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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
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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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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! 
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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 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
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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.
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Tom,
Great, great song. Love the lyrics and arrangement. Also, one of your best vocals.
Much enjoyed.
Bob
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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.comAdd 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.
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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!
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One StudioCat DAW dual screen Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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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!  David, thanks for another great review. I really do appreciate your support, Tom
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Hey Tom, This is a great song, and a great lyric! Well done! Masterful craftsmanship here buddy. 
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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
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Tommy, this isn't preaching. It is telling the truth! Loved this outstanding in every way song.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
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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. Marty, thanks for dropping by and leaving a smile, Tom
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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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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
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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! Ron, thanks for all the generous comments. The sustained note at the end is a synth pad with a long reverb tail, Tom
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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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Hey Tom, This is a great song, and a great lyric! Well done! Masterful craftsmanship here buddy.  Thanks man. Glad you liked it, Tom
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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
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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  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  Well done.
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