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Can't Put Down Roots in Sand
Words & Music by Mark Rhodes
26 August 2021

I was born
Miami, F-L-A
Where it's flat and straight
And iguanas play

Don't stand too close, I just might explode
Dying to drive on winding country roads
Wanna eat a peach from a roadside stand
You can't put down roots in sand

[CHORUS]
Where you're from---you had no say
Where you'll die—well that's another day
A man lives to turn his hand
You can't put down roots in sand.


I don't like the beach.
There, I said it out loud
It's just hot sand
And an oily crowd

That leather skin is a tragic look
Put me under an old shade tree with a book
Working my jawbone to some song by The Band
You can't put down roots in sand.

[CHORUS]

I don't know why
I want the things I do
But what I love
Is all I know of true

The question why makes no sense to me
I do the best I can and let it be
Good music is the promised land
You can't put down roots in sand

[CHORUS]


"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
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Hello Mark
Cool song
And just as cool sung ;-)
The background track is super successful
Also the sound is good
If you plan to improve this demo even more
this is already a very very good basis
Well done Mark
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

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Hi, Mark.

Good write and production.

Tonally, it's wasn't quite angry, or bitter, or bitingly sarcastic. Sort of a middle-of-the-road song of dissatisfaction. laugh

Your explanation on YouTube of this being mostly allusions helped explain what the song was about, but I'm too lazy (and bad at remembering lyrics) to play that game. frown

I enjoyed listening!


-- 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.
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I think the mix is really good for a demo! I like arrangement and singing style. Maybe a solo or something in the later part of the song for some variation could be a good idea since it's is almost five minutes?


Feel free to check out my music: https://www.youtube.com/@alexanderpaulmusic
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The vocals remind me of Richard Hell around the 1st Voidoids album...but with a slower song obviously.
The lyrics have some funny parts. I struggled to find the link between the hook and the rest though.
I assume the main rhythm guitar is you but can't tell. It's solid.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Nice write.

Has potential.

moto

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Originally Posted By: rayc
The vocals remind me of Richard Hell around the 1st Voidoids album...but with a slower song obviously.
The lyrics have some funny parts. I struggled to find the link between the hook and the rest though.
I assume the main rhythm guitar is you but can't tell. It's solid.


Thanks.
The main rhythm guitar is me.
Hadn't thought of Richard Hell in 40 years. My older brother was a big fan.

Perhaps the lyrics make less sense to others than to me. It wouldn't be the first time! ;o)


"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
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Originally Posted By: Alexander Paul
I think the mix is really good for a demo! I like arrangement and singing style. Maybe a solo or something in the later part of the song for some variation could be a good idea since it's is almost five minutes?


I thought about adding a solo but it's already nearly 5 minutes long---I didn't want to make it any longer.

Though perhaps I could cut a verse. Something to think about. Thanks for listening!


"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
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Originally Posted By: PROJECT M
Hello Mark
Cool song
And just as cool sung ;-)
The background track is super successful
Also the sound is good
If you plan to improve this demo even more
this is already a very very good basis
Well done Mark
Many greetings
Andi ;-)


Thank you!


"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
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Mark, this is a super demo. The backing tracks and your guitar are spot on. Your vocal was good. However those lyrics are fantastic! I wish I could write lyrics like that. They took it over the top for me.

super demo


Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!

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