|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,032
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,032 |
Today we might call him "homeless", but in 1975, we called him a "bum". We (Deb - the girl who would become my wife - and I) happened upon him one day as we walked in the South Florida area where we lived and worked. (I was playing a regular bar gig, Deb waited tables (Ft. Lauderdale). We rented a one room garage apartment (not far from "homeless" ourselves)). For a couples of hours we listened to the stories he spun - all the while "bumming" cigarettes from us. The price of admission. We gave him the remainder of the pack when we went on our way... THE BUM i met a bum on the beach in boca he said the islands is where i belong if i was thirty years younger, i'd swim there followin' the smell of the rum he used his coat for a pillow the state of the world for a crutch he'd tell you a story for spare cigarette two if you were a soft touch his hands were swollen and bleeding his stories as raw as they come his whole life a matter of waiting to hear he traveled the world on a thumb i've sold more lies than the devil himself bought love for more than it's worth sailed every body of water there is known every woman on the face of this earth i could have been rich if i wanted i could have been in heaven tonight but a poor man sees a whole lot more and i stuck around for the fight success is just one way to grow old mister's a name i'm not called yeah, i could have been rich if i wanted but getting back here is too long a fall alaska, jamiaca, new zealand i speak at least seven tongues been drunk in london, in jail in hong kong and twice almost got myself hung well, i might die tomorrow if i were you i wouldn't take bets look me up next time you're around hey, can you spare one more cigarette The BAND: RealTracks in song: ~520:Bass, Electric, Pop HalfNotes Ev 165 RealTracks in song: ~407:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Ev 165 RealTracks in song: 378:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming DoubleTime Ev 088 RealTracks in song: 623:Banjo, Background Backporch Ev 098 RealTracks in song: 1608:Guitar, High-Strung Acoustic, Rhythm Pop16ths Ev16 110 RealTracks in song: ~622:Pedal Steel, Background Waylon Ev 176 RealTracks in song: ~618:Fiddle, Background Allis Ev 120 RealTracks in song: 2172:Mandolin, Soloist CountryAndy Ev 165 RealTracks in song: ~597:Guitar, Acoustic, Soloist Bluegrass Doc Ev 100 RealDrums in Song: NashvilleBrushesCountryPopEv16: a: Sidestick, Brushes b: Brushes Hope you enjoy the stories as much as we did. Happy Thanksgiving. Comments welcome. Have at it. floyd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103 |
Man, so good! My new favorite from you I think.
Classic changes and perfect key for your vocal I think, just sounds so smooth and natural. Love the instrumentation and production, the way you bring in the pedal steel at the beginning for example. I dig the fade out ending too, really works well. Mix is as good as it gets, totally pro.
Loved the backstory too!
Your music never fails to move me in some way, I'm a fan!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,371
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,371 |
Hi Floyd.
The number of instruments in your track list belies the wonderful open feel of the arrangement. I expected something more intense and involved, but was enthralled as the track evolved.
Terrific story. I think that the hardest thing to achieve in life is just being happy and as I look around I don't see that the people with money and possessions are always the best at that.
Loved the whole thing. As professional as always and a super mix. Particularly liked the stereo on this one - big without sounding artificial.
One of your best. (Though I still like your heavier side!)
Cheers, ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414 |
Wow - I thoroughly enjoyed this, Floyd. I love how vivid your storytelling is here. There's some seriously great lyrics here. I almost feel like the lack of a chorus made it hit even harder. It's a fantastically written song. You should be very proud of this one - thanks so much for sharing 
Cheers, Deryk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360 |
"the state of the world for a crutch"
that's a line that I wish I'd written
the entire song is a super write and shows great storytelling ability
I instantly fell in love with that acoustic bluegrass Doc soloist
easy flowing, takes you along gently painting images
makes you want to hear it again as soon as it ends
"I could've been rich if I wanted"
even if he could not have, his experiences made him
wonderful mix
as always, I enjoyed this very much
Kenny
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,008
PG Music Staff
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,008 |
I think that this song is probably my new favourite from you. Victoria has a pretty high homeless population (perhaps because it is so temperate year round; some also choose it as a lifestyle), so this song hits pretty close to home and almost moved me to tears. There is so much that we will never understand that they go through on a daily basis, and I feel like this song gives us a small glimpse in to what it's like.
Thanks for making and sharing this song with us! <3
Cheers, Ember
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,547
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,547 |
All the lines are great, but these are genius: his hands were swollen and bleeding his stories as raw as they come his whole life a matter of waiting to hear he traveled the world on a thumb Nice!!!! Great song, Floyd. Kinda reminds me of Mr. Bojangles. I have a story kind of like this. The result of it was REM's third album. Maybe I will tell it later.  Happy Thanksgiving.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664
PG Music Staff
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664 |
Hi Floyd Jane, well done on this! I found the vocals quite captivating and an excellent groove with this. The Mandolin is a great touch too!
Cheers, Joe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,719 |
Hi Floyd. Great this one. Nice and relaxed. A mixture of Tom T Hall and Jimmy Buffet to my ears. Can relate to more of the song than I like to admit. Sailing islands rum Hong Kong and more Oh dear. Cheers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,708
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,708 |
Hi Floyd,
What a great song! The simplicity of the backing tracks was great idea so as not to detract from fabulous lyric. By far the story telling in the lyric shines above all else.
Also, the way the backing tracks gentle layered up in about halfway through just added to the anticipation of the remainder of the song - compels the listener to pleasantly wait for the ending.
I could have heard Tom T. singing this back in '75 or '76. I'm quite comfortable with analogizing this to a Tom T. Hall effort. He's one of the very best story songwriters in country music history and this is right up there. It can be difficult to hold the listeners' attention without a chorus and a somewhat repetitive verse. But you threw all that out the window and stamped this with an indelible "can't wait to hear it again" mark.
I could ramble on more with seemingly unending praise, but I think you get the point that I believe this is a fabulous song on all accounts and I simply love it.
Best to you and yours.
Alan
Last edited by Al-David; 11/22/17 10:36 AM.
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615 |
Floyd you truly are a story telling in song. Great lyrics and vocals. Love your instrument choices. Well told. Rob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497 |
Hi, Floyd !
The best I´ve heard from you so far without any doubt ! Love your singing and that superb tune with those beautiful chords !:))
Cheers Dani
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
floyd
A wonderful piece of storytelling. The music sits perfectly behind the lyric with your trademark delivery. Lovely mix and full of superb lines and touches.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,419
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,419 |
Very cool lyric Floyd. Vocal and backtrack was such a smooth blend. Just fit so tight with each other. So enjoyable. Guitar was very cool as well. Well done
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,032
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,032 |
Man, so good! My new favorite from you I think.
Classic changes and perfect key for your vocal I think, just sounds so smooth and natural. Love the instrumentation and production, the way you bring in the pedal steel at the beginning for example. I dig the fade out ending too, really works well. Mix is as good as it gets, totally pro.
Loved the backstory too!
Your music never fails to move me in some way, I'm a fan!
Thanks for that very nice review, Dave...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,096
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,096 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
floyd
A wonderful piece of storytelling. The music sits perfectly behind the lyric with your trademark delivery. Lovely mix and full of superb lines and touches.
Peter Floyd, I could quote all the praise of listeners so far- Peter sums up my thoughts well. This is the best song I`ve heard about "bums" ( we called them tramps in the UK) since Ralph McTell`s Streets of London. Going back for another liten to all that streetwise wisdom! Robert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,242
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,242 |
Hello, floyd
There is a deep taste of the folk song in this tune. I like your rock vocals very much, but this song is also very nice. How to use RealTracks is really wonderful. Particularly Mandolin, Soloist CountryAndy Ev 165. And as always, your vocals are noteworthy. Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,032
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,032 |
Hi Floyd.
The number of instruments in your track list belies the wonderful open feel of the arrangement. I expected something more intense and involved, but was enthralled as the track evolved.
Terrific story. I think that the hardest thing to achieve in life is just being happy and as I look around I don't see that the people with money and possessions are always the best at that.
Loved the whole thing. As professional as always and a super mix. Particularly liked the stereo on this one - big without sounding artificial.
One of your best. (Though I still like your heavier side!)
Cheers, ROG. ROG - thanks for all of that. Really appreciate it...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,032
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 13,032 |
Wow - I thoroughly enjoyed this, Floyd. I love how vivid your storytelling is here. There's some seriously great lyrics here. I almost feel like the lack of a chorus made it hit even harder. It's a fantastically written song. You should be very proud of this one - thanks so much for sharing  Nice of you to say, Deryk... Thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,635
Posts807,795
Members40,179
| |
Most Online64,515 Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|