Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
#818339 07/31/24 07:12 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
vicarn Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
Well, I'm back after months in the doldrums, procrastinating on what to write about and other worldly things.
Then Mike Leblanc sends me a lyric which gave me more to procrastinate about.
In the original, no moral was mentioned in the lyric so after a month of changing, adding and deducting
I came up with this. It's cut down from about 5 and a half minutes to 4 and a half.
Vic
https://on.soundcloud.com/oh8qo6VLSFemKv6x5

The Moral To The Story
© 2024 M LeBlanc & V Arnold
V1
I put my empire up for sale
I can't rule it any more
The queen of my domain set sail
for some distant shore
When it's your way or the highway
it'll always end the same
the one you love will slip away
and take the blame
V2
All the gold on this old earth
and all the diamonds too
they don't have an ounce of worth
with no one to give them to
all my dreams i tried to fill
were just that, all my own
while your dreams were hard to till
on my field of stone
Pre Chorus
What kind of a man, have I now become
too proud to understand
all the things I've done
Chorus
There's a moral to this story
It's all self explanatory
If you want to live in Heaven
don't be taking more than giving
V3
The years they slowly come and go
I still wonder where you are
Did all your dreams get sowed
or never get that far
Are you a queen without her castle
and me a king without his queen
while every night I wrestle
with the way things could have been
Pre Chorus
Chorus
Inst.
Bridge
Bridges burned, no lessons learned
'til the tolling of the bell
Set up to live in heaven
but we shot it straight to hell
Chorus

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,497
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,497
Vic, really nice song! Love your vocals and harmonies. Very Knopfler-esque sound to me, which is a vibe that never gets old.

Great job on the lyrics, especially liked the "moral" passage and rhyming "story" and "explanatory". My attempts to shorten lyrics have not frequently been appreciated, so you have my R-E-S-P-E-C-T.. Well done!

Last edited by DC Ron; 07/31/24 07:55 AM.

DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031
Man, Vic, I really, really like this. I suppose when looking at it in a vacuum it could seem a little long, but the writing is so good I'm glad you didn't cut anymore out than you did. I really like the story and the feeling of the words as well as the backing track. Excellent.


Brad

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,779
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,779
Vic,

This is an absolutely great song. I love the write, arrangement and production. Your vocal and delivery is outstanding.

A new favorite...

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
vicarn Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
Thanks DC.
Yes, there are always too many words.
Whittle them down to the basic sapling. As long as they still have roots.

Vic

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
vicarn Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
Hi Brad.
What was cut wasn't adding anything.
What was left was added too. Hopefully it all fits.
I'm pleased you liked it.
Thank you very much.

Vic

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,836
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,836
Nice job from you both.
Sits on the ear well.
Good BAND choices.

I've wondered for a long time why Mike doesn't come hang out with us here.
He is a BIAB user. too...(or. at least, used to be).
And such a fine word man.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
vicarn Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
Thank you Bob.
Much appreciated.

Vic

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,449
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,449
Great song Vic!

Excellent lyric and performance. Really enjoyed this one!

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
vicarn Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
Thanks Floyd.
I'm not sure why he doesn't hang here either. I did suggest it to him a while back as he did have BIAB some years ago.
He used the auto generate chords feature which never worked out great so that may have something to do with it.

Vic

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
vicarn Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
Hi David and thanks for lending your ears.

Vic

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,357
Vic...a real jewel...really nice track...every element is placed perfectly and enhances the melody...BUT it's the lyric that steals the show...so very well written...there is a moral in this story and part of it is that it takes a great lyric to make a good melody work and you certainly accomplished that here...every aspect of this one is really really well done!


www.soundclick.com/firesong
BiaB 2024, Steinberg Cubase Pro 13, Wavelab 11.2, SpetraLayers Pro 10, Audacity, Steinberg UR44 Interface, Yamaha Genos, Roland FP60 and FP10, Windows 10

You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
vicarn Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
Thanks for your support, Dan.
Really encouraging to hear.

Vic

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,906
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,906
I like your song, good storytelling with great lyrics that I can learn a lot from.
You've made some really good arrangement choices, and your voice and vocals are perfect for the song.
Very good work!

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
vicarn Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
Thanks B.D.
It took me much longer than usual so I hoped it was worth the effort.

Vic

User Showcase
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,113
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,113
Very good lyrics and lovely instrumentation in this song.


Some favourite Waoist Adages:
#1: Play on the Way.
#13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you.
#58: Bring consciousness to it.
#63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made.
#92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
D
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,060
Vic,

Mike always does a great job on lyrics . . . and you took them and ran, and made something memorable. Excellent job on this, from the write (some great lines throughout), to the vocals, to the arrangement. Very cool tune!!

Deej

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
vicarn Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
Thanks for the support, Waoband.

Vic

User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
vicarn Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,461
Thanks Deej.
I appreciate the listen.

Vic

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Nicely done Vic!! I really like the feel of the song and the feel of your vocal!! Brent's guitar fits very nicely too!! Take care. Greg

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,942
Posts798,002
Members39,988
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Rosbianos, Dorfenator, sebb, mo8, Syrenia
39,987 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 159
DC Ron 128
Noel96 127
rsdean 106
rharv 70
Today's Birthdays
Charlie Leo, rm5
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5