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A song for those who go to foreign soils to fight for freedom and never make it back home. Written in 2009 with my songwriting friend from Texas, Patricia Bishop. Back in the heady, early days of my experimenting with BB.... I don't recall the tracks other than steel guitar and dobro.... but it's all BB except I think the drums are Jamstix. Something To Die For COPYRIGHT 2009 Hartley / Bishop Me and my big brother, after church on Sunday Out in Granny's backyard, playing Army green beret. Climbing in the old oak tree, The smell of supper on the breeze Music drifting through the door... That's something to die for Me & Jeannie Farmer, walking down to Skalseys Creek An old dirt road to a swimming hole, in the Carolina heat. Laughing in the warm night air, she lets down her long brown hair.. She's more than just the girl next door..... I swear... That's something to die for Country, God and family, these things I believe Are the things in life worth living for Country, God and family, what it takes to keep them free Makes everything I do worth fighting for That's something to die for solo (8 bars) Me and my sweet Jeannie after church on Sunday Out in Grannys backyard as our little children play Memories made forever of one more day together Before I leave again .......for war Thats something to die for Bridge: Far away, in a foreign land, A blinding flash in the desert sand. My dreams are gone, like fading tracks... Erased by the wind... Chorus Tag That's something I died for.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Nice lyric write -- good images. Excellent overall sound. Sad story, but that is war when you come right down to it.
Mighty fine story. A introspective song suitable for memorial day.
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I thought this was a great write, Herb... and an appropriate Memorial Day submission!
I liked all the imagery, but the line "the smell of supper in the air" jumped out at me.
The phrase "to die for" has been applied to things that aren't worthy to be compared to the applications mentioned in this song.. so I appreciate the reality check.
My only nit is that the song's tempo is kind of upbeat, and (for me) that undermined the impact of the conclusion. However, it accents all the good stuff being mentioned throughout the song, so you had a decision to make, and I think you made the right one.
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Herb,
Incredible verbal imagery for this sad, sad song.
Well done
Alyn
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Great sounding song Herb. I have noticed you have a song already ready and ready to go for every major Holiday and World event. Do you have a song for the Day After Memorial Day, and The Day after the Day After Memorial Day too? 
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that sounds great Herb!
Cool composition, sad, but good lyrics.
Love the dobro and the pedal steel!!
Rob
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I remember this one, and it was nice to hear it again!! It is really well-written. The hook line pays off well and there's a ton of great furniture!! Nice one Herb! Take care and thanks for posting again! Greg
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Yup, this was an old song that I have posted before. Suitable for the Memorial Day holiday.
Thank you all for listening.
I think sometimes that I should go back and dig out the final project and rework some of the tracks and sort of update it to how I would mix this today.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 05/31/16 01:39 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Apprentice
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Hi Herb,
I enjoyed this song even before I was on the forum via your Web site, liked it then, like it more today . You really are a master of mixing in the pedal steel, clear, and precisely point spot on.
PaddyG
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Hi Herb,
great song and performance.
For the matter and the song style, it remember me some Country Joe McDonald's song.
Your voice is better.
Sergio
Sergio
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Nice tribute and thought provoking. We owe those men and women a huge debt.
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! Our Videos
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Excellent song. Lyrics were very thought provoking. Loved the rhythm of the song. Fiddle and dobro were very nice. Excellent vocal.
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Productor Musical
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Excellent piece of musical production Herb, great voice, precise selection of instruments, lyric telling stories that remain in the heart. Hold in the good work!
Bendiciones y saludos desde Venezuela.
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Really cool song man. Great lyrics. Quite moving.
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Journeyman
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Dynamite song, Herb. I have to admit I had to look up the word 'imagery' in the dictionary, but it certainly fits this song. The music conjures up visions of Willy singing 'Pancho and Lefty'. The lyrics remind me of my earlier years when I was in the service, albeit, we were in the paddies, not the sand. Thanks for posting it for all to hear, and thanks for your service to our country.
Jeaux
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Lovely melody and chord progression Herb to go with the poignant lyrics. Man that fiddle is sad and sweet. Well done!
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Very nice, Herb. Like Bud said, we owe these men a huge debt. Great write. At times your vocals have just a tad bit of Willie in there. That's a pretty good compliment from Central Texas. Steve
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
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Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
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