There were a string of original tunes in the early 1980’s. Some you have heard here already. These were very profound times in a lot of ways. Real work worlds. Kids. Relationships. Marriage. Responsibilities. Debt.
This song was not written in one or two sessions. It took quite a long time to make this fit together. I Often find snippets in other writings and combine with others to make a full song. This is one that I may have done that with as there are so many different topics and observations. Part of my challenge in writing songs people can relate to is being able to state the obvious in a clever, funny or different way. So I would think of these ‘one liners’ and write them down. Some were my normal trite stuff, but a few were well said and became part of these lyrics.
I like to play a few different ‘voicings’ or positions on the 12 string and take advantage of open strings or cool octaves when I can. (it also reduces the hand-cramps you get when holding down all those strings!!) In some chord changes you can play the same chord in different positions back-to-back and it sounds like you are playing different chords. The guitar part is sparse and melodic. It sets the mood during the intro. Allowing the intro chords to ring out with a slow rhythm lets the 12 string shine all the more. The lyrics paint a pretty good picture of life experiences I had during that time.
Don’t think you can’t help out my friend. Because we try, we control the end!
Very nice:)
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Good to hear. I do like this song and hope others can relate to it. Thank you for the comment and feedback. I am glad you liked it.
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Always interesting to hear what goes into other people’s songwriting and the theory behind it. Very pretty song.
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I agree. Sometimes I will tell my wife or Alisa where the theme behind a song or poem came from and they give me with the ‘deer-in-the-headlights’ look. LOL Sometimes I look back and wonder the same thing!
Thank you. It is a fun song to play and I think the melody is surprisingly inviting!
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Yes, I know what you mean. People can get so many different things from one piece.
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I think that is the beauty – and the hidden trap with language. It allows interpretation by the reader/listener but is made subjective by their history and personal experiences. That is also what is so precious when you find others that ‘get it’!
Thank you so much.
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Yes, for sure.
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Thanks so much for following http://fonzandcancer.wordpress.com I really do appreciate it – Fonz
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I am a little behind the eight-ball with a winter cold settled in my brain but wanted to get back to you as you are most welcome. Have a great year and keep in touch!
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By covering your site for roughly the past year I say your writing skills are phenominal.
I also have learned a few things I forgot or never noticed about studio and the music business, so good work and keep going!
Best wishes!
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Wow! Flattery will get you just about anywhere LOL! Time does fly when you are having fun. Today I got a message from wordpress that this is my first anniversary for MIDIMike. Your encouragement is amazing and so appreciated. It is difficult to cover all the bases now-a-days. In the past we could perform or write and be ‘successful’. Today we have to be publishing and marketing experts, studio engineer, producer, manager, promoter, merchandise and sales gurus and a million other things. Hard to keep it all in there, so I know what you mean! Your comment is precious and unexpected, so I thank you sincerely – as always – for everything. Especially for hanging in there for so long. Here is to another great year! Thanks for your help.
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Many thanks to you and best wishes!
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Indeed and to you as well. Great to know you.
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Thank you!
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I loved the song, wonderful what you did dear Mike, Thank you, love, nia
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Now that is music to my ears! This is an older song of mine but one of my favorites so I am glad you enjoyed. Thank you as always for the comment.
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Your voice made me feel young again–reminded me of sitting around the college dorm listening to those who could play and sing….
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[…] MidiMike […]
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I read this a while ago and things got in the way. I did not want you to think that I was ignoring you but I have not been able to think clearly (almost done with this cold) and my recent loss of my job has consumed much of my time. Please bare with me and I will give it more attention soon. Thank you for thinking of me. Very gracious and thank you so much!
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Fantastic! Love the melody!
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BTW, what hosting site did you use for the clip?
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I use GoDaddy.com for this site. Hopefully that is the answer you were looking for and if not, please give me a shout. I am really sorry it took me so long to reply. Take care and thank you.
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No problem! Yes that answers the question. I’m looking for any easy way to share smaller files, sine uploading them to Soundcloud is a bit overkill for say a simple sound sample…
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Much appreciated! I am really glad to hear that. Great comments. Thank you so much!
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Mike, with my hearing I’m having some trouble understanding each line. I love the melody.
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Thank you. My vocals are in a middle range and do not stand out as clearly as I like, but eh, that is what I got! I am slowly getting over this cold and will post the lyrics soon for you. I am glad to hear you enjoy the melody. I am proud of these lyrics and the over-all sentiment of the song.
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Just so you know, I do normally wear a hearing aid but I don’t have one now. I have been watching tv with closed caption for many years lol. So it is not you!!
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Understood. Those things are so expensive these days and it is hard to get one that works well. I have a greater appreciation for your comments and efforts. Thanks!
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Starving eyes want less than we discard.
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Right on! That is one of my favorite lines of all time. Thank you as always!
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I wish we controlled the end.
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I am not a control freak but that would be nice especially now that I have joined the ranks of the unemployed for sure!
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the chords carry this song
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Very cool! With the different lyrical themes the chord structure tries to reflect and separate each segment. Fun to play too!
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there are independent versions of this song that add magic.
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I often think of this song as a full band or multi-instrumental piece, but I have a hard time getting past the acoustic versions. Thank you!
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because we care, we control the end
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How true. Apathy drives few changes. Neutrality accomplishes little in the end.
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Some interpretations differ.
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that is almost correct. we must apply neutrality. But not to exess.
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When people care, everything changes. It’s magic.
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Well said. It opens the possibilities.
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