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Rust On The Rails

A lifetime love of trains lead me (Bud) to attempt the writing of my first autobiographical song. It’s unconventional in many ways but, hey, it’s all about having fun.

Yeah, yeah, I know if you’ve gotta explain your song you’re in trouble! But if not familiar with the verse three imagery (and interested) this 28 second video shows what I watched as a kid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN9GxmtfX90

Thank you Janice for your support in my tedious efforts to jam four vignettes over many years into a three minute song Thanks to floyd for the thoughtful and helpful mix counsel and to Noel for our song structure discussions. And as always to PG Music and this community.

Oh, and pardon me but I couldn’t resist the SC photo of me at eight years old.

We always appreciate your time to listen and comment.

Vocal: Janice > Rodes NT1 > Scarlett 212 > Logic Pro X
Bass: RT 518 Electric, Pop HalfNotes (multiple comps)
Drums: RD Nashville EV 8ths
Guitar: RT 538 Electric, Rhythm PopBelieveHeld Direct Input (multiple comps)
Piano: MST 1809: Acoustic, Rhythm CountryBalladJohn
Piano: MST 1887: Acoustic, Solo-acc CountryPopJohn
Harmonica: RT 2857 Background CountryPopJellyRoll (multiple comps)
Harmonica: RT 2854 Background CountryPopJellyRoll (multiple comps)

Effects: Nectar 2, CLA Drums, CLA Bass, CLA Guitar, CLA Unplugged, Neutron 2 and Logic Pro X Grand Steinway sound
Mix: Logic Pro X
Mastering: Logic Channel EQ > Waves LinMB > Ozone 8 Imager > Ozone 8 Maximizer > Ozone Tonal Balance

Rust On The Rails

Verse 1
A child sits on a worn store bench next to his daddy
he stares at the dirt path leading to the train station
nearby the postmaster loads the wooden mail cart
the kid waits to chase him in the hot Georgia sun

Verse 2
when older the boy rides his bike down to the station
sittin’ on the loading dock he eats a brown bag lunch
men in fedoras ‘n mama’s with strollers wait in line
the conductor’s circled by colored dots from his punch

Verse 3
years later the young man visits the station house
his old postmaster’s there hanging a mailbag on a crane
the freight train slows down but no longer stops
its hook snatches the bag, he sees little stays the same

Bridge
now an old man, eyes grown dim, he gazes down the line
the rusting rails shimmer and taper into distant pines

Turnaround

Verse 4
standing in the shadow of the leaning water tank
his thoughts are broken by a crow with its caw
the tracks bear no train, only faded memories
a station house that’s nothing but crumbling brick walls

the tracks bear no train, only faded memories

© 2019 Janice and Bud Merritt

Man, this is great you guys.

The sound is incredibly rich and warm. Thoroughly professional.

Super track! Love it!

Thank you David.

J&B

Janice & Bud,

This is some incredible Americana... A great song, sung by a great vocalist.

The mix and instrumentation on this song is truly outstanding. So nuanced and layered with rich tones - it is the sound that I think we all have in our heads and try to achieve. Unbelievably good.

You both have raised the bar again...

Bob

Beautiful sounds...
Stirring some my own memories...
I enjoyed first your autobiographical musical work & ...
I love Janice's voice & delivery.

hi guys perfect vocal this is excellent mix so crisp clear awesome thanks eric

Hey, coming from the forum Americana Master we are even more appreciative of your comments. Thank you big time!

J&B

What a great song, wonderful performance and flawless production. Very well done!

The lyrics reminded me about George Hunters "Train Watching":

"The beast was thundering along, hissing lots of steam
And belching black smoke, a young boy's dream.
We stood real close, with our jaws all slack,
The passing wind near knocked us back.

Golly Gee! That was some sight to behold!
I'll probably remember it when I get old."


Thanks a lot for sharing!
Will

Great imagery delivered by a killer voice. Really enjoyed it!

You two are pros at not only singing and production but at setting up the perfect visuals. These lyrics are outstanding and of course Janice's vocals are fantastic.

This is better than virtually all of the music on today's commercial radio!

Thanks Jim. If we’ve stirred some memories then mission accomplished!

J&B

It's a very clear sketch of recollections.
Almost carries the smells as well.
Excellent vocals on top of a very evocative backing.

Hi Janice and Bud,
Even if I don't understand each word of this song (because I'm french), I feel all the nostalgia there's in it !
Thanks for sharing this great song. Christian

Hi Janice and Bud,

Melancholic song, performed in an excellent way, or many ways; the clearness of the instruments, the beautiful voice, and the nice lyrics.
Makes you longing to yesterday...

Bye,
Hans

You'll have to forgive me for not really recognizing this "song-form". I've got nothing really to compare it to that jumps to mind more-so than 'opera'. What great little pictures laid out on the table in order, full of detail but still a little smokey.

The Band sounds right, and Janice's vocals wrap around these stellar lines punctuating the sense of loss in the telling. Unique to my ears, and a beautiful listen.

Thanks Eric and we appreciate you mentioning the mix.

J&B

What a cool song. I can totally relate to the lyrics in this song as I grew up about a half a block from the tracks. Lots of very dangerous adventures played in those yards. Abandoned buildings, turnarounds for the old steam engines. Stirred up some very old memories.

The backtrack and instrument selection was so perfect for the song. That harmonica boy was it cool.

Janice's voice was absolutely excellent. Such feeling. Such a nice listen. Well done....

Janice & Bud,

The first thing that stands out is the clarity and sound - beautiful work on the mix & production.

Janice - as usual is superb, with lovely feeling in the vocal, evocative lyrics, some masterful story telling, and also a nice album cover photo.

The harmonica sounds excellent and was a great choice for the song.

Wonderful.

Peter

What a thoughtful reply! We went and read that poem and several others by him. Thanks!

J&B

I have never heard any better production on this site......such a wonderful, deep soundstage!!! The harmonica sings so sweetly, but not as sweet as Janice (AMAZING VOCAL!!!!). A really nice tale of a forgotten place, like so many these days. OUTSTANDING!!!! Take care. Greg