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I'LL SHINE YOUR LIGHT

Once again, I am going back and giving an older tune a total re-work with upgraded recording equipment. It gave me a chance to give it a better vocal and guitar performance.

This is a song I co-wrote with Ron Helm to honor a friend who fought a long battle with cancer. She set such a wonderful example of faith during her battle, and she inspired many people. I hope it speaks to someone! Ron is a lifelong friend who is a terrific writer and is also a music publisher. Ron is also a first cousin of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Levon Helm. they grew up together in rural Arkansas. I count it a great honor to be able to occasionally get together and write with him. We are planning to get together again soon and work on some fresh material which I look forward to!

For this track I used only the Realdrums Southern Pop Funky Soul and played all the other instruments. I truly appreciate each of you who take the time to listen. T

I'll Shine Your Light
Words and music by
Torrey Bliss and Ron Helm
©2017 Glass Gate Music

Your smile could always brighten up the room
Even after all the things that you'd been going through
You were strong when we were so weak
Your courage gave the strength that we so badly need
This flower has wilted but has changed to something more beautiful
Still today a place in our heart for you remains

I'll shine your light it's what you left for me
That I might help someone to see
A better way to walk in faith and love
That when we're down we can get up
All as you are watching us from above

You didn't choose to hide within the pain
Or go and close the window and draw the shade
Yet through grace you had found God's open door
To the things that you knew He had for you in store
You inspire me

I'll shine your light it's what you left for me
That I might help someone to see
A better way to walk in faith and love
That when we're down we can get up
All as you are watching us from above

Your prayers led the way to a higher place
To a brand-new home where you are with the Lord
We stand on the shore waving goodbye
But in a little while we'll see you once again

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I don't recall hearing this before.

This is a great song and tribute to your friend.
Really great melody that's not predictable.

I hear a bit of the Beatles influencing the song and the production. From start to finish.

Totally enjoyed this

You have quite the talent to play all the parts too. Nicely done.

I like how you ended it.....


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Torrey...That was worth the listen just for the ending alone...I don't know what to say...let me give you the highest compliment I know to give...that's a song I wish I had written...I hope that doesn't sound too selfish but it was moving and so relevant in the world today because we all probably know someone facing a death sentence due to sickness or disease...to face it bravely is certainly "running the race well"...and your song so eloquently told the story of one "who finished well" as well...and yes I hear a British influence in your melody and accompaniment...it must be nice to just have to use the drums only...you are so versatile and gifted as a musician and singer and arranger...you and Ron did a stellar job creating a beautiful song...keep pulling them out of the mothballs, dusting them off and blessing us with them...best regards...Dan


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Wow Torrey - This is a very cool song indeed!

Great melody and wonderful chorus.

Excellent guitar work and I also liked the coda.

Can't wait for you two to get together and write some more songs for us.

Best Regards
Nigel


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Torrey,

I’m thinking I wouldn’t mind much perusing through your older tunes—because, boy, this is just a great tune . . . more please! The vocal sits perfectly in the mix . . . not sure why I’m reminded of Joe Jackson, but it has that sound to me. Really terrific production. (Great BGVs, BTW). Outstanding work!

Hope all is well in your world,

Deej

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We hadn't heard this one before.

We're sorry to hear about your friend. The song is heartfelt.

As for the music:
Very interesting chord changes here, Torrey. This song is extremely well composed!

Rob and Anne-Marie


We are Rob Meulman and Anne-Marie Bovenkamp from The Netherlands.

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A truly professional production, Torrey. Stellar musicianship.

Top notch vocals. Killer BGVs.

Excellent mix.

Amazingly good. Worth many listens.

fj

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Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
I don't recall hearing this before.

This is a great song and tribute to your friend.
Really great melody that's not predictable.

I hear a bit of the Beatles influencing the song and the production. From start to finish.

Totally enjoyed this

You have quite the talent to play all the parts too. Nicely done.

I like how you ended it.....


Thanks Herb! Your comments are always appreciated!

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Hi Torrey
Great song
The sound is awesome
Perfectly sung
And I have listened to your guitar solo many times already
Insanely good
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

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Originally Posted By: firesong
Torrey...That was worth the listen just for the ending alone...I don't know what to say...let me give you the highest compliment I know to give...that's a song I wish I had written...I hope that doesn't sound too selfish but it was moving and so relevant in the world today because we all probably know someone facing a death sentence due to sickness or disease...to face it bravely is certainly "running the race well"...and your song so eloquently told the story of one "who finished well" as well...and yes I hear a British influence in your melody and accompaniment...it must be nice to just have to use the drums only...you are so versatile and gifted as a musician and singer and arranger...you and Ron did a stellar job creating a beautiful song...keep pulling them out of the mothballs, dusting them off and blessing us with them...best regards...Dan


Thanks, Dan, for your wonderful comments! Your words are encouraging! Working with Ron is easy, he has a treasure trove of lyrical ideas that I find easy to apply a melody to! It's humbling to me to work with him knowing some of the high-profile artists and writers he has worked with. This song was probably about a 50/50 split with the lyrics. T

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Torrey, you are a virtuoso on many instruments

This is pro all the way

Super chops

Loved the arrangement, vocal, and lyrics

Outstanding mix

Loved it


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Hi Torrey

Simply a marvelous work by you and Ron. Professionalism has draped itself over every element of this project. Great everything needed to demonstrate in musical creation, performance and production. Amazing is not an exaggeration,.

Best to you ...

Alan


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Wow, Torrey, way to carry your friend's torch. Such an uplifting song coming out of such a difficult time. A catchy write with a great message. The harmony is outstanding and your vocal sets such a high standard. Man, that's a strong guitar, and that is likely the best ending a song could have. Genius really.


Enjoy whatever happens!
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Very cool intro Torrey. Excellent vocal and lyric. Really liked the production on this song. Guitar was awesome work Torrey. Well done.


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We’re sorry about your friend but you and Ron have written a lovely tribute.

Everything about this is beautiful … your vocals and instrumental performances and the lyric.

“I'll shine your light it's what you left for me”

That line reminds me (Janice) of my Mama as her light was always shining brightly.

As always the mix sounds pro!

You are a great one man band, Torrey.

J&B

PS We've listened to a lot of the Band and Levon over the years and more recently his daughter's band.


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
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Originally Posted By: NigelSpiers
Wow Torrey - This is a very cool song indeed!

Great melody and wonderful chorus.

Excellent guitar work and I also liked the coda.

Can't wait for you two to get together and write some more songs for us.

Best Regards
Nigel


Thanks, Nigel, for your kind words! I appreciate it!

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Torrey,
ace melody & excellent performances as always.
This is a very cool revamp that is 100% worth the effort to do.


Cheers
rayc
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I don't usually cry when listening to songs. I had tears in my eyes when hearing this one.

On a second listen, gathering my thoughts somewhat: what is there to say? Beautiful lyrics, wonderful signing, a brilliant production overall. Yes, as some have said, a little Beatles-like influence can be heard ... but the song is beautiful, in any case.

And that ending. Heartfelt and sincere.

Hats off.

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Wonderful song, wonderful performance and production.

As per usual!

Loved it, Torrey, and looking forward to hearing more projects with Ron.

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Originally Posted By: Deej56
Torrey,

I’m thinking I wouldn’t mind much perusing through your older tunes—because, boy, this is just a great tune . . . more please! The vocal sits perfectly in the mix . . . not sure why I’m reminded of Joe Jackson, but it has that sound to me. Really terrific production. (Great BGVs, BTW). Outstanding work!

Hope all is well in your world,

Deej


Thanks, Deej! I really appreciate all that! T

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