Soundcloud - The lost sock

Written pre-2004 using BIAB, and originally 'You can't (be my baby)', the lyrics were replaced with new lyrics to become 'The lost sock' in 2024. The original lyrics had all sorts of cringeworthy moments in them, and wincing isn't good for my vocal technique! I finally recorded in March 2025 with a tone key change up to help with my vocal range. The wound back arrangement in Verse 3 had multiple forms until I settled on the current mix. For those interested, I do like wearing fancy coloured ankle socks around the house in winter, and secretly under trousers to subtly represent my creative, artistic side. I haven't quite lowered myself (yet) to wear socks with what you all call flip-flops but us Aussies call 'thongs'. It's bogan thing.

Musically, the Verse chord progression is G - Bm - F - E, Am -D7, G - Bm - Em, Cm - Am7 - Daug, so a few borrowed chords in there. I was quite happy to have a straightforward G - C repeating progression in the Chorus to add some simplicity, albeit with an unusual D7 - G# - D7 turnaround at the end of each pair of lines. All adds to the quirkiness I guess.

****** Song Summary *************
Title: The lost sock
Key=G , Tempo 115, Length (m:s)=2:46
Style is _MOTN60S.STY (60s Motown Band w/ Organ)
RealTracks in style: 1434:Bass, Electric, JazzFunkPoppy Ev16 110 - replaced with my own bass in Cakewalk
RealTracks in style: 1405:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Soul70sHeld Ev16 100 - replaced with my own keys playing the harp in Verse 3, recorded in Cakewalk
RealTracks in style: 1570:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Soul60sHighBackBeat Ev 110 - replaced with my own guitars in Cakewalk
RealTracks in song: 634:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopAmericanMuted Ev 120 (B:8ths) - replaced with my own guitars in Cakewalk
RealDrums in style:Motown60sPopEven: a: Snare, HiHat b: Snare, Ride - exported in stereo and used as drums in Cakewalk

*******************
Recording notes:
I triple-tracked my main vocal and chose one track as the lead, with the other two tracks wound back in volume and panned at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock. Backing vocals in the chorus and ooo's in the verses were also triple-tracked, albeit with different pitches.
Guitars were recorded clean and used TH3 for effects.

Lyrics
INTRO

VERSE 1
They’ve been my lucky charm for almost fifteen years
Only wearing them on special events
I think I do this ‘cos they lift me up
When I’m wearing them I’m not as tense

VERSE 2
The last time I wore them was Monday last week
Then I put them in the laundry bin
I can’t remember if I hung them to dry
Even when I brought the dried clothes in

CHORUS 1
Without one I’m lost (and feeling ever so lonely)
But it’s only a sock (my one and only)
What is this hold over me? (I should be much stronger)
I’m left bereft and cold
It’s my emotional crutch (but only ankle high)
This really means much (so I let out a sigh)
If it’s replaced (it’s such a betrayal)
It feels like my soul’s been sold

Play INTRO

VERSE 3
I’ve looked in the closet and under the bed
And pulled apart my washing machine
I even looked over my neighbour’s fence
But it’s nowhere to be seen

VERSE 4
I sit on park benches, looking into the distance
I’ve not found it’s likes again
I knew they were gonna wear out one day
But it feels like I’m betraying a friend

CHORUS 2
Without one I’m lost (and feeling ever so lonely)
But you’re only a sock (my one and only)
What is this hold over me? (I should be much stronger)
I’m left bereft and cold
You’re my emotional crutch (but only ankle high)
This really means much (so I let out a sigh)
If you’re replaced (it’s such a betrayal)
It feels like my soul’s been sold

OUTRO

Regards,
Andrew D
Adelaide, Sth Aust
Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/SQE4btVvNVkLq74e9
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewoftheantipodes

Profile pic 'Air Guitar' - a carving in pine I made of the F major barre chord.