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Hi, all:

Well, here's a tune I put together a few months back but for some reason never posted here. It'a another co-write with John Vaughan. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it when John first shared the original lyrics with me . . . the use of "parlour" was a bit dated, and the whole song had an old time feel to it. So I just went with that, and after a bit of tinkering, here's where we ended up.

As an aside, John is pretty active in submitting tunes to radio stations in the U.K. (btw, really admire how the UK stations dedicate prime air time to local artists--very cool--and wish the US stations would do more of that). Anyway, this song (surprisingly to me at least) got a play on "BBC Cumbria Introducing," which showcases local artists, as well as a play on a similar type program, though on a much smaller station in Cornwall, U.K. For whatever that's worth, LOL. Anyway, hope you enjoy it.

Here's the song:

SONGS FROM THE PARLOUR

Here are the lyrics:

The wind is howling at my door
trying hard but it won't get in.
The hallway clock struck midnight
and I can’t sleep at all again.

Because it's songs from the parlour
that keep filling up my mind,
carrying me off to the nights of summer
back to happier times.
Yes, it’s songs from the parlour,
the ones she’s left behind—
Songs from the parlour,
songs for old times.

This room is my refuge
from the cold and lonely nights.
If I could shake her memory
I just might get some sleep tonight.

But these songs from the parlour
keep filling up my mind,
carrying me off to the nights of summer
back to happier times.
Yes, it’s songs from the parlour,
they’re all she’s left behind—
Songs from the parlour,
songs for old times.

So I pour a glass of whiskey
and smoke another cigarette
I keep her picture by the fire,
but it’s her voice I can’t forget.

So it’s songs from the parlour
that keep filling up my mind,
carrying me off to the nights of summer
back to happier times.
Yes, it’s songs from the parlour,
the ones she's left behind—
Songs from the parlour,
songs for old times.

And here ISN'T the band:

My apologies, folks. I can't for the life of me find what I did with the DAW file (which kind of bums me out a bit). If I track it down, I'll update . . . but if anyone is wondering regarding the tracks I can try to recreate based on the various BIAB files I still have. Just let me know.

(c)2019 John Vaughan/DJ Lekich

The first thing to hit me is the great folky vocal.
Good job on the chord progression.
Wouldn't worry about it sounding dated, what comes around goes around.
Excellent tune production and performance. Rob

Hi Deej56,
That's a very good folk song sung with great sensitivity. Christian

This is really nice.

Your vocals are excellent, and the mix is outstanding. The song is well constructed, and everything fits together so well that the total is a lot more than the sum of the parts.

I like this one a lot.

Deej,

This is a great folk song... I love the pacing and arrangement. The lyrics also give it a very cool old world feel.

I particularly like your vocal - you sound like you could be channeling Harry Chapin in this performance.

Excellent!

Bob

Hi John,

Very nice song and good voice. It made me think of songs of Jim Croce (in a way...)
A bit an exciting ending, but I like these kind of songs.

Hans

Sounds fantastic DJ, loved it! You have a fabulous voice.

Cheers
John

Nice work, DJ Your voice is gorgeous on this and really lends merit to the gentle backing tracks. It makes for an excellent listen, and is a wonderful through back to that classic folk sound.

Thanks for sharing!

Firstly, man, that is one great vocal. And mixing it up front really showcases it.

Dated? We think not. The sentiment expressed could fit any time period.

It's a fine write, arrangement, vocal and mix. No surprise that it has received air play.

Well done y'all! Very well done.

J&B

Echoes of many classic folk songs in the melody and the lyrics carry that nostalgic feel.
Your vocal really stands out and lifts the song.
A very good collaboration.

Robert

What an outstanding collaboration...
I really like this song...
Both of you should be extremely proud of it!

DJ Lekich / John,
I always enjoy your posts here.
Very nice lyrics and production!

Thank you for sharing!

Misha.

Deej,

A nice simple backing that fits the song well. Nicely mixed.

Your vocal is outstanding. Very powerful without being "overpowering".

fj

Hello John, thanks for sharing this! Excellent mixdown on all of this and a solid key signature choice too. Great work!

Ah, the days of the family gathering around the Joanna or a guitar and singing songs together for warmth and comfort.
Sounded lovely - nice arrangement too.

One of the best voices on the showcase IMO, always enjoy your efforts.

Good song,

you write very nice melodies

you establish time and paint scenes very well with this one

good hook line, good vocals, nice changes at the end

enjoyed the listen,

Kenny

Really great job on this Deej!! The vocal is outstanding and the backing is perfect blend of instruments creating that beautiful folk song atmosphere! Takes me back to the days of Chapin/Croce!! Thanks, Torrey

Hi Deej ...

There's so much to like about this. Your vocal is simply wonderful. Kind of reminds me, to a certain extent, of John Denver with a Brit accent. But, your voice is stronger and has more color.

Love the gentle backing tracks. Everything weaves in a such a beautiful pattern. What a wonderful listen!

Alan

Really nice stuff!! I like the simple arrangement, and you voice shines on this! Really nice, folky sound....reminds me of Jim Croce/Don McLean. Some nice images in the lyrics. Great job on this!! Take care. Greg