Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#515323 01/04/19 04:17 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Closer Than A Tattoo

Pop Rock nostalgia.

RealTracks in song: 1523:Bass, Electric, PowerPop Ev 120
RealTracks in style: 1535:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopPowerPushA-B Ev 120
RealTracks in style: 1526:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopPowerPushA-B Ev 120
RealTracks in song 2667 Pedal Steel Background Dreamy
RealTracks in song: 1526:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopPowerPushA-B Ev 120
RealDrums in song Praise Worship Shine



Closer Than A Tattoo

all I have is one picture
from our summer of love
standing on the bridge like you`re reading scripture
from the clouds above

I like to think it was me
put that spark in your eyes of flint
pressed the shutter couldn`t breathe
knowing you weren`t one to blink

train clattering round the bend
there`s no full stop at our story`s end

a tear of candlewax
hides the tree where we sheltered
the sun and moon my defences stood no chance
when you danced by the river

said we`re never going back
with our bodies and with ink
we`d stitch our fate make it fact
an indelible link

pulling out to the chains length
the best laid plans with all our strength

hearts too full
hearts too full for our lips to speak
if I could choose
choose the words a day with you to keep
clearer than a picture
closer than a tattoo

carry my dreams from the attic to the cellar
you and me girl in Kodachrome forever

hearts too full
hearts too full for our lips to speak
if I could choose
choose the words a day with you to keep
clearer than a picture
closer than a tattoo

© Robert Cordrey Dec. 2018

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,612
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,612
Nice write - very evocative. Solid production, well sung. Not my style of melody, but enjoyable nonetheless.

we`d stitch our fate make it fact

Great line.


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,980
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,980
The unexpected phrasing of longer lines reminds me of Grant McLennan of the Go-Betweens' solo work.
Your voice becomes more certain and on task as the song progresses.
"Closer than a tattoo" is a very effective image.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,683
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,683
Nice one, Robert! As always a good write.

Over all the vocal sounded good, and the vocal harmonies are very effective.

Nice production also, starting out with just the piano works well, and I like the way you brought in the pedal steel.

Good way to start out the new year!

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Hello Robert,

what a great song title that's a really strong picture.. And a very nice song, too. Enjoyed the listen.

Cheers,

Stefan

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,735
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,735
Robert, interesting and fresh!

Great lyrics. Interesting harmony. Almost like punk rock sections were smoothed and slowed down for this smile
I enjoyed it!

Thank you!
Misha.

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
Jim Offline
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,944
I enjoyed the lyrics & your vocal delivery of them...
vivid images leading to the hook... Closer Than A Tattoo
I really like that phrase.


Jim
†=☮&♥
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,112
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,112
Robert,

This is a great piece... I love the feel and the dark undertones. Lots of texture and a very cool set of lyrics.

I'm all in on this one. smile

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Originally Posted By: dcuny
Nice write - very evocative. Solid production, well sung. Not my style of melody, but enjoyable nonetheless.

we`d stitch our fate make it fact

Great line.


Thanks for the positives, David.
Due to the busy season I got the vocal in 3 takes ( I`m usually I`m in double figures!) so glad you approve of that.

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,644
Robert

Enjoyed the song - as always an interesting and clever lyric. Has all the hallmarks of your style and is nicely
produced and written.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,271
Great band with lots of dynamics in the arrangement. Very clear mix and that pedal steel with it strong reverb fits perfectly. Nice photographic story.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,931
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,931
Robert. You got me with the title of this one and it didnt disappoint. Your lyrics are always so well thought out and crafted. Kudos on the production too.


LyricLab – Where words become music https://www.lyriclab.net/
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
Robert some really really great imaginary in your lyrics. Beautiful contemplation and memories. Really enjoyed the vocals and melody. Very good song.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,975
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,975
Awesome tune Robert. Loved the way you started the song. Very cool when the band kicked it. Super vocal. Mix was excellent as well


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,469
Robert,

"Closer Than A Tattoo" - One of the most intriguing titles I've ever heard!! Awesome.

And a very interesting write. Very original.

"said we`re never going back
with our bodies and with ink
we`d stitch our fate make it fact
an indelible link"

Strong.

The BAND on this is really nice. A good mix, And your vocal is "confident". One of your best, I think.

I like it.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Originally Posted By: rayc
The unexpected phrasing of longer lines reminds me of Grant McLennan of the Go-Betweens' solo work.
Your voice becomes more certain and on task as the song progresses.
"Closer than a tattoo" is a very effective image.


Thank you- I`ll have to check out that singer.

Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Nice one, Robert! As always a good write.

Over all the vocal sounded good, and the vocal harmonies are very effective.

Nice production also, starting out with just the piano works well, and I like the way you brought in the pedal steel.

Good way to start out the new year!


Dave,
I`ve been trying different things to make mixes less muddy,so I hope its working.
Originally I had the whole band in at the start- it seemed to take away from the lyrics so thanks for the nod on the just piano opening.

Robert

Originally Posted By: Crossroads
Hello Robert,

what a great song title that's a really strong picture.. And a very nice song, too. Enjoyed the listen.

Cheers,

Stefan


Stefan,

Thanks for your listen and comments!


Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,051
Nicely done Robert!! Pretty song, and some beautiful lyrical images...reminds me a little of Leonard Cohen! Vocal is very emotive and beautiful. Like Floyd said, great title. You should listen to This Tattoo (great song by David Wilcox). Great stuff here!! Take care. Greg

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,360
I always enjoy the listen and know that I'll like what you write

I'm a fan

you are a creative and great writer

I don't always love the phrasing but it makes it uniquely you

this is a fine write, storytelling is what we're supposed to be about

love it,

Kenny

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
Robert, interesting and fresh!

Great lyrics. Interesting harmony. Almost like punk rock sections were smoothed and slowed down for this smile
I enjoyed it!

Thank you!
Misha.



Thanks for that, Misha!

Originally Posted By: Jim
I enjoyed the lyrics & your vocal delivery of them...
vivid images leading to the hook... Closer Than A Tattoo
I really like that phrase.


I appreciate that - no idea where that line came from, just glad I wrote it down and saved it!

Originally Posted By: rsdean
Robert,

This is a great piece... I love the feel and the dark undertones. Lots of texture and a very cool set of lyrics.

I'm all in on this one. smile

Bob


Thank you, Bob!

Originally Posted By: PeterF
Robert

Enjoyed the song - as always an interesting and clever lyric. Has all the hallmarks of your style and is nicely
produced and written.

Peter


Peter,

I`m glad you liked this. I guess I have a recognizable lyrical style... sometime I think musically I`d do better to play around with less varied styles though!

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Originally Posted By: jannesan
Great band with lots of dynamics in the arrangement. Very clear mix and that pedal steel with it strong reverb fits perfectly. Nice photographic story.

Janne


Thank you,Janne!

Originally Posted By: JoanneCooper
Robert. You got me with the title of this one and it didnt disappoint. Your lyrics are always so well thought out and crafted. Kudos on the production too.


Joanne,
Thanks for your listen and kind comments!

Originally Posted By: Belladonna
Robert some really really great imaginary in your lyrics. Beautiful contemplation and memories. Really enjoyed the vocals and melody. Very good song.


Its good to hear that - particularly on the lyrics; you write some cool images yourself!


Originally Posted By: Scott C
Awesome tune Robert. Loved the way you started the song. Very cool when the band kicked it. Super vocal. Mix was excellent as well


Thank you, Scott!

Robert

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!

We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!

Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.

Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles

Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)

And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.

You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.

Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!

The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!

Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!

With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!

These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!

This Free Bonus PAK includes:

  • The 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
  • Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
  • Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
  • Playable RealTracks Set 4
  • RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
  • SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
  • 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:

  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
  • Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
  • Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
  • RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!

We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!

If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!

Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!

We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!

If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!

Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins

Join the conversation on our forum.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,381
Posts778,480
Members39,638
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
graceshova, Leo grant, DobBylan, JoeyCost, Ted1968
39,637 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 149
DC Ron 111
WaoBand 109
rsdean 89
dcuny 76
Today's Birthdays
furlanetto31
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5