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Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 575 |
The evolution of the song – working backwardsI realise this is a long summary - I know some of you like that, but if you want to cut to the chase, just listen to my latest Soundcloud version immediately below. Otherwise, I have summarised and linked earlier versions in in reverse chronological order. Soundcloud - Lift my eyes I first wrote this song back in 2001/2002 and it was called 'Ordinary' (see below). I made a recording of this in 2016 - still available to listen to on my Souncloud account - but always felt that the lyrics were negative, despite quite liking the song musically. In 2025, I rewrote the lyrics in a more positive light about the theme of self improvement and this is the basis of this recording. Some elements of the original song remain, such as the BVs and some rhythm guitar parts, albeit re-recorded. New elements have been introduced, such as the synth bass, piano and a new guitar solo. This song is a nod to Keane, whose album 'Hopes and fears' is a favourite. The change from A minor in the verses to A major in the chorus is used to illustrate musically the shift from negative to positive thinking. This recording has helped me with some new skills: I used time stretching in Reaper to better align the phrasing of duplicated vocals and solo guitar, and reversing audio items - heard in verse 2. For the solo, I used this opportunity as my response to challenge with Knee Wobbler and another to think through how we approach writing a guitar solo. I started with a phrase used in the first line of the verses, then added a slide down through successive notes. This sliding was then re-used in other sections of the solo. I also wanted to use features such as bend/release, hammer/pull, vibrato and the slides down and up. I octaved the solo, and also tried (unsuccessfully to get a Stranglers ‘Golden Brown’ solo effect. I haven’t produced a video for this song yet but will do so over the next couple of weeks. For the time being, I need some time away from this song – a sentiment I am sure many of you can relate to. Soundcloud - Ordinary 2018 recording This is the first audio recording of 'Ordinary' which ultimately became 'Lift my eyes'. It is more of a guitar driven song recorded slightly slower with the rhythm guitars doing a 'boom boom tish!' style of strum. There are some backing elements here (BVs, rhythm guitars) which are carried forward into the new production. Ultimately, it was the negative lyrics and my pronunciation of 'ordinary' that drove the change to a new theme and words. This recording also reveals some naïve mixing – like panning doubled vocals left and right, so I hadn’t quite understood balance, panning and dynamics. The song has features that I use in other songs - a downwards or upwards line, usually in the bass but also in the chorus Ooos which are my 'go to' BV device. Soundcloud - Ordinary BIAB midi This is the midi original version of 'Ordinary' rendered to mp3. It typifies my songwriting workflow in the early 2000s - start with a chord progression, add melody, then develop in BIAB and/or on guitar. Words would usually be one of the last pieces. If I recall correctly, I had the phrase 'Don't want to be treated like I'm ordinary' over the last bar in the 4 chord progression: A - Amaj7/G# - A6/F# - A/F. I created my own BIAB style for this which I did a lot of back then - albeit a hybrid of an existing style with somethings I added. There's a faux midi guitar solo in the middle - which was replicated by my guitar in the 2018 audio recording. Song SummaryStyle is _SOUTAMP.STY (Amplitube Southern Rock Electric) RealTracks in song: 1268:Bass, Electric, PopUplift Ev16 120 RealTracks in song: 2578:Bass, Synth, RetroPop Ev16 085 – with EQ removing anything below 100Hz and phasing applied RealTracks in style: 666:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm SouthernRock Ev 085RealTracks in style: 663:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm SouthernRock Ev 085 RealDrums in Song:RockBritDrivingEv16^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride My parts Keys – M-Audio Oxygen49 playing Spitfire Audio LABS Autograph Grand – my ‘plonking’ was quantised to correct. Rhythm guitars strumming the ‘boom boom tish!’ Lead guitar octaves with IK Tonex ‘Bright Loud Clean’ plugin with reverb and delay Main vocal – doubled BVs – doubled LYRICSINTRO VERSE 1 It’s the luck of the draw I guess or the hand of fate’s caress Or it’s grip around my neck Ooo-ooo ooo-ooo ooo-ooo ooo-ooo But I won’t be portrayed in a negative kind of way I’ll give that doubt away Ooo-ooo ooo-ooo ooo-ooo ooo-ooo CHORUS 1 I lift my eyes to see, the man I’m meant to be I’m stepping past the shadows that once followed me I won’t speak that way again I’ve left that voice behind I’m leaning on hope to clear my clouded mind VERSE 2 I know I can think the worst Of that I’m well-rehearsed But that’s gonna be reversed Ooo-ooo ooo-ooo ooo-ooo ooo-ooo I’m looking for the good each day for uplifting words to say And no bad thoughts in the way Ooo-ooo ooo-ooo ooo-ooo ooo-ooo CHORUS 2 I lift my eyes to see the habits I will form I’m growing past behaviours that became the norm I won’t go back to doubt I’ve found a brighter way I’m learning how to be the light in every day BRIDGE I have realised that unless I change I’m done And thinking about others is better than number one Sometimes when I lie awake and ponder who I am Accepting the notion to be the man I plan SOLO CHORUS 3 I lift my eyes to see the habits I will form I’m growing past behaviours that became the norm I won’t go back to doubt I’ve found a brighter way I’m learning how to be the light in every day I lift my eyes to see, the man I’m meant to be I’m stepping past the shadows that once followed me I won’t speak that way again I’ve left that voice behind I’m leaning on hope to clear my clouded mind OUTRO CHORDSIntro and chorus: A | A/G# | A/F# | A/F | Verses and solo: Am | C | G7 | C F7 | Am G | Esus E7 | Bridge: C G | F G | Em Dsus4 | F Am | Adim Db | E |
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Joined: Feb 2010
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Veteran
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Veteran
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I liked it. It reminds me of some British group, but at the moment I can't think who. Well written, well produced. Good job.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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Joined: May 2023
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Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,829 |
That's a really interesting storyline. I really like this final version, but I'd actually like to hear these lyrics with the original which has a great vibe to 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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Posts: 575
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 575 |
I liked it. It reminds me of some British group, but at the moment I can't think who. Well written, well produced. Good job. Hi Rob! That British group may well be Keane - you might be familiar with 'Somewhere only we know' or maybe 'Everybody's changing' which were the two songs that influenced the style on this latest version. Thanks for listening! Andrew
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Joined: Mar 2025
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Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 575 |
That's a really interesting storyline. I really like this final version, but I'd actually like to hear these lyrics with the original which has a great vibe to it. Thanks Chay! That's an interesting thought - once I've recuperated from overexposure to the song, I might give that a run. Andrew
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,376
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,376 |
Andrew,
It's amazing how songs live with us for years in various states of completion. I enjoyed the song and production notes. Excellent vocals and mix as well.
Nicely done.
Bob
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Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 117
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 117 |
You’ve done a great job reworking this Andrew,
So many elements to like about this, from the opening techno, to the Keane influence intro. The excellent harmonies followed by the Beatles influenced backward music. Then you’ve got the uplifting positive message of the song. The lyrics imply that you’re making a positive change from a negative mindset, and this is so far from the person I know. We all have a side that we keep locked away, but I have never known you to be anything but positive and selfless…and I’ve known you a while. But being able to write music and lyrics that describe that positive transformation takes skill.
If you could capsulate the essence of this song for me to swallow thrice daily (w/o prescription and no tariffs) that would be most excellent.
Love your work, matey.
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XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
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- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
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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.
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