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 are here on our website.
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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
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MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
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Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
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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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