Hi Beth
Wow! "Opium Tears" is absolutely captivating! From the moment the nylon guitar and piano gently intertwine, creating that dreamy Bossa Nova foundation, I was completely drawn in. The addition of the marimba is good! It truely does evoke the feeling of a blissful vacation.
The vocals are beautifully evened out . Your delivery has a haunting quality that perfectly complements the poignant lyrics. The story you tell is so evocative and relatable, painting vivid pictures of longing, fear, and the complexities of relationships. I especially loved the lines that felt like a deep dive into the character's internal struggles. The use of imagery, like "Swimming in oceans, sweeping away a day in the life, a life in one day," is just stunning.

The emotional journey of the song is so well-crafted. The way you build up to the repetition of the "She's rehearsed her outburst" verse, emphasizing the internal conflict, is incredibly powerful. And the ending, with the Empress card and the promise of learning to fly, leaves me (the listener) with a glimmer of hope and resilience.

This is a truly special song. The combination of the charming musical arrangement and the heartfelt, honest lyrics makes "Opium Tears" a real gem. You should be proud of this piece – it's a display of your talent and artistry! Thanks for sharing it with us. I listened to it multiple times and was moved all the way through. Keep creating!

yours
Izzy