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#781074 11/04/23 05:28 PM
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BETTER DAYS

"Get busy living or get busy dying."
Surely someone around here has used that phrase in a song. I can honestly say that I'm not aware of it though and decided to implement it in one of my songs. Last week I had the above line from a movie pop into my mind and felt I needed to use it! . I am now pretty much satisfied with the track and will probably leave it like it is!

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DRUMS - Nashville Radio Shuffle Mike
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Me
Vocals and guitar solo, rhythm and fills on a
40 year old Ibanez artist I dug out of the closet

Better Days
Words and music by
Torrey Bliss/Ron Helm
©2023 Glass Gate Music BMI

Old guitar with two broken strings
In the corner mocking me
Notebooks filled with my shattered dreams
Full of words that no-one reads
Inside the rain keeps pouring down
Filling blind eyes that want to see
On the verge of throwing it all away
Then I hear a voice telling me
Oh redemptive words that changed it all

Get busy living or get busy dying
Ol Red spoke words of wisdom
I've come too far just to
turn around
When better days are yet to come

A man named John said that life's gonna happen
When we're busy making other plans
There's no need to worry about tomorrow
We gotta trust we're in God's hands
Live for the truth not just what makes you happy
It's the way to honor His command
Walk in the light come out of the darkness
In spite of what the world demands
Oh decide just where you'll make your stand

Get busy living or get busy dying
Ol Red spoke words of wisdom
I've come too far just to
turn around
When better days are yet to come

Get busy living or get busy dying
The race is ours to run
We've come too far just to
turn around
When better days are yet to come

Oh don't become an old re-run
Oh believe the best is yet to come


Get busy living or get busy dying
Ol Red spoke words of wisdom
I've come too far just to
turn around
When better days are yet to come

Get busy living or get busy dying
The race is ours to run
We've come too far just to
turn around
When better days are yet to come

Last edited by Torrey Bliss; 11/06/23 06:18 PM.
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GLORIOUS chorus Torrey.
Excellent verses, arrangement, playing and sing but the chorus really jumps after that that brief bridge in the last line of the verses.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Old guitar with two broken strings...

So...a ukulele? wink

There's some pumping from the vocals, like you're ducking aggressively. Not really a complaint, since I'm big fan of clear vocals.

Poppy, catchy, and upbeat.

I like it! laugh


-- David Cuny

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Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

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rayc #781104 11/05/23 03:49 AM
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Thanks, Ray, for the listen and comment! always appreciated! T

dcuny #781105 11/05/23 03:57 AM
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Originally Posted by dcuny
Old guitar with two broken strings...

So...a ukulele? wink

There's some pumping from the vocals, like you're ducking aggressively. Not really a complaint, since I'm big fan of clear vocals.

Poppy, catchy, and upbeat.

I like it! laugh
Thanks, David, no ukes here nor any broken strings! Thanks for the listen and comment! You and another individual who listened and contacted me mentioned a compression issue. I went back to my system and listened again and couldn't hear any compression pumping going on. but just to be safe I reduced compression levels a bit across the board on individual and master channels and re uploaded. I often wonder if SoundCloud is adding more compression to the track after uploading but I guess I have no control over that!

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Torrey,

This is an outstanding song with a killer chorus...

Production is pro / top notch and your vocal is excellent. Love the way you sing!

Bob

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I love your song and its positive message, really well done in every way.
But one question remains: Who is "Ol Red"?

B.D.Thomas #781128 11/05/23 06:24 AM
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Originally Posted by B.D.Thomas
I love your song and its positive message, really well done in every way.
But one question remains: Who is "Ol Red"?
Thanks for the listen and comment! Red is the role played by Morgan Freeman in the Shawshank Redemption.

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Favorite Lennon quote: When asked about his 5 year old son Julian he said, "I want to grow up to be just like him."

What an excellent song you crafted here, Torrey. Nothing new in that. Such a fine professional sound. Great band and some of the best vocals I've heard anywhere. Well, thanks for making this a better day, Torrey.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

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rsdean #781181 11/05/23 12:33 PM
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Originally Posted by rsdean
Torrey,

This is an outstanding song with a killer chorus...

Production is pro / top notch and your vocal is excellent. Love the way you sing!

Bob
Thanks Bob! You are always so encouraging to me! T

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Excellent write and balanced up great, Torrey.

Vic

BabuMusic #781251 11/06/23 05:58 AM
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Originally Posted by BabuMusic
Favorite Lennon quote: When asked about his 5 year old son Julian he said, "I want to grow up to be just like him."

What an excellent song you crafted here, Torrey. Nothing new in that. Such a fine professional sound. Great band and some of the best vocals I've heard anywhere. Well, thanks for making this a better day, Torrey.

You are quite welcome my friend and thanks for the encouraging words! T

vicarn #781253 11/06/23 05:59 AM
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Thanks Vic I appreciate it! T

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Torrey & Ron,

A strong write. Nice melody, too. The chorus takes off....Nice!
Nice tracks. Well mixed.
Sweet vocals and BGVs.
Quality guitar solo. That 40 year old Ibanez sounds great.

I always enjoy listening to your Music. (they aren't "just songs").
And, again...I know folks always reference The Beatles, but MAN! do you remind me of Todd Rundgren (I hope you recognize that as a HUGE compliment) with some Badfinger sprinkled into the mix. A great Sound.

fj

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Nice song with a nice message. I like the way it the sound and instruments increase (builds) towards the end.

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Another super Torrey and Ron creation...I loved it from the get go...your stylized (very Torrey Bliss) guitar sound and solos are always so tasteful and apropos...I love the lyrics and the positive message...your vocals are stellar and the harmonies (as usual) are tight and unique...I've been waiting to hear your next post for a while (you needed to get back to this side of the pond I guess) and I'm certainly not disappointed...keep the Glass Gate open brother!


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You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.
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Really solid rock tune! Love the song, vocals, instrumentation, arrangement, mix and production. Did I leave anything out? Don't think so. This is about perfect. Especially liked the placement of your solo and how that transitioned back into the vocals. The Ibanez Artist series consisted of many models but most had really hot pickups, and those with solid bodies could top ten pounds (a load!). Whichever one it was sounded really fine in your hands. I don't think I'd touch a thing on this one either.


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"Old guitar with two broken strings
In the corner mocking me
Notebooks filled with my shattered dreams
Full of words that no-one reads"

Yeah, I know the feeling.

Upbeat instrumentation that matches the lyrics.

That old Ibanez sounds great on the solo.

BTW, John Lennon sang those words about "life is what happens..." in "Beautiful Boy."

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Cool song! Very "Torrey".. a little Beatles, a little ELO and a lot of of you!

Good job to both of you guys!

floyd jane #781393 11/07/23 06:37 AM
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Originally Posted by floyd jane
Torrey & Ron,

A strong write. Nice melody, too. The chorus takes off....Nice!
Nice tracks. Well mixed.
Sweet vocals and BGVs.
Quality guitar solo. That 40 year old Ibanez sounds great.

I always enjoy listening to your Music. (they aren't "just songs").
And, again...I know folks always reference The Beatles, but MAN! do you remind me of Todd Rundgren (I hope you recognize that as a HUGE compliment) with some Badfinger sprinkled into the mix. A great Sound.

fj
Thanks for Floyd for the encouraging words! Ron said he appreciates it also! T

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