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#784600 11/27/23 03:59 PM
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tommyad Offline OP
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I have always disliked songs that were preachy. I’m more of a Don’t tell me what to do kind of

guy. With that being said, I guess I had to get it out of my system so I don’t do it again. Have a

listen if you dare.





RealTracks in song: 1601:Mandolin, Rhythm Pop16Melodic Ev 065
RealTracks in song: 2645:Guitar, Resonator, Rhythm Folk8thsRandy Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 1758:Banjo, Rhythm, Pop16ths Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 1875:Mandolin, Soloist CountryAndy Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 1841:Synth Pad, PopModernGrooveHigh Ev16 075
RealTracks in song: 1278:Synth Pad, PopUplift Ev 120
Royalty Free Loops

Recorded in Logic Pro X
Plug Ins : Nectar 3, Neutron 4, Ozone 10, Tonal Balance, Waves LinMB, Waves, L3-LL Multi Limiter, Logic Pro Metering, Waves Vocal Rider

Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Tom Adams



https://on.soundcloud.com/fzZPp

https://tommyadamsmusic.com/track/3328171/you-ain-t-livin





You Ain’t Livin


I can’t tell you much except where I’ve been

It happens everywhere again and again

People lose their confidence that it will turn out fine

Then surrender to existing one day at a time

And we should all know by now


If you don’t learn to laugh like you were a child

Happy free and a little bit wild

If you can’t feel the warmth like you’ve never been burnt

Or let yourself love like you’ve never been hurt

Then you ain’t livin


There’s a easy way of putting things in the proper place

sit right down don’t you rush this isn’t a race

sometime it gets a little hard when you don’t know where to start

Till you realize it’s what you feel deep in your heart

And we should all know by now


If you don’t learn to laugh like you were a child

Happy free and a little bit wild

If you can’t feel the warmth like you’ve never been burnt

Or let yourself love like you’ve never been hurt

Then you ain’t livin

tommyad #784605 11/27/23 04:34 PM
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Hi Tom,

This ain't preachin'. It's just a personal perspective well worth saying. And I couldn't agree more with the lyric and sentiment of the song.

I loved the transition from a relatively sparse soundscape in the verses followed by a full, rich sound in the choruses. That dynamic really punched up the message and greatness of the listen. That was a real treat!

If I may, one humble suggestion for the lyric: where you said: "this isn’t a race", in the verse following the first chorus, I think "this ain't no race" would work better, irrespective of the grammar. Just sounds more authentic, FWIW.

Regardless, this is a super, top-shelf song. Much enjoyed.

Take care,

Alan


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tommyad #784665 11/27/23 09:13 PM
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The mix is stellar - the mandolin pops, and everything is in the right place. Vocals sound great. Chorus comes in strong.

Doesn't come across preachy, because... well, who's going to argue with the premise?

Alan said "top shelf", and that's what it is all right! smile


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

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Originally Posted by Al-David
Hi Tom,

This ain't preachin'. It's just a personal perspective well worth saying. And I couldn't agree more with the lyric and sentiment of the song.

I loved the transition from a relatively sparse soundscape in the verses followed by a full, rich sound in the choruses. That dynamic really punched up the message and greatness of the listen. That was a real treat!

If I may, one humble suggestion for the lyric: where you said: "this isn’t a race", in the verse following the first chorus, I think "this ain't no race" would work better, irrespective of the grammar. Just sounds more authentic, FWIW.

Regardless, this is a super, top-shelf song. Much enjoyed.

Take care,

Alan
Alan, You are 100% correct on your suggestion. I kept thinking something was wrong with the second verse beyond the fact that I didn't sing it very well, but I couldn't figure it out. Thanks for your observation and your generous comments. Tom

tommyad #784768 11/28/23 08:48 AM
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Fair warning, Tom, but I cannot NOT listen to a new Tommy Adams song. And for this sermon, I stand strong in the choir. You're preaching to the choir with a smile on your face and a song from the heart. Well said and well sung.

Very catchy chorus. Cool band, and I particularly enjoyed the mandos. Man, there is suspense in that last sustain chord.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

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tommyad #784774 11/28/23 08:58 AM
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Tom,

Great, great song. Love the lyrics and arrangement. Also, one of your best vocals.

Much enjoyed.

Bob

tommyad #784834 11/28/23 11:48 AM
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Great song.

The thing is.... we all used to know how to laugh like a child.... We've been told that's not the way grown-ups act so we unlearned it. Sadly.....


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
tommyad #784902 11/28/23 03:36 PM
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Really cool song and vocal performance! Not preachy at all, as others have observed. Nicely recorded and mixed, too. My only question is what is the sound that sustains longer than the other instruments in the fadeout? Listened to it three times and couldn't figure it out. But enjoyed it all the same!


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dcuny #785059 11/29/23 04:33 AM
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Originally Posted by dcuny
The mix is stellar - the mandolin pops, and everything is in the right place. Vocals sound great. Chorus comes in strong.

Doesn't come across preachy, because... well, who's going to argue with the premise?

Alan said "top shelf", and that's what it is all right! smile
David, thanks for another great review. I really do appreciate your support, Tom

tommyad #785092 11/29/23 07:26 AM
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Hey Tom,

This is a great song, and a great lyric! Well done! Masterful craftsmanship here buddy.

smile

tommyad #785125 11/29/23 08:51 AM
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Tom,

No preaching here, just beautiful words of wisdom and common sense!
Tom, the awesome vocal you put on this really reaches through the music and grabs the listener!
The production is awesome in EVERY aspect! I'm thoroughly impressed with this fine work!

Thanks, TB

tommyad #785140 11/29/23 09:21 AM
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Tommy, this isn't preaching. It is telling the truth!
Loved this outstanding in every way song.


Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!

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Originally Posted by BabuMusic
Fair warning, Tom, but I cannot NOT listen to a new Tommy Adams song. And for this sermon, I stand strong in the choir. You're preaching to the choir with a smile on your face and a song from the heart. Well said and well sung.

Very catchy chorus. Cool band, and I particularly enjoyed the mandos. Man, there is suspense in that last sustain chord.
Marty, thanks for dropping by and leaving a smile, Tom

rsdean #785228 11/29/23 03:45 PM
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Originally Posted by rsdean
Tom,

Great, great song. Love the lyrics and arrangement. Also, one of your best vocals.

Much enjoyed.

Bob
Bob, glad you liked it, Tom

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Originally Posted by Guitarhacker
Great song.

The thing is.... we all used to know how to laugh like a child.... We've been told that's not the way grown-ups act so we unlearned it. Sadly.....
Thanks Herb. You’re right about that. Glad you enjoyed it, Tom

DC Ron #785564 11/30/23 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by DC Ron
Really cool song and vocal performance! Not preachy at all, as others have observed. Nicely recorded and mixed, too. My only question is what is the sound that sustains longer than the other instruments in the fadeout? Listened to it three times and couldn't figure it out. But enjoyed it all the same!
Ron, thanks for all the generous comments. The sustained note at the end is a synth pad with a long reverb tail, Tom

tommyad #785681 12/01/23 07:27 AM
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Tom,

A great message.

That Typical Terrific Tom Tracks and MIX. Wow.
Sweet mandolin.
Drums are Awesome.

MAN! you are good at this!

fj

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Originally Posted by David Snyder
Hey Tom,

This is a great song, and a great lyric! Well done! Masterful craftsmanship here buddy.

smile
Thanks man. Glad you liked it, Tom

tommyad #785920 12/02/23 06:55 AM
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You do some good stuff Tommy.
You're right about preaching but one little preach in a life is ok.
Lyrics and mix are great and I love the dynamics as the chorus comes in.

Vic

tommyad #785928 12/02/23 07:40 AM
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Another stunning song from you, Tom. The mix is fabulous, the writing is superb ... this is ready for radio. Oh, and I didn't find this preachy at all smile a little genuine positivity, like here, is badly needed in this world, where people (as you write) have all but given up, at times. Thanks for cheering me up and motivating me, today smile Well done.

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