This song started with some great lyrics from occasional songwriting partner Richard. I used some loops from Drums On Demand's 'My Co-Writer' range. I used BIAB to help me make the organ and flutes parts, the latter a piano part played through a flute patch. I added the electric guitar parts and vocals. More technical info can be found here. Lyrics below. The video as usual was made from snippets culled from the internet including some from adverts for Nokia and Nivea Cream!
It seems to me like only yesterday I walked the world’s young ways, Yearned to become a Dharma bum and while away my days. Old friend, our paths have crossed once more, our souls still search in vain. Our minds dwell now on journeys that we’ll never make again.
A baby boomer, born in peace, a frightened Cold War child. I tasted all forbidden fruit; an appetite run wild. I’ve trampled over hearts and minds that merited more care. My eyes look back but, dulled with tears, they find no comfort there.
What days we had, they were the ones that made us what we've become. Let’s look ahead together for another cue; for something new, What days we could have.
But let’s not feed regret my friend, nor scold our errant ways Or agonize on wagers lost in our remaining days. Each sunrise is a gift bestowed to savour and renew The hopes we had for better times, and take a fresher view.
What days we had, they were the ones that made us what we've become. Let’s look ahead together for another cue; for something new, What days we could have.
We travelled along pathways, worn by many feet before. We hesitated, doubting, never opened other doors. Did we really let it pour away like water down a drain? Let’s gather up our strength once more and hit the road again.
What days we had, they were the ones that made us what we've become. Let’s look ahead together for another cue; for something new.
What days we had, they were the ones that made us what we've become. Let’s look ahead together for another cue; for something new, What days we’ll have.
Great collaboration... I really like the line... "I’ve trampled over hearts and minds that merited more care." I also like the touching ending in your video... Nicely done.
Wow, that is a good song! Well done! And a good production as well!
The video is a nice touch and compliments the song quite nicely.
One question about the video because I have often been thinking about doing the same: How do you get permission to do it? Do you just write all the people / companies and ask if you can use scenes from their videos?
I mean, if I use samples from other peoples music my video will get blocked immediately, but it seems like many content creators are using clips from other peoples videos without getting blocked? What is the secret?
John, Very nice collaboration musically and lyrically. Many great lines, like this: "What days we had, they were the ones that made us what we've become." so true. Top notch production!
REALLY cool. The only thing I'd suggest is looking at TRAMPLED - it's either a serious ess issue of there's an instrument adding to it to make the T aggressive. It does happen occasionally on a few other S sounds but it most aggressive at trampled. Maybe automate the compressor to a faster attack on that spot and other or automate the volume to address them. Regardless - becasue my ears are a tad sensitive to essing & no one else has commented - it's a VERY cool song.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I really enjoyed this. Great production and changes throughout. I like the turn of the phrase "what days we had" to "what days we'll have" as it simply and effectively capsulizes the thrust of the lyric. I hear maybe some David Crosby in the vocals as well as in the song-writing. Anyway, emotionally works.
You guys really did a good job on this one - a solid collaboration Nicely catchy without being overbearing, and the mix on this is superb. It really sounds professional - I wouldn't bat an eyelash if I heard this on the radio.
Hey Skyline, nice work on this! Fantastic selection of instruments here and the mix sounds well polished too. All of the elements are layered very nicely. Keep it up!
Seriously good in all aspects. Liked what you did to get the flutes, excellent dynamics and build up, strong vocal, and some nice guitar and bass parts - all topped off with a good video.
I (Bud) was born during the first week of the first month of the first year of the baby boom.
Janice is younger but we both just fell into this song immediately.
No need to quote lines...we loved the entire write and the terrific vocal/guitar performances and arrangement and the mix.
This is a textbook example of great dynamics -- letting the song breathe.
This is a seriously pro level sounding production that nudges the bar up for all.
Mega kudos!!!
J&B
PS And a very nice vid
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
Many, many thanks friends for the amazing responses! I was so pleased to be able to do justice to Richard's wonderfully evocative lyrics.
Originally Posted By: Will Josef
... One question about the video because I have often been thinking about doing the same: How do you get permission to do it? Do you just write all the people / companies and ask if you can use scenes from their videos?
I mean, if I use samples from other peoples music my video will get blocked immediately, but it seems like many content creators are using clips from other peoples videos without getting blocked? What is the secret? Will
Many thanks Will. As for the videos, I look for appropriate clips/snippets on Vimeo usually, sometimes YouTube, although there's so much 'non-creative' stuff on YT it's more difficult searching. I think most people realise that once they post video work on the internet it's effectively in the public domain. But I do try and contact originators, explaining I don't intend to make money from their work. I very rarely get replies. When I do I usually get permission. I have only ever had one refusal. I do put a caption in the closing credits to cover myself in case someone does object. I hope that helps!
Your singing is a perfect fit, the instruments and their arrangement are outstanding and the clarity of the production is what I continuously strive for but have not yet managed to obtain.
Every which way I look and listen to this it comes up first class. A super write and an equally super presentation.
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Nicely catchy without being overbearing, and the mix on this is superb. It really sounds professional - I wouldn't bat an eyelash if I heard this on the radio.
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