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#882205 03/15/26 06:50 AM
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vicarn Offline OP
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Another sad one.
The title came from a friend's comment on my last song.

Too sombre? Intro too long?
Vic
https://on.soundcloud.com/e5x8Q217lSxPvZzOCl

It Can't Be Bluer © Vic Arnold 2026
V 1
When we were young your hair was gold
and now you dyed it black I'm told
Your lips were red. Your eyes were blue
What colours are they now for you?
V2
Of all the shades under the skies,
The flowers, the trees, the butterflies.
The sea beneath a summer sun.
I have never seen them run.
Ch.
I've seen the ice blue in her eyes,
and charms of amethyst,
turn cobalt cold like a winter sea,
but it can't be bluer than this.
No, it can't be bluer than this.
Inst.
V3
I've known the yellow side of me.
I've felt the wild red mist within,
The emerald envy in my mind,
that brought to me my passion's sin.
V4
So while I lie in clouds of green,
These thoughts are added to my list:
Of all the colours that have been,
they can't be bluer than all this.
Ch.

RealTracks in song: ~2475:Bass, Acoustic, HeldSimple Ev 085
2916:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm CountryFolk8thsBrent Ev 085
1037:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm NorthernRockBallad Ev 065
364:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Ev 065
3198:Guitar, Acoustic, Soloist PopBalladBrent Ev 065
2667:Pedal Steel, Background DreamySingleNote Ev 075
RealDrums BrushesFolk16ths: a: Brushes b: Brushes Tap

Last edited by vicarn; Yesterday at 08:47 AM.
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Vic,

I think this is one of your finest songs...

Love the lyrics and your vocal is exceptional - a perfect fit. Great mix as well.

Bob

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Sombre?
Count me in smile
I think your song is perfect as it is now: a little dark, a little sad, a little melancholic, accompanied by a small but perfect selection of instruments.
Enjoyed my listen [Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

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I read the lyrics first (as I usually do) and knew I was going to love this. Clearly one of your best. The color imagery was fantastic! Can't say enough good things about this one, Vic!


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Hi Vic!
I love all the little fills that intersperse the song, and your vocal is just right for the song - well sung.
Andrew

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vicarn Offline OP
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That’s nice to hear, Robert.
Thank you.

Vic

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vicarn Offline OP
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Thank you B.D.
That’s encouraging.

Vic

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Exceptional, Vic! Perfectly sparse acoustic arrangement, and your vocals fit the song like a glove. Super mix, too.

I like the long-ish opening, wouldn't change a note.

Funny, the lyrics ARE sad but as I listened I processed them through the lens of someone who has seen a lot of sadness in his lifetime, and dutifully files the heartbreak away as just one of many sad things that happened. Your world weary vocals probably aided this interpretation. Anyway...so for me it was achingly wistful, but not too sad.


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Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
vicarn #882250 Yesterday at 05:26 AM
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For me, the intro isn't too long. I like the minimalist aspect because it reminds us that all you need is a good guitar and a good singer to make a good song.
Laurent

vicarn #882267 Yesterday at 06:37 AM
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Vic, the intro works just fine to my ears. The melancholy vibe of the great story telling fits very well with the slow mellow backing! Great job putting this all together!
Thanks, TB

vicarn #882271 Yesterday at 06:42 AM
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Love this, Vic. Engaging lyrics, and excellent vocals. That subtle steel is the perfect choice. Really good minimalist production keeps the attention on these fine words. Very colorful indeed, Vic.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

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vicarn #882293 Yesterday at 07:59 AM
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Nicely done, Vic.

Clever idea, well-written.
And well sung.
Nice use of the BAND.

fj

TuneMonger #882299 Yesterday at 08:35 AM
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vicarn Offline OP
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Hi Rob.
The lyrics took a lot of thinking so thanks for that comment.

Vic

Andrew Dee #882300 Yesterday at 08:39 AM
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Thanks Andrew.
My aging vocal means a few takes on it but what else is there to do? smile

Vic

DC Ron #882302 Yesterday at 08:45 AM
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Thank you DC.
Isn't it strange how we can get joy out of melancholy?
It's one way of dealing with it I suppose.

Vic

vicarn #882308 Yesterday at 10:11 AM
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Very beautiful and colorful song. Man and guitar folk style with nicely supporting additional instruments, the acoustic guitars work really naturally and I really enjoy how the pedal steel adds to the wistful mood. "I've seen the ice blue in her eyes, and charms of amethyst, turn cobalt cold like a winter sea" lovely poetry and the title describes the story precisely. Your singing is soulful and captivating.

Janne


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laurent4114 #882317 Yesterday at 11:24 AM
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Thank you, Laurent.
BIAB helps too.

Vic

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Intro works for me, and not too sombre for my tastes, sad songs have always been my favorites.

Really well written, Vic, and your vocal is pretty much perfect.

Good band, good mix, good song.

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"Too sombre? Intro too long?", I can answer that in one word, nope.
Vic, this is an excellent song
Great vocal and harmonies
Super backing band
Great mix
This is definitely one of your best to date
Loved it


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Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

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vicarn Offline OP
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Thanks Torrey.
I've always loved the folk rock sound.

Vic

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