https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dark-energy/id962943592

I wrote this song as a plea from the past. A message in a time capsule planted in you memories. It is in remembering that we learn.

Maybe it is because I have worked in the service area in one form or another for years, but I see a lot of people that do not want to wait their turn. They think they have a better reason to be first than anyone else already in line. The bass player with The Merchants Of Death (equal part original / cover band I played in) had a fascination with trains so I added the part about the train being on time after using some of his images while talking excitedly about their beauty and how powerful they are. It seemed to fit. You don’t have to wait, but neither will the rest of the world if you are not here to get on board.  It exposes a point in time where too many things seem to push you the wrong way, and very little anyone can do about it.  Life stacked against you.

It is also a reminder that somethings are better understood when looking at them in the distant past. As we remember events – especially through our dreams – our part in those events can become clearer. Often, I am not the saint or righteous person I thought I was when it happened. We can all be fools. Sometimes our dreams and the path to paradise is right in front of us and we do not realize it; or worse we refuse it for mysterious reasons.  This is one of my older songs that I really love even after all these years.

This is another song recorded on my 12 string Ovation guitar I have. For this song you can tell I have two vocal tracks and I am singing all the way through the song. Using slight panning separation I try to add distance in the vocal parts. The guitar is open-tuned to G, which makes the chords seem full and spacious at the same time. I like it, anyway! To me this is a gorgeous sound all on its own.

“Get Out Of Line”

Just after my dream fades,

I hear her say,

“There will be many days,

For Fool Parades.

CHORUS:

If you don’t want to stand,

Then get outta line.

But don’t be surprised,

If the train is on time.

Still, it seems funny how,

Lost track of now.

Things that might have helped out,

They won’t allow.

CHORUS:

If you don’t want to stand,

Then get outta line.

But don’t be surprised,

If the train is on time.

“Don’t forget what I said”,

And I shake my head.

Feel the sweat on my bed,

Or tears instead.

CHORUS:

If you don’t want to stand,

Then get outta line.

But don’t be surprised,

If the train is on time.

Just after my dream fades,

I hear her say…..

“Don’t forget me”.

Comments
  1. Love the song ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  2. David Kennedy says:

    Always one of my Favorites as well.

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      Well, you have written some great songs! When you include the ones you co-wrote with me and others in the core, you have quite a library. But the 12 string in open tuning and recorded clean is just an amazingly seductive tone. Makes me feel OK singing behind it! Thank you!

      Like

      • David Kennedy says:

        But you, and Tom, and especially, Mark really embraced open tunings. I just kinda’ used brute force cybernetics in regular tuning. I did come up with some good tunes that way, but I was always impressed by your use of it. Clean and seductive is right!

        Liked by 1 person

      • midimike says:

        I stole it from Joni Mitchell and kept it! nothing wrong with hard work and persistence.

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  3. Patience is a virtue, but, dang, it’s hard some time to be virtuous.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Nicole says:

    Well said! I love this! This song really is gorgeous. And if only more people would practice patience. Within the last few years, probably from the time I started college to the time I finished, I began to mellow and realized that being first doesn’t really mean anything. Sometimes being last is best. And, eventually, the inevitable forward motion of time will get us to where we want to be. We will all achieve what we want. So why rush time? It goes fast enough. And even though patience can sometimes be hard, I’ve found that I enjoy the end goal more by waiting. Maybe that sounds strange, but it’s true. Thank you again for sharing such a beautiful song and your words of wisdom! Always appreciate it!

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      I am so glad you like this one. I have similar feelings about the song. That is probably why it never became a ‘full band’ song. My wife and I almost without fail will be at an event and when it ends…. we just sit there and talk or watch people. Rush out for what? Get stuck in the stairs/hallway/elevator? Get stuck trying to get out of the parking lot? Rush to wait in traffic? You have started the path to patience! But you are so far ahead of your class! Thank you a bunch. Your comments are precious. Have I known you forever? LOL

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      • Nicole says:

        Maybe we knew each other in another life. Or, sometimes, you meet people along the way who simply click with you. Other times it’s best not to questions the connections we make in life. After all, it’s my belief that people need other people. As for the rushing, I completely agree with you and your wife. Some friends and I went to a concert over the weekend and when it was over we just sat in our seats. Where were we going to go in the crowd of people? So we waited and talked. We were so into talking that security had to kindly move us along…twice. Then we all stood outside of the venue for another hour…talking. I think it’s really simple…difficult, but simple – enjoy life, don’t rush through it. As always, love your comments!

        Liked by 1 person

      • midimike says:

        My final answer is “All of the above!” LOL We always have something to do if we get stuck in traffic or at an appointment. It is not always fun but if you have friends who can share that time with you and enjoy that moment, you have found paradise. And it is always good to hear from you. Thank you!

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      • Nicole says:

        It’s always good to hear from you too! I love reading your responses and greatly appreciated them. As well as your posts. Thank you!

        Liked by 1 person

      • midimike says:

        ….. this is so cool! Viewpoints rather than disagreements. I love it!

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    • sonniq says:

      So true! Savor the journey. I have often thought – with musicians – if they rise to ‘stardom’ when young they missed the journey – the growth. Most all musicians want to be famous. I know I did. It would have killed me. I know that now. And I can honestly say I enjoy where I am musically at a more advanced age. ( lol) No matter what you do, have it be something you enjoy or it isn’t worth your very previous time, and enjoy every every small step forward!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Nicole says:

        Love your comment! Especially the last part – “No matter what you do, have it be something you enjoy or it isn’t worth your very previous time, and enjoy every every small step forward!” That rings true and really hits me. Although, I have to say that I don’t believe that all musicians who make it at a young age miss the journey. I’ve know the guys in this one band for years. They are older than I am, but recorded their first record around high school/college. Things took off from there, but they are so humble and thankful for everyday, ever experience. I’ve honestly never seen anyone enjoy life as much as them. I truly appreciate your thoughts and comments. I only wanted to add that one part. I’m also glad you’re happy and will continue to find joy with your music.

        Liked by 2 people

      • sonniq says:

        Of course, there are always exceptions. But young people generally have no wisdom, money and fame goes to the head, they get caught up in the life – especially if they didn’t work their way up . And then look at some of the great bands of 30-40 years ago – dinosaurs – and they are still out there playing, and playing well or even better than before. I think as we get older and look back on the process, we have more appreciation for the things that took us years to polish. Some people work ‘jobs’, make money and hate it. My sister just quit her job of 35 years – selling cars. She hated it and rarely had 2 days off at a one time. Now she’s 60 and doesn’t have the faintest idea of who she is or what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Some things aren’t worth the money.

        Liked by 1 person

      • midimike says:

        What she said! LOL This coming from a guy that used to sell used cars!

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      • Nicole says:

        Again, great comment and you have some very good points. Although, as one last note on my end, I find it hard to entirely agree with you. Yes, generally young people may not be able to handle fame, but I also think it depends on the person, no matter the age. Young or old, I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like having numerous people beg for your attention, want your picture, ect. I can, however, understand how the ego can explode if not kept in check. If people work their way up, then I believe they understand the struggle and how hard they had to work to get to where they are and will appreciated it. I think this is what keeps them humble. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I’ve enjoyed reading your responses and greatly appreciate them. I also hope your sister can find her passion and be happy.

        Liked by 2 people

      • midimike says:

        I am honored to know you both. Happy Friday!

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      • midimike says:

        What she said!

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      • midimike says:

        Maybe similar to American Idol. A person that has never performed in a band or on stage can be discovered and viewed by a huge audience. This extreme example might leave the artist unprepared for the money, politics, and loss of privacy. They may not have a network of fans and supporters. I still want to be famous!

        Liked by 1 person

  5. kimberlyqae says:

    ❤ great piece

    Liked by 1 person

  6. sonniq says:

    You are so wise! That is the advantage of being old enough to look back and see things clearer. I recently had a talk with someone about memories. They often change over time and become totally different. The mind fills in gaps and it becomes real. Memories often are more like that fading dream just beyond our grasp. I always loved the occasion 12 string . I played with a couple guitarists who had one. The sound is so nice.

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      Ha! I got you fooled! I have mentioned speaking of personal experiences in terms of decades and you are right about the perspective it can offer. I can see patterns over years that stick out when you know the past. As it turns out, human beings are pretty bad witnesses if you test us under similar environments. Almost immediately details get softer, the time-line gets fuzzy and shifts. Soon dreams are about as ‘real’ or accurate as our log term memories. Tough to face. The 12 string has been my favorite songwriting instrument since I was 18. Good as always to hear from you!

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  7. Love, love, love your music! Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      Thank you, thank you, thank you! Awesome. Thank you for making me feel special! With encouragement like that I will be glad to continue to share my life in music.

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  8. sonniq says:

    As long as the fuzziness of our memories only lets us remember the good ones!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. It’s almost unsettling how much I can relate to this song on an emotional level. Thank you very much,

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      I have a tendency to write about dark subjects, but with a bit of optimism LOL! I appreciate your time and comments here, you made my day so much better! You are very welcome indeed!

      Like

  10. pixieannie says:

    Well I was tapping my feet under my kitchen table and singing along. A beautiful song. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

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