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One of Those Things- New song
Here's a song I'm trying to write. I've had the guitar part all summer and I just haven't been satisfied with the lyrics. I'm just such a word smith that if I can't get the writing aspect of it down it really bugs me. Anyway, here's the version I have so far. It's not done at all yet but we'll see where it ends up. Knowing me, it'll probably end up being about something completely different by the time I'm done with it.
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=9502264
Lyrics:
It all starts in the morning
When I first open my eyes
If I could change this crazy situation
If only I could push it all aside
It’s not like I haven’t done this all before
It’s not like I won’t do it again
I’ve be down a thousand times before
And I’m gonna do it all again
It’s been one of those weekends
It’s been another one of those years
Just when I think it’s the end
Even the ending ends in tears
It’s not like I haven’t done this all before
It’s not like I won’t do it again
I’ve be down a thousand times before
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=9502264
Lyrics:
It all starts in the morning
When I first open my eyes
If I could change this crazy situation
If only I could push it all aside
It’s not like I haven’t done this all before
It’s not like I won’t do it again
I’ve be down a thousand times before
And I’m gonna do it all again
It’s been one of those weekends
It’s been another one of those years
Just when I think it’s the end
Even the ending ends in tears
It’s not like I haven’t done this all before
It’s not like I won’t do it again
I’ve be down a thousand times before
And I’m gonna do it all again
I’m going be all right
I’m gonna make it through the night
Now my words become my enemies
They’re trading lies and selling me
It’s not like I haven’t done this all before
It’s not like I won’t do it again
I’ve be down a thousand times before
And I’m gonna do it all again
Right now it's kind of about coming to terms with the idea that in life things happen and sometimes we move on from one thing and then something else happens.
It's kind of about acceptance that sure, life is hard but I've dealt with things before, I'm going to keep dealing with things and I'm going to be alright.
Then there's the part about my words becoming my enemies and they're trading lies and selling me; I'm a total cynic and I try to be optimistic and it just doesn't work.
I'll tell myself I'm fine one moment and then the world is ending in my head the next. Basically, it's a song about life.
I’m going be all right
I’m gonna make it through the night
Now my words become my enemies
They’re trading lies and selling me
It’s not like I haven’t done this all before
It’s not like I won’t do it again
I’ve be down a thousand times before
And I’m gonna do it all again
Right now it's kind of about coming to terms with the idea that in life things happen and sometimes we move on from one thing and then something else happens.
It's kind of about acceptance that sure, life is hard but I've dealt with things before, I'm going to keep dealing with things and I'm going to be alright.
Then there's the part about my words becoming my enemies and they're trading lies and selling me; I'm a total cynic and I try to be optimistic and it just doesn't work.
I'll tell myself I'm fine one moment and then the world is ending in my head the next. Basically, it's a song about life.
I'm also trying to decide whether the song needs a bridge or not. Also the vocals need to be a little louder, I'll have to try recording the guitar and vocals separately or just singing louder.
Views: 0
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by SteveO Mallis on -
Hi Maggie, I like the overall tone of the song, very folky sounding. You do need to bring the vocals up in your mix. I think the verses need to be longer, you may want to consider combining verses so there's 8 lines of verse between each chorus. Also, the lyrics are fairly abstract, if might be nice if you included some specific events at some point.
Consider this, verse 1 abstract as you have
verse 2 some bummer things that happened
verse 3 current situation
After the chorus following verse 3 you'll be leaving the listener wondering how it's going to work out.
Overall good song. Thanks, Steve -
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Permalink Reply by Maggie Berry on -
Thanks for the input. I'll consider your points. Like I mentioned I'm not exactly happy with the way the lyrics are now and am planning on taking some time to give them more meaning.
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Permalink Reply by Jack McGregor on -
Maggie,
You have a good start on your song. And I agree with you that the melody and lyrics are in the formative stages. My advice on the lyrics: try being more specific... tell a story and avoid general scenarios that don't really impart a personal narrative. "I've been down a thousand times" is a common sentiment but it doesn't have a unique twist. Why does the "ending end in tears"? Why is the "situation crazy"? Give me the personal side of the story.
As to the guitar line... I like the simplicity of it and to extend the feel, try playing it with more confidence. And yes, I would separate the guitar and vocal when you record. A technique I've found useful is to record the vocal and guitar part together for a "scratch" track. Then play the guitar part by itself... then record the vocal track muting the "scratch" track. Then you can add other instruments as the song or you dictate. Good luck. -
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Permalink Reply by Maggie Berry on
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Thanks for the advice and tips :)
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