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Between the Lines
I post this after a discussion on this site with SteveO Mallis regarding esoteric song subjects. This is ESOTERIC!
Based on the book FLATLAND by Edwin Abbott about a 2D world where one dude looks UP and realizes there's a third dimension. I put a love story to it. A fine voiced female friend sings it. Comments and critique very welcome. Thanks! Ross
Living Between the Lines
©2009 Ross Johnson
Verse D, Em, G, Ayes""> - D, Em, G, A - D, Em, G, A - D, Em, G,
chorus GDA, D, GDA, Bm, GDA Bm, E, Em A D - Vamp D,
A, Bm, A, G, A
My vision grey and black and white, a simple point of view
I sketch my world, the image clear, What is that figure looming near?
I can’t believe my eyes or ears, a whole new other side
I looked up, I saw things that I cannot explain
Shapes and forms, in bright colors that I cannot name
I looked up - I saw nothing but meaningless signs
Life’s hard - living between the lines
I saw you there upon the square, Your image shines so strong and fair
Should I call out or would I dare, leave my familiar ground?
You turned around to look at me, I thought a square was all you’d see
You spoke a word – how can it be, a funny simple sound!
I looked up, I saw things that I cannot explain
Shapes and forms, in bright colors that I cannot name
I looked up - I saw nothing but meaningless signs
Life’s hard - living between the lines
I draw your face in memory, a smile - a laugh so dear to me
The pages turn, blue sky I see, a whole new point of view
You drew me out of my cold frame, a million feelings I can’t name
You get the credit and the blame, for what I see today
I looked up, I saw you smiling at me right through the rain
Shapes and forms, in bright colors that I cannot name
Change my world – Who could imagine it would be so fine
Life’s cool, living outside the lines
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kirk Mathew Gatzka on -
Ross,
I really like this! Not so esoteric as it may seem, tells a great story and sounds great! Good singing, that vocal is so clear. Guitar work is good too! I did need the explanation about the 2D and 3D world though, not so clear in the song.
I was listening to NPR today online. Here is the link to Natalie Merchant singing and discussing her new CD where she is using nursery rhymes and poetry as the lyrics from many sources. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127040954
Talk about esoteric! Each song tells a story though so I thought you would like the link. Poetry that tells stories, a lesson for me!
I am really impressed with this song! Thanks for sharing it!
Kirk -
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Permalink Reply by Ross Johnson on -
Thanks Kirk - I do admire Natalie Merchant's style and I'll give it a look/listen. It was fun to focyus just on backing guitar for this one, with vocal focus by my friend. It changed the hits on some of the guitar work - to the better I think. Keep posting bro! Ross
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Permalink Reply by SteveO Mallis on -
Ross,
I like this one too. Its an imaginative topic, good beat and lyrics, a fun song!
I really like the guitar work and the guitar lick is sweet.
The lyrics take on a double meaning, so even if we didn't know the 2D story, the song would still make sence.
You're right, your vocalist has a fine voice.
On the larger topic of using literature and poetry, etc. as the source for song topics, I'm all for it.
Good one!
Steve -
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Permalink Reply by Ross Johnson on
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Thanks Steve - It was REALLY fun looking for double meaning words/phrases and pushing them into the song. I wish my friend had more time to learn additional songs - she does harmony on a couple other songs I posted and for me, it's a great challenge to work guitar stuff around another person's vocals. Appreciate the feedback! Ross
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