The False Prophet

I had most of this song recorded a couple of weeks ago, but then I got ill. Consequently, I had no head voice to record the harmony until yesterday.

We have had megalomaniacs, past and present, who attract masses that follow them with messianic devotion. You can take you pick for whomever you want the song to be about.

The Wrecking Crew
865 Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopRockWaltz
856 Guitar, 12-String Acoustic, Rhythm RockW
860 Guitar, Electric, Rhythm HardRockWaltzSustainA-B
1189 Bass, Electric, HardRockWaltz
3193 Guitar, Electric, Soloist WaltzMellowBrent
NI Electric Sunburst Deluxe
NI Strummed Acoustic 2
Drums on Demand
Vocals: Nectar 4
Mastering: Ozone 11
DAW: Studio One 6

Lyrics

I’ve been stirring the waters into wine
Send your leather-bound scriptures for me to sign
Close your eyes and your ears and march into line

I’ll do what I want to do
I’ll say what I want to say
It doesn’t matter to me
As long as I have my way
I always need to have my way

Bend the knee and glorify my name
Take the leap. I’ll give you power and fame
Follow me and I’ll leave you all of the blame

I’ll do what I want to do
I’ll say what I want to say
It doesn’t matter to me
As long as I have my way
I always need to have my way

Kiss the ring in obeisance
While I stoke anger and fear
All the truth has been forsaken
The skies bleed with the angels’ tears

I'm not the sharpest tack in the shed but something tells me that this is either about one of our former presidents or perhaps even our current president.

But I don't know because I've only got 10 fingers on my two hands and I need more than that to try and count through all of them and figure it out.

Or maybe you're talking about every single politician in Washington DC except for maybe three people??

Good song though, whoever it is about! I hope they catch the guilty party!! I also hope we don't get duped and pick the obvious one cause that's always Satan's biggest trick.

You got to be careful with that Satan, and the Antichrist, too. They're not usually the one in the red suit or sporting the orange hair.

They're not always who you think.

In fact they're usually the last person you would guess.

Hi, Scott.

Well, that's a classic sound I've not heard in a while! There was a bit of unexpected dissonance in the chorus, but given the subject matter, that makes sense. Love the harmonies.

Since you used "obeisance", I had to look it up... and it's a noun. So I get to go all Grammar Police on you for that.

Fun listen!

It's a great rhythm section mix in this track. Re the theme, as Jung wrote, where there's a will to power, love is lacking. Where there's love there's no will to power.

Ezekiel, timely write, powerful performance! Your big vocals sounds great, and the harmonic progression has a cool edge of foreboding and discomfort. Just a great job all the way around.

Spent a lot of time in the DC area interfacing with the political elements, so I'm tempted to say "it is what it is". But that would be wrong: It's something I've never seen before...

Hey Storm, the message is very current, at least in the US.
As a country, we need to be reminded not to worship any politician.

Bend the knee and glorify my name

Musically, I find it somewhat dissonant and jarring, perfect for the subject.

Great job

Scott,

A good Write. Hopefully, one day we will be rid of this as a topic of conversation or song.
A BIG Band. Great Drive.
A solid mix.

fj

David, thanks for the listen. The song applies to many figures, past and present.

David, thanks. I hate to get English teacher nerdy on you, but "obeisance" is used as a noun in the song. It is the object of the preposition "in." It would be same if I had written "Kiss the ring in deference" but I then wouldn't have gotten the slant rhyme with forsaken.

Thanks, Wao!

Scott,
Stunning composition and super band. Very strong and unusual vocals. Mix is exceptional. Well delivered message.
Thank you for sharing,
Misha.

P.S. No need to mention modern day wonders... but from the past gems, Stalin comes to mind. Vast majority, it seems either truly loved him, or feared him. The ones who feared turned out to be right. Ohh well.

Hi Scott,

Love your vocals, especially the harmonies. Good band too, love the guitar playing the tasteful fills.

Powerful song!

Strong in sentiment, vocals and production, i.e., EPIC!
That is an excellent RT/RD band.

The mix is superb and sets up an excellent soundstage on the monitors.
And we can hear the Ozone mastering sparkle ... well done.

Enjoyed it!

J&B

PS: Not to hijack the post but Bud's academic/career background FWIW is psychology.
So below is a psych 101 description. Apply to whomever.

Narcissistic personality disorder — one of several types of personality disorders — is a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

Definitely a relevant topic in today's world.

Yes, straight message, history is full of these people, in politics and religions, calling themselves orthodox, but they just want your praise, money and often life also. Without a large herd of blind followers who "march into line", they would fade away.

Strong rock band, I like how the acoustic and electric guitars create a nice contrast. Great mix, the drums sound especially nice. I enjoyed your vocal and harmonies.

Janne

Ron: Thanks. I agree with your last sentence.

Thumper: Thanks. Not just politicians but any prominent figure.

Floyd. Thanks for the listen. Yes, we can hope, but human folly persists.

Scott,

This is a great song and sound. I hear shades of Bowie in your vocal, which sounds awesome.

Your songs always make a strong impression. So well done.

Bob

...who's sadly treated by some as the second-coming... Man, I LOVE THIS, Scott. Great write. Terrific changes, and a wonderful vocal. You sing about how rich babies still throw tantrums when they "grow" up. Pleasent harony accenting at the reight time. Sensational mix, too.

Misha: It's good to hear from you. I hope all is well. Yes, Stalin is one of many I've had in mind.

Thanks, Dave.

J&B: That textbook definition says it all.

What a great song.
This song is about any number of politicians!
Loved the groove.
Super vocal and mix.

Nice calm essay Scott. There's tension in the arrangement to keep me on edge - excellent.

I like the message, Scott.
Unfortunately the whole world receives it.
Striking stuff.

Vic

Hi Scott,

What a powerful message and so true.
Even in Australia, your lyrics resonate.
You've done a great job creating and presenting this song.

All the best,
--Noel

Valid topic in the past, present and future.
I'd say your voice is back to normal, those harmonies sound fantastic.
And this is a BIG mix, well done.

Hi Scott,

I read your lyrics, hear you singing them, very creative and even difficult to sing like that, and then I read the post from David...
After that moment I couldn't think of anything else then you pointing at some politicians. Especially the orange one.
Than doubts came. Was this really what the lyrics aimed at?
But anyway, I think you made a really good song with a well-crafted warning about False Prophets. We have them here too!
The fate of democracy???

Hans

Thanks, Dewey,

Janne, I appreciate your comments.

Bob, thank you for your kind words.

Ain't it the truth! Thanks, Marty.

Scott...powerful write and delivery...there is a particular edge in both the music and the lyric that is foreboding...I always like your vocals...about the theme I would just quote a friend of mine..."Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

Mario, Ray, Vic, Noel, B.D., Hans, and Dan:
Thank you all for you support and comments!