PG Music Home
Posted By: Robertkc Brotherland - 12/12/19 05:30 PM
Growing up as a twin and now being the dad of two boys leads me to the conclusion that brotherhood is a secret society; us against the world a necessary part of the code.
Slightly rockier than my folk offerings - your listens and suggestions are welcome.

Brotherland

RealTracks in song: 995:Bass, Electric, HardRockLA Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 2935:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm FolkPulse8thsFintan Ev 110
RealTracks in song: 1681:Guitar, 12-String Acoustic, Fingerpicking Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 1948:Mandolin, Rhythm PopUpliftingAndy Ev16 120
RealTracks in song: 2444:Guitar, Baritone Electric, Background PopCountryBrent Ev 085
RealDrums [in Song:NashvilleEven8^1-a:Sidestick, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride
RT 1535 piano powerpop




Brotherland


we grew up north of happy
across the river from getting by
born under a bad sign
the song he played after school

you better stay on planet Star Wars
my brother winked blazing that J
this world`s done he`d say
tell you what we`ll do

we`ll make another country
we`ll do things different there
in brotherland
we can`t fly
they`ll never know never know
we walk
we walk an inch above the ground

we ran under the radar
he said proud nails get hammered down
the first kids on the moon
they`ll never find our base

I wonder if he even knows
he was half the air in my world
between the bottle and his girl
we built our escape

we made another country
we do things different there
in brotherland
we can`t fly
they`ll never know never know
we walk
we walk an inch above the ground

© Robert Cordrey Nov.2019


*******************
Posted By: EdZ314 Re: Brotherland - 12/12/19 09:53 PM
I really like this track. It's pretty laid back but the lyrics really carry it through, and I think the tune really captures the spirit of what you are describing. I think this is one of those songs that doesn't hit you straight out of the gates - it slowly sinks in and takes you away, and then stays around even after the end. Great work.
Posted By: Mr_Songman Re: Brotherland - 12/13/19 04:36 AM
"we grew up north of happy
across the river from getting by"

now THAT'S how you open a song. Great lines.

Keep 'em coming. smile
Posted By: RichMac Re: Brotherland - 12/13/19 04:58 AM
Hi Robert.
I particularly enjoyed the lyrics.
A bit springsteen but less rocky.
Cheers.
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: Brotherland - 12/13/19 09:10 AM
Hey Robert,

Love the writing as always, and I agree with Mr_songman about those opening lines.

I always thought it would have been cool to have had a brother, I ended up with a sister and we have absolutely nothing in common. I do have two young grandsons though and it's great to see the relationship they have with each other.

Good song, enjoyed!
Posted By: floyd jane Re: Brotherland - 12/13/19 12:16 PM
Robert,

This is my favorite of your lyrics. A story well told in original phrases and superb imagery.

The "rockier" BAND is a nice vehicle and it still maintains the lighter acoustic feel needed. Nice

Well mixed.

I really like this.

fj
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: Brotherland - 12/13/19 12:29 PM
"we grew up north of happy
across the river from getting by
born under a bad sign
the song he played after school"

Now that will grab you immediately for the ride...

A wee bit of rock but ultimately all Robert...a good thing.

Great write, vocal and band.

The mix is excellent.

Happy Holidays!

J&B
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Brotherland - 12/13/19 08:51 PM
Originally Posted By: EdZ314
I really like this track. It's pretty laid back but the lyrics really carry it through, and I think the tune really captures the spirit of what you are describing. I think this is one of those songs that doesn't hit you straight out of the gates - it slowly sinks in and takes you away, and then stays around even after the end. Great work.


Thank you, EDZ!

Originally Posted By: Mr_Songman
"we grew up north of happy
across the river from getting by"

now THAT'S how you open a song. Great lines.

Keep 'em coming. smile


I appreciate the nod to those opening lines...have to set the scene and get the
attention there.



Originally Posted By: RichMac
Hi Robert.
I particularly enjoyed the lyrics.
A bit springsteen but less rocky.
Cheers.


Rich,
Yes, I heard some Bruce in the verses too.Glad you enjoyed this.



Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Hey Robert,

Love the writing as always, and I agree with Mr_songman about those opening lines.

I always thought it would have been cool to have had a brother, I ended up with a sister and we have absolutely nothing in common. I do have two young grandsons though and it's great to see the relationship they have with each other.

Good song, enjoyed!


Dave,
My sons are many years apart in age, so no rivalry and some hero worship which I tried to suggest in the lyrics.
Watching those grandsons of yours from the sidelines must be fun.
Thanks for your listen and comments.


Robert
Posted By: jannesan Re: Brotherland - 12/14/19 01:46 PM
I like this straightforward pop/rock approach - still the chording has your recognizable and enjoyable style, especially the chorus reveals its fine details on each listen. Lyric tells a nice story, the title is well chosen.
The baritone guitar highlights the mood nicely.

Janne
Posted By: jimmadsen Re: Brotherland - 12/14/19 02:23 PM
Love the Lyrics. Very nice bit of work!
Posted By: Jim Re: Brotherland - 12/14/19 05:25 PM
Great song...
I especially like those opening lyrics...
"we grew up north of happy across the river from getting by"...
Touching unique visual images.


In addition, I believe you are right, "brotherhood is a secret society"...
And I think you've captured that concept very well in your song!
Posted By: Scott C Re: Brotherland - 12/14/19 09:33 PM
Awesome tune Robert. Very cool lyric. Super vocal. Baritone guitar was a nice choice. Loved the tremolo.
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Brotherland - 12/15/19 08:08 PM
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Robert,

This is my favorite of your lyrics. A story well told in original phrases and superb imagery.

The "rockier" BAND is a nice vehicle and it still maintains the lighter acoustic feel needed. Nice

Well mixed.

I really like this.

fj


Thanks for those positives,Floyd. I tried a heavier backing band initially, but it didn`t gel with my vocal style... the baritone guitar had to stay, of course!


Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
"we grew up north of happy
across the river from getting by
born under a bad sign
the song he played after school"

Now that will grab you immediately for the ride...

A wee bit of rock but ultimately all Robert...a good thing.

Great write, vocal and band.

The mix is excellent.

Happy Holidays!

J&B



J&B,
The Cream reference is from my older boy`s playbook... one day he`s going to find out dad can rock some too!
Thanks for your encouraging comments.


Originally Posted By: jannesan
I like this straightforward pop/rock approach - still the chording has your recognizable and enjoyable style, especially the chorus reveals its fine details on each listen. Lyric tells a nice story, the title is well chosen.
The baritone guitar highlights the mood nicely.

Janne




Janne,
I`m addicted to that maj7th chord- in most of my choruses!
I appreciate your listen and likes.


Robert
Posted By: Rustyspoon# Re: Brotherland - 12/16/19 10:21 PM
Robert,
Very nice tune. Loved the lyrics. Listens very well. Never had a brother, but can can totally relate to imagery you presented.
Thank you for sharing!

Misha.
Posted By: Noel96 Re: Brotherland - 12/17/19 12:24 AM
Hi Robert,

Let me join the chorus of "I love those opening lines"... when you sang,

"we grew up north of happy
across the river from getting by"

I was instantly transported into the song. That's very clever writing.

I love this backing that you've put together. It complements the lyrics and your song really, really well.

Each new track you bring to the forum these days seems to venture into new territory in some way. I really admire that!

All the best for an amazing Christmas and New Year,
Noel
Posted By: rayc Re: Brotherland - 12/17/19 07:02 AM
When the vocals are doubled the song is REALLY strong.
Excellent narrative and good arrangement selections.
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Brotherland - 12/17/19 08:24 PM
Originally Posted By: jimmadsen
Love the Lyrics. Very nice bit of work!

Thank you!
Originally Posted By: Jim
Great song...
I especially like those opening lyrics...
"we grew up north of happy across the river from getting by"...
Touching unique visual images.


In addition, I believe you are right, "brotherhood is a secret society"...
And I think you've captured that concept very well in your song!


Jim,
I wouldn`t presume to say the bonds of sisterhood are the same, though I wonder if they aren`t even deeper.
I appreciate your likes on this.

Originally Posted By: Scott C
Awesome tune Robert. Very cool lyric. Super vocal. Baritone guitar was a nice choice. Loved the tremolo.


Scott,
Thank you partner!

Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
Robert,
Very nice tune. Loved the lyrics. Listens very well. Never had a brother, but can can totally relate to imagery you presented.
Thank you for sharing!

Misha.



Misha,
I`m glad you can relate and enjoyed this.

Robert
Posted By: TuneMonger Re: Brotherland - 12/17/19 08:56 PM
My favorite line is 'he was half the air in my world.' Another great one full of imagery, and I felt there was more of a connection with the music than usual. So that makes it one of the best I've heard from you. You remind me of Robert Burns, a poet whose work was often put to music. Great stuff!
Posted By: Ezekiel's Storm Re: Brotherland - 12/17/19 09:55 PM
Robert, you are consistent in producing masterful lyrics. I love the whole feel of the vocal and instrumentation (particularly the baritone guitar).
Posted By: Torrey Bliss Re: Brotherland - 12/18/19 05:57 PM
Robert, you speak of that which I do not know, (never had a brother) still enjoyed it immensely! Fabulous job on the vocal and I love that chorus (the feel and flow of it). You are continually producing very fine work! Nice ending! Thanks, Torrey
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: Brotherland - 12/18/19 08:56 PM
Cool song Robert!! Always love your approach with lyrics....always fresh and interesting! I like the feel of the arrangement.....That tremolo guitar works perfectly! Everything works well!! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Crossroads Re: Brotherland - 12/20/19 12:06 PM
Hi Rob,

really like this one - very good lyrics, a great and 'new' subject for a song !!! The tune flows, good vocals, a very nicely sounding production. Good job, enjoyed the listen.

Happy holidays and all the best for 2020,

Stefan
Posted By: beatmaster Re: Brotherland - 12/20/19 03:28 PM
Has been said a few times, the lyrics are brilliant and you carried it off with a vocal style that really suited style and lyrics well done.

Thanks
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Brotherland - 12/20/19 08:37 PM
Originally Posted By: Noel96
Hi Robert,

Let me join the chorus of "I love those opening lines"... when you sang,

"we grew up north of happy
across the river from getting by"

I was instantly transported into the song. That's very clever writing.

I love this backing that you've put together. It complements the lyrics and your song really, really well.

Each new track you bring to the forum these days seems to venture into new territory in some way. I really admire that!

All the best for an amazing Christmas and New Year,
Noel


That`s a very kind review, Noel- thank you!


Originally Posted By: rayc
When the vocals are doubled the song is REALLY strong.
Excellent narrative and good arrangement selections.


I`m quite lazy about recording doubles on vocals - I can hear the jump in energy they make too, so maybe I should try them more often.
Thanks for your comments.

Originally Posted By: TuneMonger
My favorite line is 'he was half the air in my world.' Another great one full of imagery, and I felt there was more of a connection with the music than usual. So that makes it one of the best I've heard from you. You remind me of Robert Burns, a poet whose work was often put to music. Great stuff!


Thank you for that.I like Burns too, except when the lads start sing Auld Lang Syne well after midnight coming down my street in a week or so!


Originally Posted By: Ezekiel's Storm
Robert, you are consistent in producing masterful lyrics. I love the whole feel of the vocal and instrumentation (particularly the baritone guitar).


Very generous comments- thank you!


Robert
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Brotherland - 12/23/19 05:59 PM
Originally Posted By: Torrey Bliss
Robert, you speak of that which I do not know, (never had a brother) still enjoyed it immensely! Fabulous job on the vocal and I love that chorus (the feel and flow of it). You are continually producing very fine work! Nice ending! Thanks, Torrey


Torrey,
Thank you! I`m glad you liked this one; its been a good year with a streak of creativity I`ve enjoyed... very much encouraged by the support of this forum.


Robert
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Brotherland - 12/23/19 06:02 PM
Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
Cool song Robert!! Always love your approach with lyrics....always fresh and interesting! I like the feel of the arrangement.....That tremolo guitar works perfectly! Everything works well!! Take care. Greg


Thanks Greg!

Originally Posted By: Crossroads
Hi Rob,

really like this one - very good lyrics, a great and 'new' subject for a song !!! The tune flows, good vocals, a very nicely sounding production. Good job, enjoyed the listen.

Happy holidays and all the best for 2020,

Stefan


Stefan,
Maybe its not such a new song subject, but I tried to give it my own spin.
Thanks for the positives!

Originally Posted By: beatmaster
Has been said a few times, the lyrics are brilliant and you carried it off with a vocal style that really suited style and lyrics well done.

Thanks


I appreciate that!

Robert
© PG Music Forums