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#640790 02/07/21 09:04 AM
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vicarn Offline OP
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Hi all.
This is one I wrote 2 years ago after being moved by reading the last letter written to my grandmother by an uncle who went missing during WW2. It turned out he later died in a prison camp.
Changed the story considerably and turned out this.

Couldn't find the original BIAB files to post on here.

https://soundcloud.com/vic-arnold/old-letters

Old Letters © 2018 Vic Arnold

In my grandmother's house
where the family were gathered
in an old cardboard box by her bed
we found some old letters,
all frayed and tattered
and were moved by the lines that we read
In a handwritten style
from an age well behind us
Grandad had wrote from the heart
He said "We are only here once.
Let that serve to remind us
that life is so short once it starts
Ch.1
I love those old letters I love those old stories
of campfires and heroes, and new territories
They paint me a picture up there in my mind
of good times and bad and the girl left behind
Br.
They told of a romance, a weekend in Vegas,
a short honeymoon in a couple of pages.
Then the last one from Saigon said
"Honey. I won't be gone long".
Ch.2
We read those old letters. We read those old stories
of campfires and heroes, and raising old glory
Read that old Western Union. The cold printed line
... that told a short story and run out of time

vicarn #640809 02/07/21 11:32 AM
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Hi Vic ...

I really, really like this. I particularly liked these lines:

They told of a romance, a weekend in Vegas,
a short honeymoon in a couple of pages.
Then the last one from Saigon said
"Honey. I won't be gone long".

I'm a disabled vet - Vietnam vet - so I can truly appreciate what you have written here.

Your vocal harmony is perfect in the few places you used it. Nice! A great story song that has a beginning, a middle and an end. And each part holds it own quite well.

The lyrical construction of your song made me think of two great country lyricists: Tom T. Hall and Kris Kristofferson. In my book, thtat's a pretty good place to be.

Ya did good! I enjoyed this a lot. One of my favorites from you. Take care ...

Alan


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Al-David #640829 02/07/21 12:49 PM
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vicarn Offline OP
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Thanks Al.
Coming from a vet that's a real nice comment.

Vic

vicarn #640921 02/08/21 05:18 AM
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Hi Vircan,

It's a very pretty song. The lyrics go straight to our hearts. Your voice is superb and makes us share your emotions. What memories, this song comes back to us. I really enjoyed it.

Kindly regrd
Take care of yourself

Derochette
alais JniJackFlash


Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
vicarn #640935 02/08/21 05:50 AM
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Vic,

Really engaging story . . .terrific write. Nice production and vocal—the whole package really. Like this one a lot!

My best to you,

Deej

Derochette #640967 02/08/21 07:36 AM
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vicarn Offline OP
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That's kind of you to say, Derochette.
Thank you.
Sad as well as happy memories for me.

Vic

vicarn #640971 02/08/21 07:51 AM
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wow, this is a song with impact... both in terms of its message, but also in terms of its instrumentation.

The story is very touching... I can't imagine anybody hearing this without identifying on some level.

The baritone guitar is perfect as an accent instrument. I like it a lot.

Good job!

Deej56 #640991 02/08/21 09:34 AM
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vicarn Offline OP
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Thanks David.
It was the title song on a cd I had done 2 years back.
My best to you too.
De ja vu there. I still have an album which JC signed for me back in the 60's. It says "To Vic, my best to you, Johnny Cash".

Vic

Pat Marr #641018 02/08/21 12:23 PM
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Hi Pat.
Thank you for the encouraging comments.
I'm happy you got the message.

Vic

Pat Marr #641039 02/08/21 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted By: Pat Marr
wow, this is a song with impact... both in terms of its message, but also in terms of its instrumentation.

The story is very touching... I can't imagine anybody hearing this without identifying on some level.

The baritone guitar is perfect as an accent instrument. I like it a lot.

Good job!


I completely agree.

I get a John Prine vibe from this one. You are a great storyteller. The story was perfectly set to your music.

This is your best to date IMHO.


I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor.
It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!


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vicarn #641046 02/08/21 03:32 PM
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Super build - love the sound.

The song pulled me in - nice harmony on "The girl left behind", and echo on Gone long. Lots of nice bits to listen here.

I also really liked the way the song kept me engaged literally until the very end, dropping bits of information but not giving the final payoff until the final line.

Excellent write, well sung, engaging production.

laugh


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My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
MarioD #641146 02/09/21 05:42 AM
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Hi Mario.
Thanks for your support and comment.
I love a good story. John Prine too.

Vic

vicarn #641150 02/09/21 06:05 AM
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Vic, nice story song. Well written and delivered. The arrangement is standout. Lots of little guitar licks that enhance the production. Well done and enjoyed much,Tom

dcuny #641163 02/09/21 07:21 AM
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vicarn Offline OP
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Thanks David C.
Appreciated a lot.

Vic

vicarn #641174 02/09/21 08:35 AM
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Songs are by far the best way to tell a story and you nailed this one...a perfect marriage of style and lyric...very engaging...loved it...Dan


www.soundclick.com/firesong
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tommyad #641193 02/09/21 11:57 AM
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Thanks Tommy.
Luckily one of those licks just naturally fell into place. Some cut and paste needed for others.
Glad you liked it.

Vic

vicarn #641311 02/10/21 02:20 AM
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Thank you Dan.
Glad you liked it.

Vic

vicarn #641314 02/10/21 02:33 AM
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Really nice! I love this kind of song. Tells a great story, and you really did a great job of getting it across. Has a nice Waylon Jennings feel in it to me.

Really enjoyed this one.

Steve


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"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
vicarn #641320 02/10/21 03:10 AM
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What a wonderful way to start my day. Absolutely love this, Vic. So cool to get lost in your lyrics that I barely noticed the music. The story stole my attention. So well done. Thanks.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

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Steve Young #641346 02/10/21 05:36 AM
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Thank you Steve.
Waylon is fine by me.

Vic

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