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Posted By: Robertkc Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/04/19 11:17 PM
Closer Than A Tattoo

Pop Rock nostalgia.

RealTracks in song: 1523:Bass, Electric, PowerPop Ev 120
RealTracks in style: 1535:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopPowerPushA-B Ev 120
RealTracks in style: 1526:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopPowerPushA-B Ev 120
RealTracks in song 2667 Pedal Steel Background Dreamy
RealTracks in song: 1526:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopPowerPushA-B Ev 120
RealDrums in song Praise Worship Shine



Closer Than A Tattoo

all I have is one picture
from our summer of love
standing on the bridge like you`re reading scripture
from the clouds above

I like to think it was me
put that spark in your eyes of flint
pressed the shutter couldn`t breathe
knowing you weren`t one to blink

train clattering round the bend
there`s no full stop at our story`s end

a tear of candlewax
hides the tree where we sheltered
the sun and moon my defences stood no chance
when you danced by the river

said we`re never going back
with our bodies and with ink
we`d stitch our fate make it fact
an indelible link

pulling out to the chains length
the best laid plans with all our strength

hearts too full
hearts too full for our lips to speak
if I could choose
choose the words a day with you to keep
clearer than a picture
closer than a tattoo

carry my dreams from the attic to the cellar
you and me girl in Kodachrome forever

hearts too full
hearts too full for our lips to speak
if I could choose
choose the words a day with you to keep
clearer than a picture
closer than a tattoo

© Robert Cordrey Dec. 2018
Posted By: dcuny Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/05/19 01:53 AM
Nice write - very evocative. Solid production, well sung. Not my style of melody, but enjoyable nonetheless.

we`d stitch our fate make it fact

Great line.
Posted By: rayc Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/05/19 07:06 AM
The unexpected phrasing of longer lines reminds me of Grant McLennan of the Go-Betweens' solo work.
Your voice becomes more certain and on task as the song progresses.
"Closer than a tattoo" is a very effective image.
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/05/19 11:23 AM
Nice one, Robert! As always a good write.

Over all the vocal sounded good, and the vocal harmonies are very effective.

Nice production also, starting out with just the piano works well, and I like the way you brought in the pedal steel.

Good way to start out the new year!
Posted By: Crossroads Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/05/19 02:52 PM
Hello Robert,

what a great song title that's a really strong picture.. And a very nice song, too. Enjoyed the listen.

Cheers,

Stefan
Posted By: Rustyspoon# Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/05/19 07:44 PM
Robert, interesting and fresh!

Great lyrics. Interesting harmony. Almost like punk rock sections were smoothed and slowed down for this smile
I enjoyed it!

Thank you!
Misha.
Posted By: Jim Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/05/19 08:31 PM
I enjoyed the lyrics & your vocal delivery of them...
vivid images leading to the hook... Closer Than A Tattoo
I really like that phrase.
Posted By: rsdean Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/05/19 09:55 PM
Robert,

This is a great piece... I love the feel and the dark undertones. Lots of texture and a very cool set of lyrics.

I'm all in on this one. smile

Bob
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/05/19 11:59 PM
Originally Posted By: dcuny
Nice write - very evocative. Solid production, well sung. Not my style of melody, but enjoyable nonetheless.

we`d stitch our fate make it fact

Great line.


Thanks for the positives, David.
Due to the busy season I got the vocal in 3 takes ( I`m usually I`m in double figures!) so glad you approve of that.

Robert
Posted By: PeterF Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/06/19 03:38 AM
Robert

Enjoyed the song - as always an interesting and clever lyric. Has all the hallmarks of your style and is nicely
produced and written.

Peter
Posted By: jannesan Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/06/19 06:16 AM
Great band with lots of dynamics in the arrangement. Very clear mix and that pedal steel with it strong reverb fits perfectly. Nice photographic story.

Janne
Posted By: JoanneCooper Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/06/19 01:35 PM
Robert. You got me with the title of this one and it didnt disappoint. Your lyrics are always so well thought out and crafted. Kudos on the production too.
Posted By: Belladonna Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/06/19 02:16 PM
Robert some really really great imaginary in your lyrics. Beautiful contemplation and memories. Really enjoyed the vocals and melody. Very good song.
Posted By: Scott C Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/06/19 06:44 PM
Awesome tune Robert. Loved the way you started the song. Very cool when the band kicked it. Super vocal. Mix was excellent as well
Posted By: floyd jane Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/06/19 07:30 PM
Robert,

"Closer Than A Tattoo" - One of the most intriguing titles I've ever heard!! Awesome.

And a very interesting write. Very original.

"said we`re never going back
with our bodies and with ink
we`d stitch our fate make it fact
an indelible link"

Strong.

The BAND on this is really nice. A good mix, And your vocal is "confident". One of your best, I think.

I like it.

fj
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/06/19 07:34 PM
Originally Posted By: rayc
The unexpected phrasing of longer lines reminds me of Grant McLennan of the Go-Betweens' solo work.
Your voice becomes more certain and on task as the song progresses.
"Closer than a tattoo" is a very effective image.


Thank you- I`ll have to check out that singer.

Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Nice one, Robert! As always a good write.

Over all the vocal sounded good, and the vocal harmonies are very effective.

Nice production also, starting out with just the piano works well, and I like the way you brought in the pedal steel.

Good way to start out the new year!


Dave,
I`ve been trying different things to make mixes less muddy,so I hope its working.
Originally I had the whole band in at the start- it seemed to take away from the lyrics so thanks for the nod on the just piano opening.

Robert

Originally Posted By: Crossroads
Hello Robert,

what a great song title that's a really strong picture.. And a very nice song, too. Enjoyed the listen.

Cheers,

Stefan


Stefan,

Thanks for your listen and comments!


Robert
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/06/19 11:25 PM
Nicely done Robert!! Pretty song, and some beautiful lyrical images...reminds me a little of Leonard Cohen! Vocal is very emotive and beautiful. Like Floyd said, great title. You should listen to This Tattoo (great song by David Wilcox). Great stuff here!! Take care. Greg
Posted By: 44kfl Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/07/19 12:21 PM
I always enjoy the listen and know that I'll like what you write

I'm a fan

you are a creative and great writer

I don't always love the phrasing but it makes it uniquely you

this is a fine write, storytelling is what we're supposed to be about

love it,

Kenny
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/07/19 08:41 PM
Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
Robert, interesting and fresh!

Great lyrics. Interesting harmony. Almost like punk rock sections were smoothed and slowed down for this smile
I enjoyed it!

Thank you!
Misha.



Thanks for that, Misha!

Originally Posted By: Jim
I enjoyed the lyrics & your vocal delivery of them...
vivid images leading to the hook... Closer Than A Tattoo
I really like that phrase.


I appreciate that - no idea where that line came from, just glad I wrote it down and saved it!

Originally Posted By: rsdean
Robert,

This is a great piece... I love the feel and the dark undertones. Lots of texture and a very cool set of lyrics.

I'm all in on this one. smile

Bob


Thank you, Bob!

Originally Posted By: PeterF
Robert

Enjoyed the song - as always an interesting and clever lyric. Has all the hallmarks of your style and is nicely
produced and written.

Peter


Peter,

I`m glad you liked this. I guess I have a recognizable lyrical style... sometime I think musically I`d do better to play around with less varied styles though!

Robert
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/08/19 09:42 PM
Originally Posted By: jannesan
Great band with lots of dynamics in the arrangement. Very clear mix and that pedal steel with it strong reverb fits perfectly. Nice photographic story.

Janne


Thank you,Janne!

Originally Posted By: JoanneCooper
Robert. You got me with the title of this one and it didnt disappoint. Your lyrics are always so well thought out and crafted. Kudos on the production too.


Joanne,
Thanks for your listen and kind comments!

Originally Posted By: Belladonna
Robert some really really great imaginary in your lyrics. Beautiful contemplation and memories. Really enjoyed the vocals and melody. Very good song.


Its good to hear that - particularly on the lyrics; you write some cool images yourself!


Originally Posted By: Scott C
Awesome tune Robert. Loved the way you started the song. Very cool when the band kicked it. Super vocal. Mix was excellent as well


Thank you, Scott!

Robert
Posted By: Rob4580 Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/08/19 10:22 PM
Now you've set that bar just a little higher for your self.
This is really a great write. Enjoyed my listen. Rob
Posted By: Deryk - PG Music Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/09/19 11:21 AM
Wow - I really connected with this one. It has a very somber tonality to it. Dark and genuine. There's some truly standout lyrics on this, and your vocal delivery of them is emotion. Top notch stuff. Definitely getting an early-mid 90's vibe on this one.

Great work and thanks for sharing!
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/09/19 08:28 PM
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Robert,

"Closer Than A Tattoo" - One of the most intriguing titles I've ever heard!! Awesome.

And a very interesting write. Very original.

"said we`re never going back
with our bodies and with ink
we`d stitch our fate make it fact
an indelible link"

Strong.

The BAND on this is really nice. A good mix, And your vocal is "confident". One of your best, I think.

I like it.

fj



Floyd,
I appreciate the positive review!



Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
Nicely done Robert!! Pretty song, and some beautiful lyrical images...reminds me a little of Leonard Cohen! Vocal is very emotive and beautiful. Like Floyd said, great title. You should listen to This Tattoo (great song by David Wilcox). Great stuff here!! Take care. Greg



Greg,
Listening to David Wilcox now - sounds good,thanks for the tip...and your kind thoughts on the song.



Originally Posted By: 44kfl
I always enjoy the listen and know that I'll like what you write

I'm a fan

you are a creative and great writer

I don't always love the phrasing but it makes it uniquely you

this is a fine write, storytelling is what we're supposed to be about

love it,

Kenny


Kenny,

I would trade a few of my lyrics for some of your great phrasing!
Seriously though, I find the first way I sing a song gets stuck- I`m not flexible enough to hear alternatives unless someone points out something sounds off ( by then its already in the can). Have to work on that.
Your very positive comments mean a great deal... I have no other audience.

Robert
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/10/19 12:34 PM
Cool the way you weaved in those longer lines.

The write is very nice and chock full of great imagery. It would make a terrific contemplative video.

"clearer than a picture
closer than a tattoo"

That is, amongst many, a very strong statement!

The above plus a fine vocal and mix makes for a most enjoyable listen(s)!

J&B
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/10/19 11:05 PM
Originally Posted By: Rob4580
Now you've set that bar just a little higher for your self.
This is really a great write. Enjoyed my listen. Rob


Thank you, Rob!

Originally Posted By: Deryk - PG Music
Wow - I really connected with this one. It has a very somber tonality to it. Dark and genuine. There's some truly standout lyrics on this, and your vocal delivery of them is emotion. Top notch stuff. Definitely getting an early-mid 90's vibe on this one.

Great work and thanks for sharing!


Deryk,
Glad you connected with this,thanks for your comments. 90`s though? I think I missed that decade in music, so will take your word for it.

Robert
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/12/19 03:36 PM
Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
Cool the way you weaved in those longer lines.

The write is very nice and chock full of great imagery. It would make a terrific contemplative video.

"clearer than a picture
closer than a tattoo"

That is, amongst many, a very strong statement!

The above plus a fine vocal and mix makes for a most enjoyable listen(s)!

J&B


J&B,
Thanks for those listens and your comments!
Looks like videos will have to wait `til the songwriting dries up, but I like the idea.

Robert
Posted By: Torrey Bliss Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/12/19 06:35 PM
Robert, IMHO this is one of your best and most commercially appealing tunes! Awesome lyrics, melody and chord construction. I really liked your use of that steel for the solo! Thanks, Torrey
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/13/19 06:42 PM
Torrey,
Thank you for giving this a listen and those supportive comments!

Robert
Posted By: Phil Leith Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/15/19 03:05 PM
Right there with you, feeling the emotions you elicit with those lyrics. Very good write. I'm a lyric guy. I always appreciate a good lyric.
Posted By: Noel96 Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/15/19 04:37 PM
Robert,

This is absolutely terrific! Your lyrics paint very vivid pictures and they are supported by an excellent musical backing. You vocals also shine brilliantly on this one. From creation to production, what I'm hearing through my headphones right at this minute is quality.

All the best,
Noel
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Closer Than A Tattoo - 01/16/19 03:29 PM
Originally Posted By: Phil Leith
Right there with you, feeling the emotions you elicit with those lyrics. Very good write. I'm a lyric guy. I always appreciate a good lyric.


Thank you, Phil!

Originally Posted By: Noel96
Robert,

This is absolutely terrific! Your lyrics paint very vivid pictures and they are supported by an excellent musical backing. You vocals also shine brilliantly on this one. From creation to production, what I'm hearing through my headphones right at this minute is quality.

All the best,
Noel


Noel,

I`m glad you got the pictures! Thanks for your kind review.

Robert
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