Can't Put Down Roots in Sand Words & Music by Mark Rhodes 26 August 2021
I was born Miami, F-L-A Where it's flat and straight And iguanas play
Don't stand too close, I just might explode Dying to drive on winding country roads Wanna eat a peach from a roadside stand You can't put down roots in sand
[CHORUS] Where you're from---you had no say Where you'll die—well that's another day A man lives to turn his hand You can't put down roots in sand.
I don't like the beach. There, I said it out loud It's just hot sand And an oily crowd
That leather skin is a tragic look Put me under an old shade tree with a book Working my jawbone to some song by The Band You can't put down roots in sand.
[CHORUS]
I don't know why I want the things I do But what I love Is all I know of true
The question why makes no sense to me I do the best I can and let it be Good music is the promised land You can't put down roots in sand
[CHORUS]
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
Hello Mark Cool song And just as cool sung ;-) The background track is super successful Also the sound is good If you plan to improve this demo even more this is already a very very good basis Well done Mark Many greetings Andi ;-)
Tonally, it's wasn't quite angry, or bitter, or bitingly sarcastic. Sort of a middle-of-the-road song of dissatisfaction.
Your explanation on YouTube of this being mostly allusions helped explain what the song was about, but I'm too lazy (and bad at remembering lyrics) to play that game.
I think the mix is really good for a demo! I like arrangement and singing style. Maybe a solo or something in the later part of the song for some variation could be a good idea since it's is almost five minutes?
The vocals remind me of Richard Hell around the 1st Voidoids album...but with a slower song obviously. The lyrics have some funny parts. I struggled to find the link between the hook and the rest though. I assume the main rhythm guitar is you but can't tell. It's solid.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
The vocals remind me of Richard Hell around the 1st Voidoids album...but with a slower song obviously. The lyrics have some funny parts. I struggled to find the link between the hook and the rest though. I assume the main rhythm guitar is you but can't tell. It's solid.
Thanks. The main rhythm guitar is me. Hadn't thought of Richard Hell in 40 years. My older brother was a big fan.
Perhaps the lyrics make less sense to others than to me. It wouldn't be the first time! ;o)
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
I think the mix is really good for a demo! I like arrangement and singing style. Maybe a solo or something in the later part of the song for some variation could be a good idea since it's is almost five minutes?
I thought about adding a solo but it's already nearly 5 minutes long---I didn't want to make it any longer.
Though perhaps I could cut a verse. Something to think about. Thanks for listening!
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
Hello Mark Cool song And just as cool sung ;-) The background track is super successful Also the sound is good If you plan to improve this demo even more this is already a very very good basis Well done Mark Many greetings Andi ;-)
Thank you!
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
Mark, this is a super demo. The backing tracks and your guitar are spot on. Your vocal was good. However those lyrics are fantastic! I wish I could write lyrics like that. They took it over the top for me.
super demo
OK, a random thought; Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean