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Hi, all:

Well, after some time of silence posting minimal songs these past few months, I’m making a year end rush . . . and I’m not sure where it’s coming from . . . other than from a desire to end the year better than it has gone.

If I’m posting too fast, too soon . . . please call me out. My goal was to get out this last song before year end (also knowing there’s one more collaboration coming shortly . . . though not one I will post . . . yes, that’s what they call a teaser.). As I have family coming in for the Christmas Holiday in coming days, I am at deadline’s end . . . so here’s my last post of the year.

This song—“Same As You Inside”—was the very first song I collaborated on with someone else. In this case, John Vaughan, a lyricist I subsequently wrote many a song with. Though written six years ago, and having done many a collaboration since, it remains one of the favorites I have ever done with someone. It’s rare when I collaborate with a lyricist where I don’t work my will with the lyrics a tad or more . . . but I’m pretty sure I didn’t touch a word on this one.

John was inspired to write the song after seeing a news report about a young girl with a facial disfigurement that was being bullied at school. But for me, it’s always been about anyone who is seen as being different and outside the norm, who is ostracized only for being who they are, who always feel they are on the outside looking in, but who nevertheless, in their mind, heart and soul, are simply as good, as wonderful, and as beautiful as each of us are on the inside.

I originally wrote the music to John’s lyrics before I was introduced to BIAB, and so recorded only an acoustic guitar-vocal version of this. As rudimentary as it was, it nevertheless received a couple plays on U.K. radio, including on BBC Cumbria.

But I’ve always wanted to do a BIAB version of it . . . and I finally have . . . I hope I’ve done it some justice.

For those who want to hear the original acoustic version, it’s on my SoundCloud page still, but I won’t link to it. I want this version to stand on its own (. . . and no one needs to hear my lackluster guitar playing and rudimentary production on that version, LOL).

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday, and hope you all come well into the New Year.

God bless you all,

Deej

Here’s the song:

SAME AS YOU INSIDE

Here’s the lyric:

Actually, given the length of my introductory post, I’ll refer you to SoundCloud for the lyrics.

And here’s the band:

RealTracks 518: Bass, Electric, Pop HalfNotes
RealTracks 2024: Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm CountryJohn
RealTracks 2718: Guitar, Nylon, Fingerpicking
RealTracks 2338: Violin, Background, PopLow
RealTracks 2799: Flute, Background CroonerBallad
RealDrums: NashvilleEven8^1

Fantastic. I don't know how you've done it, but you've done it again.

Mix is so clear in my ears, your voice is in superb form, the writing is simply wonderful ... what is there more to say?

The lyrics speak to us all. Who hasn't been there? A universal message, clearly communicated. Sometimes, the simple things need saying ... simply Great lyric writing, well done to Mr Vaughan, there.

I have to go, but I WILL listen to this again. It's a joy to hear ... such a crystal clear mix, like looking through spring water. Love it - well done!

Wonderful refreshing, touching lyric by John and great arrangement and performance.
Nothing more to be said, Deej.

Vic

What a sweet song! Super arrangement, never would have guessed you backfit a BiaB backing track under this. GREAT vocals as usual, and the harmonies/BGVs are unique but very cool. Perfectly mixed to my ears. A very enjoyable listen!

Nice.
Good production. Solid vocals.
Good mix.

fj

Post away, my friend. I'm fan who can't get enough. But enough about me... This song is aboluetly wonderful. You and John have written some gems, but at this moment this one is my favorite (or there I am talking about me again). Man, I lpove the arragnement hyou concocted for this one, Deej. Your vocals are always so passionate, compelling and engaging. This song should be played in every classroom before each day begins.

I wanted to start by saying you're really into your Cat Stevens/Passenger thing here, but the simple fact is that you're better than both of them. Really enjoyed this, great vehicle for your great voice. Background violin worked well. A winner all the way around.

Nicely done.

Hi Dj
Excellent song
Your voice fits these rather calm and acoustic sounds absolutely brilliantly.
Great background vocals
An all-round successful top song
I wish you the best
Andi ;-)

James, Vic, DC Ron, Floyd, Marty, TuneMonger, Paul, and Andi:

Thank you kindly for the listens. I’m happy you enjoyed what you heard. It’s a simple arrangement . . . and perhaps a simple song. But those lyrics have always resonated with me . . . and perhaps that’s why it remains among the favorites I’ve been a part of.

TuneMonger: You make me blush . . .

Stay safe and well all:

Deej

Hi, Deej.

I can see why you didn't touch the lyrics.

Excellent setting of the lyrics, well sung. I love how it comes across natural and conversational.

I really like this one, you're right to be proud of it.

Hi Deej, great song - your vocals are really excellent and
fit the song very well, great job all round!!

Merry Christmas, Carl

Deej,

Another great song and vocal... Simply awesome!

Bob

“Words can be sweet and soothe the soul.

But words can be brutal and spear the heart.

Words won't show the bruises they have made.

And time won’t heal these hidden scars”

Powerful.

Your melody and vocals and the band all perfectly support the lyric.
And speaking of support the fine mix certainly does that.

We enjoyed it and happy holidays!

J&B

Great song Deej. Fantastic lyrics, and that guitar caught my attention right away. I always like your vocals and the added the instruments in this all work together to lift the song. A great job all the way around. Sure glad you posted this and hope you had a fantastic Christmas with your family.

Brad

Hi Deej.

This is excellent.
From creation to arranging to performing to production, everything fits beautifully.
I really enjoyed listening and loved the journey you took me on.
Thank you for sharing you very impressive talent

--Noel

Hi, Deej,

I first listened to this on Thursday but didn't have time to leave a comment- Di had a small medical emergency.

This is a powerful song. Your music and vocal took John's words to the level they deserved. I liked the simple backing tracks - they let your voice shine while giving it the excellent support that helped to create the magic. And I enjoyed the bg vocals on the bridge. that was a pleasant surprise.

A tip of the hat to both of you for an excellent gift for the rest of us.

Wishing you everything good in 2025.

Alan

The touching lyrics tell an important message, thanks for the backstory that sets the context. We all are "outside the norm" in one way or another, but we should accept it in others and not to worry about it in ourselves. The simple arrangement and the melody that match with the words highlight the message and your vocals deliver it with heartfelt emotion. The violin and flute is an excellent combination, rarely heard in a pop song, but works here charmingly.

Janne

Deej...this is beautiful and poignant...just a lyrical masterpiece and your delivery was passionate and clean...super recording with the right instrumental accompaniment...great message and a great melody...that combo can't be beaten.

BTW...I don't think you could possibly post too many songs!

Deej, this is an outstanding song that I can relate. I had long hair and a beard back before it was popular and I took a lot of crap both at work and in my home town.
Outstanding vocal and lyrics.
Crystal clear mix
Loved it