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Posted By: Robertkc Prayer Wheels - 03/29/20 07:44 PM
I usually get around to writing a song for my wife just before her birthday.This one looks back to the road trip we took through her country(Thailand) after our wedding. I tried to make some of the details general in a personal way and hope you enjoy whatever the images conjure.
On a recording note-some challenges of space lately took me into a closet for the vocal-I can hear the difference and don`t mind if you do.

Prayer Wheels

Style is _ALBION.STY (Albion Acoustic Folk Rock)

RealTracks in style: 1759:Bass, Electric, Pop16ths Ev 085
RealTracks in style: 2914:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Folky16thsBrent Ev16 085
RealTracks in song: 1004:Guitar, 12-String Acoustic, Rhythm ClassicRockStrumming Ev16 065
RealTracks in song: 2650:Guitar, Electric, Background DreamyPopBalladFillsBrent Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 3056:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm Pop16thsSyncBrent Ev16 085
RealTracks in song: 542:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Dreamy Ev 085
RealDrums [in Song:ModCountry16ths^01-a:Closed hat, Sync-kick, b:Open hat, Sync-kick





Prayer Wheels

we left them singing
guitars sliding and haunting the dawn
where shanty children drag their wings
to the Highway of Kings

on our horizon
see them run they run my love
ghostly gleaming horses pure as thoughts
when the Father tied these knots

I would bless and honour your days
signs of a solitary road
steer the other way
when dogs are at our heels
I`ll help you turn
these prayer wheels

change the antenna
in squalor flowers of such beauty
this is your world roots in the mud
your lotus blooms above

I would bless and honour your days
signs of a solitary road
steer the other way
when dogs are at our heels
I`ll help you turn
these prayer wheels

tires spin and heal
our promise turns
prayer wheels

© Robert Cordrey March 2020
Posted By: musician17 Re: Prayer Wheels - 03/29/20 08:07 PM
This is such sensitive writing, in every way - from the lyrics to the music and to the performance of it. For me, the lyrics just make it fly ... I've rarely seen such accomplished yet gentle, sensitive writing ... but everything about this song is just beautiful. What a love song.
Posted By: dcuny Re: Prayer Wheels - 03/29/20 09:09 PM
The arrangement and mix is the first thing that pops out.

Very poetic - I enjoyed the journey!
Posted By: Crossroads Re: Prayer Wheels - 03/30/20 11:44 AM
Hi Rob,

very poetic lyrics - kudos. And I must say it again: I like your voice and the way you use it! Good arrangement, too.

All the best to you and your wife - stay well,

Stefan
Posted By: floyd jane Re: Prayer Wheels - 03/30/20 11:57 AM
Robert,

A solid BAND, a poetic lyric. Good vocal. Well mixed.

fj
Posted By: Scott C Re: Prayer Wheels - 03/30/20 02:08 PM
Cool vocal Robert. As Floyd said really solid band and mix. Harmonies were very cool as well. Very pretty lyric.
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Prayer Wheels - 03/30/20 09:29 PM
Originally Posted By: musician17
This is such sensitive writing, in every way - from the lyrics to the music and to the performance of it. For me, the lyrics just make it fly ... I've rarely seen such accomplished yet gentle, sensitive writing ... but everything about this song is just beautiful. What a love song.


That`s very kind- thank you!

Originally Posted By: dcuny
The arrangement and mix is the first thing that pops out.

Very poetic - I enjoyed the journey!


I hadn`t heard the Brent fills track before; an easy fit for the song.
Thanks for listening.


Originally Posted By: Crossroads
Hi Rob,

very poetic lyrics - kudos. And I must say it again: I like your voice and the way you use it! Good arrangement, too.

All the best to you and your wife - stay well,

Stefan


Thank you, Stefan. To be honest I can hear places where the vocal quality seems to drop- I blame that unfamiliar closet- but appreciate your positive comments.

Robert
Posted By: PeterF Re: Prayer Wheels - 03/31/20 12:28 AM
Robert

The band really compliments this one. Nice choices, and a sensitive vocal.

Very nice.

Peter
Posted By: animarorecords Re: Prayer Wheels - 03/31/20 03:17 AM
Robert,

Your vocal just fits this song.
The harmonies are very nice.
There is a lot of ingenuity in the chord progression as usual.
The influence of The Byrds can be felt in some places.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: Prayer Wheels - 03/31/20 07:29 AM
Yeah, I like this.

Nice production, I really like the way you handled the guitars.

Vocals sound good to me, I especially like the harmonies.

Good song, enjoyed!
Posted By: dani48 Re: Prayer Wheels - 03/31/20 08:14 AM
Hi, Bob !


Super tune ! One of your
absolute best if not
even the best !

I liked it a lot !

Cheers
Dani
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Prayer Wheels - 03/31/20 09:25 PM
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Robert,

A solid BAND, a poetic lyric. Good vocal. Well mixed.

fj


Thanks, Floyd.

Originally Posted By: Scott C
Cool vocal Robert. As Floyd said really solid band and mix. Harmonies were very cool as well. Very pretty lyric.


I appreciate the nod to my harmonies, Scott. Glad you enjoyed this one!

Originally Posted By: PeterF
Robert

The band really compliments this one. Nice choices, and a sensitive vocal.

Very nice.

Peter


Peter,
Thank you for the listen and likes!

Originally Posted By: animarorecords
Robert,

Your vocal just fits this song.
The harmonies are very nice.
There is a lot of ingenuity in the chord progression as usual.
The influence of The Byrds can be felt in some places.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi


Shigeki,
When a real musician approves a chord progression of mine I`m happy... and The Byrds sound is timeless, so thank you for hearing a little of their influence on this.

Robert
Posted By: TuneMonger Re: Prayer Wheels - 03/31/20 11:54 PM
Very nice, I got a quick wiki education about prayer wheels and watched a few videos before listening. I always enjoy your work, sometimes lines are cryptic to me but that is my experience with most poetry I read. I got the gist - "steer the other way when dogs are at our heels I`ll help you turn these prayer wheels." That was clear to me, I think. I'd love a line by line clarification but that is asking a lot. Nice to hear you again, closet or not. Beautiful work, hope your wife was thrilled with it.
Posted By: Al-David Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/01/20 06:32 AM
Hi Rob ...

This a wonderful listen! I like the "busy" drums as they push the song along with a gentle force. The vocal harmony on the chorus is wonderful! This is my favorite of yours that I've heard. That was w real treat! Wishing you and your wife the best ... and Happy birthday to her. This is a great present for her ... and the rest of us. be safe ...

Alan
Posted By: Deryk - PG Music Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/01/20 10:02 AM
Nice work - thought the mix was professional and concise, and the vocal harmonies are spot on. Really nice lyrics that fit the tone perfectly as well.

Thanks for sharing smile
Posted By: BabuMusic Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/01/20 10:37 AM
So well done, Robert. Beautiful images, and a very fun trip. Magic moments throughout. Love the harmony in the voices and the sentiment.
Posted By: jannesan Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/01/20 03:55 PM
Very nice poetic description of Thailand, gentle band and vocals. "tires spin and heal our promise turns prayer wheels", very beautiful lines.

Just a thought, I noticed that a prayer wheel sound could be used as an exotic percussion instrument.

Janne
Posted By: Sundance Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/01/20 09:58 PM
I really like the closet vocal sound. I like every thing about this so much it's my new favorite of yours Robert. Such a beautiful song.
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/02/20 07:53 PM
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Yeah, I like this.

Nice production, I really like the way you handled the guitars.

Vocals sound good to me, I especially like the harmonies.

Good song, enjoyed!



Thanks, Dave.
I liked the hint of pedal steel behind the el guitar fills.
Thanks for mentioning the harmonies!

Originally Posted By: dani48
Hi, Bob !


Super tune ! One of your
absolute best if not
even the best !

I liked it a lot !

Cheers
Dani


Hi Dani,
I`m happy you liked this- thanks for commenting.




Originally Posted By: TuneMonger
Very nice, I got a quick wiki education about prayer wheels and watched a few videos before listening. I always enjoy your work, sometimes lines are cryptic to me but that is my experience with most poetry I read. I got the gist - "steer the other way when dogs are at our heels I`ll help you turn these prayer wheels." That was clear to me, I think. I'd love a line by line clarification but that is asking a lot. Nice to hear you again, closet or not. Beautiful work, hope your wife was thrilled with it.


Being married to a Thai Buddhist means lots of temple visits on any tour ... and some of the prayer wheels are huge,taking effort to turn...while walking around barefoot on burning hot tiled floors!
I`m glad you got something from the lyrics. I guess my writing is often a little closer to impenetrable than obvious on the scale- too late to change my style now.
Thank you for your listen and comments.


Robert
Posted By: TuneMonger Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/02/20 08:42 PM
<I`m glad you got something from the lyrics. I guess my writing is often a little closer to impenetrable than obvious on the scale- <too late to change my style now.
<Thank you for your listen and comments.


I wouldn't change your writing a lick. I think you've got something magical, and so glad we get to enjoy it here.
Posted By: Torrey Bliss Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/02/20 10:22 PM
You do fantastic work Robert! I love the instrumentation you have assembled here, especially the guitars! It's a beautiful tune with your reliable and expected high quality lyrics! Like Floyd often says "I'm a fan" Thanks, Torrey.
Posted By: rayc Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/03/20 05:56 AM
Another musical glimpse into your soul Robert.
My only not pick is the click of the kick.
All else is spot on.
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/03/20 10:22 PM
Originally Posted By: Al-David
Hi Rob ...

This a wonderful listen! I like the "busy" drums as they push the song along with a gentle force. The vocal harmony on the chorus is wonderful! This is my favorite of yours that I've heard. That was w real treat! Wishing you and your wife the best ... and Happy birthday to her. This is a great present for her ... and the rest of us. be safe ...

Alan


Alan,
I`m glad you liked this. Went back and forth on the drum track, so thanks for the vote of confidence there... and all your very supportive comments.


Originally Posted By: Deryk - PG Music
Nice work - thought the mix was professional and concise, and the vocal harmonies are spot on. Really nice lyrics that fit the tone perfectly as well.

Thanks for sharing smile


Many thanks,Deryk!


Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
So well done, Robert. Beautiful images, and a very fun trip. Magic moments throughout. Love the harmony in the voices and the sentiment.



I appreciate those kind comments!


Originally Posted By: jannesan
Very nice poetic description of Thailand, gentle band and vocals. "tires spin and heal our promise turns prayer wheels", very beautiful lines.

Just a thought, I noticed that a prayer wheel sound could be used as an exotic percussion instrument.

Janne


Janne,
Thanks for listening.
I have some Thai loops with very different percussion; I`ll keep your idea in mind for another Asian influenced song.

Robert
Posted By: jptjptjpt Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/04/20 02:50 AM
A very pretty song. The lyrics are poetic. Nice work.
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/04/20 08:08 PM
Very, very COOL!!! Great sounding song, wonderful lyric, great band, and great mix! Love the processing of the vocal! You NAILED everything!! Take care. Greg
Posted By: RichardB1985 Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/04/20 10:08 PM
Lovely song. It sounds like the kind of song that would play over a montage of beautiful moments of a couples life in a movie. I really enjoyed listening to it - really liked the vocals and especially the harmonies in the chorus.
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/05/20 01:14 PM
Originally Posted By: Sundance
I really like the closet vocal sound. I like every thing about this so much it's my new favorite of yours Robert. Such a beautiful song.


Thank you Josie!
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/05/20 01:21 PM
Originally Posted By: Torrey Bliss
You do fantastic work Robert! I love the instrumentation you have assembled here, especially the guitars! It's a beautiful tune with your reliable and expected high quality lyrics! Like Floyd often says "I'm a fan" Thanks, Torrey.


Torrey,
Lots of guitars on this- I`m glad you liked the sound.
Thanks for your positive comments!

Originally Posted By: rayc
Another musical glimpse into your soul Robert.
My only not pick is the click of the kick.
All else is spot on.


Some day I`ll look into how to deal with separating parts of the drum track to eq for things like that kick ( I can hear what you do, so that`s a start!).
Thanks for the thumbs up on the song.

Originally Posted By: jptjptjpt
A very pretty song. The lyrics are poetic. Nice work.


Thanks for listening!


Robert
Posted By: Deej56 Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/05/20 04:18 PM
Robert,

Terrific vocal on this—you wring every bit of emotion out of this. The melody is really interesting in the verses, somewhat elongated in spots, going places I didn’t expect--engaging--and really works to set up the chorus and the pretty harmonies you have going on there. Great mix, production and very poetic write. Very well done, Robert. Hope you wife loved it!

Best regards,

Deej
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/06/20 04:01 PM
Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
Very, very COOL!!! Great sounding song, wonderful lyric, great band, and great mix! Love the processing of the vocal! You NAILED everything!! Take care. Greg


Greg,
Thank you-especially nice to hear my closet vocal recording passes the test, as I`m consigned there for the duration of current affairs!



Originally Posted By: RichardB1985
Lovely song. It sounds like the kind of song that would play over a montage of beautiful moments of a couples life in a movie. I really enjoyed listening to it - really liked the vocals and especially the harmonies in the chorus.


Richard,
That`s a good idea on the video; it might be necessary to make one to pursuade my wife to listen more than once!
Thanks for your positive review.


Originally Posted By: Deej56
Robert,

Terrific vocal on this—you wring every bit of emotion out of this. The melody is really interesting in the verses, somewhat elongated in spots, going places I didn’t expect--engaging--and really works to set up the chorus and the pretty harmonies you have going on there. Great mix, production and very poetic write. Very well done, Robert. Hope you wife loved it!

Best regards,

Deej



Deej,
See above for my wife`s response... and thank you very much for those encouraging comments!

Robert
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/06/20 05:09 PM
"we left them singing
guitars sliding and haunting the dawn
where shanty children drag their wings
to the Highway of Kings"

What great setup for what follows...

Closet or whatever your vocals sound really good
to us. Perhaps a bit higher key and or different 'verb? Dunno but the lead and harmonies are separated from the mix in just the right way...in our opinion of course. And those nice vocals are supported by an excellent band and mix.

"steer the other way
when dogs are at our heels"

Indeed.

Enjoyed it!

Happy belated b'day to your wife and be well,

J&B
Posted By: bluage Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/07/20 02:39 AM
Dear Mr. Cordrey...

The fact that you said you "usually get around to writing a song" for your wife every year on the occasion of her birthday celebration is just a stunning, exhilarating thing to behold and contemplate: a love that marks its annual renewal with the ritual presentation of the gift of song to remind your wife of your obviously undying commitment to her. What on Earth could be a more affirmative declaration of the utter seriousness with which you took the vows that announced your intent to share your life with her, forever, and ever??? At this moment I am certain that I cannot recollect witnessing, or hearing about, even, such an eternalizing gesture of devotion being offered to the spouse of any married man I know, in or outside of my family -- though I know it could happen, I suppose, to anyone smile.

Your heart reveals itself in your lyrics for Prayer Wheels:

"I will bless and honour your days..." Mr. Cordrey, that's almost unspeakably beautiful, sir. You could have simply repeated that lyrical line over, and over, and over, again, until the music ran out, and still have made the same impact on me that the entire lot of verses would have had.

The music you composed is as illustrative of the moods and varieties of your loving feelings as the surveying of the cycle of the four seasons would be if we could view them within minutes instead of months. That emotional effect is, of course, indestructably tied to the continuous flow of poetry in your lyrics. There are love songs, and there are love songs, but this song goes above and beyond that category in ways you plainly know more about than me.

LOREN
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/08/20 09:52 PM
J&B,
The song lyrics began with that first verse- thank you for the approval there!
The key is my go to Eb; any difference in the vocal must be the more confined recording space...and who knows, maybe I`m less restrained in a dark closet!
I used the Ozone Imager to spread harmony around the lead.
I appreciate the good things you heard in this.

Robert
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/08/20 10:05 PM
Loren,
Oh lord, there`s reviews and then there`s a Bluage review... which leaves me speechless and very thankful you took the time to listen, feel and write.
That,sir, goes into my "reviews binder"!

Robert
Posted By: rsdean Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/09/20 07:09 AM
Robert,

This song is so mystical and wonderful. I love the rhythm and production. Your vocal is a standout - love the tone and expression.

Some really outstanding poetic lyrics as well.

Bob
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/10/20 10:25 PM
Bob,
Thank you for those comments... and you said "mystical", which syncs nicely with my new SoundCloud handle!

Robert
Posted By: Tangmo Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/10/20 11:49 PM
Wonderful imagery as always. Wheels and wheels is precious. I think a highway with the name of Rama some number or other came to mind. The rest is just guessing, but not at all unfamiliar, especially the "knots". You have well succeeded in delivering such personal observations into something anybody with a heart can feel. Very much enjoyed.

I'd tell you to stay in the closet, but...

Sounds good.
Posted By: Robertkc Re: Prayer Wheels - 04/11/20 01:44 PM
Thanks Tangmo!
The highway we were on ( with running horses) wasn`t the big named one you mention - up north past Mae Hong Son there`s an out of the way Royal property with beautiful gardens we stumbled on and were allowed to tour.


Robert
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