Hi Deej, Marty, Janne and Brain,

Thanks a lot for your comments on the song(s).
To start with the finish between the rock- and the swing version, it is obvious that the swing version won.
Not only here in the forum, but also on SoundCloud. I don't know what happend but the swing version got a all time high on listeners, 1,3k
Never had this much, so maybe someone made a mistake... Or they just love that song. Who knows?
On YouTube the views were almost nothing, but there the rock-version is laying on top. So still hope for the rock lovers ;-)

Originally Posted by Deej56
Hans,
True life is the best inspiration for song . . . you’ve put together a good one here. Noted it on your Facebook page, but I prefer the swing version. Well done!!
And credit to you for doing two versions . . . these days I barely have the energy and inspiration to do one, LOL!!
Deej

Hi Deej, it was by accident I made 2 versions. I was getting bored by the swing version, hearing it over and over again, to correct the lyrics, or my singing, etc. You know how that goes.
Also Marty told me to change the end. I let us be stucked in France forever! But he complaint,kept whining about a happy ending (for us it means something different), so finally i listened to him.
Then I heard a steel guitar. Normally I don't use that instrument, but here it souded like a nice rock guitar. Liked it a lot and so that versio was born.
Try it too. Get bored and try something completely different. Who knows. At least you have the fun of it.
I only mention Marty one more time; he said he likes the swing version, but stayed polite on the Rock one...
And it seems he is right!

Originally Posted by BabuMusic
Oh, man. An unforgettable story told in two styles as only you could do it, Hans. As you know I like the swing version --humor in contrast to tragedy. Great job on the videos too. If you were in this country, I'd figure the problem wasn't the language barrier but the insurance coverage. You fill these both with your talent for coming up with some humorous lyrics (sorta), the perfect melody and a dynamic presentation.

Hi Marty, I told Deej (above) about your influence on my taste and song. And when I saw that helicopter coming in, while I know I had forgotten to insure us for this trip, I thought bye bye savings. But that wasn't the case. They charged me nothing. We only had to rent holiday houses for about 3 weeks. And I missed my cats too. They did miss me too, I noticed.
Taking care of my wife was a lot of work, especially in the beginning. Now it's getting better. Luckily I could find time to make the songs...
Marty it was nice to lean a bit on you when this all happend. Thanks for that!


Originally Posted by jannesan
Fun story, nightmarish situation handled with great irony, oh la la! Isn't it nice to use music to express your true experience and feelings smile
I enjoyed the swing version more, maybe it has better vacation & cycling mood, although I enjoyed the piano and guitars in the rock version. Enjoyable melody and chord progression. Vocal delivery is well nuanced and soulful. Very creative!
Janne

Hi Janne, thanks a lot for your good analysis of the songs! The 'oh la la' came to me when singing about that waiting for an operation. And I liked it immediatly, so I kept it.
Fun you liked it too!


Originally Posted by B.D.Thomas
Now, THOSE are some interesting lyrics, you really did a great job of putting your adventure into a song.
Love it!
I prefer the rock version, but I guess you expected that from someone like me smile
Hope your wife is well again.

Hi Brain, yes I knew you would prefer the rock version. I did too, So now they call us loosers... But we don't care, do we?
My 2 sons came to France immediatly after the accident. And while waiting for a solution, I told them what title I have for a Rock song. Never mentioned a swing version.
But now you see; 2 versions and the rock one did not win.
Ah, and my wife is getting better. Still a long time to go, but... she brought me a cup of tea on a morning!!!

Have a very lovely day today,
Hans

Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130