My Dad was a real character and he had a bunch of great sayings. I was thinking of some of

his well worn lines and realized this was a treasure trove of song ideas. I bounced this one off

Bud Merritt and he was able to point me in the right direction for the 2nd verse and the ending

chorus. Against his objections he gets a writing credit because without his contribution the

song would not have gone where it went. Thanks Bud, and a big thanks to Janice for her

impeccable harmony.



Recorded in Logic Pro X
Plug Ins : Nectar 2, Neutron 2, Ozone 8, Tonal Balance, Waves LinMB, Waves, L3-LL Multi Limiter, CLA Acoustic, Waves Vocal Rider,

Lead Vocal, Acoustic Guitar, Tom Adams
Harmony Vocal, Janice Merritt

RealTracks in song: ~2474:Bass, Acoustic, Held Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 2718:Guitar, Nylon, Fingerpicking CountryBrent Ev 085
Royalty Free Loops



https://soundcloud.com/tommyad/tom-adams-you-dont-know-what-youre-missing


https://tommyadamsmusic.com/music




You Don’t Know What You’re Missing


through teary eyes he tried not to show he said Dad can we please go home

I don’t fit in with the other kids so maybe I’d be better off alone

I tried to give it my best swing and then I went and struck out again

I think that baseballs not my thing so what’s the sense in practicing


Son I only hope you’re listening
You’ve got to stand up every day
It never will be easy
when you’re trying to find your way
Don’t be sad don’t be bitter
I think that you should reconsider
I can only hope you’re listening
Cause you don’t know what you’re missing


Years later he said you won’t like this but I think I’ve had enough of it

i feel like it’s all just a waste of time and i think that I’m going to quit

I said I remember I felt that way back when I was in college

But it’s something they can’t take away that’s the most important piece of knowledge

Son I only hope you’re listening
You’ve got to stand up every day
It never will be easy
when you’re trying to find your way
Don’t be sad don’t be bitter
I think that you should reconsider
I can only hope you’re listening
Cause you don’t know what you’re missing



And when you find the right girl

Don’t mess it up and let her get away

If it had happened with your mother

We wouldn’t be standing here today

Don’t be sad don’t be bitter ff
I think that you should reconsider
I can only hope you’re listening
Cause you don’t know what you’re missing

©2019 Thomas Adams/Bud Merritt

Wow!

A beautiful and heartfelt song,

love it when the mandolin comes in

a super write, so good

you have the best harmony singer that maybe I've ever heard

Tom, it's top notch, makes me want to write about youth going by so fast

and a loving guiding hand.

Kenny

Great song Tom (& Bud & Janice)...
You certainly have your songwriting skills well in hand...
Great lyrics, melody. vocal, harmony, & production...
I always look forward hearing one from you.

Tom & Bud

Simply gorgeous song - wonderful vocal, lovely lyric and pretty guitar playing.

The acoustic sounds excellent. And to top it off a really beautiful harmony by Janice.

The production is flawless - great mix and sound.

An excellent collaboration.

Peter

Tom, Janice & Bud,

Very nice, down to earth song that is done very tastefully. Clear vocals, well balanced choice of instruments (not over populated ) and pro mix. Not a bit that I would change. I enjoyed it.
Thank you for posting!

Misha.

This is a very endearing song, and very well written. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you Kenny. It was an honor to play a small role in this production.

J&B

Thanks Kenny. That is one fine review. Your words are greatly appreciated, Tom

Excellent!

Pure perfection in every way from the lyrics to the arrangement, the vocals (great harmonies from Janice), the performance and the mix.

Loved it!

Tom & Bud,

A beautiful write! Sincere, heartfelt, meaningful.

And a gorgeous production. Excellent guitar. The fiddle is extremely nice. Extraordinary mix.

Wonderful vocals. Beautiful harmonies.

Everything is just as it should be. A hallmark of Tom Adams offerings...

fj

WOW!!! That is so sweet!! Just a beautiful, heartfelt song with a perfect arrangement and vocal. So much easier to say what's right: EVERYTHING!!! LOVE IT!!! Take care. Greg

Beautiful song Tom. Super vocal and lyric. Kudos to Bud for helping you out on this one. Janice' harmonies were excellent as well. Fiddle was cool.. Your dad sounded like a cool guy.

Beautiful song Tom and Bud! And a memorable one at that! Your right about Janice's harmony....it really makes this one shine! Lots of great stuff going on in here! Thanks, Torrey

Thanks Jim. Appreciate your taking the time to listen and comment, Tom Thank you Peter. The acoustic is my new Martin OM-18 sinker mahogany guitar. Just a superior instrument in every way. I’m pleased you commented on the sound, Tom

Amazing how much truth and wisdom can be found in sayings from old folk. They had a way of summing it up in a line or two. Nice production and contribution from Bud & Janice. Good write.

Your vocal is always so good. Excellent delivery! Production is tops.

Really nice y'all! The vocals here are excellent, from everyone. Indeed a touching song. Super lyrics and well chosen instruments.

You co-writers are on a tear!

Wow-- this is really good-- First the vocals and harmony are great. The instrumentation and mix was really well done... Thanks!

Thanks Jim. It’s always fun to be part of a Tom Adams production!

Thanks Ember. I’m glad you liked it, Tom Thanks for the wonderful review Dave, Tom

Tom,

This is beautiful and heartfelt... Your best vocal in my opinion. There is something so poignant and restrained about the delivery that is so effective.

Of course, having Janice and Bud onboard is a gift...

Tremendous song.

Bob

I

Thanks for the nice review and your support Petet!

J&B

Tom and Bud,

Great collaboration on this one—heartfelt and moving write. So much that’s good about this one . . . but for me, the vocals put this one over the top. They SLAY! Harmonies in that chorus are killer, but the lead vocal is really, really strong on this—drips with emotion. Loved this one, guys.

All my best,

Deej

I always look forward to your comments floyd. I don’t think I could ask any more than what you wrote. Thanks, Tom

Thanks Greg. Your kind comments are appreciated,Tom

Thank y'all for your time to listen and comment. We much appreciate you!!

J&B

Hi tommyad, I really enjoyed the overall tone of this. Excellent mixdown on all of this and I really dug the chord progression. The guitar sure howls! Well done!

Beautiful song and production. You can't go wrong with Janice. Thank for posting.

Mike B.

Donna, thanks for the nice comments, Tom

Thank you for the kind words, Tom David, we are glad you stopped by and appreciate your comments, Tom Bob, Thank you for the wonderful review, Tom

Thanks Dave! Glad you liked it and, man, are we ever enjoying your latest...

J&B

First up-Great production. Great life story here. My congrats to all.
Thanks for posting Tommy. Rob

Thanks for all that Bob. The vocal was a first take and I had intended to redo it. After I let it sit a few days, I decided the emotion would be difficult to duplicate, Tom

Bob, we appreciate the wonderful review, Tom Deej, Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave the generous comments,Tom

Joe, I appreciate the kind words, Tom

That is much appreciated. Tom was VERY generous on the writer's credits!

J&B

Thanks Mike. Your comments are appreciated,Tom

Thanks y’all! It was a pleasure for each of us to be part of this.

J&B

Thanks Rob. Glad you liked it,Tom

Thanks Torrey!

J&B



Thanks Donna...we owe a HUGE debt to that depression/WWII generation.

J&B

My dad's approach is a bit different, but I think his heart's in the same place. This kept me engaged and listening, and enjoying.

Thank you much for stopping by, Tom

Tom, Januce & Bud ...

Gonna make this short and to the point. This is just so touching and heartfelt. I didn't have a good relationship with my father as I was growing up. But he did introduce me to the guitar - i guess that makes up for a lot of other stuff.

Totally loved it! I wish I had some great memories like these to think back on. Glad you did! Best to you ...

Alan

Alan, Thank you for listening, Tom

Always a treat to hear your work Tommy!

Joe, your comments are appreciated, Tom

Thanks y’all - we are happy Tommy invited us to be part of this and equally happy that you like it.

Thanks!
J&B

Thanks Bob...you are very kind to say that. It was a pleasure to participate.

J&B




Thanks man, we agree, Tom sang the heck outa this one!

J&B

Thanks Joe.

J&B



Thank you Mike!

J&B




Thanks Rob.

J&B



Nice to hear from you and thanks....

J&B

Tom & Bud,

Really beautiful and sweet ballad!
I entirely agree with floyd.
A beautiful write! Sincere, heartfelt, meaningful.
Wonderful vocals. Beautiful harmonies.
Everything is just as it should be. A hallmark of Tom Adams offerings...
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

Shigeki Adachi, Thank you for listening and commenting, Tom

Thanks y’all. It was a pleasure to participate.

J&B

Tommy, Bud, and Janice, this is exactly what commercial radio should be playing. Everything about this is top shelf and air play ready.

Excellent song that you three should be very proud of.

Good to hear from you Mario. Thanks for the nice words,Tom

Thanks y'all!!!

J&B