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#569093 12/06/19 08:26 PM
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https://soundcloud.com/lawrence-olivier/missing-tammy

Back in August, I took my boss to a pawn shop to help her by her husband a guitar for his 60th birthday. The guitar came with a lined, beat-up, worn out, hard-case. In the case were some love letters all addressed to "Tammy", and a receipt for a plane ticket from the States to Germany dated 1983. What else does a songwriter need?! I sang it to him at his party.

I apologize if I've written one too many songs with acoustic guitars and cellos, but I can't help what I love.

RealTracks in song: ~2474:Bass, Acoustic, Held Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 3058:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking SongwriterAlternating8thsQuinn Ev 065
RealTracks in song: 2667:Pedal Steel, Background DreamySingleNote Ev 075
RealTracks in song: 3057:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking SongwriterFolkAltBassQuinn Ev16 085
RealTracks in song: 3267:Cello, Background CelticAirFlowingNatalie Ev 085
RealDrums [in Song:BrushesFolk16ths: a: Brushes b: Brushes Tap


Missing Tammy (8/22/2019)

It was 1983, and I was missing Tammy
One hour 'till departure, before my journey home
I carried her spirit with me, from Maine to Mississippi
from the California Valleys, to the Gulf of Mexico


I had no idea time was about to rob me
rob me of the one thing
the one thing that had kept me hanging on

I finally read those letters you had sent me
your true love had convinced me
When I left you, Tammy I was wrong


I've been up and down these highways, dreaming of a bigger destiny
seams like it's always raining, ah where ever I may roam
beaten down like this guitar case, a vessel now so empty
with her picture here beside me, that I won't feel so alone

Chorus

With my aim on the horizon, the morning of our last day
She stunned me when she kissed me and whispered “Love goodbye”
I think I just heard my number, and it's time to board the plane
headed home to my sweet darling, with her memory on my mind

Chorus

It was 1983, and I'll always miss you Tammy

Last edited by gruverider; 12/07/19 05:57 AM.
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Really nice one Gruvrider,
the slow development of the arrangement's depth is really nice.
The cello way out right could use some balance on the wider left before the slides come in though.
Lovely stuff overall.


Cheers
rayc
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Hi Lawrence,

Nothing wrong with acoustics and cellos in my book, it's a sound that works really well for you. No need to fix what isn't broken smile

Great backstory and write to go along with it, and great vocal too.

Enjoyed this one!

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Beautiful song! I like cellos. Great backstory for your song--sounds straight out of Hollywood. Vocal is primo.

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Great write, arrangement, production and performance. Good song ideas surround us and you did a great job of capturing this one. Enjoyed my listen.


"I apologizes if I've written one too many songs with acoustic guitars and cellos, but I can't help what I love." with "What else does a songwriter need?"

Voila, start of your next song! Maybe this time what you love is everything about . . . Annie... wink


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hi gruvrider always good stuff from you so well done sir thanks for this eric


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A lovely ballad.
The arrangement is very well thought out, evolving beautifully through the song, which has an interesting narrative and emotive chorus.
Cool backstory!

Robert

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Lawrence,

A nice write. Especially like the chorus.

A nice BAND to carry it, too... did not seem like 5 minutes... well done.

fj

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Lawrence

Lovely song (reminds me of something Jackson Browne might have written early on).

Excellent sound and (good choice of instruments)- along with your very engaging vocal.

Excellent.

Peter

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Well sung, and the backstory alone was worth the price of admission. Great job!


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This is really a great write & production...
With simple backing tracks to emphasize your poignant lyrics...
I'll wager your boss' husband loved it when you sang it to him at his party!


Jim
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A beautiful story of love lost and regret!! Always love your songs Lawrence......so soulful!! THis is GREAT!!! Take care. Greg

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Just like all of your work Lawrence, this is excellent! Your vocals are always so rich and spot on! The use of the cello in this is so effective and beautiful! That acoustic guitar driving the tune is perfect! A great tune! Thanks, Torrey

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That's such a lovely story! I wonder if the plane ticket was to chase after this Tammy or not. Definitely great inspiration, and the song came out really fantastically! Thanks for sharing it with us.


Cheers,
Ember
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gruverider,

This has a nice Simon and Garfunkel feel to it . . . real and rich. Your vocal has depth and emotion. That cello is just spot on. The whole band just shines. Good stuff!!!

Cheers,

Deej

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I'm with floyd jane on this - love the chorus.

The rest of the song is good, too! wink

Guitar and cello is always a lovely combination. Great arrangement for the melancholy of the lyric.


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Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

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Hi Lawrence,

Once again, you've created a truly outstanding listen. I love the elegance of the accompaniment that you've assembled. It compliments your vocal so incredibly well. Your performance is first class listening from start to finish.

These lyrics are awesome! The chorus really stood out to me.

Originally Posted By: Lawrence Olivier
I had no idea time was about to rob me
rob me of the one thing
the one thing that had kept me hanging on

I finally read those letters you had sent me
your true love had convinced me
When I left you, Tammy I was wrong

I love how you've used 'end of line' / 'beginning of line' repetition with "rob me" and "one thing". It's very, very effective. I also really like the sound relationship between "sent me" and "convinced me".

In all honesty, this is absolutely wonderful listening.

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
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Hi Gruverider,


that is such a beautifuk ballad. Yes, a song writer has a lucky day when he comes across something like that.

Very nice write, lovely backing track and most of all, great singing.

Very, very nice.

Take care,

Stefan

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"I apologize if I've written one too many songs with acoustic guitars and cellos, but I can't help what I love. "

We love what you love and are always happy to see a new post from you.

As always your soulful voice and fine write leave one wanting more.

Like Peter alluded to this could be a lost Jackson Browne song...it's right up there with his best.

A remarkable production (and backstory) that went immediately to our fav playlist.

J&B


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