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https://soundcloud.com/gjohnson-2/on-christmas-day


Merry Xmas forum members. The year is almost behind us. It's had some major heartaches for me. This will be my first Christmas without my dad. Christmas is a time of reflection for me. It was that way for him too. It feels strange to be entering the point in my life where I'm part of the "old generation". I still remember my grandfather taking movies on Christmas eve. He had the 8 mm camera and this horizontal bar of lights (4 or 6) which were about 8000 candle power. No such thing as candid filming back then-everyone looking at the camera was waiving and squinting.
I've always wanted to write a Christmas song. I always imagined it would be a secular song (I'll be home for Christmas type, although certainly not nearly that good). I've always appreciated the religious side of Christmas. The story of Jesus is "the greatest story ever told". I was very inspired by Robert Burke's traditional song and went that direction. The last half verse is particularly directed to all of you. Hope you enjoy it. I love to get you feedback, so please comment! Take care. Greg

P.S. This is all done with Komplete 10 ultimate. I kind of worked it out with BIAB originally but could not make this rhythm work right.

On Christmas Day

In the town of Bethlehem, a child was born to rescue man
God gave up his only son, to undo the sin that man had done
Through a virgin came a holy birth
For God to walk with man upon the earth
And shine a light upon our birth
On Christmas day

The shepherds there among their herds heard the angels golden words
And in the hay, that cold, dark night was born the world’s healing light
To bring redemption to imperfect beings
Who, in their ignorance, destroyed this king
And now rejoice in the gifts he brings
On Christmas Day

Centuries have come and gone, and now we shop on Amazon
Simple lives have been replaced by 9-to-5s and cyberspace
But beneath the commerce and the shiny things
Remains the spirit that the season brings
When of ancient times we sing
On Christmas Day

So, here’s to wishing for you all the best
Love and peace, and health and happiness
I pray to God your lives to bless
On Christmas Day

Last edited by Greg Johnson; 12/23/16 03:34 PM.
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Greg,

We're listening on SOundcloud right now. Simply lovely! Your voice is splendid and you manage to so sweetly express your passion. What a wonderful song and inspiring listen. Very well done!!!

I (Alan) know what you mean by the "old folks" reference. I am the oldest living person in my family. I'll be 70 in March. Both my parents, all four grandparents, all aunts & uncles have passed and I'm the oldest of the grandchildren/cousins. It's a rather jarring thought at times.

Di and I wish you very best in 2017 and hope your Christmas is wonderful, knowing your father will smile from above. God Bless,

Alan & Di


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Greg,
A lovely melody for a heartfelt message. I liked the backing which wraps your fine voice in a church atmosphere.
I wish you peace and happiness in your Christmas reflections.

Robert

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Wonderful! I love the old, traditional Christmas songs, the newer ones not so much. This, to me, has the feel of the older songs. Love the vocal melody you came up with!

BTW I can relate, my dad passed away 10 years ago, two days after Christmas. Seems like yesterday to me. One the things that goes along with getting old, but the other side of the coin is I've got a couple of wonderful grandsons.

All the best to you and yours for the holiday!

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Greg,

This is a truly wonderful write. An amazing mix of old and new. Traditional sounding, yet incorporating life as we know it today.

A beautiful "Christmas melody". Love the cadence and prosody of the lyric - again, has a "Christmas lyric" feel and sound. The chord piano with a melody chamber sting sound is "so Christmas". All together a Christmas song that is through and through "a Greg Johnson Christmas" as no one else could have done...

Your vocal on this is excellent. Beautiful.

Wishing you healing this holiday season and all the best.

floyd

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Hi Greg. This was absolutely beautiful. The vocal and lyric was amazing. You capture the spirit of the true meaning of Christmas. I am sorry for the loss of your dad. I miss mine as well especially at this time of the season. Loved the story of your grandfather taking movies. Merry Christmas to you and your family


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Greg, This is a beautiful write and performance. I will let the others sort out why this so great and just say, I will be playing this every Christmas season from here forward. Best holiday wishes to you and your family. Tom

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Beautiful song Greg. Very touching.

My heart will be with you and yours this season.

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Wow great job ... very Christmas Sounding
Excellent melody, vocal and Production


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Beautiful work, Greg.

May peace and good tidings come your way. All the best for Christmas and beyond.

Noel


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Hello Greg,

We are very sorry for the loss of your dad.
You managed to create a beautiful Christmas song!

All the best to you, and a very musical 2017.

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Greg
Beautiful work lovely "trademark" vocal pretty melody and lyric.
Hope 2017 is a good (better) one for you.

Peter

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Originally Posted By: Al-David
Greg,

We're listening on SOundcloud right now. Simply lovely! Your voice is splendid and you manage to so sweetly express your passion. What a wonderful song and inspiring listen. Very well done!!!

I (Alan) know what you mean by the "old folks" reference. I am the oldest living person in my family. I'll be 70 in March. Both my parents, all four grandparents, all aunts & uncles have passed and I'm the oldest of the grandchildren/cousins. It's a rather jarring thought at times.

Di and I wish you very best in 2017 and hope your Christmas is wonderful, knowing your father will smile from above. God Bless,

Alan & Di


Thanks so much Al and Di! Really appreciate your very kind words. Glad to see you guys again. Like your Xmas instrumental! Take care. Greg

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Originally Posted By: Robertkc
Greg,
A lovely melody for a heartfelt message. I liked the backing which wraps your fine voice in a church atmosphere.
I wish you peace and happiness in your Christmas reflections.

Robert


Thanks Robert! I did try to give it more grandeur with the strings-going for that Christmas magic I guess. Thanks so much for the nice words. Take care. Greg

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Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Wonderful! I love the old, traditional Christmas songs, the newer ones not so much. This, to me, has the feel of the older songs. Love the vocal melody you came up with!

BTW I can relate, my dad passed away 10 years ago, two days after Christmas. Seems like yesterday to me. One the things that goes along with getting old, but the other side of the coin is I've got a couple of wonderful grandsons.

All the best to you and yours for the holiday!


Thanks Dave. I love the traditional ones as well, and also the classic contemporaries. I did try to put a lot of traditional feel into this. It is hard to lose a parent. My kids are young enough that I'm just hoping to get a little time with my grandkids-hopefully they won't wait as long as I did. Take care. Greg

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I think because of your song, your dad will be so happy from above.
Best wishes to you and your family.

There is a very subtle sentimental thing in your voice, which is very touching, some people were just born with it, I like that very much.

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Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Greg,

This is a truly wonderful write. An amazing mix of old and new. Traditional sounding, yet incorporating life as we know it today.

A beautiful "Christmas melody". Love the cadence and prosody of the lyric - again, has a "Christmas lyric" feel and sound. The chord piano with a melody chamber sting sound is "so Christmas". All together a Christmas song that is through and through "a Greg Johnson Christmas" as no one else could have done...

Your vocal on this is excellent. Beautiful.

Wishing you healing this holiday season and all the best.

floyd


If we could say it as well floyd we would. This is my (Bud) first Christmas without my mother so I easily understand your feelings.

This tune should be heard by many.

Lovely and the vocal is spectacular.

J&B


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Greg,

Simply beautiful... So heartfelt. Excellent song and delivery.

Bob

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Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Greg,

This is a truly wonderful write. An amazing mix of old and new. Traditional sounding, yet incorporating life as we know it today.

A beautiful "Christmas melody". Love the cadence and prosody of the lyric - again, has a "Christmas lyric" feel and sound. The chord piano with a melody chamber sting sound is "so Christmas". All together a Christmas song that is through and through "a Greg Johnson Christmas" as no one else could have done...

Your vocal on this is excellent. Beautiful.

Wishing you healing this holiday season and all the best.

floyd


Thanks Floyd! The melody was what made me think this is a Xmas song. Really appreciate your incredible kindness and support!! Happy New Year! Greg

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Beautiful song, love the melody and your vocal is excellent.
Enjoyed.

Kenny

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