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Ok, my birthday is coming up, so I thought I wanted to post one of my "best" songs - or, at least, one of my favourite. It's called: INSTEAD OF CRYING It was written on a baritone ukulele (which is the very first instrument you hear at the beginning). I love the baritone. Strange instrument. It can be lovely, but it can also sound pretty bad, sometimes. I just love it  Anyway, this is a simple song, but for some reason it's a favourite of mine, among the many I've written. Maybe because I feel it "resembles" me, in several ways. It's hard to explain. Well, I hope you like it. (BIAB helped with drums and maybe bass, I am not sure, I can be more specific if you want) Here's the lyrics. INSTEAD OF CRYING There's a light far out on the sea there's a sign on top of a hill and there's a road, and it starts right here and here I see our love, and I know it won't disappear cause you and I we've seen this before and all this time we've been looking for more But instead of running let's sit on the sand and instead of talking let's listen and dance and instead of waiting let's call all our friends and instead of crying just kiss me again And there's a night when I cannot sleep and there's a day when nothing seems deep but you and I we know what to do side by side we fly to the moon And instead of running we lay down on the grass and instead of talking we just sing and dance and instead of hiding we share it with friends and instead of crying we just kiss again
Last edited by Jon Thomas; 12/10/17 01:20 PM.
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Hi Jon,
What a cool track!
There's something about this track which just makes you relax and want to smile all the time.
Loved the uke. In fact loved everything about this song, especially your super smooth vocal delivery.
Going back for a second listen.
ROG.
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Another good one John. Your music always has a magical touch to it.
Great lyrics, vocal and production.
Rob
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Hi Jon,
Your music is always a real treat! This is so danged wonderful it's light, happy and lays so nicely in my ears. That uke is fabulous. The violin is a great choice, too.
Totally loved this. I'm still relaxed and smiling. Best to you.
Alan
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
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Thanks for posting this Jon.
I really enjoyed it.
Toe tapping and uplifting lyrics.
Dancing a little.
Cheers.
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Thank you guys!!!
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Jon, This is a nice uplifting write that just feels good. The vocal is top notch and the production is excellent. I really enjoyed it. By the way, with Italian being your first language, you sure do a good job speaking American . Lol, Tom
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I am really liking your tunes Jon. Super vocal and lyric. Well done
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Very good song to calm down, relax and think positively during these darkening winter days and busy festive season. Simple, but effective selection of instruments.
Janne
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Jon,
Excellent. Very professional - like all your stuff has been. Your ukulele playing is really nice (and well recorded). Your vocals are superb - your "American" (as Tom said) is impeccable (amazing). Would love to hear you sing one in Italian, too - assuming you write in it as well...
Is the fiddle an RT? Sounds like it done "custom" for the song...
A great listen.
floyd
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This is a remarkable production.
Everything from the first note onwards is absolutely great.
The lyrics are sensational, and delivered with a masterful vocal. The song overall has a really nice 'island' feel, no doubt from the Ukulele.
Really enjoyed this.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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Thank you guys, again! Floyd, that violin is not a RT. If I remember correctly (it's been a while since I first recorded this song) that was a violin loop from one of those loop libraries, but I had to edit it more than a bit to "fit" the song. As far as songs in Italian, yes, I do write in my own language, although I'd say that 90% of my songs are in English. Actually at the moment I'm working on an album of original songs in my own language, but I'm just starting. They're all written, I just need to record them. I'll post some when ready, I promise, but it's gonna take a few months - I have no time But the musical style is going to be VERY different from what you've heard so far from me. Somehow, a different language leads to compose completely different music. Not sure why. Anyway, thanks again for your support guys. It means a lot
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Wonderful song!! You really have a knack for creating music that is so engaging. It's just pleasant to listen to. Absolutely love that fiddle! And the mandolin is very nice too! This is one of my faves of yours for sure (although I like them all!) Enjoyed much!! Take care. Greg
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Jon
Really pretty and beautifully produced all round. Lovely vocal - lovely song.
Peter
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"There's something about this track which just makes you relax and want to smile all the time." Yes, just what ROG said. Can't wait to play this for Janice...it will give her what she calls "happy feet!" Pro level performance, arrangement and production. Nice! 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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Hi,
nice sound and vocal in this song.
Very well performed.
Sergio
Sergio
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Thank you all guys, you are very, very kind.
J.
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Just beautiful Jon. Your songs are always such a treat. Happy Birthday!
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