In 2015, Joanne Cooper motivated a number of us on the forum to write a song about the plight of the rhinoceroses.

As I consequence, I wrote "He’s an African Rhino". At that time, I did some research and, for inspiration, I downloaded a picture of Sudan, the world’s last male northern white rhino. Last week, I was saddened to read that Sudan passed away on Monday March 19, 2018. As a result, I revisted and updated my song.

In memory of Sudan and his legacy...




Until Joanne brought it to my attention, I had no idea that rhino species everywhere are endangered and that the risk of losing them to history is very real. In 2015, I read that it was estimated that all species would be extinct in just 20 years. For some species, the situation looks slightly better these days.

In returning to "He’s an African Rhino", I’ve brought it into 2018 using the Audiophile edition of Band In A Box (I had the UltraPak in 2015) as well as some new software tools to help shape the revised arrangement and the final mix.

Thank you in advance for listening. Please feel free to comment on any aspect of the song.

Regards,
Noel


Band In A Box

518: Bass, Electric, Pop HalfNotes Ev 085
2024: Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm CountryJohn Ev 085
378: Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming DoubleTime Ev 088
689: Organ, B3, Background Pop Ev 085
RealDrums: NashvilleEven8^1-a:Sidestick, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride


Lyrics

Clouds of dust billow and swirl
As he thunders across the land
Such a fearsome beast with those horns at the end of his nose
He's as strong as a team of horses
The savannah is his to command
He's a mighty statement of power wherever he goes

He's an African rhino
An African rhino
Running wild and free
So awesome to see
Full of majesty

Millions of years, his family walked Earth
With never a worry in sight
Then men came along bringing trucks and guns and chains
With their greedy eyes and hungry hearts
These hunters are deadlier than dynamite
So far luck’s been a friend and kept him hidden from their callous campaigns

He's an African rhino
An African rhino
Running wild and free
So awesome to see
Full of majesty

In twenty years,
If nothing changes
All of his race 'll be gone
He's crying out for friends
Will you join us and help make amends?

He's an African rhino
An African rhino
Running wild and free
So awesome to see
And he's desperately needing you and me to...
...Save the rhino
Save the rhino
Running wild and free
So awesome to see
Full of majesty

Be a bridge to tomorrow
Help save the rhino

©2015 Noel Adams, words and music, all rights reserved.


Other Tools

Realband: multiple track generating with Multiriff
Miroslav Philharmonik: chimes (MIDI)
Reaper: recording vocals and mixing
Ozone 8: mastering
Nectar 2: vocal processing
Melodyne Studio 4: vocal harmonies

MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2024