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Thankful (SoundCloud) Thankful (YouTube)A song about finding one positive thing among the many disappointments of the past day and then feeling thankful for it and falling asleep peacefully with that thought in mind. I started writing this already in January this year, but for some reason the song didn't finish on its own, so I had to do it myself and it took time... I usually don't follow any known chord progression, I just select chords which sound good and intriguing for the current song and mood. I'm mostly self-learned by playing... Several years ago I read some lesson on chord theory in the web, but I got annoyed because it said that the progression should always resolve via V → I. And of course I always want to play against strict "rules". While writing this song I remembered that case and decided to show that IV → I (or iv → i) is equally good, providing a softer landing to a restful state, fitting with the message of this song. At some point I learned that this kind of progression is not that rare, there is even name for it: "plagal cadence". As usual there are some stranger chords, just to break rules in another way  BIAB provided the lovely dreamy soul band with nice acoustic guitar and a great sax soloist: RealDrums: ElecPopFunkJeffEv RealTracks: Electric bass #4854 Electric guitar PopFunkySoulRiffs #3751 Acoustic guitar Baritone Rhythm #3717 Electric piano #4505 Vibes #3765 Sax Tenor Solo #2020 Vocals: Synthesizer V - NOA Hex RDX (lead + backing), Marvin & Saros & Choir voices #1 (backing) AI: lyrical advisor & video creator Melodyne: Sax solo modifications Mixed in Cakewalk Sonar (Neoverb, Ozone 12, Nectar 4) Lyrics: [Verse] I didn't get in your favor maybe our time was not due but when I was weak, you were my saver I'm thankful for the chance with you. [Chorus] I used to go to sleep thinking where I fell short but today I recall one moment I can be thankful for. [Verse] I had too high expectations gale storms hushed the song of the whales but I saw the waterfowl migration I'm thankful for the leading sails. [Chorus] I used to go to sleep thinking where I fell short but today I recall one moment I can be thankful for. [Bridge] I may not know the author of this play yet I'm thankful for this day. [Verse] Even in fights for survival when riches don't make my life feel fair I feel for the troubles of my rival we'll be thankful for the weight we share. [Chorus] I used to go to sleep thinking where I fell short but today I recall one moment I can be thankful for. [Outro] I close my eyes with peace of mind soothing dreams 'til dawn. ----------- Janne
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Ha, i like how you say "the song didn't finish on its own." So it took longer. Man, i get that!!
The other day i listened and watched on YT --a fine video performance. But today i listen on SC with headphones. What a fine Sunday morning treat, Janne. Yeah, i got a black belt in Hapkido, a discipline without rules. You are always briliant without rules, and this song is excellent proof. "plagal cadence" Yeah, break the rules and there is always someone to name it as a new rule.
Good guitar opening, then the sax draws the line to the relaxed melody that supports the feel and lyrics so well. Really good visuals in your lyrics, Janne. You draw relaxing, even forgiving, moods in the video that fits the song like a glove even OJ would admit owning. Did you have to regenerate much of that sax? It's so perfect.
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Hi Janne! Good song with some unexpected chord moves! I love the steady rhythm section, and also those closing ooos. Man, that video was captivating to watch!
I remember reading somewhere that Paul McCartney used plagal cadences (IV - I) more than Lennon who preferred perfect cadences (V - I). I remember going through a songwriting phase where I overused ii - V - I.
Anyway, good song and glad you finished it!
Andrew
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I like that acoustic guitar start. Then that sax came in, and wow, really set the mood. Nice melody, especially where you take the note up on the last word of the chorus.
The Beatles broke the rules all the time and had no formal music theory education in the traditional sense.
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Hi Janne. Such a lovely, soothing track with a wonderful message! The dreamy soul arrangement and the beautiful vocal layers create the perfect peaceful atmosphere. I love how you defied standard chord theories to give this song its unique, soft landing. That sax solo is the perfect touch. Brilliant work, Janne! 🌌🎷 Andi ;-)
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"I may not know the author of this play, yet I'm thankful for this day." What a terrific little bit of Camus philosophy. I wish I had written that. Great work, and the musical wrapper it is within deserves mention as well. Novel chords and melody, as we've come to expect from you. I wish you could somehow collaborate with the Finnish harmonica giant Lee Oskar, I think he would love comping your work. Very creative piece as always, a pleasure to listen to over and over.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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Ha, i like how you say "the song didn't finish on its own." So it took longer. Man, i get that!!
The other day i listened and watched on YT --a fine video performance. But today i listen on SC with headphones. What a fine Sunday morning treat, Janne. Yeah, i got a black belt in Hapkido, a discipline without rules. You are always briliant without rules, and this song is excellent proof. "plagal cadence" Yeah, break the rules and there is always someone to name it as a new rule.
Good guitar opening, then the sax draws the line to the relaxed melody that supports the feel and lyrics so well. Really good visuals in your lyrics, Janne. You draw relaxing, even forgiving, moods in the video that fits the song like a glove even OJ would admit owning. Did you have to regenerate much of that sax? It's so perfect. Thanks Marty, I thoroughly enjoyed your beautiful review of my song  I didn't regenerate the sax, I just froze the track what happened to be there when I started mixing the song, but I used Melodyne to edit the fade outs. Janne
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Hi Janne! Good song with some unexpected chord moves! I love the steady rhythm section, and also those closing ooos. Man, that video was captivating to watch!
I remember reading somewhere that Paul McCartney used plagal cadences (IV - I) more than Lennon who preferred perfect cadences (V - I). I remember going through a songwriting phase where I overused ii - V - I.
Anyway, good song and glad you finished it!
Andrew Thanks Andrew for your positive and insightful comment  Thanks for sharing Paul vs John information, I didn't know that but makes sense. Janne
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Janne,
This song has a great smooth groove. You selected some excellent vocals. Love the mix.
Well done once again!
Bob
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Hi Janne. I had to look up what V and I etc. meant. Although I knew what a chord progression is, I like you, just use what sounds right to my ears. I didn't realize there was a rule.
I also try to fall asleep on a positive thought.
Nice, imaginative piece from you again.
Vic
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Janne, this is a super song. Great vocals And that sax, WOW. RTs and Melodyne make a great pair don't they. Super chord progression One of your best for sure.
PS - If you are ever reading an Internet article or listening to a blog on theory and it is stated the this chord x always leads to chord y then stop reading and look for another site. No chord progression is set in stone. Just my 2 cents.
Last edited by MarioD; 07/29/26 05:24 PM.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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Hi Janne,
On YouTube I wrote "This is truly a song/video where 'gratitude' is appropriate. A beautiful song that flows along quietly, without extreme outbursts or anything like that. Just the song, and of course that beautiful saxophone in it"! And that's really true. This song just makes you feel at ease.
Hans
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I like that acoustic guitar start. Then that sax came in, and wow, really set the mood. Nice melody, especially where you take the note up on the last word of the chorus.
The Beatles broke the rules all the time and had no formal music theory education in the traditional sense. Thanks ES for your kind review  Yep, let's follow The Beatles, break the rule if there is one  Janne
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Hi Janne. Such a lovely, soothing track with a wonderful message! The dreamy soul arrangement and the beautiful vocal layers create the perfect peaceful atmosphere. I love how you defied standard chord theories to give this song its unique, soft landing. That sax solo is the perfect touch. Brilliant work, Janne! 🌌🎷 Andi ;-) Thanks Andi for your wonderful review  You mentioned all the elements I was looking for in the song! Janne
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"I may not know the author of this play, yet I'm thankful for this day." What a terrific little bit of Camus philosophy. I wish I had written that. Great work, and the musical wrapper it is within deserves mention as well. Novel chords and melody, as we've come to expect from you. I wish you could somehow collaborate with the Finnish harmonica giant Lee Oskar, I think he would love comping your work. Very creative piece as always, a pleasure to listen to over and over. Thanks TM for your insightful comment  You always find the right words to make my day  Camus philosophy, haven't heard about that one, but that is a big compliment  I think Lee Oskar is Danish, but I listened to his music and enjoyed my listen. I once went to a concert by a Finnish harmonica quartet called Sväng, I had never seen bass harmonica before... Janne
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We completely can relate to wondering why those songs won’t just finish themselves. 😉 This was well worth the wait, Janne, and we too look for the good in every day - or at least try!
Love the bridge, "I may not know the author of this play yet I'm thankful for this day."
The band is warm and soulful and that sax is great. The synth vocalists work well. Excellent mix all around.
The video interpretation was cool, with the migrating birds being our favorite part.
Regarding music theory rules, to paraphrase a line from one of Janice’s favorite Humphrey Bogart movies: “Rules, what rules? We don’t need no stinking rules!” 😂
Enjoyed it!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
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Janne,
This song has a great smooth groove. You selected some excellent vocals. Love the mix.
Well done once again!
Bob Thanks Bob, I truly appreciate your pleasant feedback  Janne
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Hi Janne. I had to look up what V and I etc. meant. Although I knew what a chord progression is, I like you, just use what sounds right to my ears. I didn't realize there was a rule.
I also try to fall asleep on a positive thought.
Nice, imaginative piece from you again.
Vic Thanks Vic for your kind words  Janne
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Janne, this is a super song. Great vocals And that sax, WOW. RTs and Melodyne make a great pair don't they. Super chord progression One of your best for sure.
PS - If you are ever reading an Internet article or listening to a blog on theory and it is stated the this chord x always leads to chord y then stop reading and look for another site. No chord progression is set in stone. Just my 2 cents. Thanks Mario for your wonderful review  I fully agree, I don't use sax often in my songs, but I'm always glad if I find a perfect match for my song and with BIAB there are many good ones available. Janne
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<I think Lee Oskar is Danish>
Oh, boy, am I geezing. Sorry about that, Janne. I have an excuse, though. I have a Finnish harmonica playing friend named Veijo who loves Lee Oskar, and that is how I got confused. Although aging had its part. ; )
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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!
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Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
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It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
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In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
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