INSPIRATION and DEVELOPMENT This song is my response to our group songwriting challenge to use the chord progression C - G - D - A - E featured in 'Hey Joe' by Jimmi Hendrix. You can see K-Dub Ya’s response to that challenge here.
I was inspired by the Neil Finn penned song 'One step ahead' by NZ band Split Enz which inspired the bass, rhythm guitar and synth parts - the latter being a nod to Split Enz keyboardist Eddie Rayner. For those interested, here is a link to One step ahead where you can hear the wonderful synth work by Eddie Rayner.
Lyrically, the song is about how my wife and I made sacrifices (not purely financial) from our younger years - a classic 'hare and tortoise' tale, thus giving rise to the thumbnail pic used. The style of music has a [?] feel to it, and while the message of the lyrics is a positive one, I can sometimes look back on my past with feelings of grief or loss that I will not live those times again. The guitar solo is used to move time ahead quickly through life events, and this is also reflected in the bridge 'Time can move at two speeds – sometimes fast, and meanwhile slow'.
RECORDING Style is _FRAGMNT.STY (Fragment Torpid-Strum Slo Grunge) - tracks with strikeout were not used. RealTracks in song: 1009:Bass, Electric, HardRockThrash Ev 085 – replaced by my bass RealTracks in style: 667:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm SouthernRock Ev 085 (A:sync) RealTracks in style: 3736:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm GrungeSlowDistPower8ths Ev 080 RealTracks in song: 5020:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm HardRockSlowChugAB ev 90 RealTracks in song: 4157:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm ModCountryPopSoftPowerChug Ev 090 - replaced by my rhythm guitar RealTracks in song: 3348:Guitar, Electric, Soloist HazyBallad ev16 070 – used during Solo and chorus 4 only with 'Doubler' impulse response using ReaVerb RealDrums in style:RockSouthernEv^1-a:Snare, Open HiHat , b:Snare, Ride
Other RealTracks used in song: The following synths were only used in sections of the song: VERSE 2 2582 Synth Rhythm Muted Melody Ev16 CHORUS 1 2265 Synth Bell Pad Rhythm 80s Pop Melodic Ev 2267 Synth Bell Pad Rhythm 80s Pop Melodic Ev VERSE 3 2326 Synth Background JazzFunk Lead Ev 5047 Synth Rhythm Hyperwave Edge 16 Pulse Ev16 5051 Synth Background PinkLights Bendy Melodic Ev16 SOLO 2581 Synth Rhythm Pop Bell 8ths Ev CHORUS 2 1742 Synth Rhythm Modern Dance PopRave Strings Held Ev BRIDGE 5045 Synth Rhythm Hyperwave 16 Stabber Ev16 5046 Synth Background Hyperwave Simple Melodies Ev16 CHORUS 3 2746 Synth Rhythm AltHipHop Pad 8ths Ev16 – Chorus 3 CHORUS 4 2746 Synth Rhythm AltHipHop Pad 8ths Ev16 – Chorus 3 1749 Synth Rhythm Modern Dance PopOctave 16ths A-B Ev
My recordings used in song: Rhythm guitar – chugging style + double in Bridge Guitar tremolo in Bridge Bass – with low pass to remove fret noise Vocal doubled, but second set -7.5db and 18% left Harmony vocal in Verse 3
Mixed and arranged in Reaper.
LYRICS (Lyrics and chords in attachment) VERSE 1 Though it took its time and I sacrificed so much It’s given all I touch I don’t have to pretend, it’s all worth it in the end
VERSE 2 Walking by my side, you kept the dream from red The wound was in my head Scars will start to mend, it’s all worth it in the end
CHORUS 1 Seems such a long time ago, what did we see? What did we know? Appearing such a long way to go, who would we be? How would we grow?
VERSE 3 Playing hard to get, our pockets filled with hands But it wasn’t sands We never were to bend, it’s all worth it in the end
CHORUS 2 Seems such a long time ago, what did we see? What did we know? Appearing such a long way to go, who would we be? How would we grow?
BRIDGE Time can move at two speeds – sometimes fast, and meanwhile slow Love can also take its time and moving quick will turn out fine for all
CHORUS 3 Seems such a long time ago, what did we see? What did we know? Appearing such a long way to go, who would we be? How would we grow? Seems such a long time ago, what did we see? What did we know? Appearing such a long way to go, who would we be? How would we grow?
Cool song, Andrew. Definitely captured that Split Enz vibe. The Finn brothers are amazing.
Super theme and lyrics. A very clean arrangement, though I can see/hear that a LOT of work went into building the sections. It all fits together seamlessly and sounds GREAT.
Love your vocals and vocal FX chain on this. Quite a lovely sound and worth repeating in my opinion.
Another bright, shiny pop gem. Love it.
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Pretty cool song, even though I wasn't quite sure what to make of it at first. But it really grows on you. A good story of life well told (and sung) in a slightly mysterious way. Interesting (and I mean that in a positive way)
Hey, Andrew. I liked it right away! The unusual placement of chords, the synths, pulsating beats, the different sounds. It made me think, Wow! I'd like to try that! John
Cool song, Andrew. Definitely captured that Split Enz vibe. The Finn brothers are amazing. Super theme and lyrics. A very clean arrangement, though I can see/hear that a LOT of work went into building the sections. It all fits together seamlessly and sounds GREAT. ...
Thanks Ron! Finn Brothers ‘Everyone is here’ album is a cracker! I was pleasantly surprised after auditioning the identified synth tracks and choosing what-went-where how well they worked. There is some magic in those tracks that I cannot take credit for, but they added a great deal to the song.
Originally Posted by rsdean
You have an amazing ability to create these pop wonders. This is an awesome song and performance. …
Thank you so much Bob for your comments! I have always wanted to write songs that listeners will like, but also aware that the styles I write in are not in everyone’s cup-of-tea.
Originally Posted by B.D.Thomas
... A good story of life well told (and sung) in a slightly mysterious way. Interesting (and I mean that in a positive way)
Thanks B.D.! As I think I said in my song summary, I look back on the years that have whizzed by with joy, relief, and some sadness, so I knew I needed a style that was not going to be all sweets and bubbles. I do like to write oblique lyrics that can be interpreted in different ways, and sometimes I luck it with lyrics that have a meaning even better than I intended.
Originally Posted by John Walradt
Hey, Andrew. I liked it right away! The unusual placement of chords, the synths, pulsating beats, the different sounds. It made me think, Wow! I'd like to try that!
Thanks John! When the songwriting task was set, I did scratch my head how I was going to break away from the distinctive sound of ‘Hey Joe’ from that chord progression, but I think it’s taken on a life of its own.
Originally Posted by TuneMonger
Good song. I liked the subject matter, a worthy topic if ever there was one. Enjoyed my listen.
Thanks Rob! I am ever so grateful for the cards I’ve been dealt and how we’ve played them.
Thank you all for listening and your comments! Andrew
The intro is a great homage to the Enz and One Step Ahead in particular. I really love the wall of sound with all the various synth tracks…and there were quite a few! A very “life in review” song lyrically and set to a very mysterious tone that you wouldn’t normally associate with a reflective song. I hear what you’re saying about feeling a sense of loss that you won’t have those times again. It’s a period of life that flies by in retrospect and we wish we could have spent more time in the moment. But better to have had those times and the memories, than not at all. It was interesting and eye opening how each of us interpreted the progression in totally different ways, it makes you wonder how much mileage there is in just one chord progression. This was good to hear through your studio speakers too, the audio impact you get from higher output speakers is well worth the investment. A good song and write Andrew, sung and played well…it was Worth It In The End.
Kind regards.
PS. Thank you for adding my link…it feels like double dipping!!
Hi Andrew, these songs remind me of English pop songs from the 70s. I can't remember the names of the bands or singers anymore, only the feelings I had about them. They were special, their stories too, and the vocals were typical of that style. And you imitate that in an amazing way! Very well done, the lyrics too!
You either love it or you hate it! Well, I love it... right now ❤
… A very “life in review” song lyrically and set to a very mysterious tone that you wouldn’t normally associate with a reflective song. I hear what you’re saying about feeling a sense of loss that you won’t have those times again. It’s a period of life that flies by in retrospect and we wish we could have spent more time in the moment. But better to have had those times and the memories, than not at all. It was interesting and eye opening how each of us interpreted the progression in totally different ways, it makes you wonder how much mileage there is in just one chord progression. ...
Thanks Lee. Sometimes I don’t want the memories to come back - particularly of things that I cringe at - stupid things said and done. But other memories - I can sometimes get quite emotional.
I genuinely look forward to the ‘reveal’ when the three of us show what we’ve come up with - such differences, but such delights! Thank you my friend.
Originally Posted by laurent4114
I really like the song, which sometimes sounds like a lament, certainly linked to the harmonies that underpin it. Beautiful work.
Thank you Laurent - ‘lament’ is an apt word because there certainly is that aspect to my memories, amongst other grateful emotions.
Originally Posted by Birchwood
Hi Andrew, these songs remind me of English pop songs from the 70s. I can't remember the names of the bands or singers anymore, only the feelings I had about them. They were special, their stories too, and the vocals were typical of that style. And you imitate that in an amazing way! Very well done, the lyrics too!
You either love it or you hate it! Well, I love it... right now ❤
Hi Hans! I don’t set out to imitate those vocal styles, but having grown up in the 60s and 70s, I was immersed in it for so long that it probably comes of its own volition. And I’m appreciative that you love it right now!
Thank you all for listening and commenting! Andrew
Andrew, a story set to music that I can relate. Great vocal, backing band, mix, but the lyrics took it over the top for me. I believe some of your struggles make ours. A great song.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Cool song, Andrew. I like when you guys are doing the same challenge. Much fun. Excellent lyrics from the germ of an idea. OH, YES!! It was defoinitely worth it. Looking back on those times with a sense of grief that they are gone is a testament to how important and good they were in the development. I also enjoyed the lethargic pace as if to keep the past in the present, which you've done very well. Much enjoyed.
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
We had to go and listen to those song references. Cool journey. We like everything about this.
For us the arrangement is stellar and difficult to imagine the amount of thought that went into it. So many changes on each verse with the synth, etc.
This is a fine mix and your instrumental/vocal performances are standout.
We get the English pop vibe that Hans mentioned and it is well done.
Great narrative and a very supportive video.
Thanks for the interesting back story.
Excellent listen and watch!
J&B
PS: Great narrative ... something we've seen with friends. J&B has been through tough times with aging and now passed on parents but never had a single issue between the two of us. For 46 years. We like to say we won life's lotto. Noel noted our use of that phrase and wrote a song about it years ago.
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
Andrew, a story set to music that I can relate. Great vocal, backing band, mix, but the lyrics took it over the top for me. I believe some of your struggles make ours. A great song.
Thanks for listening Mario. I don’t want to over-emphasise the challenges. In the main, I’ve (we’ve - my wife and I) had a very good life, and very happy at where we find ourselves - just hoping in our years ahead that we can think and act beyond ourselves and help others. I hope my music plays a small role in that.
Originally Posted by BabuMusic
Cool song, Andrew. I like when you guys are doing the same challenge. Much fun. Excellent lyrics from the germ of an idea. OH, YES!! It was defoinitely worth it. ...
Thanks Marty! I think I can speak for the three of us - me, K-Dub Ya (Lee) and Mike (not on this forum) that we look forward to our session roughly every 5 or 6 weeks - and always pleasantly surprised by what each of us come up with. Our next challenge is to write a song that tells a story. I suspect there’ll be a couple of song posts arising from that.
Originally Posted by Janice &Bud
… PS: Great narrative ... something we've seen with friends. J&B has been through tough times with aging and now passed on parents but never had a single issue between the two of us. For 46 years. We like to say we won life's lotto. Noel noted our use of that phrase and wrote a song about it years ago.
Thanks J&B! Well done on your 46 years! It really comes through that you two are a good team and enjoy spending time together and doing the same things. My partner - Alison - and I just recently celebrated 41 years of marriage and we couldn’t image not being together.
Thank you to all for listening and your comments! Andrew
… This sounds like a track from the end of the Beatles era- written and sung by John Lennon Not sure there are better compliments than that …
Indeed, there are not. Thank you so much Floyd! While I am sure my song is a poor imitation, for it to remind you of that era and music is a wonderful thing. Thanks for listening! Andrew
Last edited by Andrew Dee; 04/16/2612:53 PM. Reason: Grammar
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
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The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
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-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
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With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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