What You Get Is Gone

The song "What You Get Is Gone" by The Great Affairs from their album Ten&2 carries a raw, emotional weight that resonates with fans of their heartland rock sound. In a 2018 interview with Nashville Unsigned, lead singer Denny Smith described the track as a reflection on fleeting moments and the inevitability of loss, inspired by a late-night drive through the Tennessee countryside. He mentioned that the song's haunting guitar riff came to him during a jam session after a long day of recording, capturing a sense of urgency that the band wanted to preserve. On their Facebook page, the band shared a behind-the-scenes story about the recording process, noting that the final vocal take was done in one shot at 3 a.m., with Smith fueled by black coffee and the quiet of the studio. Fans on the Great Affairs Fan Club Facebook group have pointed out the song’s lyrical nod to classic rock influences like Tom Petty, with one member calling it “a bittersweet anthem for anyone who’s ever watched something slip away.”

The Great Affairs began in Nashville, Tennessee, when Denny Smith, a seasoned songwriter, teamed up with guitarist Eric Allen in the early 2000s. According to their bio on their official website, Smith had been gigging in local bars, honing his craft with influences ranging from The Replacements to Cheap Trick, while Allen brought a bluesy edge from his years playing in regional bands. Their shared love for unpolished, storytelling-driven rock led to the formation of the band, with drummer Kenny Wright and bassist Matt Andersen rounding out the lineup. The group’s early days were spent playing dive bars and small venues, building a loyal following through relentless touring. A 2015 post on their Instagram reminisced about their first gig at a now-defunct Nashville club, where they played to a crowd of 12 but won over every single person by the end of the night. This grassroots approach helped them carve out a niche in the competitive Nashville scene.

For fans looking to connect, The Great Affairs maintains an active online presence. Their Facebook page regularly shares tour updates and throwback photos, while their Instagram features snippets of live performances and studio sessions. On X, they engage with Zoo Freaks and other fans, often retweeting posts about their music. The Great Affairs Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks swap stories about concerts and discuss favorite tracks like "What You Get Is Gone." Additionally, a fan-run site, Great Affairs Fans, offers a discography archive and tour history, making it a go-to for diehard supporters of the band’s journey.