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It's 22:40 here, now. Been working on this song since 17:30 or thereabouts. Going loopy now from repeated listenings, to correct mistakes, etc., so here goes ... see what you think? I still think it could do with some variety in the backing track, but ... here's the first version, at least, I will indeed change it if needed. Deepest apologies for having been away from the forum for so long, and missing so many of your stunning songs. I will make amends, PROMISE. Maestro Nelson NOTE: new link, as of 10:37, London (UK) time, 22 September 2025. Lesson to self: NEVER post a link late at night ... check it in the morning with fresh ears ...
and a hopefully FINAL change, at 20:56  LYRICS: Forgive me, Willie ... Maestro Nelson, For daring to write one such a song, You know, the words ... they do just fail me, My chords, my timing, they are all wrong, But when you stood upon that stage
With your guitar ... with tears so blind,
I could just swear your songs drove me crazy,
Your music-making has been always on my mind.And so I write these notes and lyrics, Knowing too well they will never suffice T' express my awe ... for half your natural talent, I'd simply pay the asking price, For when you stood upon that stage
With your guitar ... with tears so blind,
I could just swear your songs drove me quite simply crazy,
Your music-making has been always on my mind.And now I go; this song is almost written, The notes are down ... and this will have to do, It is a sketch, a thought, even, Maestro, A way of mine to say thank you. For when you stood upon that stage
With your guitar ... with tears so blind,
I could just swear your songs drove me crazy,
Your music-making has been always on my mind.THE BAND: Eleanor Forte (solo vocals) - from Synth V Studio Pro ****** Song Summary ************* Title: 21 September 2025 B File:21 September 2025 B.SGU Key=C , Tempo 85, Length (m:s)=3:48 8 bar intro, 96 bar chorus, from bar 9 to bar 104. Repeat x1 chorus No Melody No Soloist track. Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0, Style is _FINEST.STY (Finest Vintage Country Waltz) RealTracks in style: 4638:Bass, Acoustic, VintageCountryWaltzSlow Sw 085 RealTracks in style: 4640:Guitar, Baritone Electric, Rhythm VintageCountryWaltzTicTac Sw 085 RealTracks in style: 4639:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm VintageCountryWaltzTremolo Sw 085 RealTracks in style: 4662:Pedal Steel, Rhythm VintageCountryWaltzDoug Sw 085 RealDrums in style:CountryWaltzVintage^1-a:Brushes , b:Brushes,Sidestick
Last edited by musician17; 09/22/25 12:57 PM.
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The song is a great tribute to Willie Nelson, but I think it would works so much better with a real vocalist who can express the emotions in it.
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.
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James,
What a cool tribute. Excellent arrangement and a good mix. Enjoyed!
Bob
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HAHA. As I read your post I was thinking ear fatigue needs at least a day or a night of sleep to reset. Good advice in bold up there. James, this is so cool. Good choice of singers. I have so much trouble with de-essing that I may be over-conscious of it. My first listen was distracted because I felt that "she" had the same trouble. Maybe it was the reverb, or likely my over-active attention.
Now, back to the song. James, I thorougly enjoy you style of progressions. The melody is perfect, and the accompaniment you gave it is so well done. The mix is excellent also. Missed you, my friend.
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A nice tribute, James
A very interesting melody. Surprised me at times
Nice mix
fj
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Hi James, welcome back...not that you ever left. It's nice to hear a waltz. I've been working on one myself. I really like the harmony parts and melody. I agree that it deserves a less robotic vocal. It's a cool tribute.
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Jamers,
So good to hear another one fro0m you. We miss you when you're not here. But life can be demanding outside our musical realm
It's a very nicely written song with a terrific lyric. Polish up the vocal and you're in business.
Very nice, indeed. Looking forward to your next production.
Alan
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
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Thanks, WaoBand. You're of course right ... wish I had a real vocalist, but there we are. Thanks for listening
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Thanks, Bob. Kind of you to listen. Glad you enjoyed it!
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Nice one. The melody was a bit hard to follow at times. I was thinking you would have incorporated the titles to more of Willie's songs in the lyrics.
Willie is one of the greatest country songwriters of all time. So many astoundingly brilliant songs.
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.
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Hi, James. Oh, this song is so you. The chord changes, the melodic quirks, the shifting beat...  And don't get me started about late night postings. I have many not-fond memories of putting out links, and then listening and realizing I'd un-muted some random track, or only rendered half the song.  Fun listen. I had read bits and bobs from Willie's book "Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs." If you can get a hold of it, you'd probably enjoy it.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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James, when I read that this was a tribute to Willie I was expecting a three chord song with an outlaw type male vocalist. What pleasant surprise to hear a waltz with a female singer (I agree that the synth vocal could us a little help) using a typical James chord progression. However I didn't find the vocal that distracting and in fact I really liked the harmonies. Super backing band and mix. This is a very good song. PS - If you want to write a Willie song again maybe using a lot of weed would help 
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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Bold effort with this, James, there were certainly things about it I liked and there were things that were, for lack of a better word, overambitious. I wonder how this would sound if it were a typical 4/4 with a simpler progression. I suspect it might be better. I could be wrong, but it's a thought. Nobody will ever say you don't push yourself. I'm glad you're using Synth V, I think that's going to work out well for you the more you use it. I probably will break down myself and get it. I tried Suno today and it was quite an eye opener (ear opener would be more correct). Good to hear you again, you always inspire me to try and break out of my musical box.
Last edited by TuneMonger; 09/24/25 08:23 PM.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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Hi James,
Nice tribute song.
Unusual melody,
but it works with the vocals.
Well done, James.
Andi ;-)
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Thanks, Marty. Your posts always make me smile. You're ever so kind. And yes, I need to hear the song again, to deal with any sibilance Thanks for taking the time to listen ... and yes, it's great to be back, missed you too
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Thanks, floyd. I changed the melody a little, following your comment ... yes, there were a tad TOO many surprises there, perhaps ... as Guitarhacker commented (not his exact words), sometimes simpler is better. Hmmm ... hope I haven't butchered it even more, somehow, but thank you for listening!
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Thanks, BYOBand, for listening and for the nice comment!
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Your production has a pleasing mix of the old and the modern. Nice melody. Good work with the synth voice. On a side note: I have learned the hard way to put some distance between when I think I am finished with a song and putting out there.
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Thanks, Alan. Life is a little crazy at the moment, but hey ... it's like that for many, right? So I'll try not to complain  . Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to listen
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Thanks, Guitarhacker. I've changed the melody around a little, but yes, it's not my strongest melodic write. And yes, I did wrestle with the idea of incorporating more Willie Nelson titles into the lyrics ... that would have been nice, but I didn't have the skill to do it and to keep the lyrics interesting ... so I gave up on that! And yes, Willie Nelson is an incredible, incredible songwriter, as well as a magician when he performs. I've never heard someone have a better sense of timing or delivery, in any branch of music. A real inspiration. Thanks again for listening
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