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Keeping You AfloatThis time I'm trying something completely different style from usual... Sometimes source for the inspiration is just a tiny image from a dream, in this case a look of a drunken person and then a thought that what if that look would belong to your special one and you couldn't change it anymore. I wrote this several years ago, now I finally managed to translate it. The translation was quite challenging, but yet very enjoyable process, because I found many times new ideas to smoothen the flow of words. I hope you enjoy the song despite the dark lyrics. Some have said that there is a strong contrast between the light music and tough lyrics, although to me the music is also quite dark. One commentator has said that he has been there personally... I hope that's not the case with any of you, although it's rewarding to hear that I have written something that people can relate to. RealDrums: BodhranCelticJig, GypsyJazzSw RealTracks: Nylon guitar #2714 Electric guitar #968 Acoustic guitar #1210 Organ #1467 Acoustic bass #1385 Acoustic piano #2733 Vocals by me Mixed in Adobe Audition 2020. Lyrics: I'm too understanding to withhold from you what you are thirsting for I'm standing still by your side when you founder beyond employment's shore. They fill every yard bench in the morning I still regard them with disdain when you found new fellowship among them I begged you to come home but it was vain. I'm keeping you afloat because I have vowed in sickness and in health to share with you life's rocky boat. You're my anchor, my lead that will drag me into your deep if I don't have strength to be the spouse in your need. You lived like a whirlwind to experience all that life could ever gush you couldn't be a passerby when days were numbered and time flew in a rush. Drunken empty look has given up now once I was love-struck by its drive now you have exhausted all your fire and my energy to help you to revive. I'm keeping you afloat... I'm keeping you afloat... -------- Janne
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Janne,
Interesting, I assume, supportive tune?
I thought this was pretty neat:
"You're my anchor, my lead
that will drag me into your deep"
Musical bed work well with it. Thank you for sharing.
P.S. I do not know why, but for some reason I thought that Finland had very strict alcohol laws... Maybe that was couple of decades ago?
Misha.
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Nicely done! I thought the chord changes did a good job supporting the lyric, and the enjoyed the lyrics. I'd use "in" in this line: I begged you to come home but it was in vain.despite what the dictionary says.  Glad you managed to translate this!
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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Hi Janne
While thankfully I've no first hand experience, I know friends and family who've been in relationships with people suffering from an addiction. It's incredibly difficult. I like the musical style you've used for this one. (And while I appreciate all the work that goes into making a translation, personally I'd rather like to hear your Finnish version.)
Regards,
Leon
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Really good vocal performance, and, as I've said elsewhere, I think it's interesting to see the word-chains that come from a person who is not a primary English speaker--you give us combinations and word choices that probably a native speaker wouldn't even think of--that's creativity!
Would love to see the chord chart for your chorus--lots of interesting changes there!
And that "wandering" solo, and slightly dark terminal chord--like a dissolute person walking wobbly away from you!!
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
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That's a fine tune Janne.
A sad and thought provoking lyric delivered with a good vocal.
The jazzy arrangement was initially a surprise but we think it
was a good choice. It works well.
Well done!
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.
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Yes, that jazzy bed was a surprise, and I agree that it was dark like the lyrics. I like the description you shared for your inspiration process. Good work all the way around with this one.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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Janne,
Interesting, I assume, supportive tune?
I thought this was pretty neat:
"You're my anchor, my lead
that will drag me into your deep"
Musical bed work well with it. Thank you for sharing.
P.S. I do not know why, but for some reason I thought that Finland had very strict alcohol laws... Maybe that was couple of decades ago?
Misha.
Thanks Misha for your positive comment  Sure the alcohol laws used to be very strict here before the 80's, but they have been liberated, some strange restrictions still (like you cannot buy alcohol in a shop between 9pm-9am). Janne
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Nicely done! I thought the chord changes did a good job supporting the lyric, and the enjoyed the lyrics. I'd use "in" in this line: I begged you to come home but it was in vain.despite what the dictionary says. Glad you managed to translate this! Thanks David for your kind feedback, always pleasure to hear that my chord changes work I had 'in vain' there at some point, but it didn't fit the melody line, so I tried to express the idea differently, but obviously not smoothly. But thanks for pointing me out and giving me a reason to revisit that part, although I just can't add 'in' there, would break the melody flow, so I have to remove other words to make room for it... now I have come up with another line: I begged you to come back home but in vain. Hope that sounds better Janne
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Excellent tune. Loved the guitar strumming. Super vocal and lyric. Well dine
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Hi Janne,
To me you succeeded with your experiment of the song, instruments and, partly, the vocals. Why partly? Because your way of singing is getting familiair for me. Wherever I hear it, in whatever song, I know this is Jannesan!
The recording is very clear. I like that. And the melody itself is pleasant listening to.
And have I mentioned the lyrics? I had to laugh how you got the idea for it. Very creative!
Liked it,
Hans
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Janne
Inventive and interesting chord progression. A complex piece of music well produced.
Well done.
Peter
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Hi Janne
While thankfully I've no first hand experience, I know friends and family who've been in relationships with people suffering from an addiction. It's incredibly difficult. I like the musical style you've used for this one. (And while I appreciate all the work that goes into making a translation, personally I'd rather like to hear your Finnish version.)
Regards,
Leon Thanks Leon, I appreciate your nice comment Let's see, I may put the Finnish version also on SoundCloud one day. Janne
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I'm really taken in by the instrumental combinations and your arrangements. Piques my ears! Nicely done.
I like it when the mood of the music contrasts with the lyrical mood--it makes the lyrics stand out more when done well. Good work.
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Nice melody and arrangement.
I think the translation is very good but I can see that you had to bend some iron to make it happen.
Question...in the lines
"You're my anchor, my lead
that will drag me into your deep"
does lead refer to the heavy metal (Pb) or the guide to follow/control ( pronounced leed)?
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Really good vocal performance, and, as I've said elsewhere, I think it's interesting to see the word-chains that come from a person who is not a primary English speaker--you give us combinations and word choices that probably a native speaker wouldn't even think of--that's creativity!
Would love to see the chord chart for your chorus--lots of interesting changes there!
And that "wandering" solo, and slightly dark terminal chord--like a dissolute person walking wobbly away from you!! Thanks for your encouraging feedback Yeah, strange combination of words can be called creativity, but does it sound good, that's another question The chorus chord chart looks like this: Bm | A#+ | F#m/A | GMaj9 Gm9 | D/F# G#m7b5 | F#m/A Em/G | D | / / / F#7/A#!| Bm | F#m/A | Em69 | Ebm7b5 | Dm9 | CMaj7 | F#m7b5 | B7 | Janne
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That's a fine tune Janne.
A sad and thought provoking lyric delivered with a good vocal.
The jazzy arrangement was initially a surprise but we think it
was a good choice. It works well.
Well done!
J&B Thanks Janice and Bud, I always appreciate your insightful feedback and no exception this time I'm glad you bought the jazzy approach Janne
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Expert
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I wouldn't call the music dark... just deep. I like the tone and the atmosphere the whole track establish. Very well done, maestro!
Will
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Good song, Janne, I like the changes and also the arrangement. I agree with Leon, I would also like to hear the finish version. Not that there is anything wrong with the English version mind you Enjoyed!
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Yes, that jazzy bed was a surprise, and I agree that it was dark like the lyrics. I like the description you shared for your inspiration process. Good work all the way around with this one. Thanks TuneMonger for your kind words Glad you liked the description, I always enjoy when songwriters tell about their writing and inspiration process instead of just putting out a song without an explanation, it helps to create more personal bond with them. Janne
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