This song started with some great lyrics from occasional songwriting partner Richard. I used some loops from Drums On Demand's 'My Co-Writer' range. I used BIAB to help me make the organ and flutes parts, the latter a piano part played through a flute patch. I added the electric guitar parts and vocals. More technical info can be found here. Lyrics below. The video as usual was made from snippets culled from the internet including some from adverts for Nokia and Nivea Cream!
It seems to me like only yesterday I walked the world’s young ways, Yearned to become a Dharma bum and while away my days. Old friend, our paths have crossed once more, our souls still search in vain. Our minds dwell now on journeys that we’ll never make again.
A baby boomer, born in peace, a frightened Cold War child. I tasted all forbidden fruit; an appetite run wild. I’ve trampled over hearts and minds that merited more care. My eyes look back but, dulled with tears, they find no comfort there.
What days we had, they were the ones that made us what we've become. Let’s look ahead together for another cue; for something new, What days we could have.
But let’s not feed regret my friend, nor scold our errant ways Or agonize on wagers lost in our remaining days. Each sunrise is a gift bestowed to savour and renew The hopes we had for better times, and take a fresher view.
What days we had, they were the ones that made us what we've become. Let’s look ahead together for another cue; for something new, What days we could have.
We travelled along pathways, worn by many feet before. We hesitated, doubting, never opened other doors. Did we really let it pour away like water down a drain? Let’s gather up our strength once more and hit the road again.
What days we had, they were the ones that made us what we've become. Let’s look ahead together for another cue; for something new.
What days we had, they were the ones that made us what we've become. Let’s look ahead together for another cue; for something new, What days we’ll have.
Great collaboration... I really like the line... "I’ve trampled over hearts and minds that merited more care." I also like the touching ending in your video... Nicely done.
Wow, that is a good song! Well done! And a good production as well!
The video is a nice touch and compliments the song quite nicely.
One question about the video because I have often been thinking about doing the same: How do you get permission to do it? Do you just write all the people / companies and ask if you can use scenes from their videos?
I mean, if I use samples from other peoples music my video will get blocked immediately, but it seems like many content creators are using clips from other peoples videos without getting blocked? What is the secret?
John, Very nice collaboration musically and lyrically. Many great lines, like this: "What days we had, they were the ones that made us what we've become." so true. Top notch production!
REALLY cool. The only thing I'd suggest is looking at TRAMPLED - it's either a serious ess issue of there's an instrument adding to it to make the T aggressive. It does happen occasionally on a few other S sounds but it most aggressive at trampled. Maybe automate the compressor to a faster attack on that spot and other or automate the volume to address them. Regardless - becasue my ears are a tad sensitive to essing & no one else has commented - it's a VERY cool song.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I really enjoyed this. Great production and changes throughout. I like the turn of the phrase "what days we had" to "what days we'll have" as it simply and effectively capsulizes the thrust of the lyric. I hear maybe some David Crosby in the vocals as well as in the song-writing. Anyway, emotionally works.
You guys really did a good job on this one - a solid collaboration Nicely catchy without being overbearing, and the mix on this is superb. It really sounds professional - I wouldn't bat an eyelash if I heard this on the radio.
Hey Skyline, nice work on this! Fantastic selection of instruments here and the mix sounds well polished too. All of the elements are layered very nicely. Keep it up!
Seriously good in all aspects. Liked what you did to get the flutes, excellent dynamics and build up, strong vocal, and some nice guitar and bass parts - all topped off with a good video.
I (Bud) was born during the first week of the first month of the first year of the baby boom.
Janice is younger but we both just fell into this song immediately.
No need to quote lines...we loved the entire write and the terrific vocal/guitar performances and arrangement and the mix.
This is a textbook example of great dynamics -- letting the song breathe.
This is a seriously pro level sounding production that nudges the bar up for all.
Mega kudos!!!
J&B
PS And a very nice vid
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
Many, many thanks friends for the amazing responses! I was so pleased to be able to do justice to Richard's wonderfully evocative lyrics.
Originally Posted By: Will Josef
... One question about the video because I have often been thinking about doing the same: How do you get permission to do it? Do you just write all the people / companies and ask if you can use scenes from their videos?
I mean, if I use samples from other peoples music my video will get blocked immediately, but it seems like many content creators are using clips from other peoples videos without getting blocked? What is the secret? Will
Many thanks Will. As for the videos, I look for appropriate clips/snippets on Vimeo usually, sometimes YouTube, although there's so much 'non-creative' stuff on YT it's more difficult searching. I think most people realise that once they post video work on the internet it's effectively in the public domain. But I do try and contact originators, explaining I don't intend to make money from their work. I very rarely get replies. When I do I usually get permission. I have only ever had one refusal. I do put a caption in the closing credits to cover myself in case someone does object. I hope that helps!
Your singing is a perfect fit, the instruments and their arrangement are outstanding and the clarity of the production is what I continuously strive for but have not yet managed to obtain.
Every which way I look and listen to this it comes up first class. A super write and an equally super presentation.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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.
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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)
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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)
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Nicely catchy without being overbearing, and the mix on this is superb. It really sounds professional - I wouldn't bat an eyelash if I heard this on the radio.
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