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Posted By: Steve Young New Song - Better Man - 02/17/14 12:45 AM
I've been out of pocket most of the time for the past few months. Between dealing with health issues and getting back to work, I haven't been able to post as much music lately. I finally had some time last night, and after reflecting on Valentine's Day with my lovely bride of almost 38 years, I wrote this little love song for her. I added some various orchestration/percussion to go with the BIAB Realtracks on this one. I hope you enjoy it!

Better Man

Here are the RealTracks/RealDrums used...
RealTracks in song: 1190:Bass, Electric, ModernRnBRock Ev 065
RealTracks in song: 2051:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking CountryBrent Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 1765:Guitar, High-Strung Acoustic, Fingerpicking Pop16ths Ev16 085
RealTracks in song: 2334:String Quartet, Rhythm PopChamber Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 1856:Cello, Background PopCountry Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 1601:Mandolin, Rhythm Pop16Melodic Ev 065
RealDrums in Song: NashvilleEven8^1-a:Sidestick, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride

And here are the lyrics..

Better Man
Words and Music, copyright Stephen W. Young

I don't need to know all the answers
To questions I don't even understand
I look at life filled with wonder
At the beauty of the plan

A little girl stands in the corner
She looks an awful lot like you
And when she smiles I remember
The little things you do

I won't let time make a difference
I've found the place to make a stand
Cause I just know that when I'm with you
You make me a better man

It won't be long til the summer
It won't be long til it's warm
I've felt the cold days of winter
I've seen the eye of the storm

But in the change of the seasons
There's one thing that remains
I still love you so deeply
And that will never change

I won't let time make a difference
I've found the place to make a stand
'Cause I just know that when I'm with you
You make me a better man

===

Have a great day!

Steve
Posted By: AudioTrack Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/17/14 04:01 AM
Steve
Really liked the tune, and the gradual build, nice lyrics, and the closeness of the vocal.
Very nice job, thanks for sharing.
Trevor
Posted By: cubanpete Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/17/14 05:12 AM
Hey Steve, I enjoyed it very much. Terrific arrangement and orchestration. Thanks!

Mike B.
Posted By: Noel96 Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/17/14 09:58 AM
Hey Steve!

It's really good to see you again.

When it comes to beautiful songs, this one is right up the top there with the best that you've ever written. The melody, harmony and arrangement are magnificent and when you write lyrics from the heart, truth and honesty work every time. The musical voyage that you took me on as I listened, was wonderful. I bet Mrs Steve was incredibly impressed.

I can already see that I'm going to be listening to this song every time I pop into the forum for quite a while yet.

All the best,
Noel

P.S. Congratulations on those almost 38 years too!

Posted By: sixchannel Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/17/14 10:00 AM
Great song Steve.
I wondered how a mandolin would fit with your choice of RTs but I neednt have worried. A Class selection and mix.
I like the way it slowly builds in layers.
For me, the interlude "solo" instrument of the tune needs to come up a bit. Its beautifully done and I would have liked to hear it better.
Thanks for posting. I may keep these lyrics for next years Valentines card. lol!
cheers
ian
Posted By: 90 dB Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/17/14 12:13 PM
Steve,

Absolutely beautiful. Hope you're feeling better.


Regards,


Bob
Posted By: olemon Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/17/14 02:43 PM
Beautiful song, great lyrics. The sweet vocal is right where it needs to be on this with the music nicely mixed to support, but never interfere with the story.
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/17/14 02:47 PM
34 years here and if I could write a song like that I'd do it today for my better half. Just a wonderful way of expressing the feelings of a long term relationship that works and has worked for years. Not a whole lot of them around and I won life's lotto with mine.

Like Bob said it's a beautiful song and, I too, hope you are doing better.

Bud
Posted By: tommyad Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/17/14 02:56 PM
Steve, So glad you're back. i hope this means you're feeling better. Judging by your song you are at the top of your game. Excellence all around. Vocal, Mix, Arrangement are all top shelf. i think this may be the best that you've written and it sure hits home with all of us old happily married guys. You have captured the beauty of love over time. Great stuff. More, More, More. Tom
Posted By: boehm Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/17/14 05:13 PM
Hi Steve,

a very heartfelt song with good vocals.
I like the increasing arrangement. Nice things happening in the background.
I hope you stay well.

Guenter
Posted By: floyd jane Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/17/14 10:24 PM
Steve,

Pull up a chair... set a spell! Always love to see you drop a song in...

And a beautiful one, at that! A good write - such a sweet melody. Your productions always build so nicely.. they are music clouds to float on.. paired with your always comfortable vocals...

You make writing a simple love song seem so easy - which is anything, but... Just a joy to listen to.

Stay well. Stay in the neighborhood - where you belong...

floyd
Posted By: dani48 Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/18/14 12:38 AM
Hi, Steve !

This must be my favourite
Stevetune !:)) I also
think this is one of your
absolute best !:)) I congratulate
you and your life´s companion
for being able to stick together
for so long, and I hope there´ll be
many many more years for you two!:))
I only made 42 with my wife, but
they were just great years as I
understand that yours have been too !:))
I hope your health issues are behind
now and that you are able to go on
afresh !:))


Cheers
Dani
Posted By: Steve Young Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/19/14 07:06 PM
Trevor,

Thanks for stopping by to listen, and comment. Your kind words are appreciated.

Mike,

Thanks very much! Glad you like this one.

Noel,

Always good to hear from you, my friend! Really appreciate your generous words. Thanks so much.

Ian,

I really appreciate your very kind words. I did do another remix, and brought up the organ solo a tad, along with some other subtle changes. Again, thanks for your time and thoughts!

==

Steve
Posted By: Steve Young Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/19/14 07:14 PM
Bob,

Thanks very much for listening, and commenting. And thanks for your well-wishes. Much appreciated.

Olemon,

I really appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment. Glad you like it!

Bud & Janice,

So glad you enjoyed this one. And congratulations on your 34 years! Long term relationships can be work at times, but the rewards far outweigh the effort, when you have the right people involved. Sounds like you and I have both been blessed!

Tom,

Always good to hear from you! Really appreciate your very kind words!

==

Steve
Posted By: Steve Young Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/19/14 07:21 PM
Guenter,

Thanks so much for taking the time to listen and post such nice words. Very appreciated.

Floyd,

Great to hear from you, as always. Glad you enjoyed this one. My schedule has been, and continues to be a challenge, working about 60 hours a week, in addition to serving as a Worship/Music Pastor at a church. And since I was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in September, that has presented a few minor changes into my life. But I am doing well, still playing all my instruments, etc. I look forward to writing and posting many more songs here! Thanks.

Dani,

Thank you so much for your very generous words. I am glad you like this one. As you can imagine, this one has special meaning to me. The way you talk about your dear wife is a real inspiration to us here. You were obviously blessed with a wonderful relationship (as am I). Thanks for being a part of our family here.

==

Steve
Posted By: MarioD Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/19/14 10:28 PM
It’s all been said! This is one fantastic song with super lyrics, orchestration and mix.

Like it was said all of old married men can relate to this!
Posted By: gruverider Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/24/14 01:56 AM
A beautiful song indeed! I love the arrangement


congrats to you and your valentine!
Posted By: gibson Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/24/14 02:04 PM
Steve,

A beautiful love song, beautiful arrangement and Mrs Young must think she is a lucky lady to have such a nice song written about her.

Good to hear you back and hope all is well with you medically.

Alyn
Posted By: RichMac Re: New Song - Better Man - 02/24/14 08:32 PM
Lovely lyrics and vocals. maybe a bit crisp on the vocals to my ear but very enjoyable. Held my attention to the end. Cheers.
Posted By: Steve Young Re: New Song - Better Man - 03/05/14 05:35 PM
Mario,

So glad you like this one. Always good to hear from you! Thanks!

Gruverider,

Thanks very much! Glad you like the song and arrangement.

Alyn,

I really appreciate your kind words. (And I'm the lucky one.) Always good to hear from you.

RichMac,

Thanks for dropping in and giving this one a listen. Glad you enjoyed it. I will have to give another listen to the "crispness" of my vocals when I get a chance on some different speakers. It sounds good on my monitors to me. Thanks for the input.

===

Steve
Posted By: rsdean Re: New Song - Better Man - 03/05/14 05:41 PM
Steve,

I somehow missed this first time around - just beautiful. Excellent work as usual.

Hope you are well.

Bob
Posted By: Steve Young Re: New Song - Better Man - 03/05/14 06:20 PM
Bob,

Thanks so much for taking the time to listen to this one. Glad you like it! Always good to hear from you!

Steve
Posted By: Al-David Re: New Song - Better Man - 03/06/14 06:10 AM
Hi Steve...

We love songs that build in layers and this one does it so nicely. it's a pretty song and you dressed it up perfectly. That acoustic guitar is terrific! loved it!

Al & Di
Posted By: Tommyc Re: New Song - Better Man - 03/08/14 03:30 AM
Great Song Cuz!
Posted By: Steve Young Re: New Song - Better Man - 03/10/14 12:12 AM
Al & Di,

Thanks so much for taking the time to listen and post here! So glad you like this one!

Tommy,

Hey, Cuz! Always good to hear from you! Glad you like it!

Steve
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song - Better Man - 03/10/14 02:43 AM
Nicely done! Love the concept and the feel! Take care. Greg
Posted By: don k3 Re: New Song - Better Man - 09/23/14 06:27 PM
Steve,
This is a beautiful piece. I'm a life-time musician/song writer and appreciator. You have great composing skills and you show taste in presenting. Thank you for sharing! smile
don k3
Posted By: Guitarhacker Re: New Song - Better Man - 09/23/14 08:46 PM
Late to the party again.....

really enjoyed that song.

well done
Posted By: Charlie Fogle Re: New Song - Better Man - 09/23/14 09:14 PM
Sure glad this one turned up again. Excellent song, excellent write and production. Excellent message. Enjoyed this from start to finish.

Charlie
Posted By: RnAM Re: New Song - Better Man - 09/24/14 09:11 PM
Hi Steve,

A great one! My kind of songwriting.
Your voice is beautiful!

Regards,
Rob
Posted By: SpaceDog Re: New Song - Better Man - 09/26/14 01:53 AM
Steve,
Glad to see you back again. We're lucky to have you in the forum.
Very nice song. The strings are especially well done.
SD
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