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THE WAY THINGS ARE _CAN.STY Can Tin Whistle Folk Pop 3119:Bass, Acoustic, PopHalfNotesSync Ev 085 (Reverb 35) 1837:Piano, Acousitc, Rhythm PopModernGrooveHeld Ev 16 075 (Reverb 58) RealDrums=PopRock16ths 3544:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm SlowReelPicking Ev 16 080 (Reverb 0) 3697:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm SlackKeyBallad Ev 085 (Reverb 100) 2448:Guitar, Electric, Background, PopDreamyBrent Ev 085 (Reverb 0) I didn't need the tin whistle in this style so I left it out. By replacing the overly sad tones of the resonator (2019 version) with the livelier PopDreamy electric, the song has a more positive vibe. I have also cranked up the bpm from 77 to 85 (shaving 24 seconds from the duration). Video regarding the music shop referenced in the song. LYRICS: Frank Hessey’s music shop in Liverpool
Was there there I bought my first guitar
I took it home, I tuned it up
And imagined one day I’d be a star
Hour after hour I’d be strumming songs
All alone, way up in my room
Listening to Paxton, Simon and Garfunkel
Trying to copy all their tunes
But I didn’t have a clue - what I would need to do
To start out upon the road to fame
I just practiced faithfully and thought success would come to me
But every day, every way, every day was just the same
Marriage was a welcome interruption
And children just kind of intervened
But every now and then I’d pick my guitar up again
Wondr’ing what happened to the dream
Sometimes at night a tune would come to me
Or a story I’d heard became a song
Sometimes a flash of pure inspiration
While other songs seemed to take too long
And I didn’t have a clue - what I would need to do
To start out upon the road to fame
I just practiced faithfully and hoped success would come to me
But every day, every way, every day was just the same
Retirement’s come, the nest is empty
These days I’m on the road with my guitar
Now I think I see who I’m meant to be
And I’m content the way things are.
Retirement’s come, the nest is empty
These days I’m on the road with my guitar
And now, finally, I’m who I’m meant to be
And I’m content, so content,
I’m content the way things are.Copyright © 2019 Brian Raynor. All rights reserved 2019 VERSION: SNG-DUO.STY 366: Bass 2552: Acoustic Guitar 2553: Acoustic Guitar 3073: Resonator Guitar 3150: Mandola
Last edited by Ghostgum; 08/19/22 02:16 PM.
ProTools; Ableton Live Lite; Reaper
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"My music may not set the world on fire but if it causes a glow in just one person's heart, it has all been worthwhile." Mission accomplished, Brian. You wrote this one for all of us, man. This song is "pure inspiration." What a wonderful vocal. The whole mix is just perfect. Man, the lyrics tell it all, and the song has the perfect flavor for telling it. Happy for ya, man.
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I can imagine Simon and Garfunkle doing it.
Nice.
Vic
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Very well composed, great use of RTs (I always love to hear the Dreamy Brent RT!).
Your vocals are also good, but I have one small nit. Maybe slightly less reverb?
Rob
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WOW what a fantastic song
Every teenage boy who bought a guitar can relate to the first two verses and the chorus!
I would say most all of us can relate to this:
"Sometimes at night a tune would come to me
Or a story I’d heard became a song
Sometimes a flash of pure inspiration
While other songs seemed to take too long"
This is one outstanding write
Super vocal and mix
Loved it
PS - those first two verses hit home here!
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Love the sound, and your voice is great here. As Mario said, something most of us on the forum can relate to!  Picking up the tempo was a good idea - the speed is comfortable and not rushed. A very enjoyable listen, but the jump to suddenly being on the road with a guitar seemed to have jumped out of nowhere. The narrative went from someone who only seemed to practice on their own to suddenly being a performer.
-- 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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the jump to suddenly being on the road with a guitar seemed to have jumped out of nowhere. The narrative went from someone who only seemed to practice on their own to suddenly being a performer. That's more or less how it happened, David. Early in 2016, my wife, Alice, worked as an assistant to the Lifestyle Coordinator at an aged care facility. Sue was having trouble finding entertainers to come in and cheer up the old folks. Alice said, "My husband could do that." That year, I did twelve gigs across five different sites. The following year, I quit my job and did another hundred or so. Even with Covid restrictions I still get 2 or 3 a week. Best job I ever had.
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A very relatable song as others have mentioned, and very well written.
Loved your vocal also.
Well done!
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You're right about the reverb, Rob. I didn't notice how prominent it was until I played it through the main speakers.
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Thanks, Mario 
ProTools; Ableton Live Lite; Reaper
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 MK4 interface
Novation Launchkey 61 Mk4 midi controller
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very tasty song and lyrics.
superb backing and the vocal emotion.
i also like the understated drums that fit the song so well.
great lyrics bout 'retirement'.
huge kudos to you mate...sincerely.
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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Very good song, and I think just about everybody on the forum can relate to it. Always a pleasure to listen to your voice, it's so relaxing. Really nice work here.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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A nice song, Brian. I would imagine that most of us started the same way...
(haven't heard anyone mention Tom Paxton in a very long time!)
The backing is appropriate, allowing the story to be told.
I thought the reverb level was good.
The drums were a bit too low (for my taste). Thought the piano could come up just a little, too.
Nice that you found your stage!
fj
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Great song Brian. Really nicely written and I thought the mix was great. You did a great job on the vocals as well.
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Wow, this is really a great song, and I have to say big kudos for the storytelling and your vocals.
I wish I could sing like that...
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Your tunes are always well thought out and smooth. This is no exception. Very clean, laid back song. Excellent vocals. Listens very well. Thank you for sharing.
Misha.
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