Thursday, June 2, 2011

What I Learned...

Hello all,

So, if you've been following, then you are already aware of the challenge I presented myself, and the fact that every day for the month of May I finished a song's worth of lyrics as a means of forcing creativity.  I would like to thank you for taking this journey with me.  As I said, it ain't all gold, but I am very proud to say that I am happy with the outcome of the month, and there are some real gems in there that I fully plan on working with/editing/elaborating on...

Throughout this process, there are a few things that I learned:

   1.  It's hard to write a song a day!  I found that after a few days, my mind started regressing to things I had already written, or melodic lines/song styles/structures that I had just used.  I suppose this isn't a bad thing, but I definitely wanted to really test myself and try to create something brand new everyday, and it became difficult once I had drained the most prominent ideas.

   2.  It's hard to create something brand new!  Each time I was looking to do a song, I found that there was almost always a song I already knew of (usually by someone else) that my mind used as a frame of reference.  I don't think I should be bothered by this.  Everyone hears and processes things a bit differently, so I'm sure that my outcome will either end up sounding nothing like the potential 'source' material, or it will sound too much like it, but spark a change.  And at that point, at least I'll have the lyrics started!

   3.  No matter what the topic of the song, it's all based in two main ideas...'Hope' and 'Fear'.  I had learned this concept in college, but it becomes far more apparent when you are on the writer's side.  Every song is delivered to it's audience by a character, and that character has to want something.  The songs that I feel came out best from this experiment are the ones in which the character is clearly yearning for something, or making a decision...based on their hopes or their fears.

   4.  What's the story, Morning glory?!  Every song not only needs a character to relay it, but it also is immensely beneficial to know/build surrounding circumstances.  The more specific the story is in your head, the more specific the character/lyric can be, and through that specificity you allow a wider audience to connect with your work.  "Universality through Specificity."  (I heard Stephen Schwartz mention something about this at a reading series for which he was on a panel.  So true.)


   5.  Music is vital!  I appreciate those of you who've been following, or checking the site out sporadically, but I understand how difficult it is to follow a page of JUST lyrics.  It is not always easy to decipher the rhythm, or the rhyme scheme, and it is certainly not easy to figure out what melody the writer has in mind.  For my next challenge, I am working out a remedy to this.


   6.  Most importantly:  While I am glad that I did this, I found that by the end of writing each song, I had little creative energy left over to work on other projects.  This may have been different if I wasn't working a day job during most of this process, but I think that the majority of my focus went to this.  I'm looking forward to getting back to my musical, where I already have a set idea as to style/focus/story/character, and can really hone in on cleaning that up with my newfound knowledge.


As I said before, thank you so much for joining me for this journey.  I am planning to do another self-challenge soon, that will probably allow me a bit more time to create, but will incorporate scan, music...etc.  I'm very excited!

If you are just now reading this, you can find out what my SOTD challenge was all about by reading this.  I would be more than happy, in fact appreciative, to have you be my guest, and browse through the songs from the month.  Remember, each of them was written in a 24 hour period, and I advise starting from the beginning, 'I Turn The Page', and going through from there. Please feel free to comment, or send me any thoughts you may have, but please keep it constructive.  This has been a learning process, and I want to keep the experience positive.  In fact, if you like it, please click 'Follow' on the upper right corner of the blog.  It won't send anything you're way, but it'll make me look cooler!

Thanks again, and I'll be back soon with more 'Lee'rical Wordplay!

~Lee

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Day 31 - 'A Goodbye...But Not'

Hello all,

A goodbye...but not.

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They say that all good things must come to an end.
This is not the most encouraging message you could send.
While we’re teaching our little ones hope, joy and love,
The message seems muddled when we mention the above…

So I prefer to view the world like this,
Though I don’t contend eternity can guarantee you bliss,
I do think good things can last, and that is why,
I say ‘I’ll see you soon’ and not ‘Goodbye’.

And if life gets in the way, confuses, causes you to stray,
It simply is a fact we all must face.
It doesn’t mean you’ve lost it all, that hasn’t been the cost at all,
Look hard enough, you’ll find a lingering trace.

And that hint will lead you back to where you were before,
As we’ve heard too often, all is fair in love and war,
So, is it fair for you to give up without a single try?
No, that’s why it’s ‘I’ll see you soon’ and not ‘Goodbye’.
We’ll say ‘I’ll see you soon’ and not ‘Goodbye’.
We’ll just say ‘I’ll see you soon’ and not ‘Goodbye’.


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Thanks for joining me for the month...and there'll be more to follow!

~Lee

Monday, May 30, 2011

Day 30 - 'The South Shall Rise'

Hey.

Today’s SOTD is a fun one.  I was playing with a character from my show, and I thought it’d be fun to write another song for her, as she is now, before I go and make the character completely different!

This is slow country for the verse, then it gets up-tempo with a bluegrass feel once we hit the chorus and bridge.

Enjoy!

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I know you’re feelin’ low…
I know life’s got you down.
Dejected, un-erected, downright blue.

Balls are hard to juggle,
But a tug’ll cure that frown,
Just listen as I ‘sang’ this vocal ‘yank’ as though on cue…

So your drive’s been far too placid,
Every part of you feels flaccid,
But the South shall rise again.

Your libido’s been defeated
And the ailment has been left untreated…
The South shall rise again.

I’ll give a healthy dose of Southern hospitality…
They say ‘Don’t Mess with Texas” boy, but you can mess with me.
I’ve called on you to draw your sword, you ain’t no General Lee!
The South shall rise again!

Your potency is stunted,
‘Cuz your blood flow has been shunted,
But the South shall rise again.

So your ego is deflated,
Because downstairs won’t get elevated…
The South shall rise again.

Hey ky-ohhhh,
You must be left a little miffed…
Hey ky-ehhhh,
Because life has left you stiffed.
Still, I assure you lots of other gents,
Have lost track of their up-come-ence, but
The South shall rise again!

(Dance break)

So your General’s worn out from all the greasy grass it’s spanned.
Like George, your arm is strong, but can ‘below’ meet the demand?
Let me battle with that Bighorn…’cus this ain’t Custer’s last stand…
Just saddle up, mount on and then…
The South shall rise again!

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Thanks for joining me for the day, and I’ll see you tomorrow with another SOTD!

~Lee

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Day 29 - 'Tongue Twister'

Hello.

Today, an exercise.  I wanted to try playing with one particular sound for the rhyme scheme, and pivoting off of that.

This is a patter song, so it would be light and quick, in a major key.  Enjoy!

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When your nerves are all frayed,
‘Cuz your lover’s ‘away-ed’,
Even though you had bade him,
He ‘couldn’t have’ stayed.


So you’re stuck in a rut, thinking he may have strayed,
Maybe even betrayed you,
And just to get laid! 


Well, then I’ve got an aid, to this doubt you’ve relayed,
And replayed it again and again in your hade.


Easily put a halt on that thought cavalcade,
And release all the jaded idea’s your mind made.
If you wade in good thoughts insecurities fade,
And you’ll find peace of mind is a toll that’s been paid.


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Thanks for joining me for the day, and I'll see you tomorrow with another SOTD!

~Lee

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Day 28 - 'A Drinking Song'

Hello,

And post-Birthday is always a fun day...so here's a silly tune to go with the mood.  It's been a crazy day, and I still have more weekend ahead.

This one is rubato for the verse, then uptempo chorus, bridge and chorus.

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Once a year a certain day comes creeping up on me,
And every time it catches me off-guard.
It’s dreadful, yet fantastic…makes me think I’m going spastic.
And in it’s wake, I’m left a little jarred.

I am speaking of my annual birth-i-versary,
The marker of the day that I was born,
And though I love my Mother dear, for giving life to me,
The event, itself, most recently has filled me up with scorn.

But there’s hope, I’ve found, to get around the hounding of this feeling,
A recipe for respite from this angst,
And so I mix it up a bit, and pour thoughts more appealing,
As I pray to Dionysus, and give thanks…

I have a drink.
That’s right I drink.
When my birthday is at hand, I try to smile, strike up the band,

And give a cheer,
Then grab a beer.
Or swallow any kind of beverage that is clear.
I like starting in the morning, when mourning begins,
My breakfast, eggs and waffles, and three different gins
And if this is wrong, then please, Lord forgive me my sins…
But still, I drink.

That’s right I drink.
Still, I do drink.
When my life is getting harder, well I simply pour a little chardonnay.
And who’s to say,
A nip of whiskey doesn’t go a long, long way?
Though many search for lunch at a local food cart,
I’ve got a little secret that I’ve chosen to impart,
When I’ve aged another year, the liquor cabinet’s where I start,
So I can drink.

Now, I don’t condone, drinking on the job,
Or while driving or when caring for a child…
But in my life, I’ve none of those things,
So I think I’ll pour another drink and watch more ‘Girls Gone Wild’!

Spoken:  ‘Parts 2, 5 & 7…I like Lucy, the Slut...’

While I drink!
Another drink.
It isn’t half so bad as all you prudes may think.
It’s just that coping with another year of life gone by,
Makes my heart and mind and body heave a mournful sigh…and
Sure I could resist it, but can someone tell me why?
So I…
Drink!

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Thanks for joining me for the day, and I'll see you tomorrow with another SOTD.

~Lee

Friday, May 27, 2011

Day 27 - 'Another Year'

Hello.

So in honor of the passing of another year, I've written a ballad.  It's not as sad as it sounds at first.

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Another year has past,
And thinking back, it went so fast,
Faster than I care to admit.

Another year has flown,
And when I think how much I’ve grown,
It’s hard to grasp the fact that I lived
Through all this shit.

But I know it’s ‘onward, upward’,
I know that time will not stand still
For anything at all, or anyone…

Another year has past.
And with it, hopes are slipping fast away,
So they can keep me on the run.

You chase your hopes a million miles until your heart runs out of steam,
Your soul is weak and weary from the pace.
And when you get your second wind and catch up with your dream,
You learn that it’s already won the race…

Another year is gone,
And with it, one more door is closed,
But as it shuts, you feel a window crack,

Remember, hearts can alter, rearrange what they desire,
One goal can be released, as long as someone can inspire,
The next to take it’s place, and fill the space that’s been left vacant and free…
You’re that someone
To me.


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Thanks for joining me for the day, and I'll see you tomorrow with another SOTD.

~Lee

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Day 26 - 'Where You're Meant To Go'

Hey.

Just a ballad to counter the last couple of days.  Contemporary pop ballad, to be exact.

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There’s a horizon in front,
There’s a sunset behind…
But careful not to turn around,
Or you may change your mind…

Just a glance could chance the view to change,
And perhaps spark a relapse.
‘Cuz the spectrum of this open range
Appears to have been laced with traps…

But your vision clears,
As the tears are brushed aside.
And the memories of good times linger,
Ready for the ride.

And a glimpse of what’s in store helps
Veer you toward another day.
And even though there’s more to miss than you could say…

There’s a time, and a place,
And the time has come to change your space up,
Get up and get out, so you can grow.

There’s a where, and a when,
And it’s best that every now and then you
Put it on the line, or you’ll never know…
Where you’re meant to go.


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Thanks for joining me for the day, and I'll see you tomorrow with another SOTD.

~Lee

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Day 25 - 'Yellow Lament'

Hello.

Today's is another silly one, though admittedly, one of my favorites.  This is dedicated to Aimee, and meant without any offense.  (You'll understand that in a moment...)

The verse should be rubato and very speak-sing.  Then the chorus is a upbeat, George M. Cohen-esque march feel.  The bridge is very free, then builds into the 2nd verse climaxing into the last chorus, which is back to the march feel.

Enjoy!

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(verse)
Now, I know it sounds cliche, and/or slightly stereotypic,
But I have found a new love, and she's more than just terrific!
She's neat, petite...in fact, compact.  In all ways so efficient.
I think it's clear that my new dear is wholly self-sufficient.


I vowed to learn her history up to this very day,
And so I flash a slanted grin, and this is what I say...


(chorus)
I'm in love with a girl of the...Asian persuasion!
She's my China doll, through and through.
Though my ears had caught wind of a geisha's talents,
Now I know what they say is true.


When she offered to cook for me from her homeland,
I was quite easy to convince...
She walked me in, sat me down, said 'Thai it, you'll like it!"
I've been stuck on the sticky rice since.


(bridge)
Right from the very moment when we had our orient-ation...
And I gazed into her epicanthic, far east Atlantic blues,
It made me dance the Hora, and give thanks to the Torah,
To hear her say she's in no way descended from the Jews.


Then came the eve, to my reprieve, a lofty six months hense,
The night when she would finally give herself.
It wasn't such a sin, though it took quite the Ho-Chi-Minh-ute,
To ditch the slip and slip that hanbok back upon the shelf.


And now it's time, I find that I am ready to propose,
Our wedding day will splendidly surprise.
We'll knock off people's socks when we serve kook su with the lox,
And then we'll have a shinto full of old rabbis!


For she alone remains the one who's sole can quench my thirst.
However, though there's much I know, there's one thing I must find out first.


(verse 2)
Now I know that it's cliche, and it's slightly stereotypic,
But I adore this shiksa, for at spelling she's terrific.
She's brilliant with a violin, she played in South Pacific,
It seems the only problem is I cannot be specific!


(chorus 2 ext.)
I'm in love with a girl of the...Asian persuasion,
But I've just not a clue what kind!
There's Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Cambodian, Vietnamese,
Laos, Malaysian...Help me please!  There's Philippines, Korean.
Yes it's driving me out of my mind, to place...
But I swear that I will learn...
Her race!


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Thanks for joining me for the day, and I'll see you tomorrow with another SOTD!


~Lee

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Day 24 - '32 Hours'

Hello.

Just a really silly little number.  Jazzy and upbeat.  (I love musical irony)

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I’ve been awake for nearly thirty-two hours,
And I have to say life is great!
The sky has cleared, there are no more May showers,
And my coffee’s beginning to percolate.

The sun is bright, all the birds are singing,
While winging their way ‘cross the blue.
Yes, I’ve been awake for thirty-two hours,
And I’m feeling just fine, how ‘bout you?

Now I know,
Most doctors would advise
A solid seven at the very least.
But oh,
My body’s on the rise,
And it simply has refused to be desisted or ceased!

I’ve been awake for nearly thirty-two hours,
And I think I am doing ok…
But still I’m confessing,
That I’ve started stressing.
Cuz though I’ve had more time to ‘play’
32 hours is too long a day!

Two hours into waking you’re still shaking off the night,
By hour three, you see the world more clearly.
Four hours into daytime, you are prime to get things right, and
Most love how they feel at five hours, dearly.

Now hours six, seven and eight, you start to feel the weight,
The day of work has jerked you all around.
By hours ten through twelve, bedtime is starting to sound great,
And your thoughts will start to muse of sleeping fast and sound.

Now this is when the best of us begin to lose our grips,
Hour fourteen starts to be less kind…
Reality starts slipping right between our fingertips.
By number seventeen, you have already lost your mind.

At hour twenty-two, your head feels like it’s split in two,
Your stomach starts to eating at itself,
When number twenty-nine hits, you’ll think life is on the line
You’ll grab and swallow any medicine from off the shelf.

Worse than that is hour thirty, where you see God, and get flirty,
Asserting that you two would get along.
Thirty-one’s devoid of fun, you’re sanity’s been on the run,
For the entire second section of this whole damn song.

As awful as this all may sound, hear me when I tell you,
That nothing quite can match the Hell of hour thirty-two…

I’ve been awake for nearly thirty-two hours,
This was the stupidest thing I could try…
My heart has palpitations, beating out my chest,
My mind’s hallucinations take me on a devilish quest,
You’ve taken mind and body now, so why not take the rest!
My soul needs to sleep or I’ll cry…
Oh, God won’t you please let me die!


(Sadly, she is forced to take the final exam for her economics class 20 minutes after the end of this song. Funny enough...she aced it.)


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Thanks for joining me for the day, and I'll see you tomorrow with another SOTD!

~Lee

Monday, May 23, 2011

Day 23 - 'Poor Jerry'

Hey.

A pretty ridiculous little ditty today.  very rubato, as it's mostly a speak-sung, character piece.  Light and frolic-y feel in the underscore.

Enjoy.

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I’ve a meeting at Noon, at my local saloon,
It’s a chance to enhance my career.
And this meeting at lunch, has my gut in a bunch,
And my heart palpitating with fear.

Although I know that I’m quite the pro,
At my job, I don’t fumble or flub.
I grew scared upon learning what the meeting’s concerning,
‘Cuz I’ve found out my boss wants to start a ‘Fight Club’…

I don’t want to punch my co-workers,
I don’t want to fight the staff,
I maybe, at times, wish to punch my employer,
But if offered to act or to watch, well, I’d voyeur.

I don’t want to fight my co-workers,
This jerk has gone out of his head.
It’s not that I’m not psyched to get in that ring…
But I’d rather piss fire, instead.

Most men out there maybe wish for this Hell,
The shot to take shots at their boss.
But the guy I’m to fight wears size XXXL
And has surely medaled in at least one dwarf toss.

Spoken:  Dwarf toss.  It’s that thing where a group of larger men compete to see how far they can throw a dwarf.  Yes, it’s a thing…

The opportunity to get ahead’s a-heading my direction,
But our bigwig’s found a newfound love for natural selection.
He is forcing the whole work force here to dance his little dance,
And if I pass it by, he’ll pass my application with no glance.
So, I’ll sew it up, I’ll clinch this occupational advancement,
Even if it means I have to take a pill for male enhancement…

Spoken:  Those are steroids…right?

I don’t want to fight my co-workers,
Our manager’s out of his mind!
And now every time that he looks cross the room,
I’ll know deep inside that it’s safe to assume,
That in spite of that smile he is plotting my doom…
But to get my promotion slip signed,
I would even fight Jerry…
He’s blind.


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Thank for joining me for the day, and I'll see you tomorrow with another SOTD!

~Lee

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Day 22 - 'Without A Hitch'

Hello.

So we drove back today and I listened to my show.  I am hoping to do some more work on it, so I figured today's song should start that.

I have written an example of what the opening number could be.  It would be a very uptempo, similar to a 60's rock mixed with a bluesy rhythm.  Not sure if this will make it in, but I figure it's got my mind working on options...

Enjoy.

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Tonight will be somethin’ they’ve never seen.
It’s sink or swim time, no in between.
Tonight will be a revelation,
So let me explain the situation…
Soon we go live when they flip that switch, and
Tonight’s gonna go off without a hitch!

Not a thing can go awry,
Without a hitch…
Can’t throw me off, go 'head and try!

I’ve set the scene to sheer perfection,
The audience is in their section,
The set’s been polished to a glow
And the band is tuned up, ready to go!
My head is reeling, I’ve got that itch,
And tonight’s gonna go off without a hitch!

It’s what I’ve been working for,
Without a hitch…
And they’ll all love what’s in store!

All these years, I’ve been preparing,
Tried to pave my way with gravel, through the cold.
Fought the fears, the 'wear-and-tearing',
Now it’s a gas to watch that gravel turn to gold!

Tonight’s gonna be the biggest yet,
We’re ‘bout to go, so ready, and set…!
Tonight something new’s gonna be unfurled,
And it’s airing live to the whole damn world!
Now everything’s smooth, not a single twitch,
And tonight’s gonna go off without a hitch!

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Thanks for joining me for the day, and I'll see you tomorrow with my next SOTD!

~Lee

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Day 21 - 'Home'

Hello.

Aimee and I went upstate on Friday night and have spent all day today with my mother, (who very graciously gave me my birthday present early) and had a nice time.  I thought that I'd write something for her and in reverence to the place where I grew up.

This would be a ballad, flowing and smooth.

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They say you can never go home,
Well, it’s hard to believe this is true,
‘Cuz it’s proven that no matter where else you roam
It’s the one place that’s waiting for you.

Some say you can never go back,
This is also hard to believe,
‘Cuz if you’ve half a mind, then surely you’ll find,
That home is a place you can’t leave.

Though the world you may travel, a new scene unraveling
Drawing you forth day to day…
New adventures exciting you, pleasures delighting you,
Wonders and all, still they won’t make you stay.

They say you can never go home,
Well, it’s hard to believe this is true,
Because, the best part is, home is where the heart is,
And my heart is always with you.


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Thanks for joining me for the day, and I'll see you tomorrow with my next SOTD!

~Lee

Friday, May 20, 2011

Day 20 - 'Talk About a Punch in the...'

Hello,

So, after the folk song from yesterday, Aimee suggested that I do a full out 'wife left me' kinda country tune.  You know, something our boy Scotty McCreery from American Idol could croon in his soothing bass tones.  Well, this is what I came up with.

This should be a rockabilly kind of feel.  I warn that this is explicit...but only for comedy's sake.

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If you play this song backwards, then I’d have the best day,
My dog would come back home to me, my bills would go away.
My best friend would return my wife, and she’d be here to stay,
To think of it, guess that’s alright…he can keep her anyway…
I guess that last part is alright…he can keep her anyway…

Well I awoke this mornin’, first thing I said was ‘Fuck’
The banging on my trailer was that GD repo truck.
The jerk yelled ‘open up’, and I avoided bein’ crass…
He said ‘I need your assets!’, so I showed the man my ass!

If you play this song backwards, then I’d have the best day,
My dog would come back home to me, collectors’d go away.
My best friend would return my wife, and she’d be here to stay,
To think of it, guess that’s alright…he can keep her anyway…
I guess that last part is alright…he can keep her anyway…

Then lunchtime rolled around and the hunger pains were on,
I knew that with the trailer all the livestock would be gone.
Those bastards took the cow, the pig and chicken.  To my shock
They’d only left the rooster, I was stuck there eating cock.

If you play this song backwards, then I’d have the best day,
My dog would come back home to me, this rash would go away.
My best friend would return my wife, and she’d be here to stay,
To think of it, guess that’s alright…he can keep her anyway…
I guess that last part is alright…he can keep her anyway…

Now finally the nighttime fell, and with it did my hope,
See as time soared, I’d wished the Lord would grab hold of my rope.
The only rope grab happenin’ was with the gal next door…
I tell you that’s the last time my prick penetrates a whore!

If you play this song backwards, then I’d have the best day,
My dog would come back home to me, the clap would go away.
My best friend would return my wife, and she’d be here to stay,
To think of it, guess that’s alright…he can keep her anyway…
I guess that last part is alright…he can keep her anyway…

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Thanks for joining me for the day, and I'll see you tomorrow with my next SOTD!

~Lee

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Day 19 - 'A Wand'rin' Heart'

Hello.

Today, I was at work and I asked my coworker to name a style of music.  (She is an opera singer, so I had to specify that I wanted something other than opera...)  She said folk.  So, I thought of a few folk singers/groups I've listened to and loved, thanks to my parents (mostly my father), and tried to recreate something fairly James Taylor-ish, with a hint of Cash, and Kingston Trio.

This is a folk/country style song.  Ballad, with a nice acoustic guitar riff playing throughout.

Enjoy.

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(chorus)
There’s nothin’ wrong with movin’,
Trav’lin’ from town to town,
Lord knows I’m a shaker, who never could be bound,
But lately thoughts occur to me, as I head for higher ground,
Oh, nothin’ helps a wand’rin’ heart that longs to settle down.
Nothin’ helps a wand’rin’ heart that longs to settle down.

(verse 1)
Well, I woke up this mornin’, ‘neath the clear blue sky.
Eyes cracked open showin’ me some birdies flyin’ by.
My wings have got no feathers, won’t raise me in the air,
But still, they do allow me to fly on without a care.

(chorus)
Well, there’s nothin’ wrong with movin’,
Trav’lin’ from town to town,
Lord knows I’m a shaker, who never could be bound,
But lately thoughts occur to me, as I head for higher ground,
Oh, nothin’ helps a wand’rin’ heart that longs to settle down.
Nothin’ helps a wand’rin’ heart that longs to settle down.

(verse 2)
My verse is universal, sure, anyone can tell,
That if reprieve can come from leavin’, it’s an easy sell.
‘Cuz once you’ve loved and lost, been burdened then been booted,
The upturned soil sullies the spoils, those roots will be uprooted.

(bridge)
The past is faster than we think, and catches us off guard.
It rolls right in, under your skin, reminding you that you’ve been scarred.
And if it gets the best of you, the rest of you is left to stew in sorrow,
Trust me, I know…

(chorus)
There’s nothin’ wrong with movin’,
Trav’lin’ from town to town,
Lord knows I’m a shaker, who never could be bound,
But lately thoughts occur to me, as I head for higher ground,
Oh, nothin’ helps a wand’rin’ heart that longs to settle down.
Nothin’ helps a wand’rin’ heart that longs to settle down.

No, Nothin’ heals a lonesome heart that
Longs to settle down.

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Thanks for joining me for the day, and I'll see you tomorrow with my next SOTD!

~Lee

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Day 18 - 'Azure Satellite'

Hello.

Today was an odd one, as I got called in to work my day job last minute.  Awesome.  Money is good, and it kept me from laying in bed all day.  That said, it also kept me from being able to work on my SOTD.

I got home, went for a bite with a friend, and finally sat down to put some words onto the screen.  I am happy with what came from this.  This is a 1950's doo-wop style number.  Imagine a nice quartet of men singing it on a street corner somewhere circa the midpoint of the 20th century.  One of them probably leaning on the streetlamp, and the others huddled around snapping their fingers.  The song would be a steady tempo (set by the bass) and legato during the choruses, then steccato for the bridge.

Enjoy!

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A blue moon hung up above that night,
That night when you first caught my eye.
And though, I know, you were with some other Joe,
That blue moon still painted the sky…

That blue moon hung up above that night,
That night when our gaze first did meet,
It told me square, that we two shared something rare,
That you could make my life complete.

Now, I was still sore, from mooning over girls before,
Down on my luck, they suckled my heart.
But now, your gaze, gleaming from those sapphire rays,
Amazes and sets you apart.

That blue moon that hung up above that night,
It finally shone upon you.
And so, my dear, let me make this perfectly clear,
My drearier days are all through,
That blue moon has shown me to you.

I’m glad that I’d waited for you to be illuminated,
Standing there stuck, you buckled my knees.
I guess I’m from Mars, ‘cuz while most men thank their lucky stars,
I’m thanking that hunk of bleu cheese…

That blue moon that hung up above that night,
It finally shone upon you,
And so, my dear, let me make this perfectly clear,
I’ve found me a love that is true,
That blue moon has shown me to you.

(I am over the moon!)


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Thanks for joining me for the day, and I'll see you tomorrow with my next SOTD!

~Lee

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Day 17 - 'Tom, Tom, Tom'

Hello,

Today's song of the day is another comedic in triple meter.  The verse will be freely speak-sung, then moving into a solid tempo for the chorus.  (Conducted in 1)  Just a silly little tune, for a silly day.

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(verse)
I’d like to say a toast!
I interrupt this roast,
To boast the wonders of my dear boss, Tom.

He really is the best,
And though you may think I’m obsessed,
The rest have all confessed the same…that he’s ‘da bomb’.

Now he won’t push this so I’ll do it,
‘Cuz humility? Well, screw it!
He’s amazing, guns ablaze-ing from all cylinders.

No, I’m not drunk, so just sit down,
And let me finish this, ass-clown.
The town deserves to hear this said, and I am willin’…ders…

Spoken: …yeah…

(chorus 1)
Tom, Tom, Tom,
Is truly the greatest boss that I know.
Tom, Tom, Tom,
His generosity doth overflow,

Each morning, it’s showtime, he stops to say ‘Hi’
With a smile and his latte, it’s great!
And it’s hard to mind, since he asks you so kindly,
You blindly accept that you have to stay late.

Tom, Tom, Tom,
The most wonderful boss in the world!
So raise up your glasses and get off your asses,
To show your love!

(chorus 2)
Tom, Tom, Tom,
Is truly the greatest boss you could meet.
Tom, Tom, Tom,
Everyday with him brings a brand new treat,

When lunchtime rolls ‘round, he is back with a smile,
And loads of new work to get done.
And just ‘cuz he knows it will take me a while,
He asks me to then run some errands, for fun…

Tom, Tom, Tom,
The most wonderful boss I could have!
So raise up your glasses and get off your asses,
To show your love!

(chorus 3)
Tom, Tom, Tom,
Is truly the greatest boss, strike up the band!
Tom, Tom, Tom,
And even though he has just had me canned…

I must say everyday, his great thoughts he inserts…
His thoughtfulness keeps culminating,
He gives, and he gives, and he gives til it hurts
To the secretary with whom he’s cop-ulating!

Tom, Tom, Tom,
The most wonderful boss I could have had!
So raise up your glasses and get off your asses,
To show…your…

Spoken:  I hate you, you son of a bitch!


(He passes out)

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Thanks for joining me for the day, and I'll see you tomorrow with my next SOTD!

~Lee

Monday, May 16, 2011

Day 16 - 'Words'

Hey,

So today was a busy one.  Work, then caught an informal read-thru of Camelot that a few friends of mine were doing, and some socializing.  When I got home, I was finally able to work on my SOTD.

Today's song is in triple meter.  It should feel lilting and legato, and the underscore should build through the song to the instrumental break, then pull back again for the final few lines.

Enjoy.


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Words used to come so easily to me.
I’d sit and feel, my mind would reel with millions that apply.
Thoughts used to form so effortlessly,
Without hesitation, a complete recitation would fly out my mouth like a battle cry.

And the world understood what I told them,
And the world knew me better by tracking my swerves,
And the world could assess me, know how to caress me
To sooth what was irking my nerves.

Words used to come so easily to me,
Relaying the views in my mind,
But lately my words seem to do me no use,
Now that you’ve left me behind.

I’m sure you’re let down, by our bleak situation,
But know even still, I’m filled with adoration…

Words used to come so easily to me,
My mind was so simple to hack,
But now, without you, it’s been closed in a box,
Locked up and caged in, like it was Fort Knox,
Stagnant, and needing you back.

(inst. break)

Words used to…
Just give me one chance and you’ll see,
How I need you to come back to me.

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Thanks for joining me for the day, and I'll see you tomorrow with my next SOTD!

~Lee

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Day 15 - 'When My Phone First Rang'

Hello.

Today was pretty lazy, and consisted of sleeping in and watching tv.  Nice, huh? I thought so.

I am glad to be back up and active, however, tomorrow.

Today's SOTD is a possible addition to my work-in-progress musical, Nab-a-Date! This is a rewrite from a different attempt.  The feel of the song should be moving and hopeful. www.Nab-a-Date.com


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When my phone first rang, well, I ignored it.
Went about my day just as I would.
Never both’ring to mind
Or trying to find
The reason for the call…
No.  Not at all…

When my phone first rang, hell, I deplored it.
To see ‘The Studio’ on my caller i.d.,
Left me with such a chill,
That nothing could fill,
The silence in my head…
What had he said?

It’s only been three months and yet just from the way he looked at me…
It’s plain to see the man who always speaks is struck dumb.

And it wasn’t even him who called!  I should have known he’d send his crony.
James’ voice droned in my ear and begged me to come…
Come on back and I could help save his show…
I’m the one who can help save his show!

So my phone first rang for a reason,
Now that reason’s here staring me down.
And I guess I could go,
But then I won’t know…

(musical interlude)

If I make the right move,
I’m sure I can prove,
That what we had between us isn’t gone…
So ‘If music be the food of love...
Play on!’

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Thanks for joining me for the day, and I'll see you tomorrow with my next SOTD!

~Lee