Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#561961 11/01/19 10:38 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Angels Don`t Do Anything

In gratitude for the better angels in my life who somehow stick around.

Style is _RISING.STY (Rising Fingerpicking w/Drums)


RealTracks in style: ~2505:Piano, Electric, HeldChords 085
RealTracks in style: 2914:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Folky16thsBrent Ev16 085
RealTracks in song: 2542:Pedal Steel, Background ModernBalladAtmosphere Ev16 065
RealTracks in song: 2667:Pedal Steel, Background DreamySingleNote Ev 075



Angels Don`t Do Anything

almost out of chances allowed
to read your tattoed soul
getting close enough to know
your masterpeice of art
will break someone`s heart

take a train to become invisible
lose yourself in the blur
in stations of the waiting world
a girl`s unforgettable face
returning you to grace

angels
angels don`t do anything
angels are just there
oceans in their eyes
making hard truth and lies
easier to bear

man in the torn straw hat
beside you as you fight against the crowd
whispers can sound so loud
did he say was it a dream
over here step outside stream

nights you try to make more light
burning rights with wrongs on a pyre
standing all around the fire
children who never lost faith
in promises you made

angels
angels don`t do anything
angels are just there
oceans in their eyes
making hard truth and lies
easier to bear
oceans in their eyes
making hard truth and lies
easier to bear


© Robert Cordrey Sept. 2019

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,228
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,228
Another fragile beauty Robert.
Musically no nits to pick.

Lyrically, and these are personal observations - I know lyric writing is a very individual thing - I found these two lines at odds with the rest of the piece:

"your masterpeice of art"

"burning rights with wrongs on a pyre"

I think it's becasue the idea of each line may be overstated given the rest of the lyric. Possibly more so with the 2nd line as it's followed with fire as well.

Lovely song.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,011
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,011
Very nice, Robert! You certainly have your own signature sound.

Lots of great lines, especially like:

"oceans in their eyes
making hard truth and lies"

Track sounds great too, enjoyed the listen.

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,725
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,725
Hi Robert,

Another very nice song of you with very good lyrics!
But thas nothing new... I'm already a fan of your songs.

Hans


Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130
User Showcase
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Nice song, lovely lyrics and comes across well,

Enjoyed this.

Thanks


win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 .
https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,184
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,184
You hooked me in with title.

Great arrangement and mix; emotive vocal, evocative lyrics. Subtle harmony on the chorus. Interesting chord choices.

So... wow. laugh


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,274
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,274
Lovely song Robert. One of your best vocals. The acoustic frame the vocal so perfectly. Steele was a nice add. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,066
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,066
Impressive lyrics combined with a beautiful melodic ballad give this piece great character and style.

This song really works so well. Well done.


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Originally Posted By: rayc
Another fragile beauty Robert.
Musically no nits to pick.

Lyrically, and these are personal observations - I know lyric writing is a very individual thing - I found these two lines at odds with the rest of the piece:

"your masterpeice of art"

"burning rights with wrongs on a pyre"

I think it's becasue the idea of each line may be overstated given the rest of the lyric. Possibly more so with the 2nd line as it's followed with fire as well.

Lovely song.


Ray,
Thanks for the positive comments.
Back and forth on lyrics isn`t a place I like to go... but I really appreciate that you listen closely enough to consider them and have a response!



Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Very nice, Robert! You certainly have your own signature sound.

Lots of great lines, especially like:

"oceans in their eyes
making hard truth and lies"

Track sounds great too, enjoyed the listen.


Dave,
I guess my ballads have been distilling into a recognizable style over the years ( hopefully not a repetitive one).
I`m glad you enjoyed this.


Originally Posted By: Birchwood
Hi Robert,

Another very nice song of you with very good lyrics!
But thas nothing new... I'm already a fan of your songs.

Hans


Thank you! I try to keep fans of my songs happy...and yet not bored with "sounds like his last song" material.

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,539
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,539
I prefer indie movies over blockbusters with massive effects and the almost nonexistent story told too many times. Your music is like an indie movie, maybe bit uncomfortable at first, but on a closer look, an new adventure opens in another world with simple but intriguing textures of life.

This is the best I have heard from you, beautiful melody and very interesting chording, especially the chorus is something angel-like. This should be on the top of all charts, but at least it is now the on my chart smile

and the selection of instruments is great, the piano and pedal steel are used pefectly to create interest in the sparse arrangement. Are those listed RTs all you have used, I can hear at least some vocal aahs. Your voice and harmonies are very emotional.

The lyrics are very descriptive, haunting, mysterious and touching at the same time, "making hard truth and lies easier to bear" - very strong poetry.

Thank you Robert for this musical journey!

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Robert

A lovely ballad and one of your best vocals - really liked the harmony. Nice backing and evocative lyrics.

Really well done.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,187
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,187
Robert,

Another fragile beauty, as rayc said.
And I agree with Peter.
A lovely ballad and one of your best vocals - really liked the harmony. Nice backing and evocative lyrics.
It starts with a melody resembling Bob Dylan's “Blowin' in the Wind”, but the subsequent developments are completely different, and it has a very sophisticated finish.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Hi Rob. I found this to work very well.Its typical of your whimsical style.
As usual your eclectic lyrics draw the listener in.
Great tune thanks for posting. Rob4580

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,845
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,845
Robert,

A beautiful song.

A wonderful production. A very intimate sound and a vocal to match.

So nice.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Originally Posted By: beatmaster
Nice song, lovely lyrics and comes across well,

Enjoyed this.

Thanks


Thank you!

Originally Posted By: dcuny
You hooked me in with title.

Great arrangement and mix; emotive vocal, evocative lyrics. Subtle harmony on the chorus. Interesting chord choices.

So... wow. laugh


Countless songs`bout angels written already- I tried for a slightly different angle on the tried and true.
Glad you liked this...and thanks for the mention of chorus harmonies.


Originally Posted By: Scott C
Lovely song Robert. One of your best vocals. The acoustic frame the vocal so perfectly. Steele was a nice add. Well done


That`s much appreciated Scott!


Originally Posted By: VideoTrack
Impressive lyrics combined with a beautiful melodic ballad give this piece great character and style.

This song really works so well. Well done.


You are very kind; thank you for listening and commenting.

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Hi Robert ...

Such a lovely song, sung with an angelic presentation. Love the lyric and, particularly the chord arrangement ... I'm a sucker for atypical chord structures ... you really delivered on this one. Everything about this shouts out "Excellent!". of course, a gentle shout out!

Your sound is unique in the best of ways. Someone could blindfold me and cue up one of your songs and I would know, without question, it was a Robert Cordrey song and vocal within ten seconds. And then I would smile with that observation.

That was a wonderful listen ... you are so very talented. Wishing you the very best ...

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Hi Rob,

this song is coming along like an angel itself - fragile, beautiful, vulnerable...

Very, very nice song with a heck of a chorus (if I may use this expression refering to an angels' song).

Love your tender singing a lot!!!!

Take care,

Stefan

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
Wow - what a tune smile You really knocked this out of the park. I love the progressions here, and your lyrics are so vivid. It really packs a punch. It really is a gorgeous tune, from the instrumentation to your vocals to the lyrics being delivered.

I wouldn't change a thing here. Thanks for sharing!


Cheers,
Deryk
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,040
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,040
"Dave,
I guess my ballads have been distilling into a recognizable style over the years ( hopefully not a repetitive one).
I`m glad you enjoyed this."

Not repetitive at all. Perhaps it is a thin line between a signature sound and repetitive but you thread the needle
perfectly as your sound is there but always in a manner with unique nuances, etc. This is no exception.

And, man, does that hook/title ever pull you in from the get go.

The lyric is provocative, in a good way, and so well written.

Your vocal nails the feel.

Excellent!

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
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Originally Posted By: jannesan
I prefer indie movies over blockbusters with massive effects and the almost nonexistent story told too many times. Your music is like an indie movie, maybe bit uncomfortable at first, but on a closer look, an new adventure opens in another world with simple but intriguing textures of life.

This is the best I have heard from you, beautiful melody and very interesting chording, especially the chorus is something angel-like. This should be on the top of all charts, but at least it is now the on my chart smile

and the selection of instruments is great, the piano and pedal steel are used pefectly to create interest in the sparse arrangement. Are those listed RTs all you have used, I can hear at least some vocal aahs. Your voice and harmonies are very emotional.

The lyrics are very descriptive, haunting, mysterious and touching at the same time, "making hard truth and lies easier to bear" - very strong poetry.

Thank you Robert for this musical journey!

Janne



Janne,
Your comments about the "Indie" quality of my music is one to treasure- the unblockbuster genre I`m in never felt so well supported!
I appreciate your comments on the chorus chords too- the last and most difficult part of the song to get sorted.
Yes, there are some oohs/aahs in there & missed on the RT list.
A most gracious and thoughtful review-thank you.





Originally Posted By: PeterF
Robert

A lovely ballad and one of your best vocals - really liked the harmony. Nice backing and evocative lyrics.

Really well done.

Peter


Thank you, Peter!


Originally Posted By: animarorecords
Robert,

Another fragile beauty, as rayc said.
And I agree with Peter.
A lovely ballad and one of your best vocals - really liked the harmony. Nice backing and evocative lyrics.
It starts with a melody resembling Bob Dylan's “Blowin' in the Wind”, but the subsequent developments are completely different, and it has a very sophisticated finish.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi



Shigeki,
That`s interesting -I guess you`re right about the opening bars of the melody.
This `ol folkie will take a comment of "sophisticated" from one of the most musically subtle contributors to this forum anyday!
Thank you for listening and commenting.

Originally Posted By: Rob4580
Hi Rob. I found this to work very well.Its typical of your whimsical style.
As usual your eclectic lyrics draw the listener in.
Great tune thanks for posting. Rob4580


Thanks for that, Rob.

Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Robert,

A beautiful song.

A wonderful production. A very intimate sound and a vocal to match.

So nice.

fj


Floyd,
I appreciate those positive comments.

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
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!

If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,016
Posts798,993
Members40,011
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
TimTom420, drodger, GTRRO, harshitsharmamusic, PsyChloDelic
40,010 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 161
DC Ron 106
rsdean 102
DrDan 74
Noel96 66
Today's Birthdays
charliep, HorstFriedel, Jeff Fuqua
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5