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#373022 11/04/16 02:06 AM
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PaddyG Offline OP
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https://soundcloud.com/user-108834131/lives-in-the-desert





Most forum members might not know I live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, one that went through a long journey before all its people could participate in it with freedom. I wrote this song way back as a reminder to those now enjoying that freedom of those who sacrificed to gain that freedom
Then I put the song on a dusty shelf, but just recently I thought ‘no all over the whole world there is fighting, people fighting for democracy and freedom and people are dying in the deserts and drowning in the seas right now trying to achieve it .
So I dusted it off hoping among forum members there will be an awareness of what I was trying to express in the words of this song.

Paddy G
Cape Town South Africa

Style Faith –g.sty bls rock in C at 92 Bps
Real Tracks .. 887 piano acoustic Drums Nashville southern 378 guitar acoustic strum D/time 1597 guitar electric Rhythm pop 16th arp 363 pedal steel background

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Paddy,

Nice melody and good voice! Excellent work! I enjoyed it.

I have never been to Cape Town (nor any places in South Africa), but its name is very familiar to me.

Say hello to you from Japan.

Hiroshi

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Paddy.
"A stranger in your own country" How true, sadly.
I met a gang of South Africans in London who "avoided" the draft in the late 60's, if my memory serves me right, and was caught up in the disruption of the tour of the SA rugby teams orchestrated by Peter Hain as for some reason the protesters took over the University of London main library disrupting my revision for some exams.
Then I sold my house to him in 1990 when he became the MP for Neath South Wales. And in 2014 a road out of town was renamed Nelson Mandela Way, which as the reader's letters show was not very popular.

Enjoyed the song tho' and would love to read the words.

Alyn

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This is great, Paddy. The vocal does a really good job of conveying how passionate you are about your subject matter. I'd love to see a lyrics sheet, if it's available?


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This is beautiful Paddy; the melody pretty and the lyrics powerful ( yes, please copy to the track ).
Your vocal sounds nicely balanced with just the right amount of feeling coming through.
A good choice of instruments on the backing.
Glad you took this from the dusty shelf.

Robert

ps I think you did what I often do & forgot to erase the click track at the start.

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Paddy,

A good write. One of your strongest, I think (I also vote for a lyric sheet).

Nice arrangement - the instrument group suits the song well. Well mixed. Well sung. I thought the reverb choice was a bit "big" for the message - sounds like a large hall (or bigger) - I think a small hall would make it more "intimate" (but that's just an opinion and it is, after al, the producer's choice).

Well done.

fj

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Excellent vocal and lyric Paddy.


Scott Collingwood
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Paddy,
A strong song and message - good vocal (nice phrasing) good melody I liked the chorus.

Peter

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We agree with Floyd. This is a very powerful song and lyric, which we trust will be posted too? The vocal really carries the song here, one of your best vocals, by the way.
Slightly too much verb (try a little less next time ;-))

Rob & Anne-Marie


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

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Hi Paddy,

Like those before me, I also enjoyed and appreciated the journey that your song carried us on. Your singing is excellent.

Even though I listened a few times, I couldn't pick up all the words; I, too, would appreciate being able to read the lyrics so that I can get the full story. That being said, I managed to pick up enough. I found myself sitting here and reflecting once the journey had reached its destination.

Regards,
Noel


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Paddy,

I am glad that you dusted this song off as it certainly strikes a chord in our world today just as it did when you wrote it.

I also think it's one of the best I have heard from you. Very strong vocals and heartfelt lyrics.

An excellent write.

Well done!
Jez


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Thank you dear forum friends for your kind words and guidance.

What a brilliant world we could live in if such camaraderie were the dominant factor in all we do on earth.


Paddy G

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Great song. Excellent lyrics, music, arrangement, overall production. I really enjoyed this. This may be one of your best vocals yet.

Really good job!!!

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It's all been said above and we agree....

"What a brilliant world we could live in if such camaraderie were the dominant factor in all we do on earth.'
A tip of the pint glass to that...

We, as others, would love to see the lyrics!!

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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PaddyG, Very nice song! There's a lot of truth In the line " you have to know where you come from to know where you're going". Great job on vocal. Thanks, Torrey.

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When your world feels strange and rapidly changing // like your alone heart in your hand
All you hear are more lies than answers // let a voice from the past help you understand

You have to know of the lives that fell in the desert // you have to understand the tears that fell in the sea
You have to know where you came from to know where you’re going// you are part of the dream that set you free
Let the chains round your heart be broken // let your footsteps fall free
Just remember that the mighty forest // was once just one small tree

Never feel like a stranger in your own country // you are as part as the soil and the streams
When the crime and the grime is getting to you // they will fail if you hold on to the dream
Hear the drums of a march never ending //hear the voices hear their plea

As we fall who will carry the banner // they are calling out to you and to me
***Please remember the lives that fell in the desert // remember the tears that fell in the sea
Just remember where you came from to know where you’re going // you are part of the dream that set us free

Hear the drums of a march never ending // hear the voices hear their plea
As we fall who will carry the banner they are calling for you and for me ( repeat ***** x 3


(C) Graham Paddy Gobel 2013

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Let the chains round your heart be broken // let your footsteps fall free
Just remember that the mighty forest // was once just one small tree

Just a few of the many strong lyrics. Very well done!! I really like the feel of this one. Strings are perfect. Reverb seemed a little strong at first but it grew on me. Very good song. Enjoyed much! Take care. Greg

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