|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031 |
I have often struggled with my own idealism, and wrote most of this song quite a while ago after some good natured teasing by my co-workers regarding how I had such a tendency to see everything in black or white / right or wrong terms. I came across it the other day and decided to finish it off. I realize it's too personal to be of any commercial value. I did it mostly for fun and experience/practice. Both Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard were big musical influences on me, so I tried to use Biab to try and create a sound that was kind of a mixture of them both. If you decide to give it a listen, I'd be pleased to know what know what you think, good or bad - oops there I go again! Been This Way Too Long Now I was born in Northern Nevada, but that was quite a long time ago. And then my daddy moved us all to California when I was just two years old. My mama and my dad, they taught me wrong from right. They said, ‘Be slow to anger son, but prepare to fight. If they ever cross you when you know you’re in the right, then make a stand’. Now my daddy’s folks are all from Oklahoma, and my mama’s folks are up Montana way, so even though I was raised in California, I’ve got country blood running through my veins. ‘Cause no matter where I lived my neck kept turning red and that’s just the way it is, but I guess it’s for the best. There ain’t no one to blame, so never mind the rest. Here I am. And when you look at me everything you see is country to the bone. And it’s a mystery why I could never leave well enough alone. It’s either good or bad, it’s right or it’s wrong, but I could never change, I’ve been this way too long. Now my mama wanted me to be well mannered, but I kept turning more like daddy every day. Her social dreams for my life all soon were shattered ‘cause I kept following his rough and rowdy ways. I learned to stand up on my own and to walk my own road. Some people didn’t like it, but I guess they came to know it’s just the way it was and the way it still goes. Here I am. And when you look at me everything you see is country to the bone. And it’s a mystery why I could never leave well enough alone. It’s either good or bad, it’s right or it’s wrong, but I could never change, I’ve been this way too long. Yeah, when you look at me everything you see is country to the bone. And it’s a mystery why I could never leave well enough alone. It’s either good or bad, it’s right or it’s wrong, but I could never change, I’ve been this way too long. No, I could never change, I’ve been this way too long. The Biab band: Drums: Brian Fullen, _MEMPHIS.STY Bass: Byron House, _MEMPHIS.STY Rhythm Guitar: Jason Roller, _MEMPHIS.STY Electric Finger Pick Guitar: Jason Roller, _MEMPHIS.STY Lead Guitar: Brent Mason, _ROADSTR.STY Mandolin: Andy Leftwich, _SWFOLKM.STY Dobro: Steve Hinson, _HAYRIDE.STY Harmonica: TJ Klay, _HAYRIDE.STY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,747
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,747 |
Brad, in my humble opinion you nailed this, especially lyrically. Fully enjoyed it man. I could easily see Johnny Cash singing this back in the day. Just 1 small nit, you have a great voice, growl when appropriate, don't hold back. They said, ‘Be slow to anger son, but prepare to fight.This song is about pluck, grit and testosterone; belt it out baby 
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067 |
Indeed you did a good job with this one Brad.
An effective choice when it comes to the BIAB band members.
Interesting lyrics and I particularly like the harmony vocals in this one.
Rob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,396
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,396 |
I think that you nailed the Waylon and Merle sound.
Great vocal and lyrics - I believe that this has commercial value just the way it is now.
Great mix.
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,357
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,357 |
Hey Brad...you really nailed the Merle and Waylon vibe with this one...this is your best BiaB track so far IMO and the story and lyrics give us a great idea of who you are though it could be sung by any country artist...Merle sang 'Okie Form Muskogee' and he was from California...great job of putting the lead instruments in the right spots...all your songs are so conversational and you really know how to pack a lot of lyrical content into a 3 minute package...this is top-notch brother...really enjoyed it!!
www.soundclick.com/firesongBiaB 2024, Steinberg Cubase Pro 13, Wavelab 11.2, SpetraLayers Pro 10, Audacity, Steinberg UR44 Interface, Yamaha Genos, Roland FP60 and FP10, Windows 10 You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,930
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,930 |
If I say, "This is so good. Man, this guy is so bad" would that be all good? Well, this is all good, Brad. Some of the best country --heck, some of the best songs are personal. When you're that way, you should never change no matter how jealous your co-workers get.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,827
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,827 |
Well, Brad...I'd say you're never gonna change A nice Country sound (the old kind). Everything is at a good balance. Keep 'em coming. fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,626
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,626 |
Brad,
You did a great job with this tune! Don't sell yourself short on the commercial appeal of this! People like to hear "personal" songs because they can relate to them! Your performance was great, and you also did a fine job putting those realtracks together! My only advice would be on those stops, would be to let the drums keep playing through while the other instruments stop to give it a more natural feel. That's just my taste though. You could insert a couple of cymbal crashes or hits in those spots, if you access to those type of files, on another track to hit with the other instrument stops. Enjoyed the tune!
Thanks, Torrey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031 |
Hey there Bass Thumper, I have to admit I got kind of a chuckle out of your description of the song. I've never considered myself a strong vocalist, but thanks for the vote of confidence. I just happen to sing for free, so it's more affordable! Actually, a recent illness left me without the use of one of my lungs. Singing at all is difficult, but I keep trying.
Thank you Rob, I'm always guessing at where and how to use BGV's.
Thanks for the listen Mario. Both Merle and Waylon used a steel guitarist named Ralph Mooney for a while. I always thought he was a big part of their sounds, and probably my favorite player in their bands. Unfortunately he died before Biab came out. I sure wish I could have used his playing on this one.
Thank you Dan, that means a lot.
Thanks Marty - you're always so uplifting!
Thanks for giving it a listen Floyd. I found myself struggling with the drum volume again, but I kept telling myself, "No, Floyd always says to keep them up!" So that's what I did. Thanks for the help.
I didn't think of that Torrey. Thanks for giving it a listen and for the suggestion. I'll have to do some experimenting.
Brad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,747
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,747 |
Actually, a recent illness left me without the use of one of my lungs. Singing at all is difficult, but I keep trying. Yikes, you're down one lung down? You'd never know it from your singing. Here's hoping for a full and complete recovery.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,447
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,447 |
Brad, I need more time to process this. Here is what I think so far. The LYRICS are brilliant, your best I think. Really, really good. The music, to me, doesn't do the lyrics justice because it seems too "canned" and Grand Ole Opry or something. But the lyrics are incredible. I hear it more with a modern country attitude, a dark edge and some acoustic in there, more snarly. This is a fighting song. You nailed the country attitude. You are either wrong or wrong. And that's just the way I am. THAT is country. I vote for edgier and a different style but I don't know what to suggest right now. All I know is I love these lyrics man. p.s. I remember one of your first posts sounded just like Steve Earle here and I pointed it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvaEJzoaYZkRemember??? I think the song should have THIS kinda swagger and attitude and you have done it before. So when you get to the punch line, you almost hold it, and say: 'Cause I been this way way too long... Copperhead road style. And I think you could have 100,000 people standing up saying: "Oh Hayle Yeah."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,203
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,203 |
You've done you influences proud.
Good song.
Mix wise the vocals seem dropped in and the drum placement does my head in a bit but I can hear your reasoning.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
Hello Brad ...
IO somewhat agree with David's comment. I think if this was slowed down about 10 bpm and strong Luther Perkins rhythm guitar in the background, it lift this up quite a bit.
Great lyric ... really, really good! This song comes across to me as a Merle Haggard writer with a Waylon performance. Nothin' wrong with that! I know you're voice has been compromised by your medical issues - just keep on singing as you do. It ain't all that bad!
Alan
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,527 |
Hello Brad
Really good song
Top sung
The background track is extremely good
You used BiaB really well
As always great work Brad
Thanks for sharing
Many greetings
Andi ;-)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,981
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,981 |
Hi Brad,
Nice, traditional country song!
Nothing wrong with a personal song that tells a story in my book.
I dig the vocal, especially where you added the harmonies.
Good one, enjoyed!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,006
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,006 |
Good old style country - back further than Waylon and Merle we think. Yeah!
We like the RT’s you assembled and felt they accompanied your vocals and lyric well.
Janice said it would fit right in as a guest performance on the old Buck Owens tv show.
Kudos!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031 |
Thanks for the listen and comments David, Ray, Alan, Andi, Dave, Janice and Bud. I'm surprised the lyrics have gone over as well as they have. It was fun putting this one together because the music reminds me of what I grew up on. I'll have to put some thought into changing the style and slowing it down a little as David and Alan suggest. I do remember that one you sent me from Steve Earle David, but man you're setting the bar kinda high.
Brad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,890
Posts797,375
Members39,980
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean