Pickleball's Musical Muse: David Francis Serenades the Sport with a Honky-Tonk Anthem
From Court to Chorus: How a Seattle Songwriter Captured the Spirit of Pickleball's Rising Star
In the heart of Seattle, where the echoes of grunge once reverberated, a different kind of music is now making waves—one that celebrates the fast-growing sport of pickleball. David Francis, a seasoned singer-songwriter, has found inspiration on the courts, crafting a honky-tonk anthem dedicated to none other than Anna Leigh Waters, the sport's young phenom. With a blend of humor, storytelling, and a deep love for the game, Francis's song captures the essence of pickleball's community and competitive spirit. In this exclusive interview, Francis shares the story behind his catchy tune, his journey into pickleball, and his dreams of bringing music and sport together in harmony.
1) 0:20, How did you come up with this anthem? And what was your favorite part about doing this?
Francis: I was watching pickleball on TV and saw Anna Leigh Waters dominate in a Dream Breaker match. The announcer called her opponent a "sacrificial lamb," which inspired me to write the song quickly. I enjoyed capturing that moment in a fun, storytelling way.
2) 2:18, Tell me a little bit about the song. What is it about? What are some of your favorite verses?
Francis: The song is about Anna Leigh golden pickling somebody. It covers her signature moves like the two-handed backhand and the Ernie. One of my favorite lines is about the opponent strutting around "well hydrated, tatted up, and sporting flashy shorts."
3) 4:20, Have you ever performed this song live? Where would you like to perform this song?
Francis: I performed it at a social club in Seattle and would love to play it at pickleball tournaments, especially with a band like John England and the Western Swingers.
4) 5:30, When did you or how did you find pickleball?
Francis: I discovered pickleball in the early 2000s at Priest Lake, Idaho, where I played casually with family. I got more serious when my sister visited and got hooked on the sport.
5) 8:44, Do you think Anna Leigh Waters has heard about your song yet?
Francis: I sent it to her and her parents, and her mom replied, "That's hilarious." I hope Anna Leigh likes it too.
6) 9:17, What kind of beat does it have? What’s the vibe of the song?
Francis: It’s western swing, perfect for a country two-step. We’re planning a music video with line dancing using pickleball paddles.
7) 11:08, If people want to listen to your song, where can they find it?
Francis: It’s on my website, davidfrancissinger.com, and will be on all major music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music starting tomorrow.
8) 11:32, Do you think you’ll make a sequel or make another song with pickleball?
Francis: I already have an hour’s worth of pickleball songs, including ones about different player types and humorous situations on the court.
9) 14:22, If you could get up on stage and perform this song with someone, who would it be and why?
Francis: I’d love to perform with Anna Leigh, her parents, or even Tyson McGuffin, the player who inspired the song. It would be fun to have them join in the line dance.
10) 15:21, Have you written a poem about pickleball yet?
Francis: My lyrics are my poetry. I enjoy writing clever, humorous songs inspired by artists like Homer and Jethro.
11) 16:27, What is it like to play in the state where the sport was born?
Francis: It’s special to play in Seattle, near where pickleball was invented. The community is thriving, and there’s a tradition of choosing court sides based on proximity to Bainbridge Island.
12) 23:22, Where is the coolest place you would say that you played pickleball at?
Francis: Hills Resort in Idaho is beautiful, right by the lake. The Pickle Plex in Florida is impressive with 32 courts. I also played on a rooftop in Portland.
13) 27:36, You’ve seen Anna Leigh play in person. What’s impressive about her game?
Francis: Her consistency, power, and ability to make split-second decisions are remarkable. The defense at the pro level is unreal.
14) 28:34, What is the title of your song and how did you come up with it?
Francis: The song is titled "Anna Leigh," a straightforward choice to honor the sport’s top player.
Summary
David Francis’s journey from pickleball enthusiast to musical storyteller is a testament to the sport’s growing cultural impact. His honky-tonk anthem, "Anna Leigh," not only celebrates the prowess of pickleball’s rising star but also captures the camaraderie and joy that define the pickleball community. Through his music, Francis bridges the gap between sport and art, creating a soundtrack for the courts that resonates with players and fans alike. As pickleball continues to surge in popularity, Francis’s songs serve as a reminder of the sport’s humble beginnings and its bright future. With plans for more tunes and a forthcoming music video, Francis is poised to become the unofficial bard of pickleball, serenading the sport with humor, heart, and a whole lot of honky-tonk spirit.
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