Soundcloud: Heading north
YouTube: Heading north DEVELOPMENT
This song came about from the merging of two separate ideas: I had recently decided I wanted to write and record a song in the style of the late Elliott Smith; and I had a song idea about a father and daughter surviving in an apocalyptic future. Given both are dark, and I won't go into the passing of Elliott Smith, I thought it appropriate to make them one project. I was late to the Elliott Smith party having first become aware of him after reading that Elliott Smith and Ron Sexsmith were two favourite artists of Neil Finn. There are several Elliott Smith hallmarks that I have used for this song: he often wrote in 3/4 time; he recorded his vocals very closely mic'd; his vocals were often doubled and mixed L and R; he used fingerpicking styles; often used major II and minor iv chords ; and basic drum patterns such as on Waltz #2 and Alameda.
If you are unfamiliar with Elliott Smith's work, my suggestions would be to check out 'Waltz #1', 'Waltz #2 (XO)', 'Alameda', "Behind the bars', 'Just somebody that I used to know'.
RECORDING SUMMARYStyle is _FATIGUE.STY (Fatigue Sweet Songwriter Waltz)
RealTracks in style: 776:Bass, Acoustic, PopWaltz Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 4902:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm SongwriterPopWaltzJohn Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 3268:Cello, Background CelticWaltzNatalie Ev 100
RealTracks in song: 3652:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking IndieWaltz Ev 150
RealTracks in song: 2936:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking FolkWaltzFintan Ev 100
RealDrums in Song:PopRockWaltzModernEv,Hat2,Ride2: a: Snare, HiHat b: Snare, RideVocals – doubled and panned 20% left and right
B section piano – step input via Reaper piano roll using LABS Acoustic Piano plugin
Simple drum pattern step input via Reaper piano roll using Cakewalk VSTi SI Drum kit
Mixed in Reaper 7.6.2
LYRICS(Chord sheet attached)
VERSE 1A
It’s been a year since we’ve been on the road
Scavenging for food, hiding from sight
It’s cold and we labour with our load
I repair my left shoe, not as good as my right
VERSE 1B
We’re heading north, seeking sun, survivors on the run
My daughter I keep from all eyes
Bridges give us shelter at night, can’t trust no-one
We’ve almost come to grief once or twice
VERSE 2A
It’s not clear who started the war
Some say it went nuclear, but I’m never sure
How quickly the looters arrived
Violence and bloodshed – the fittest survive
VERSE 2B
I hope she doesn’t ask again, what happened to her mum
I don’t think I could lie once more
Thinking she’s alive somewhere, it’s all that keeps her going
She doesn’t know she means the same to me
BRIDGE
I know I’m not alone, but I’m tired and I’m scared
With no place for home
She needs a chance to shine, but it’s all on me
I can’t look in her eyes
VERSE 3A
There’s word there’s a group up near Watervale
Who grow their own food, and know how to survive
I hope they won’t turn us away
Or at least take my daughter and keep her alive
VERSE 3B
If we make it all the way, Jenny’s taken under their wing
Even if they won’t let me stay
Who’d have thought, not long ago, we were living in a dream
Before our lives got blown all away
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