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Lovely song Floyd. Simple, vulnerable and emotional vocal. Perfect for your lyrics. Janices's harmonies were lovely as well. Really nice listen. Well done Floyd
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Hate to be the one piling on here. All these wonderful admissions and testimonies regarding the quality of this piece and now I come at the end of the line adding my two cents to the mix. In my defense I was one of the earlier commentators in this thread, but after my entry I decided to withdraw the comments. I was just uncomfortable, not really with what I had to say, but rather how I said it. Thought I needed to think this out a bit more, didn’t want to offend anyone. Hated to think I was being overly judgmental bordering on creepy. So now I have put my thoughts together a bit more, talked with FJ off-line and gathered a few facts. So here goes…
I was sitting at my computer early scanning the PG forums. Most of the problems in the forums I frequent were being well addressed by the regulars, so nothing much I could add. With a little extra time, I stumbled into the user showcase. I don’t go here too often since I don’t have the time to listen to a lot of music. I came upon an entry by FJ. I remember when he was the new kid on the block and with his first contribution recognized (as we all did) this was not our typical closet or weekend musician. My comment at the time was simply “…what are you going here?” This kind of talent doesn’t often just wonder into the bar.
OK, here is where I start piling on… I played The Simple Truth. As I was listening in my studio my wife walked by. “Hey” she said, “that sounds really nice, who is it?” I replied, “that’s FJ”, to which she answered, “Who’s that?”. I swear it was just like in the movie “Yesterday”. I knew who the Beatles were and no one else did! And that’s when it hit me! Years ago, I had asked FJ, “what are you doing here?” more or less like a cute comment based on a Billy Joel song and now today I wanted to ask “…why are you still here?” This song should be on every radio play list. It should be played at every wedding anniversary party. The vocals and lyrics reach inside and grab you to the core. I can only conclude after listening to The Simple Truth, that FJ is simply the most talented person I know who no one on the national level seems to have ever heard of! He sits on a stool at the end of our local bar as a shining talent and I wanted to know why.
I blame it on the music - when a singer/songwriter presents his soul in his art it makes his audience feel like they know him or want to know him.
After I removed my original comments, I spoke with FJ and he was kind to share bits of his musical journey. I was pleased to learn that this is a talent which he has nurtured and developed over a long journey. Like many of us in our careers, we may not have gotten to the promised land, but we have stood on the mountaintop and seen what few other have seen. FJ shared with me that he is content with his stool at the end of our bar. I was glad to hear that, and I want him to know how much his talent is appreciated. So if this is piling on, then I am guilty as charged.
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This is about as soulful as it gets. Liked the softer acoustic setting. Combined with your excellent production values, you've got one of your best ever IMHO. I keep coming back to it again and again. TM ... Thanks! I really appreciate that....
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Misha and David,
Thanks for mentioning my small part!
Janice
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
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Hi Floyd,
there's more than just one simple truth being shown with this song:
- You're an exceptional songwriter
- You're an excellent vocalist
- You're a most tasteful arranger
and
- You hve incredibly nice friends.
A very appealing song, no frills, just 'the song'. And as always Janice makes it shine even more - you two really go together so well...
Liked it a lot.
Take care,
Stefan
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The simple truth is this is an AMAZING song! I went in with some expectations, and can say I didn't see this coming.
One of these days, your expectations are going to be the death of me 
You nailed EVERY aspect of this song by saying EXACTLY what need to be said...and nothing more. You played EXACTLY what was needed, and nothing more. That is what makes a "simple" song so powerful. It's knowing what to keep; and knowing what not to. That is sooooo hard to do in my opinion.
Might be that blind squirrel thing, ya know....:)
That lift captured me in a BIG way. It's like hearing an orchestra swell kick in at the very point it needs to; without it actually being there. Just "wow!"
If I can catch you with the arrangement, then i gotta be happy about that!!
A few things about the vocal. You performed it really well, which I have come to expect. I don't know that I have ever mentioned how good your diction is? I always mean to; but you've got that down!
Actually, I don;t recall anyone ever mentioning that at all...
Now the other thing with the vocal is the falsetto "please" in "please believe"...who do you think you are? Ronnie Dunn? If you think that; I'm right there with you! What a fantastic choice, placed at the optimum place for it.
Uh...I WISH I could sing like Ronnie Dunn!! HA!
Man, this will get many listens. Great job!
Thanks for the great review...
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The lyrics of this song were very relate-able. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us! Thanks for listening, Ember. FJ & Janice,
Beautiful and powerful. Excellent vocals!! I've heard quite a few of your songs. Eyes closed, this will make it to top 10. Enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing!
Misha.
Thanks, Misha!! Yep, this is a good one all right. Maybe I'm overthinking things - I'm in a Noel sort of mood  - but I noticed the verses rhymed "don't come easily" and "opportunity" with the "ee" sound. Clever rhyming, rolls of the tongue and feels natural. But the last verse broke the "ee" rhyming pattern and instead used an inner rhyme line up behind. I have a tendency to fill up space with lots of notes. It's good to hear the opposite done so well - a song that lingers over the notes, isn't rushed at all, holding the melody. And, of course, sung with the patented "straight from the heart" floydjane delivery, with subtle support from Janice. Plus, I'm a sucker for cellos! David - thanks for the thoughtful review (again!). I always enjoy reading what you have to say about a song (and production)..
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Lovely song, Floyd. As Peter said, you and Janice sound stunning together.
Regards,
Leon
Floyd and Janice,
Wow, do you guys every deliver!
This song is really meaningful, has feel and emotion and is absolutely beautifully presented.
Sensational, no question. Very touching lyrics, so much meaning in few simple words. I really like the vibrato in your voice and the "please believe i love you" is amazing vocal highlight, Janice's voice gives nice support. And the arrangement is well-structured, instruments are nicely introduced.
Janne I really do appreciate your comments! Janice
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
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Lovely song, Floyd. As Peter said, you and Janice sound stunning together.
Regards,
Leon
We appreciate that, Leon!! Very nicely done - love the mood on this one, and found it very lush and pretty for the ears. I thoroughly enjoyed the vocals and thought the mix was top notch too. Thanks for sharing Thanks, Deryk!... A simple song is not so simple to write.
Everything flows like clear water from a quiet but wild stream.
Congratulations. Christian Christian - Thanks! glad to have you stop by... this is stunning!!! man this is good great work floyd Eric - really appreciate words like that!!....
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Such a beautiful touching love song. I'm a huge fan of Janice's singing and wonderful harmony but I could've done without any harmony at all on this song. I thought the lead vocal was powerful enough to drive this intimate song on it's own. Just my opinion of course, Terrific however you slice it FJ. Thanks, Josie...glad you liked it.
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Floyd and Janice,
Wow, do you guys every deliver!
This song is really meaningful, has feel and emotion and is absolutely beautifully presented.
Sensational, no question. Trev - always nice to see you drop by. We appreciate the nice comments... Very touching lyrics, so much meaning in few simple words. I really like the vibrato in your voice and the "please believe i love you" is amazing vocal highlight, Janice's voice gives nice support. And the arrangement is well-structured, instruments are nicely introduced.
Janne Thanks, Janne...
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Man, I could listen to this all day, great stuff... Nice of you to say, Ronnie. Thanks... Loved it from start to finish. Thanks, Ed...
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Noel and Al,
Thank y’all very much! it was fun to be a part of this production.
Janice
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
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Hi floyd,
Wow!!! You and Janice deliver goosebumps material with this one *shiver*.
Your vocals are incredibly powerful to listen to... they are filled with honesty and sincerity and intimacy all rolled up together. The direct address point of view is a really powerful choice. If I was sitting beside someone special while I listened to the two of you singing this, these lyrics would have felt like they were written especially for that moment.
floyd, when you compose and produce songs like this, all I can think of saying is "What a wonderful gift you have!"
Janice and floyd.... your songs should be on the international market! They are THAT good.
All the best to you both,
Noel
Noel - What a truly heartwarming review/comment. It is greatly appreciated..
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floyd,
Yes, it is exactly a simply beautiful love song.
Very soothing.
Superb vocal as usual.
It touched my heart deeply.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi Shigeki Adachi - Thanks for your continued support!! So glad you enjoyed this one...
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The vocal performance is so deeply heartfelt and moving (along with the lyrics). Simply beautiful!
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Floyd,
Heartfelt tune with your usual stellar production. Nicely done!
Hope all is good in your world,
Deej
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If I ever get married, I want this song played at my wedding.
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Mark, Scott and Stefan,
Thanks y’all. I was privileged to be asked to sing on such a wonderful production!
Janice
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
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A simple love song? Yes An incredibly beautiful love song? YES!!!!! I have always loved the "bare your soul" kind of songs, and have heard very, very few as good as this one! The music is beautiful.....FJ acoustic guitar fits perfectly....and the way it interacts with the bass sounds like a great band would arrange it. The lyric is wonderful, and the vocal is DEEP.....you can feel the truth in it! This is a MASTERPIECE Floyd!!!!! Take care. Greg
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