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BRAND NEW PAIR OF SHOES

The shoes are a metaphor for the simple things in life and being satisfied with them!


BIAB
Drums - Nashville Swing 8
Piano - 2165
Ukulele - 1142 Strumming Folk Swing

Me
Vocals
Bass
All electric guitars and 1 acoustic rhythm track
Piano - a few fills supporting the melody
Fake clarinet on a Yamaha keyboard

Toontrack - cymbal swell

BRAND NEW PAIR OF SHOES
Words and music by
Torrey Bliss and Ron Helm
©2025 Glass Gate Music BMI

These shoes I wear, like me
Are getting old
We've traveled a lot of miles
They're getting mighty worn
Like all the the simple things in my life
Just enough to always get me by
Was my mantra, my point of view
Now I thought I'd try something new

It doesn't take much to make me happy
Too much will always make me sad
I don't spend my days and nights in worry
Over things I've never had
Today I got a confirmation
That a package is arriving soon
I can't be singing the blues cause I'll have soon
A brand new pair of shoes

The simple life I've found
Suits me just fine
The offer of opulence I must decline
I found some new kicks made over in China
Not made by some famous designer
To me it's not something that matters
They'll still get me on down the road

It doesn't take much to make me happy
Too much will always make me sad
I don't spend my days and nights in worry
Over things I've never had
Today I got a confirmation
That a package is arriving soon
I can't be singing the blues cause I'll have soon
A brand new pair of shoes

My feet are soon gonna be happy
My steps are soon gonna be snappy
The soles may not look so snazzy
But they'll get me where I need to go

It doesn't take much to make me happy
Too much will always make me sad
I don't spend my days and nights in worry
Over things I've never had
Today I got a confirmation
That a package is arriving soon
I'm waiting here in the queue and I'll have soon
A brand new pair of shoes

Well that was different! not the typical stylistic choice for you and Ron but different is exciting and shows the versatility of your musical stylings...really enjoyable and well written...the metaphor works well in relating a valuable life lesson about our priorities...your vocals sound good to me (as usual) and of coarse I love the harmony work you do...great work Torrey!!

Torrey,

You and Ron wrote a great song. Andf your delivery is always so good. I liked the slight amount of the slap back on the vocal.

The clarinet sound from your keys sound really good.
Love the chord progression. Well done!

Take care,

Alan

Torrey,

Great, great sound. Love the song and your excellent vocals. Very cool production.

I think this would have been right at home on Billy Joel's Glass Houses album.

Awesome!

Bob

My dear Torrey, as they say in France: the important thing is to find the right shoe for your foot. This music fits you like a glove. It's very well sung.
Laurent

Torrey, groovy change of pace from you. Uplifting song, great singing and playing. Cool Beatles references. That clarinet sounds great! Nice one.

Hi Torrey.

This is excellent listening.
I love the ensemble that you've put together.
The clarinet is nice touch. It brings a lightheartedness to the arrangement that suits the song so well.
You and Ron should be proud of this one. It's a terrific write.
Your singing, arranging and performing is, once again, first class.

--Noel

You've taken sadness and misery and turned it into fun and fortune. Just add a new pair of shoes. Lots to like about this delivery. Out there? Yes, for sure

Toe tapping goodness.
Different from your usual songs, but it's a good change of pace.
Enjoyed my listen.
A lot!

Thanks, Dan, for taking time to listen and give your input! I always appreciate it! TB

Well, I was taken by surprise when first listening as it was so different from your usual style. It did quickly grow on me and it certainly serves as a final example of your exceptional musicianship. It is very well written and very well produced. High level piece and a fun listen.

Love the whole feel of this song and the quirky theme Excellent lyrics and mix, plus it's a theme I definitely relate to! I once had a pair that would take me over any terrain which I called my jeeps, though the local slang for shoes and boots is trotter cases! The very best trotter cases I ever had and still have were from a Danish and/or Swiss manufacturer and are unique in that they follow the shape of the foot - I'm amazed all manufactures aren't doing that - but they were bought up by a US company who reduced the range by around 75% and also got rid of all of the old sizes as they now only make then for giants! I now can't get them in my size. The downside of the style, though, is that as no-one else makes the same shapes you can't replace the heels or soles. That's given me an idea for a blues song! "Why Can't I Repair My Trotter Cases?" or "I Got the Trotter Cases Blues"

Thanks Alan! I appreciate it! TB

I esp liked the bridge—really caught my attention—very interesting changes, and there was some type of voice doubling (like down an octave) that I really liked. So glad I spent some time with this…lots of good, creative ideas..and so professionally produced!

Clever lyric, Torrey.
Uplifting arrangement suits the message well.
Maybe the mid to low range needs separating a little but I could be wrong of course.

Vic

Torrey & Ron,

A good write.
Strong vocals.
Love the Bass. (Drums could be louder)
Great musical bed. The clarinet is a nice touch.

Solid mix.

Y'all are putting out good music. keep it up.

fj

Yeow, first time another great Torrey song starts with a clarinet. Man, I love the changes and feel of this one. That just-doesn't-get-any-better-than-this Bliss vocal and harmony. Cool moving bass. Man, if you can write such a sensation song about a brand new pair of shoes, let's hear one about your new guitar. hehe/. I really enjoy all you do, Torrey. Cool shoo-op stuff too.

Torrey and Ron, this is fantastic
Outstanding vocal and message
Super lyrics, backing band, mix, and your chops on the bass, guitars and keyboard.
I really liked this.

Thanks Bob! I always appreciate your comments! TB

Thanks Laurent! I really do appreciate your nice comments! TB

Yups, the simple things in life are the best! Your fake clarinet sounds goods, as does all your Bliss-ful instrumentation. I dig the BGVs. The music sounds like you might have been inspired a bit by Paul's granny music I like granny music, BTW.

Thanks Ron, yes I threw in a couple of obscure references that I wondered if anyone would catch! TB

Good to see a new one from you, Torrey!

Man, your music always sounds so professional. Such attention to detail! Reminds me of the Beatles in spots, chorus especially.

Clever metaphor! And yes, the older you get I think the more you realize that it's the simple things in life that matter at the end of the day.

Wonderful, enjoyed very much.

Thank you, Noel! Your comments are such an encouragement to me! TB

A secular song, about shoes, no less. Well, you are a pro and so this was pro all the way. Yes, it was quirky, but it was quite good. The structure at one point sounded like Glass Onion by the Beatles. Good job!

Thanks for your time to listen and comment! TB

Thanks so much for listening and making a comment! I appreciate it! TB

Torrey,

This is a song that makes me feel like you're on a new frontier.
The melody, as always, has a Paul McCartney feel.
The combination of ukulele, clarinet, etc. is innovative.
Both the vocals and backing chorus are excellent.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

Tom, those kind words mean a lot to me! I really appreciate it! TB

Hey Torrey this is a very charming song.

That really put a smile on my face!

I love the old timey old school instrumentation and the bounciness of it all.

Great job on this one. A really fun song!

Thanks for the comments! I'll be watching for that blues tune! TB

The contrast in mood between the 1st verse & chorus is perfect for the narrative.
The clarinet keyboard is cool too.
As expected - the arrangement is spot on as are the performances from BIAB & T.B.
The harmonised guitar solo was an unexpected treat.
ACE

Thanks so much for the positive words! I appreciate it! TB

Thanks, Vic, for your comments! I have continued to play around a bit with the eq and have arrived at a place I am fairly satisfied with! TB

Very cool song Torrey. Loved the intro. Very creative lyric. I totally agree with the message in the lyric. Chasing brand names can stress one out. Excellent instrumentation choices. As always vocal was top tier. Guitar was very cool. Well done

Thanks Floyd! The current upload I have on SoundCloud has the drums slightly louder than the track you listened to. TB

Marty, I have to be careful talking/singing about what guitars I have! My wife may see/hear it and realize how many I have and not be understanding when the next one comes along that I just have to have lol!
Thanks for your kind words! I appreciate it! TB

Great subject, especially knowing that I have to buy two pair of shoes every year, because I walk so much. And how difficult it is to found the ones that don't give me abrasions and blisters. I agree with your message that the brand or look doesn't matter.

So many things to like about in this positive song, the piano and the clarinet create strong Beatles vibe, the solo guitar fits perfectly the mood, great vocals and those backing vocals are wonderful. And of course I enjoy most your captivating ability to create catchy pop melodies and chord progression. I'm glad I didn't have to wait for long this perfect musical package to arrive.

Janne

Thanks Mario for the kind words! TB

Thanks Scott! Yes I love the granny music also! Martha My Dear is probably one of my favorites! TB

Thank you Dave! I always appreciate your comments! TB

We smiled all the way through!
Great creative write.

Your Beatles influence is strong here and so very good.

The “fake clarinet” sounds great and the ukelele and piano add to the happy sound.
Your vocals and guitar/bass playing are top notch in tone and chops - as always.

The mix has a great soundstage on our monitors.

Enjoyed the listens!

J&B

Than you sir! Actually I referenced briefly Mean Mister Mustard and Daytripper (musically not lyrically) in short I to 2 bar sections and wondered if anyone would pick up on it. I was also influenced by Sir Paul's granny music (as Scott put it) for the clarinet! TB

<Thank you sir! Actually I referenced briefly Mean Mister Mustard and Daytripper (musically not lyrically) in short I to 2 bar sections and wondered if anyone would pick up on it. I was also influenced by Sir Paul's granny music (as Scott put it) for the clarinet! TB


Ah, that was it! I wasn't positive about Glass Onion, but I was sure it was a Beatles song. My old brain kept scanning the White Album when I should've been thinking Abbey Road. Cool quote, either way!

Hi, Torrey.

Fun song, excellent arrangement, upbeat message and well sung.

Everything sounded great, and the clarinet was the icing on the cake.

Love it!

Torrey

Really enjoyed that, great all round track.
Excellent.

Peter

Thanks Shigeki! Coming from someone with the musical talent you have, it is so meaningful to me! TB

Thanks David! I have a feeling that you have a smile on your face most of the time! TB

I enjoyed that. Was gonna mention the Mean Mr. Mustard thing but someone beat me to it.

Thanks Ray! Your comments always mean a lot to me! TB

.
Thanks Scott! I appreciate it! TB

Thanks Janne for the kind words! I appreciate it! TB

Love the message Torrey!! I try to keep my values....get excited about a new plug in or virtual instrument, or even a pair of shoes (although I don't remember my last one). So well done!!! Take care. Greg

Thanks J&B! A comment from you is always a highlight of my day! TB

Yes, it's oh so hard to get away from those late 60's influences! TB

Thanks David! I really appreciate it! TB

Thanks for the listen and comment! TB

Yes, I mentioned MMM in response to TuneMonger! It definitely had a big influence on those short 2 bar chord progression parts! John did an ascending and then descending progression! My part had 2 ascending short 2 bar bursts without descending! Nevertheless, it worked for me! Thanks for having a listen and commenting! TB

Thanks Greg! Your comments are always treasured! TB

In the event that someone happens to see this and has an interest, here is a lyric video that accompanies this song. Thanks.
Brand New Pair Of Shoes (Video)

This kinda reminded me of the Beatles in their heyday when they were very creative.

Nice work

Enjoyed the listen. Clarinet was a good choice. Song's message is spot on.

Thanks Herb! Actually, I was inspired to do this one from a clip of George Harrison I once saw noodling around on a ukelele! TB

Mark, thanks for listening and commenting! I appreciate it! TB