|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103 |
I was thinking about how we only have a limited time on this earth to be a good person and make a difference, and the phrase "we're all living on borrowed time" popped into my head, followed soon after by its melody. Then I worked forwards and backwards, filling in the rest of the words and music: Soundcloud link: https://soundcloud.com/user-61562267/living-on-borrowed-time-ver-5?si=442cda90296542bfb928a7386170da28&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharingLiving on Borrowed Time Put a smile on someone’s face, make the world a better place, A friendly word can brighten someone’s day. Do the things you wanna do, time to make your dreams come true, ‘Cause don’t ya know, we’re all Living on Borrowed Time. Find a problem, make it right, spread some sunshine, be the light, Try to be the best that you can be. Help your neighbor, lend a hand, find a cause and take a stand, Make a difference, ‘cause we’re all Living on Borrowed Time. Think of all the pointless things we spend our time pursuing, Let’s give a little thought to all the good we could be doing. [Instrumental break] Greet a stranger on the street, spread some cheer to those you meet, They’ll feel better, and you’ll feel better, too. Tell your friends you’re thinking of them, tell your loved ones that you love them, Be the sunshine, we’re all Living on Borrowed Time. The clock is ticking, we’re all Living on Borrowed Time. Make a difference, 'cause we’re all Living on Borrowed Time. All instrumental tracks are from BIAB, and I found the singer on Fiverr: Style is _SHUFBRT.STY (Country Shuffle w/ Brent Mason) RealTracks in style: ~539:Bass, Electric, Pop Sw 120 RealTracks in style: ~372:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Hank Sw 120 RealDrums [in style:NashvilleSwing8^4-a:Snare, OpenHat , b:Snare, HiHat Fiddle 2120 Mandolin 2223 Mandolin 2121 I used Audacity as my DAW for mixing.
Last edited by BobLMusic; 07/18/25 07:10 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,094
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,094 |
BobL,
This is good song and message. Love the old time folky feel. Your vocal delivery is a great match.
Very nice mix as well. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,351
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,351 |
What is it with all these positive uplifting songs?
Very nice song with another good message. Get busy living, as Morgan Freeman would say.
The song and production are good. My only suggestion would be to use a little bit of reverb on the song/ vocal to give it some depth and space and be careful with using artificially created harmonies because they can easily sound like an abused auto tune. Part of that was, I believe, from the high level of the harmony voices in places and that they were stacked. Just my opinion.
All in all, nicely done
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103 |
Thanks for the kind words, Bob, glad you enjoyed it!
I originally used a Dixieland style, but my daughter seemed unenthusiastic when I played it for her, so I switched the style to a folky shuffle. Luckily, it's easy to change styles in BIAB.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103 |
Thanks, Herb, glad you liked it!
I appreciate your suggestions about adding some reverb for depth and space, and being careful not to overdo the harmonies. Pretty good advice, coming from an Overbrook guy (IIRC that you went to school there). I was a Triton High 1974 grad ;-)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,351
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,351 |
Thanks, Herb, glad you liked it!
I appreciate your suggestions about adding some reverb for depth and space, and being careful not to overdo the harmonies. Pretty good advice, coming from an Overbrook guy (IIRC that you went to school there). I was a Triton High 1974 grad ;-) Yessir I did. How do you happen to know that little tidbit? I have no clue what Triton high was. In school I didn't concern myself with the other local schools
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,675
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,675 |
Nice one, Bob. Could see Kermit singing this one on the Muppet Show. Nice vocal arrangement, especially how the BGVs transition from "ahs" to "living on borrowed time". Very perky band arrangement as well. Nuthin' wrong with a warm little ray of sunshine brightening our forum. 
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
StudioCat DAW dual screen
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103 |
Hi Herb,
Re: Overbrook, I think I asked a general "how-to" BIAB question, either in a PG Music forum or in the Band-in-a-Box user group on Facebook, and you answered the question. Maybe 10 years ago? Not sure how I knew you went to Overbrook, unless you had that info on your Facebook page or mentioned it in a post.
Triton High is another South Jersey high school that was in the same athletic conference (the Olympic American conference) as Overbrook in the early 1970s. I ran cross country in high school at Triton, so I used to run against kids from Overbrook. Triton was the high school serving the towns of Runnemede, Bellmawr and Glendora.
Last edited by BobLMusic; 07/18/25 02:35 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103 |
Thanks for the kind words, Ron, glad you liked it!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,592
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,592 |
Hi, Bob. Nice song, good message, and the arrangement and vocals fit. You mentioned your daughter not being especially enthusiastic about the Dixieland arrangement. If I had to rely on my kids' (now all young adults) enthusiasm about my music, I'd never get anything done! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103 |
Hi David,
Thanks for your kind words, glad you liked the song.
Yes, most of the time, I just try to make a song I'm happy with, and let the kids hear it when it's finished. I think this time, I was already thinking that the Dixieland version didn't work very well, and her faint praise ("Well, I like the lyrics!") convinced me to try something else. I think people, me included, are more likely to accept and act on advice that confirms what they were already leaning towards.
Last edited by BobLMusic; 07/18/25 08:26 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,433
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,433 |
Where can I borrow more? Cool song, Bob. I like the vocal, and the choices and execution of the harmony lines. The mandolin and fiddle are so well done --more excellent choices. Melody is fun and the lyrics are wonderful teaching tools.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103 |
Thanks Marty, glad you liked it!
Most of us don't make any money on our songs, so it's great to get a few listens and some positive feedback on them from nice people like you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,521
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,521 |
Re 100% of the song lyrics it's 100% out of 100%. Re 100% of the music and the mix it's 100% out of 100%! … I think that means it's a 200% song!
BRILLIANT.
Some favourite Waoist Adages:
#1: Play on the Way.
#13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you.
#58: Bring consciousness to it.
#63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made.
#92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103 |
Thanks, Chay, glad you enjoyed it!
I'm happy to hear your kind words on the lyrics, music, and mix!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 313
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 313 |
Hi Bob!
This is a very enjoyable song to listen to, and with such a positive message we could all do with more of in today’s world. I love the ‘borrowed chord’ which is the second chord in on the first line - really pushes the chord progression in a cool direction. Man - the timbre of your voice is so pleasing to listen to, and if I understand correctly, you’re using a harmoniser for the BVs? There are parts where it is too perfect and creates an ‘effect’. It would be good to hear you do your own BVs and you’d beat the harmoniser hands down!
I’m gonna go exploring your catalogue!
Andrew D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103 |
Hi Andrew, thanks for the positive feedback!
Yes, the verse chord progression goes like this:
C E7 Am C7
Put a smile on someone’s face, make the world a better place,
F G C
A friendly word can brighten someone’s day.
C E7 Am D7
Do the things you wanna do, time to make your dreams come true,
F G C
‘Cause don’t ya know, we’re all Living on Borrowed Time.
I came up with the melody first, so I needed to find some chords that fit the melody.
Thanks, but I can't take credit for the pleasing vocals, because I hired a singer on Fiverr for this song. As for the BVs, I don't know if he's using a harmoniser, but I see your point about the harmonies sounding a bit too perfect. However, I think most folks would rather hear these "too perfect" harmonies than my own "very flawed" harmonies, haha!
Last edited by BobLMusic; 07/19/25 06:36 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 313
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 313 |
… Yes, the verse chord progression goes like this:
C E7 Am C7
…
Thanks, but I can't take credit for the pleasing vocals, because I hired a singer on Fiverr for this song… Bob - the I - III7 - iv manoeuvre - never grows tired. Good recruiting for the singer! He has ‘They Might Be Giants’ vibes. I notice you used him a few times - sounds good. I didn’t know Fiverr vocalists was a thing - who would’ve thunk? Andrew
Last edited by Andrew Dee; 07/19/25 08:02 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 103 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 528
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 528 |
Hi Bob,
Good find with the vocalist. Great job with the lyrics. Nice folky band. I just love music that uplifts my spirit and speaks to being kind. We all need to hear these reminders poking through the constant noise of fear.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
Join the conversation on our forum.
Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll also keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
From overviews of new features and walkthroughs of the 202 new RealTracks, to highlights of XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAKs 18, the 2025 49-PAK, and in-depth tutorials — you’ll find everything you need to explore what’s new in Band-in-a-Box® 2025.
Reference this forum post for One-Stop Shopping of our Band-in-a-Box® 2025 Mac Videos — we’ll be adding more videos as they’re released!
Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until July 31, 2025! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.
If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,326
Posts777,815
Members39,621
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean