Soundcloud - Sign up today (BIAB mix)
Youtube - original mix n.b. This Youtube version contains my bass, acoustic guitar, but no BIAB piano.

I gave myself a challenge to write a song using an upwards or downwards line with semitone steps. I obliquely fulfilled this in the pre-chorus in the rising bass line. The title for the song was the first thing, accompanied by the melody - it came to me in the bathroom, so I quickly got it down, knowing these ideas have the habit of disappearing unless recorded. I finished the chorus quickly, then through a series of iterative steps, ended up with the verse chords, melody and lyrics.
It bothered me however, that the theme of the verses (hardship) and chorus (aspiration) were at odds. In the end, I left the awkward contrast.
Instrument-wise, I played added rhythm ‘morse code’ guitars, flute and piano intro keys and all vocals.
This was arranged, recorded and mixed in Cakewalk. The Youtube version (link above) contains my bass and acoustic guitar i.e. no BIAB acoustic guitar, bass or piano.

****** Song Summary *************
Style is _OUTING.STY (Outing Bright Indie Guitar)

RealTracks in style: 3501:Bass, Electric, NashvilleRadioBalladAB Ev16 075
RealTracks in style: 2808:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm SoulfulPop16thsMike Ev16 065
RealTracks in style: 3654:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking IndiePickingBright Ev16 075
RealDrums in style:NashvilleEven16^1-a:Sidestick, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride
Recorded and mixed in Cakewalk, with added vocals, backing vocals, 'morse code' rhythm guitars, piano intro, outro lead guitars, sforzando flute style motif via M-Audio Oxygen 49 MKV and double lead guitar playing the outro instrumental.
*******************

LYRICS
INTRO

VERSE 1
You grew your wings, did all the things but you ain’t going nowhere
You practiced your flapping, but with no chance to fly
Though you learned to sing, didn’t mean a thing with no-one to hear you
And here you are without guitar and you’re wondering why?

PRE-CHORUS
You’re turning the handle but the doors are closed
The party’s raging and you’re stuck at home
No-one’s listening and your mind’s about to explode

CHORUS
Sign up today to love sign up today to kindness
It’s easy to ignore it all, but better to knock down the walls
That hold us back and keep us apart

Sign up today for hope say goodbye to blindness
You have to seek the best in all, lifting up those prone to fall
Do your best to find the common ground
Sign up today

VERSE 3
You honed your skills through many a drill, but with no chance to use them
You thought you could flourish, but you’re withered and dry
Not all around you are not as affected
You’re tied to the ground, and not able to rise

PRE-CHORUS
You’re saving your money and your balance has grown
There’s many like you so you’re not alone
No-one’s listening and you’re left without a home

CHORUS
Sign up today to love sign up today to kindness
It’s easy to ignore it all, but better to knock down the walls
That hold us back and keep us apart

Sign up today for hope say goodbye to blindness
You have to seek the best in all, lifting up those prone to fall
Building bridges and being kind, reaching out without losing your mind
Do your best find the common ground

OUTRO INSTRUMENTAL

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