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It's been a while since I've posted anything here.... I've been recharging my batteries so to speak.

So this.... A few weeks ago I woke up at 5am with this idea and a number of the lines in my head. I was actally able to recall most of the lines when I got up. I asked a friend of mine, Brad Hunnings, if he would like to help write the rest of it. He agreed. This came together nicely and in a relatively short time. We worked on this a bit and Brad dropped by one day last week to lay down the vocal. This is actually a one take with a couple of small punches in I think 2 places.

The Band is:
Vocals: Brad Hunnings
Acoustic guitars: Herb Hartley

The Kill Branch Studio Cats:
B3: 686
Bass: 2609
Drums Nashville Even 8
Fiddle: 1877
Steel: 2541
Piano: 1007

Style is Nashville lite folk pop (evenkeel)

110 bpm
Key of Gb ( yeah, right?) Brad tunes his guitar down a half step.


Too Soon


Lyrics

END TOO SOON

V1
90’s country band on a saturday night
Carved oak pews, in a church painted white
Watchin’ Dale race on a Sunday afternoon
Barefoot boys with old cane poles
Catching big ones in a stacked honey hole
The radio playin’ three chords and the truth

CHORUS
Like a cold beer on a hot day in late July
When you got a best friend but it's time to say goodbye
That first kiss on a fall night, under a full harvest moon 
Why do good things always seem to end too soon?

V2
An ‘89 Chevy with a truck load of miles
A favorite song, baby’s first smile
That dog that could cheer ya up even when you were blue
A pair of broke in boots that fit just right
First day of deer season, one in the sights
The day the love of your life smiled and said “I do”.

CHORUS REPEAT

BRIDGE
When you can feel forever, but she tells you boy, we’re through
Why do good things always seem to end too soon?

CHORUS
Like a cold beer on a hot day in late July
When you got a best friend but it's time to say goodbye
That first kiss on a fall night, under a full harvest moon 
Why do good things always seem to end too soon?
Why do good things always seem to end too soon?

Copyright 2023

Brad Hunning & Herb Hartley

Have a listen and feel free to comment

Hey this really great you two!

Good job all around.

Glad you're co-writing!

Nice one - unobtrusive backing and a heart breakingly ironic lyric - well sung - well done

Howdy Herb....

This is a good country tune write.
Instrumentation is right on, good imagery, good mix and Brad has a great country vox.
Someday I hope to learn to sing.

Well done!

I usually can't remember those songs when I wake up. if you're lucky enough to do so rest assured it's a good one. And this one is, Super write, very well sung and fantastic editing on the fills. It's obvious that you've played a lot in a live bands and are familiar with the genre. Very commercial and professional sound! Way to go guys, Tom

There's something about the song that sounds sort of country, but I can't quite put my finger on it...

Chevy reference? Check!
Boots mentioned? Check!
Cold beer on a hot day? Check!
Guns and hunting? Check!
Broken heart? Check!

Checks all the boxes for me!

Plus, a great vocal, excellent backing and stellar mix.

But... one demerit for playing in Gb - that's no key for a country song!

Wow, Brad has a pretty good voice, perfect for this kind of music.
Great arrangement, great mix... I like it

Wow, this was great! Pure country, and pure goodness. Great idea for a country song. I loved that first verse and that bridge was perfect writing. I wish this Brad could sing as well as the Brad in your song. He did a great job with the vocal and it grabbed my attention from his very first note. Great production all the way through. The only problem I can mention is this song ends ... Too Soon!

Great job,
Brad

SUPERB. I love this kind of song, and this is masterfully done. The accent your friend Brad places on "broke" is from another level - just to mention one of many great details in here. So, so, so well written and performed. Could easily, easily be on the radio. Sincerest congratulations.

thanks Dave, Cowriting rocks when it all comes together and folks are on the same page.

Much appreciated. We wanted to keep it simple and showcase the song. Glad you like it.

Thanks. Glad you liked it.

regarding singing.... just jump in the deep and and swim. You'll never know until you try it.

Herb...this is a really well written song...if I heard this on country radio I would not be surprised...you guys did a great job on the total production of this one! Brad has a great county voice and had a super melody to work with...stellar effort guys!

Herb and Brad this is country at its best.
Brad can really sing.
The mix is spot on, great dynamics.
Loved the lyrics also, however you missed a train reference for the perfect country song

I do agree with David that Gb is not a country song key. Maybe you should have done this song in F#. Ducking and running for cover.

Now I am not kidding this is a fantastic song.
Great job gentlemen.

I'd offer it started too soon. well, not enough intro to get my head around where things might go.
"First day of deer season, one in the sights
The day the love of your life smiled and said “I do”."
That's either laughing out loud fun writing or backblocks woodshed weird.

GREAT voice, and every moving part meshes with the machine like synchro.
Well done.

Hello Herb and Brad
Great song
Sounds very good
Brad has a great voice
Your song is really fun to listen to
Well done
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

Love it, Herb. What a good song. Excellent write, and a terrific choice calling in your friend Brad. A really good collab, and top-notch vocal. Those lyrics are so relatable to everyone. Speaking of good things ending too soon, 3:29 was way too short. You chose the perfect band, too. Hope you guys come back with more real soon.

To be honest, I was tempting fate by going back to sleep and hoping I'd remember it. I probably shouldn't do that too often. Hey man I really appreciate your comments.

Thanks

I haven't heard it on the radio yet, but seems that's where it belongs... Great job, thanks for sharing.


Kajun Jeaux (Louisiana's BlackWater Studio)
https://www.reverbnation.com/artist/louisianasblackwaterstudio

A solid country tune and Brad's vocal really cuts through and shines. He sings very well.

Excellent use and blend of RT's, Herb.

Nice work all around.