PG Music Home Forums General Discussion User Showcase Kinda funny (kind of funny)

Soundcloud: Kinda funny
Youtube: Kinda funny - although a fairly elementary video of photos

This song was written back in 2023 in response to the songwriting challenge "Write a song in a minor key", and is a good example of how I draw inspiration from the BIAB style and its instrumentation. The opening line was borrowed from internet humour I read years ago about how to start writing a blues song, which in turn inspired the development of the story in the lyrics. Just to be clear, I am not advocating animal cruelty - as you will hopefully see from the lyrics in context. Animals are wonderful at drawing out the better part of ourselves - they love unconditionally. Please excuse the imperfect vocals - this really pushed the highs and lows of my range which is limited to 1.125 octaves!

Musically, while I play the guitars and bass, these mimic what was present in the BIAB style used, but fully using the drums and harmonica as the solo.

BIAB Song Summary
Key=Am , Tempo 100, Length (m:s)=3:50
Soloist is saved with the song : Herbie H. Blues(even 8s)Pno (51)
Style is _5ALARM.STY (Five Alarm Harmonica Blues Rock)
RealTracks in style: 2915:Bass, Electric CountryPopByron12-key Ev 085100 – mimicked by my own bass
RealTracks in style: 3210:Harmonica, Soloist BluesyRockFieryLD Ev 100
RealTracks in style: 2905:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm BrightBluesyPopColin Ev 100 – mimicked by my own guitars
RealTracks in style: 2904:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm GrittyBluesyPopBrent Ev 100 – mimicked by my own guitars
RealDrums in style:FunkHalfNoteSync: a: Snare, Kick b: Busy Kick

LYRICS

INTRO

VERSE 1
I shot a blind dog down in Memphis, ‘cos he looked at me the wrong way
Let that be a cautionary tale if you disrespectin’ what I say

VERSE 2
The irony hasn’t escaped me none, that I’d take offense to a mongrel so blind
But I gotta kinda funny feeling in my waters that he’d snitch my britches from behind

Repeat INTRO

VERSE 3
I been months on the road without a bath, I been chaffin’ up really fierce
My solitude’s proven quite handy in those moments of ointment and beers

VERSE 4
As I lay me down to get me some shut-eye, I felt a hot, rank breath on the back of my neck
Through one opened eye identify the mutt so determined to join my trek

CHORUS
Even though I like only one log beside the fire
This old mate is one dog that never tires
Always inspires, follows me higher and higher

SOLO OVER VERSE

VERSE 5
His eyes are rot, his sense of smell is not, he caught a whiff of the danger right on the spot
And he guided me up to safety and our hunter fell with just one shot

CHORUS
I feel rather shameful I treated him bad at first
He must have known I was living like I was cursed
Thinking the worst but waiting to be inspired

CHORUS
Even though I like only one log beside the fire
This old mate is one dog that never tires
Always inspires, follows me higher and higher

OUTRO

Cool tune, Andrew. Slinky Steely Dan vibe and really nice playing/vocals. Lovel your dynamic approach to singing "Follows me hiigher and...HIGHER" . That stuff never gets old. I didn't find the lyrics bothersome, they were clearly (to me) metaphorical. Such are the blues. Nice one!

Andrew,

Very cool. So fresh and original sounding. Great vocals and mix.

Much enjoyed!

Bob

Thanks Ron! That one goes into the ‘accidental creativity’ category - I didn’t plan it but it worked out okay, other than being a tone outside my range.
Andrew D

Thanks Bob!

Hi, Andrew.

Interesting lyrics - it started as parody blues and turned into something... different.

I'm with Ron echoing that "slinky Steely Dan vibe" - very cool.

Thanks David! I would not have imagined it had a SD vibe - I guess we don't see it in our own, and I confess I'm not a deep listener other than their 'hits' - Rikki, Reelin', Do it again.
Andrew D

DCRon said it perfectly, Slinky Steely Dan, and I love it, Andrew. Lyrics start out rather scary, but they all fit so well with the mood you've created in the cool minor write. Good band, and I like the harp solo. Very effective. I always particularly enjoy your vocal work with the harmony.

Andrew, what a great song
Super vocal and great lyrics
Great groove
A fantastic bass track
This is a great song

Hi Andrew.

I love the clarity of your production.
It's crisp and clean and sat very comfortably in my headphones.
You certainly accomplished that "minor key" requirement for your challenge!
It was well done.
Creativity comes in all shapes and sizes and BIAB seems to be able to fit most them.

--Noel

Hi Noel! Yes - when I first purchased BIAB way back before real tracks and real styles was a thing, it helped unleash my creativity and gave shape to the ideas in my head that I didn't hold the talent to put shape to. Consequently, my songwriting blossomed. I now spend a significant portion of my retirement years recording my back catalogue or writing new material.
Thanks for the welcome - fellow aussie!
Andrew D