listen to music,” Lyons said, who’s next song is called “Prove It” is working on a release date in the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19). “Music sooths the soul, I feel like, and relieves stress. (“Prove It”) is a really upbeat, country pop-like anthem. And it’s high energy and I think it would just be fun to bring into peoples’ homes that positive energy and vibe.

“Everyone has a dream, something they are trying to achieve. But, I think my whole life I’ve been trying to prove it.” 

“Prove It” will join an already robust song arsenal. Previous tracks like “24”, “Epiphany”, “God Moment”, “Champagne”, “Luke Bryan” and more. “24” the more recent of the pack is easily a sing-along sprite song. The song is flush with rocking’ guitar riffs and Lyons’ confident vocals sway the listener into different avenues and tones. The song showcases Lyons’ songwriting skills and gives listeners hope. Realizing one’s path might not be as smooth as anticipated is a key theme. Perhaps more timely than ever – the track is also about uncertainty.  

The song has relatable lyrics: two years out of college, worked and gained some knowledge, full of questions, second guessing myself, searching for a reason, following what I’m dreaming, holding on to clouds of silver and gold, it’s unknown, it’s uncontrolled, pure and strong, but still so young…

“Epiphany” is another inspiring song and that lingers for days. The song is up-tempo and relies heavily on Lyons’ soft, warm vocals. Her piano playing shines. Among the song’s lyrics: when it feels like I’m climbing a mountain, that just keeps rising, when it feels like I’ll never measure up at all, this is an epiphany, I’m going to believe in me. The song’s lyric video is a cute memory lane feature, with real life footage of a young Lyons singing for family members, dancing at a young age and showing prowess and ability at the piano keys. 

Lyons said while growing up in the Midwest, at home included listening to her mother’s Top 40 setlist, her dad’s 70s rock and summer’s at her grandfather’s house near the historic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, she listened to classic country music. The idea that this historical music shed became a summer staple doesn’t fall lightly on this writer. It seems more than fitting and more meant-to-be than Lyons probably realizes. All the while, Lyons said she performed in countless stage musicals and dance team practices – any way she could to perform and make people happy. 

Like her voice in “24” and “Epiphany” Lyons is assured, kind and warm while sharing her story. In the nearly 20-minute conversation, she’s never not positive and upbeat. Even when she’s recalling her first job, or the past decade of booking her own gigs, lugging her keyboard around town and managing her time, her smile is infectious. 

“There’s so much music and content out there,” Lyons, who’s first job was a lifeguard at the Chicago beaches, said. “What differentiates you is who you are, and your personality and your story, what you’ve been through. Other people connecting with that is what makes you different.” 

During this down time, Lyons is connecting with her nearly 13,000 Facebook fans over 30,000 thousand Instagram followers. She’s new to the TikTok app (showing off her vocal and dance skills), working on her tennis skills more and honing her baking skills in the kitchen. The plan is to forge through this summer with appearance at Summerfest, CMA Fest, Ohio State Fair and more. 

Because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) postponing the majority of live events, it’s unknown at this time when her next shows will be. 

The next music video is still being discussed, too,  and at the time of this interview she was working on details. She hasn’t stopped writing. She’s currently based in New Orleans. 

“Working from home I try to put a routine in place for the week, I set aside some days just for writing,” she said. 

She said there are days that are hard, but she has to keep going. At one time in her career, she said she would put on a face that everything was perfect. During that time, she actually left Nashville and moved to New York. While in New York, she worked a full-time job that gave her insurance benefits, and also a very understanding boss that gave her the freedom to still pursue her musical dreams. 

“There’s something amazing about being honest in how you’re feeling,” Lyons said. 

Her advice for aspiring songwriters? Not everyone’s path is going to be the same. She’s made it through several rounds, and the fight continues. 

“Growing up I always have said have patience, perseverance and persistence,” she said. “Sometimes you have to lose yourself to remember who you are, to get your confidence back. Believe in yourself and have hope. All my music, I always want people to feel inspired and empowered. Ignore the voices in your head that you’re not good enough or you’re doubting yourself. Empower yourself to keep fighting and keep proving it.”