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#851024 05/02/25 07:16 AM
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Down Down Down on Soundcloud
Down Down Down on YouTube


A song suggesting the relationship is sinking, But there's still the hope of patching it up.

Style is _CREASE.STY (Crease Americana Pop)

RealTracks in song: ~~689:Organ, B3, Background Pop Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 1595:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Pop8thsSteady Ev 065
RealTracks in style: 691:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming AcRockBright Ev 120
RealTracks in song: ~1029:Guitar, 12-String Electric, Fingerpicking Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 2881:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm BluesStraightMike12-key Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 2774:Harp, Rhythm CelticWaltzSlow Ev 085
RealDrums in style:Americana16GroovinBrushFred^1-a,b:Brushes,Toms was used in the redesign in EZDDrummer.

I played bass, keyboards, guitar and sang. The marimba on the Donner keyboard in the Bridge is intended to hint of the passing of time. At first I tried a woodblock, but it was too intrusive, then I tried drum sticks, but they were too subdued, so the marimba played the part of Goldilocks in this downer. The solo was done on my Parker P-31, and yeah I play that picless too. Some say I write too many sappy happy songs. Well, one must go through some of the downs to give the smile a reason to be brighter, so, yeah, this one could be autobiographical, and relatable to anyone with a heartfelt smile.

Down Down Down

Down. Down. Down. How deep we don't know.
We used to reach up for the top, but now we're letting go.
Let's climb back up, or else our love may drown.
I heard you saying to a friend, "It seems we're losing ground.

Down, down, down. We're sinking so far down.
Down, down, down. How far till we drown?

Down. Down. Down. How far will we go?
There seems to be a warning light of what we still don't know.
Down. Down. Down. Everyday we're farther down.
We're spinning in circles, losing our way. We need to turn around.

Once upon a time we knew our future was secure.
Then suddenly a flood of doubt, and now we're both unsure.

Down, down, down. Let's just dam the flow.
Down, down, down. I don't want us to go.

Down, down, down. I feel the undertow.
Down, down, down. I don't want to us go so low.

INTRO: (F C)2

V-- F C Gm F F Bb6 Bb6 F
F C Gm F Bb F Gm C7

CH-- F-C Dm Gm C F-C Dm Bb C

BR-- Am Am Gm Gm Dm F Gm C
modulate last chorus to F#


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
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Marty,

This is such an excellent song. I love the melody and the chorus is really outstanding. Your vocal is so clear & present - another one of your best!

Yes, that marimba was a great choice. It fits perfectly.

Awesome mix and an awesome production!

Bob

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Hi Marty! You can hear the ache in your vocals - the sense that the relationship is irretrievable. That repeating title works in the chorus - like a person going over and over the situation.

The marimba works for the passing of time in the bridge - good to hear your songwriter’s perspective of instrumental choices and what influenced your decision making.

The key change for the repeat of the chorus extends the life of the song wonderfully, and that guitar solo is styled just right for the song.

BTW - the second line of your chorus sings ‘Let’s turn this ship around’.

Good song!

Andrew D

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Marty, one thing that didn't go down down down was my enthusiasm for this song!
Great vocal and lead work
Super arrangement and mix
This is a really good song.


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Hi Marty,,

You sure know how to put a top-shelf song together. This is a great listen. The mix is particularly excellent. Everything is crystal clear and perfectly placed. Your vocal shines bright.

Yep, marimbas worked great! Good choice. Loved the key change near the end. A modulation seems to breathe new energy into a song, in my opinion.

You keep turning out hit material. They're always a pleasure to hear.

Alan


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Cool tune, Marty! Sad but hopeful is a good attitude for some things. LOVE your vocals, and those little yelps/yodels are nice. The modulation near the end is nice, too. Super band, arrangement and mix. After listening to this, I'm not down at all!


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Three syllables, the same word thrice, but what a great hook! Part of that clearly is how you sang it. Very musical. I thought about I'm Down by the Beatles and Going Down by the Monkees, but this is better than those songs. Excellent work here!


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Marty...I really like the style of this little ditty...I'm a big fan of acoustic lead songs...really like the rhythm of the percussion and the acoustic strummer....a modulation!!! (you're learning)...that's great...in a song called "Down Down Down" an upward key change is paradoxical and very cool...your songs are always refreshingly different.


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Marty, you've done it again! I was expecting sunshine and rainbows (knowing your penchant for delightfully sappy tunes), but you’ve taken us on a little voyage into the doldrums – and I have to say, the trip was surprisingly delightful. Who knew heartbreak could sound so... well-mixed?

Seriously, your vocal control is on point. You've nailed the "slightly-lost-at-sea" vibe. The instrumentation is blended together perfectly. Usually, I’d be all like, “Enough with the navel-gazing!” But this time, I'm nodding along, thinking, "Yeah, even Marty has a leaky boat in his harbour sometimes."

And that line, "Down down down let's turn the ship around"? Pure genius! It's the kind of slogan you could slap on a life raft and sell millions. Forget self-help gurus; we just need Marty's nautical therapy! ☠

The marimba as the sound of passing time? Inspired! I’m picturing you, a sonic Goldilocks, searching for the just right percussive element. Glad you found it, because it added a subtle, melancholic sweetness.

And then, BAM! A key change as rare and exciting as finding a twenty in your old coat pocket. You sly dog, Marty. You know exactly how to sprinkle a little magic dust, even on a song about a sinking ship.

So, thank you, Marty, for reminding us that even the happiest hearts face stormy weather. You’ve taken the blues and turned them into a shimmering, slightly bittersweet, but undeniably beautiful shade of… well, blue. ~o○◯
Keep those heartfelt smiles (and the occasional leaky boat tunes) coming! 👍

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Sad Marty - beautiful melancholy song, although it's hard for me NOT to see you smiling when you sing "up for the top" smile
The key change works very well, great idea and perfectly implemented!
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Cool,cool,cool..this song is really cool…(singing to melody)

Liked everything about it…lyric might be on the “worry” side of the issue, but the melody and chord chart were nice and optimistic.

Your vocal was very nice!!

Overall, a winning track!


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This is a well-written and well-executed song. Nice work Marty.
Laurent

rsdean #851159 05/04/25 06:15 AM
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Originally Posted by rsdean
Marty,

This is such an excellent song. I love the melody and the chorus is really outstanding. Your vocal is so clear & present - another one of your best!

Yes, that marimba was a great choice. It fits perfectly.

Awesome mix and an awesome production!

Bob
Thanks, Bob.

Originally Posted by Andrew Dee
Hi Marty! You can hear the ache in your vocals - the sense that the relationship is irretrievable. That repeating title works in the chorus - like a person going over and over the situation.

The marimba works for the passing of time in the bridge - good to hear your songwriter’s perspective of instrumental choices and what influenced your decision making.

The key change for the repeat of the chorus extends the life of the song wonderfully, and that guitar solo is styled just right for the song.

BTW - the second line of your chorus sings ‘Let’s turn this ship around’.

Good song!

Andrew D
Hello, Andrew. Thanks, I wasn't sure about the over-and-overness. "BTW - the second line of your chorus sings ‘Let’s turn this ship around’." Or does it?

Originally Posted by MarioD
Marty, one thing that didn't go down down down was my enthusiasm for this song!
Great vocal and lead work
Super arrangement and mix
This is a really good song.
Thanks, Mario.

Originally Posted by Al-David
Hi Marty,,

You sure know how to put a top-shelf song together. This is a great listen. The mix is particularly excellent. Everything is crystal clear and perfectly placed. Your vocal shines bright.

Yep, marimbas worked great! Good choice. Loved the key change near the end. A modulation seems to breathe new energy into a song, in my opinion.

You keep turning out hit material. They're always a pleasure to hear.

Alan
Hello, Alan. I was worried the marimba might give it to much of an island sound, but then the Bridges should always be a bit of a diversion. wink That modulation was to give rise to new hope.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
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Hi Marty,

I love the marimba and the emotion in your voice. It gave me a reminder of some of the Psychedelic Furs numbers in the 80's...I think they used a xylophone. Anyhoo, it's a sad, sucking feeling we all know at one time or another...and you captured it well.

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Gorgeous song, Marty. I kept thinking that I've heard it before, then I realised I had on YouTube. As said there, "beautifully arranged".


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#1: Play on the Way.
#13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you.
#58: Bring consciousness to it.
#63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made.
#92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
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Marty, this song is a downer so you've met you're goal. Great prosidy and production support the lyrics and vox. Well done.

Dewey

DC Ron #851355 05/07/25 06:59 AM
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Originally Posted by DC Ron
Cool tune, Marty! Sad but hopeful is a good attitude for some things. LOVE your vocals, and those little yelps/yodels are nice. The modulation near the end is nice, too. Super band, arrangement and mix. After listening to this, I'm not down at all!
Thanks, Ron. That modulation up was designed to give hope to the ending.

Originally Posted by TuneMonger
Three syllables, the same word thrice, but what a great hook! Part of that clearly is how you sang it. Very musical. I thought about I'm Down by the Beatles and Going Down by the Monkees, but this is better than those songs. Excellent work here!
Thanks, Bob. "Three syllables, the same word thrice," cool phrase; cut out the "the" and it's pentameter, although not iambic.

Originally Posted by firesong
Marty...I really like the style of this little ditty...I'm a big fan of acoustic lead songs...really like the rhythm of the percussion and the acoustic strummer....a modulation!!! (you're learning)...that's great...in a song called "Down Down Down" an upward key change is paradoxical and very cool...your songs are always refreshingly different.
THanks, Dan. Oh, man, so glad you heard this one. That modulation idea came from you actually. You always use it to increase the inspiration and hope, so it was here intended to end with hope for the future. Paradox explained.

Originally Posted by Izzy
Marty, you've done it again! I was expecting sunshine and rainbows (knowing your penchant for delightfully sappy tunes), but you’ve taken us on a little voyage into the doldrums – and I have to say, the trip was surprisingly delightful. Who knew heartbreak could sound so... well-mixed?

Seriously, your vocal control is on point. You've nailed the "slightly-lost-at-sea" vibe. The instrumentation is blended together perfectly. Usually, I’d be all like, “Enough with the navel-gazing!” But this time, I'm nodding along, thinking, "Yeah, even Marty has a leaky boat in his harbour sometimes."

And that line, "Down down down let's turn the ship around"? Pure genius! It's the kind of slogan you could slap on a life raft and sell millions. Forget self-help gurus; we just need Marty's nautical therapy! ☠

The marimba as the sound of passing time? Inspired! I’m picturing you, a sonic Goldilocks, searching for the just right percussive element. Glad you found it, because it added a subtle, melancholic sweetness.

And then, BAM! A key change as rare and exciting as finding a twenty in your old coat pocket. You sly dog, Marty. You know exactly how to sprinkle a little magic dust, even on a song about a sinking ship.

So, thank you, Marty, for reminding us that even the happiest hearts face stormy weather. You’ve taken the blues and turned them into a shimmering, slightly bittersweet, but undeniably beautiful shade of… well, blue. ~o○◯
Keep those heartfelt smiles (and the occasional leaky boat tunes) coming! 👍
THANKS, IZZY. Man, I follow you around here searching for your comments. ALways the best! Delightful Doldrums, good title. As for navels, I'm an inny. Does that make ne a deep thinker, or a trance-like dummy? hehe HAHA, "life raft slogan."


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
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Hi, Marty.

Catchy chorus, jangly guitars, good vocals, spiff modulation.

Excellent! smile


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I love that you write Real
A lovely production
Killer bass sound
Nice keyboards and guitar

A terrific listen

.fj

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The lyric is sad and yet hopeful too - no surprise from Marty. smile

The melody and the entire band add to that hopeful aspect.

We like the modulation.

Wow. Marty the multi instrumentalist struts his stuff.

And good stuff it is indeed, including your very soulful vocal!

We particularly liked the marimba in the bridge and your guitar picking - even sans pick.

Enjoyed it and the supporting vid!

J&B


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