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Guitarhacker so true, we are living in a different world and things always change and move ahead. I dare say few people would put "Happiness is a warm gun" in their song today. At the time no one thought anything about it or thought John Lennon was so cool. Or how about women are the "N*****" of the world? I think us old timers (me included) have to look at the effect of words in today's world. Sure we can do what we want as we still have the 1st Amendment and Artistic License but maybe our songs won't be well received by some group. That's all I was saying. And if you don't care and it doesn't hurt your sales, then who cares? If you're writing only for yourself who cares, but if you're selling songs or records who buys most of the music, age 20's women. I love Floyd's song but for some reason that line just stood out and I know he meant well when he said it.
Last edited by Belladonna; 12/20/18 07:02 AM.
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I really like the chord progression, especially in the verses. Great lyrics, I wish I could find a girl like that  Arrangement, vocals and mix are perfect, that solo guitar fits perfectly. I also wish I had a voice like yours Janne
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This is just about as good as it gets.
But then *all* your songs are just about as good as it gets.
Love the write and the vocal sounds great, one of your best.
I always love listening to your productions, all the little things you do that add up. Like the subtle use of the pedal steel for instance, and then when you bring the electric in at 2:25, I wasn't expecting it but man, it came in at the perfect time. Cool way to end the song as well.
Mix sounds fabulous though the phones!
All the best to you and yours for the holidays, looking forward to hearing more of your music next year!
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It's a crying shame when you have to defend the songs you write with long explanations that you didn't write a sexist song. Imagine the Rolling Stones apologizing for writing Under My Thumb...they certainly would have caught more static these days, as it was they were ostracized back then as I recall.
As Dylan said... the times they are a changing.
Herb, There is a really easy way to deal with this phenomenon of "songwriting advice." One way that has worked really well for me is this: if the person giving me advice were Mick Jagger or Bob Dylan, I would be listening really hard. If it is not, I am probably tuning out and going to my happy place. The second is to consider Dylan himself. When Infidels came out (one of my favorite albums of all time) a radio announcer introduced the first hit it by saying: "So pop music has been changing rapidly this decade and Bob Dylan appears not to have heard anything that's on the radio in the last ten years, or just doesn't give a damn. In either case I am glad. Here is his new masterpiece: Jokerman." If being completely obtuse to current musical trends or advice from others is good enough for Bobby Dylan it's good enough for me.
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David Snyder, I know you're a chapter leader of a NASI group and I suppose you never give your group "songwriting advice" because you're not Mick Jagger. My comment was well intentioned, but I can see not many here can take a constructive suggestion. Only "likes" are allowed. And I did like the song.
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Merry Christmas to you FJ!
To me, this is an exotic sounding arrangement and progression with a mysterious spooky melancholy in the music sort of like a Wicked Game vibe. Definitely different from my expectations and outside the usual love song box.
Lots of really cool sounds going on in the production. And my shucks what a great sound on your vocals!
What was your vocal chain on this one?
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Donna,
I actually thought your comment was insightful, and made a good point, and was gracefully delivered. I liked the interchange between you and Floyd too. Songwriters have to be able to discuss such things.
At NSAI meetings we offer many such observations. People take them or leave them. I have had some of my stuff shredded by my best friends. Again, I think you were delicate in the way you presented it.
I was totally goofing around with Herb as I often do (he has been a member of my chapter) and I know I have an odd sense of humor.
Sorry if I offended you. I was just being silly. Totally silly.
Happy Holidays.
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I dare say few people would put "Happiness is a warm gun" in their song today. At the time no one thought anything about it or thought John Lennon was so cool. Or how about women are the "N*****" of the world?
well, the first quote arguably is true. Nothing like the smell of gunpowder and the warmth of a recently fired gun or two. the second.... yeah... John was a great writer and well ahead of his time..... Somehow, when that song was out, I don't recall people marching in the streets in protest of his use of that word..... we all took it in stride. Those dreaded and despicable "letter words" and "N" isn't the only one now apparently.
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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floyd, there is an amazing clarity in the whole production. Especially the vocals. You definitely did something different this time. The chord choices were unexpected and inventive and set the mood perfectly. I didn’t see anything wrong about the lyrics and you presented them very convincingly. You said what you wanted to say-your way. In the end that’s what we all do. It seems to me that writing specifically for the commercial market limits the truly creative process. This is one that is way up your list of great songs. Great use of the steel, especially that repeating line when it first appears. The guitar comes in just right and loud like we like it. A really cool write,performance and production. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Tom
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David Snyder I am not offended as you were joking, but sometimes you never know where people are coming from on social media. I go to the Winchester, VA monthly NSAI group and sometimes my songs get shredded also. This is how I handle it, if someone suggests a change and to me it makes sense and makes the song better I'll change my song. Sometimes it's just an opinion of how someone else would do it and I'll just say "Thanks for your input" and let it go. I really did love Floyd's song, the melody was great and I don't know him, but I think he's an honorable well intentioned man. As an independent woman, I was just offering a suggestion on one of the lyric lines and meant no ill will towards him or anyone else. As I said, he can take it with a grain of salt. I appreciate frank constructive advice that makes a song better. Sometimes I feel just likes from everyone although they may be encouraging and polite and I certainly appreciate them as everyone else don't really say much.
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Yes, Guitarhacker certainly agree sometimes today it's like trying to avoid minefields. Miranda Lambert is the only one I know who gets away with smoking gun songs and I love her.
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Floyd,
I have to listen again- all the discussion has taken me away from the feeling of this fine song.
Its a "mood" song as HearToLearn said;I was expecting euphoria and heard a guy trying to get his head around the realisation of being loved.
A little twist from most love songs and so beautifully sung, arranged and mixed.
Excellent work once again!
Robert
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WOW,
it's a great sounding song.
IF I were to to offer commentary/suggestions re the recording I'd say that I think the 12 string sounding guitar over to the side is a little phasey & fizzy plus I'm not convinced by the lead tone for the setting. These things are minor and have no impact I'm sure.
I understand the concern about the lyric as noted by others - there are at least two sides to a story or a position. It's not a matter of P.C., renaissance or unreconstructedness but of writing perspective.
Personally, if I'd written the words I'd be inclined to change "my" bed, "my" coffee to "our" and a few other things but I didn't write them & wouldn't have because I don't write from that general perspective and for all the other personal experience, etc., reasons.
The lyrics, as written, seem to be comfy within FJ's oeuvre and his explanation of his perspective, if needed by a listener/reader, is much more than a listener is due.
Dylan's Infidels, his 1st release after his god bothering phase, included Union Sundown which is a great example of near unconscious, as opposed to subconscious, lyric - the 1st 41 seconds of vocal melody are voiced as de dah dum dum then a half thought through chorus is added. The choice of words can make or break a song for the listener. I think Knopfler may still have been to in awe of the famously curmudgeonly fellow.
Many folk don't give a rat's about lyrics so long as the melody is compelling. Other folk dissect lyrics looking for clues to the writer or the deeper message. FJ did write "Comments welcome. Have at it." so I'm glad Belladonna added a perspective. I know I offered my own. FJ thanked her for her comment and addressed the issue raised as gently and courteously as they were raised. Credit is due to the pair for not being thinned skinned or combative.
It's a great sounding song.
Last edited by rayc; 12/21/18 05:21 PM.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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I like a good love song, and this is a great one. As others have said, the vocals are superb, not only in the vocal timbre, but also in expressiveness. Good, fresh lyrics. You obviously aren't writing for 20 somethings because most of them wouldn't understand the allusion: "i'd seen it in the movies/bogart and bacall." 
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Floyd,
I really love the chord progression and arrangement here. Very soulful.
The way you put it together, the internal harmonies of the tracks really play off one another well.
It is also very soothing and extremely pleasant to listen to. One I will revisit often.
Great job.
Thanks, David!
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Floyd,
You're a non-stop music machine. As always, just about as good as it could be. The mix is spot on and the vocal is so damn good! Ah, to have a voice like that! And the creative talent - quite a package of talent.
More and more you make me think of a modern-day Ed Bruce. In my book, that's pretty dang good!
Great chord progression, particularly on the chorus. I like how you brought the short (but perfect) guitar lead in 2 bars early, and similarly near the end.
Your lyrics are always some of the very best here or anywhere else. They say more than the "fluff" a lot of writers put out. You seem to have a special line of communication with the human soul. It's truly remarkable.
Alan Alan - thanks for that terrific review. Ed Bruce was certainly under appreciated!! Merry Christmas to you both!
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Hi floyd jane,
I can learn so much from your songwriter style, this beautifully arranged and well sung. A fresh bridge added at the end, that loops well to the beginning. Really enjoyed this song... thanks for posting
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The hard thing about writing love songs is that so many things have been done. The great thing about writing love songs is that when you do something fresh, it really stands out, like this one does!!! Very creative angle on this. Without overstating it, the music and the lyric both paint a picture of happy disbelief in a person who has been around the block more than a few times. The music draws you in, the lyric keeps you listening, and the vocal perfectly reflects the emotion. Mix/arrangement are flawless!! Beautiful!!! Great one Floyd!! Take care. Greg
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Great vocal, excellent arrangement, awesome mix. I love the expression you get out of your voice - a great performance - wonder, surprise, and sincerity all come through. As Alan pointed out, super effective entrance with the lead guitar. The hard-panned twelve string coming in mid-song is clear, but doesn't compete with the vocal. That's the kind of thing I've not quite figured out, good to have an example of how to do it right. Love the final held chord with the fade. Not to mention the slide guitar and how the slide guitar sneaks in and out at just the right time. Did I mention it was a great mix? As for lyrics, you again remind me that it's not about saying anything new, it's about saying it well. Sooo good. David - I always appreciate your comments/reviews of a song. They are thoughtful. They are "musical". Touching on the things that matter to "make a song work". Thanks for the positive thoughts on this one... much appreciated.
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Floyd, this one really sticks with you for a while! Most of your tunes fit in the country genre, but this one is far closer to a classic rock vibe! It really puts me in mind of the Who's "Behind Blue Eyes" same kind of feel, but this one stands on it's own! Such great chord structure and melody, but you lyrics and vocal steal the show once again! Great job Floyd! Thanks, Torrey
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