Six years ago, while recovering from surgery, I was diagnosed with an incurable form of Muscular Dystrophy called Charcot Marie Toothe (a condition that deteriorates the muscles in the hands and feet, and works its way up the body). Though the doctors can't cure it, I am looking to a Higher Doctor's report. Every year, I like to do something to sort of "kick the devil in the teeth." This is my kick for this year. I played all the pianos, organs, and synth keyboards (just to keep on doing it), and let BB do the rest. I hope you enjoy this...
Here are the RT's/RD's used... RealTracks in song: 995:Bass, Electric, HardRockLA Ev 120 RealTracks in song: 2434:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm NewOrleansMardiGrasKevin Ev 170 RealTracks in song: 1850:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopShiningGrittyMuted Ev 120 RealTracks in song: ~500:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm StoneZ Flash 1 Ev 140 ('A' only) RealTracks in song: 1001:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm HardRockLAFuzzySync Ev 120 RealTracks in song: ~~1120:Guitar, 12-String Acoustic, Strumming Ev 165 RealTracks in song: 1171:Guitar, Electric, Soloist RockUpbeatBrent Ev 140 RealDrums [in Song:Rock90s^01-a:Closed Hat, Snare, b:Open Hat, Snare
I won’t go down easy I'm gonna fight the fight Not being greedy I Just want what's right You may think I'm crazy I wouldn't take that bet You may think my better days are through But I've got a different point of view
A little grey around the temples works just fine But if you think I'm done, that's where I draw the line These bones may rattle to the beat of the songs I play But make no mistake, these bones are here to stay
I won’t go down easy I'm gonna fight the fight Not being greedy I Just want what's right You may think I'm crazy I wouldn't take that bet You may think my better days are through But I've got a different point of view
It's been a long time since I played my first guitar Three chords and a prayer got me off to a pretty good start Those piano keys, they still feel good to me Give me a few more bars, and you'll be dancing in the street
I won’t go down easy I'm gonna fight the fight Not being greedy I Just want what's right You may think I'm crazy I wouldn't take that bet You may think my better days are through But I've got a different point of view
Steve Young Music "In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
Positively marvelous... And I emphasize Positively... Keep looking towards the "Higher Doctor's report"... And keep kicking "the devil in the teeth"... BTW... I like your uplifting songs!
Nice to get a good catchy pop song from you Good way to start with the chorus, to get into fast pace rhythm. I like the soft arrangement/mix, and those little percussion effect are nice additions. Enjoyable singing, you are showing your 'kick' in a very lively way. Really enjoyed the song, keep on fighting!
" little grey around the temples works just fine But if you think I'm done, that's where I draw the line These bones may rattle to the beat of the songs I play But make no mistake, these bones are here to stay"
Now that's testifyin'!
For a rock song, somewhat counter intuitively, there is a gentle core that flows through the entire production and it enhances the message.
Your keyboards and the RT/RD tracks make a fine band as always.
The sincerity of your vocals never disappoint. We are all about soul, sincerity, feeling... whatever you want to call it in vocals for any genre and you have it in spades.
Keep kicking him!!!
We enjoyed both the audio and video versions.
J&B
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.
Inspiring, intelligent, and beautiful!!! Wonderful song, and so well played and performed! Wonderful message, wonderfully delivered! Everything done just right! AWESOME Steve!!! Take care. Greg
Excellent voice - you recorded and processed the well sung track really well. Perhaps you could share your vocal processing secrets? Strong, driving arrangement with a message to match. COOL!
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I really love what you've done. The driving beat, the '10th Dan Black Belt' arrangement, your outstanding vocals and those really engaging lyrics. Everything about this was aural excellence for me... seriously!
As you've probably gathered by now from listening to my songs, I'm a pretty big fan of the interrupted cadence. In many of my songs, I've used this cadence to create an ending.
I'm not sure, but this might be called a 'deceptive cadence' in the States. It’s also called a ‘Surprise Cadence’ in my part of the world. The principle of this music device is to firmly set the audience up for closure and then not give them that closure. This lack of resolution then leads to delaying the final closure for as long as the composer wants. Mozart created some amazing endings using this approach. If you listen to the ending of Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (below Youtube clip) from around 19:30, you'll hear what I mean. A number of times, the listener finds themselves thinking that the end is just around the corner but Mozart then teases the audience and it doesn't arrive as expected. When the ending finally does come along, the sense of relief felt by listeners is enormous and this brings with it a huge desire to applaud!
In terms of classical harmony notation, a popular chord progression for setting up this interrupted cadence is "I-IV-I6/4-V7-VI" where chord VI is, in this instance, the interruption to the ending and substitutes for what listeners think will be the tonic chord. Using chord symbols in the key of C major, the above progression translates to C-F-C/G-G7-Am. (For those who read this and who might be interested in translating the progression into a minor key, using A minor as an example, this interrupted cadence would be Am-Dm-Am/E-E7-F.)
The reason I mention the above interrupted cadence is because you’ve taken us on exactly the same ride with the chorus’s lyrics. I love that you started with the chorus and you totally took me by surprise when you got to the second last line.
Up until this second last line, the lyrics' rhyme has travelled in alternate rhyming phrases; namely, ABAB and then we get to “crazy” and “bet” and I was totally tuned-in into the next line (the second last line) rhyming with “crazy”. But it didn’t! You made me sit up and open my eyes with that second last line for two reasons. One: you don’t rhyme as expected; Two: you lengthen the line by an extra poetic foot and create lyric deceleration! Wow! This is very effective for highlighting these last two lines in sun-bright spotlights. This, in turn, makes the lyric content of those two lines stand prominently proud and tall. Amazing stuff and so very, very effective. Then, in true Shakespearean style, you close the chorus by using the last two lines to create a rhyming couplet; more spotlights! How cool is that!
The strategy that you’ve used for writing the chorus lyrics appealed to me greatly. I cannot remember ever coming across this layout before… I tip my proverbial hat to you
What a great positive and encouraging tune Steve!! A slick polished production as is the norm for you! Great vocals...lead and background! Loved those Springsteen-esque bells happening at the end! Thanks, Torrey
Very nice, strong song, with a good performance on your vocals! The lyrics are very personal, but especially the courage that comes out makes it strong 'I won’t go down easy, I'm gonna fight the fight' is an example of that.
I have a close neighbour suffering from the same disease. So I know what a fight that is. But continue making your nice songs!
Wow - what a tune! I love just about every aspect of this. Super catchy and uplifting, and your vocals soar on this one. Really memorable chord progressions to boot. Having a disease like that has to be tough - I can only imagine. Keep fighting the good fight! At lease it doesn't seem to be effecting your creativity.
Great voice, good energy. Nice keys, keep kicking!
Thanks so much!
Originally Posted By: Jim
Positively marvelous... And I emphasize Positively... Keep looking towards the "Higher Doctor's report"... And keep kicking "the devil in the teeth"... BTW... I like your uplifting songs!
Thanks, Jim! Glad you like this. I am definitely staying positive, and keeping my eyes on the Higher Doctor!
Originally Posted By: dcuny
What a treat! It's always great to hear one of your songs.
A very mellow rocker. I loved the arrangement - the tambourine, guitar solo and tubular bells.
Upbeat message, glad you're fighting the good fight.
Even as a rocker, everything in this is so smooth and easy. Actually it makes me want to hear a more gritty mix.
Only one real suggestion, though - the end fade is a bit abrupt.
Thanks for posting this!
Thank you so much for your input, David. Glad you like this one. I did lengthen the ending now by a little bit. I appreciate you taking the time to listen and post!
===
Steve
Steve Young Music "In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
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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.
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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!
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Good way to start with the chorus, to get into fast pace rhythm. I like the soft arrangement/mix, and those little percussion effect are nice additions. Enjoyable singing, you are showing your 'kick' in a very lively way. Really enjoyed the song, keep on fighting!
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