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Managed to climb out of the doldrums of life and write my first song in about 10 months. It's a little bit ambiguous and written after a slight argument on Facebook. Not the best place to have one. I will catch up on your latest posts asap. In the meantime, please have a listen. Guitars 2829, 3185 Bass 4899 Mandolin 1601 Drums American Roots 16th https://soundcloud.com/vic-arnold/how-do-you-know?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=61ec18bcc7e44f6392faee35860477a0How do you know © Vic Arnold 2026 V1 How do you know it's a rainbow if you can see the end? How do you know? How do you know? I've seen the "Wizard" three times but it still don't make no sense. So how do you know? How do you know? Brain, heart and courage? That part I comprehend, but how do you know a rainbow at it's end? V2 How do you know you've seen a ghost if a ghost doesn't exist? How do you know? How do you know? I've seen some apparitions and some I may have kissed But, how do you know? How do you know? There's wailing from the graveyard and there's shadows in the mist. So, how do you know it's not a ghost you could have missed? Inst. V3 How do you know an angel if you can't see any wings? How do you know? How do you know? How long is a story How long is a piece of string? How do you know? How do you know? How do you know it's our song; the one Whats-His-Name sings and how do you know it's me when your telephone rings? V4 And how do you know it's time for bed when you can't see the time? How do you know? How do you know? How do you know it's poetry if nothing in it rhymes? How do you know? How do you know? How do I know you love me when you don't give me a sign? How do I know you'll love me for a while?
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Personally, I know I'm an ignorant person who thinks he knows everything. So thank you for this song that puts us in our place.
Laurent
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Hi Vic!
I like the angles you’ve taken in the lyrics of this song - each verse and new angle having interest for the listener. Good music in the band as well - a real toe tapper. Your reference to ’the wizard’ made me think of Roy Wood and the Wizzard, and then I realised you couldn’t be because of the missing ‘z’. I’d be interested to know what that line means?
Good song and glad I listened.
Andrew
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My favorite line was "I've seen some apparitions and some I may have kissed." Good lyrics and I've always enjoyed your singing. Nice to see you back on the forum, I was wondering if you were okay. Glad you're back!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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Hi Vic.
Congratulations on stepping back into songwriting. And this is a fine song to do it with! How you've used the hook, "How do you know?", is very effective. Excellent writing and presenting along with a first-class mix. I really enjoyed listening to this.
--Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Welcome back Vic
This is a great song
How do I know
Because I know a great song when I hear one
Loved your vocal, lyrics, and everything else!
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Journeyman
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Hi Vic
I'm so glad that you have escaped the dreaded doldrums and resumed making great music.
This song is a philosophical Rorschach test (inkblots) set to a beat;
It’s the lyrical equivalent of an impatient kid asking every adult, “But… why?”
Welcome back.
Izzy.
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Great to see you back, Vic!
Excellent songwriting, you have always had a knack for writing cool lyrics. Love the reference to the Wizard of Oz, I'm sure I've seen it more than three times, it was my daughters favorite movie when she was little.
Good vocal too in your signature style.
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Vic,
Great to hear you again. This is an excellent song. Enjoyed your vocal and production.
Bob
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Thank you Laurent.
Believing and knowing aren't quite the same. As we often find out.
Vic
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Hi Andrew.
Thank you sir.
I like a bit of ambiguity. The answer is The Wizard of Oz.
Vic
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Thanks TuneMonger.
Nice to be back. I almost fell down the real life hole.
Vic
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I really like that song. Nicely done. I like the folky Americana feel.
Arguments on line.... I believe I'm the only sane person in some of those groups. Mostly I've been trying really hard to behave and just scroll on by.
I had to listen twice.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Thank you Noel.
Now all I have to do is write another. Hmmm!
Vic
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I think the chord structure and the whole production is really very well done, but I don't like the lyrics as apart from not being able to relate to them - particularly as I know exactly how I know what I know (as opposed to opine, believe or theorise) - there's a line I don't agree with and another I'd comment on if it was posted on something like FB but that's all just a personal thing.
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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Apprentice
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Hi Vic. I really like this. Great lyrics and production. Good job!
Paul
BIAB 2025
Intel i7-4790K, Win10 Pro, 16GB Ram
1TB OS, 2TB Audio, 1TB Samples
Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen
Cakewalk Sonar, 64 bit
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Clever and fun song, nicely wrapped up in a toe tapper. Super vocals and harmonies. Really like that woody backing band and how well all the fills fit in. A very endearing tune and performance.
Welcome back, Vic!
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Thanks Mario.
Well, it got me out of the rut.
Vic
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Thanks for the welcome back, Izzy.
The "impatient kid" was always there.
My father was always telling me "If you don't understand what your being taught in school, ask."
I always did. Usually to my tutor's annoyance.
I like your "inkblots" reference.
Vic
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Hi BlueAttitude
Thanks for that.
My wife's favourite movie, too. That and "Lady and the Tramp".
Vic
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