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Brno Offline OP
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https://soundcloud.com/esa-blomberg/pitka-pitka-loma-eb?si=acff5d60027e41a4b57ec4c949f7d85c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Translation of my lyrics below:

Getting retired can be as big change as getting divorced or fired. Still there are not so many songs about it. This is my story. I updated this in 2025.
I sing and play guitars. I produced this at my home with Band in a Box and Reaper.

****** Song Summary *************
Key=C , Tempo 140, Length (m:s)=3:27
Style is _POPOMED.STY (Country Pop w/ Dreamy Guitar)

RealTracks used:
RealTracks in style: ~684:Bass, Electric, PopHalfNotesSync Ev 120
RealTracks in style: ~686:Organ, B3, Background Pop Ev 120
RealDrums in style:NashvilleEven8^8-a:Snare, HiHat Open , b:Snare, Ride

Long vacation Esa Blomberg 2017

Working weekdays
are finally behind me.
I finally switched to a free,
earned retirement.

I can fit everything in my calendar,
the phone doesn't ring at all.
No one invites me to lunch,
no one asks me to go to a gig.
I can read until the morning,
no one ever wakes me up.

It's just a long, long vacation,
my time is all my own.
The free time goes on and on,
it never ends.

I watch my weight,
I shop for health.
My hair has turned gray,
and my friends have become fewer.

I can fit everything in my calendar,
the phone doesn't ring at all.
No one invites me to lunch,
no one asks me to go to a gig.
Doesn't anyone need me,
like they used to?

It's just a long, long vacation,
my time is all my own.
The time off just keeps going on,
won't it ever end?

Then I found something to do,
since schedules don't prevent me,
to do what I wanted,
whenever I had time.

I can't fit everything in my calendar,
even the phone rings with joy.
I get invited to visit,
I get to go to a gig.
I'm needed again,
just like I used to.

It's just a long, long vacation,
my time is all my own.
The time off just lasts for a while,
then ends in due time.

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Great song Arri!
I read the English lyrics before listening to the song. Being recently retired myself, you had some interesting observations in your words. I like how you change the lyrics to reflect the changed outlook of the retiree to need friends, get out, and have contact with others - we were not made for isolation.

The band is great as well - I’d call the style folk-rock. Your guitar fills were perfect for this song. Well done.

Andrew

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Brno Offline OP
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Thanks Andy. I was surprise how strong was the effect of leaving the work life. I didn't understand, how much it meant to me, before I lost it. It lead to rethink my values and ended back to basic human values from those of business life. Now I'm also a grandfather and life continues with less obligations are more time for volunteer work and hobbies, like producing music.

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Arri, this sounds great. A really great backing band and groove. I liked your vocal also but the lyrics are the highlight of this song.

"Getting retired can be as big change as getting divorced or fired", true but it sure is a hell of a lot more fun!

Great song!


I arrived early to a restaurant.
The manager asks, "do you mind waiting a bit?"
I said no.
"Good", he said. "Take these drinks to table 3"

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Interesting song and instrumentation. I retired over a decade ago and via various creative pursuits I've always been just as busy as when I was self-employed. Most retirees who have spoken about their 'free' time say they've never been busier.


Some favourite Waoist Adages:
#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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Brno Offline OP
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I agree: most retirees are busy either with their grand children or their hobbies. But sometimes it's just in place to do nothing. Specially, while others go to work.

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I'm also retired, have been for a while actually, so can relate to the lyrics somewhat. Takes some time to get used to, but lots more time for making music, which is good!

Nice job on this.

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Brno Offline OP
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Thanks, Dave.

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Originally Posted by Brno
It's just a long, long vacation,
my time is all my own.
This is, according to my Dad, definitely NOT true when you're married grin

I think this is the first song I've ever heard about retirement, and it's well done.
Kudos!

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We retired 26 years ago and have never once looked back!

Cool write, vocal/guitar performances by you and an excellent production.
And the narrative is fun ... can't say we've ever heard another retirement write. smile

Well done!

J&B


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
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Brno Offline OP
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Thanks! I agree, that seldom there's songs about retirement, so I thought my experiences were worth while writing.

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