A co-write with Bud Merritt.
Always a pleasure...


OLD WAYS OF FORGETTING

we never worried much about borderlines
stepping over them together in perfect time
i went along helping burn every bridge we ever crossed
you'd laugh and say "don't worry about what we've lost"

   but i'm sick of tv, old songs, of who i've been
   a half finished book next to a fifth of gin
   a sad story or drink won't erase that last goodbye
   those old ways of forgetting don't work
   no matter how i try

i danced across the strange landscape you painted
but following blind left me jaded
turns out little of my reasoning was sound
now i've got to try to turn my life around

   i'm sick of tv, old songs, of who i've been
   a half finished book next to a fifth of gin
   a sad story or drink won't erase that last goodbye
   those old ways of forgetting don't work
   no matter how i try


The BAND:

RealTracks in song: 366:Bass, Electric, Country Ev 065
RealTracks in song: 910:Piano, Electric, Rhythm SmoothBallad Ev16 065
RealTracks in song: ~2200:Guitar, Nylon, Background CountryBrent Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 2542:Pedal Steel, Background ModernBalladAtmosphere Ev16 065
RealDrums in Song: NashvilleBrushesBalladPushEv16: a: Sidestick, Brushes b: Brushes

Harmony: Janice Merritt (Thanks, Sis!!)

Album Photo: Bud Merritt (a very talented man!)


We hope you enjoy it.
Comments (of any kind) welcome.

fj

Hi Floyd, Bud and Janice,

This is a genuine Floyd song. that means it's beautiful!
The help from Bud and Janice was -of course- necessary, because now you have a great song, great harmonies and great lyrics.It's true, but I am teasing a bit with my words.
And I deadserious when I tell you the vocals come out really powerful and so bright. I am still aiming to reach this kind of brightness in my mixes. One day...!

I liked the lyrics very much. They make it very visual about what you sing. Especially the gin.
Would you try singing a Dutch song one of these days? With Janice? Think about it.
But very well done, Floyd!

Hans

I love it when you guys get together. Janice, Bud and Floyd -- Well done. A beautiful vocal and lyric. What a cool backtrack. So clear simple and delicate. That steel - wow. Guitar was awesome as well.

Thanks, Hans! But I would call this a "genuine Bud & floyd song". I don't recall the specifics now (since it's been a few years), but a large percentage of the lyrics in this are Bud's doing. As I said...he is a talented man... credit were credit is due...

Hi Floyd jane,

nostalic poetry with a soft voice in a pleasant arrangement. Well done, I enjoyed it.

Best regard

Dero13 alias JaniJackFlash

Thanks from all of us, Scott...

More authentic country from your camp. I like it. Well written and well presented song.

Nice, melancholic tune that I really enjoyed. Listened several times, def worth it!

The Team of Floyd and Janice and Bud continue to demonstrate their amazing ability to deliver the absolutely perfect material every time.

This is no exception. The recording skill, the mix, the balance, the vocals all are an endless testament to consistent skill, precision, and quality from this team. Yes, this is no exception.

Floyd,Bud & Janice,
There`s a masterly touch to the pacing and emotional pitch of this ballad; the chorus is especially well written.
Everything serves the song to a T- vocals,harmonies and arrangement ( love that gentle nylon guitar in the background).
Wonderful!

Robert

There you go again FJ, keeping us in our place. Your songs should humble us all.

Dan

Thanks Scott. floyd certainly did a heckuva job on the production.

J&B

Hi Floyd, Janice & Bud,

A beautiful song, beautifully performed.
Nearly had me in tears.

Super backing, super vocals, seamless harmony from Janice and an excellent mix.

Nice solo, if brief...

Enjoyed the whole thing.

ROG

Thanks, Dero! We appreciate you dropping in for a listen...

Man, what humbling talents. The lyrics are written with the singer in mind, using the appropriate phonetic that keeps the vocal relaxed, while simultaneously composing a compelling feeling. Outstanding in so many way. Bud, Janice and Floyd, you guys present the best of the best this forum have to offer. Love this!!!

Really enjoyed this from the opening bars onwards. That electric piano sounds sumptuous and immediately sets the right mood for the excellent laid back vocals. The lyrics are just masterful as is the production. In fact, everything about this song is wonderful and to my mind, the only thing that would have have made it even better would have been an extended instrumental break (either guitar or piano), but that's just personal preference and would have taken it over the four minute mark. This song could be used to advertise the high level that can be achieved when BIAB is in the hands of skilful people. Well done Floyd, Bud & Janice !

floyd, Bud, Janice

A wonderful arrangement, vocal, lyric and melody.
A poignant lead vocal, expressive and sincere sounding. Janice always blend with you so well it's uncanny.
Loved the lyric which I understand was a large part from Bud's pen.

A top quality song.

Peter

FJ and Crew,
Sad and beautiful or beautiful and sad, can not make my mind.
Took me two listens to fully appreciate it. I am not going to go in to dissection mode. It is amazing as whole. Congrats to all members of the team on this little gem! Enjoyed it much! Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

P.S. Photo suits it very well.

I listened to this almost as soon as it was posted, then a few times since.
For some reason I didn't want to comment then.
Probably because the song, performance & recording need nothing from me.
I'm only putting words on the screen because I want you to know I'm not ignoring such a stellar piece.
I'll leave it at that...nothing need be said.

jpt3 - thanks, we appreciate that...




TM - Thanks for the listenS !!

Smooth. Well done, everyone involved.

The electric piano was a standout here.

a half finished book next to a fifth of gin
a sad story or drink won't erase that last goodbye

Nice visual. I like the way it was immediately linked into the narrative.

Beautiful song, nice arrangement, good clear vocals!!

Floyd/J&B, this another wonderful song from you! Deeply tugs at the heart and emotions. The writing on this just can't get any better! The acoustic solo guitar puts this over the top! Thanks, Torrey

Trev - you are always so kind with your comments. We all appreciate that...

Thanks!!

Yes! You had me right from that opening with the Steel, what a great sound!

Your vocals always sound good, but over the last couple of songs have been just over the top good, just perfect to these ears.

Love it when Janice comes in, you two always sounds great together.

Excellent writing, I especially like the chorus.

Arrangement and mix are top notch as usual.

Really enjoyed this one!

Thanks for listening y'all!

J&B

Man, this is a great song y'all. I really love it. Great team effort.

Who is the really cool looking guy in the hat in the new channel photo?

He looks fun.

In have listened to your songs many times. They are all good. I really loved the photo on this one.

Hello Bud, Floyd and Janice.

David C. already quoted my favorite lyrical couplet. But I'll be redundant:

a half finished book next to a fifth of gin
a sad story or drink won't erase that last goodbye

Such excellent lyrical artistry is not all that common ... but it's so evident throughout this song. And, as ever, the vocal, arrangement and presentation is exactly where it should be. Don't know what else to say. it's good! Best to all of you ...

Alan

Robert - thanks for such a nice review. Couldn't ask for more... Appreciate you stopping by - always...

Dan - nice of you to stop by!...Thanks!

ROG - Thanks! We appreciate that!!

Cool stuff there. Great job writing as usual.

Nice mello feel. The groove has a feeling of the kind of resignation in the character's words in the song. well done.

Thanks!

J&B



Thanks! floyd iced it with his vocal and production.

J&B

Very nice of you to say, Marty. We all appreciate that...

Andy - thanks for stopping by - and for the very fine review.

This does not seem to me like a song that ought to have an extended solo. The little bit of soloing back-and-forth between the piano and nylon guitar seemed more appropriate (I think).

Thanks, again...

PERFECTION???? MAYBE!!!! WOOOOOW!!!! I love EVERYTHING (I'm talking EVERYTHING, that's EVERYTHING) about this!!!! The band could not be better if the players were picked for this song specifically! Love the space in the arrangement, and the beautiful vocals (singing incredible lyrics) that fill it. There's a word that is overused, so I make a point of not using it, but I'm gonna now: BRILLIANT!!! Great job all!!! Take care. Greg

Hi Floyd
Very nice song. Hard to go wrong with this cast. While I hesitate to venture even a hint of criticism, I would have liked Janice to come in a little earlier (just cause I love hearing her sing).
Regards,
Leon

Thanks Robert. It was a fun write, fun doing our version and fun seeing where floyd would take his version, i.e., lots of fun!

We appreciate your support.

J&B

Thanks, Peter! We do appreciate that!!...

Misha - Thanks for having a listen. Bud took that photo specifically to be the "cover" for this song with they did the J&B version...

floyd, Bud, Janice,

Very nice ballad!
The melody is a little sad and very beautiful.
The vocals are great!
The voice reaches me as if it sneaks into my heart.
Congrats to all members of the team.
Great performance!
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

I want to cry after this. Beautiful. Congratulations to all involved, this really is top notch.

ray - always appreciate knowing that someone has a listen... thanks!




Thanks, David. The electric pianos in BIAB are somewhat overlooked, I think. There are so many possibilities in the program to do productions OTHER than the standard starting places that most seem to use...

Floyd and Bud,

Terrific write, excellent vocal . . . masterful mix. You all always make it seem easy--no exception here. Very well done!

All my best to you,

Deej

Thanks Rog. We much appreciate that. Hope all is well with you and yours.

J&B

I don't know how you all do it but you craft one fantastic song after another!

"a sad story or drink won't erase that last goodbye
those old ways of forgetting don't work
no matter how i try" What a great hook!

Another masterpiece.

Thanks, Ronnie!




Torrey - we appreciate those fine comments. Thanks...

Made our day! You are much appreciated!

J&B




Thank you very much for listening and taking the time to write such thoughtful and supportive comments. You are very kind!

J&B




Thanks Peter. That blend was there from the first song eight years ago!

J&B

Thanks for the great review, Dave. Always appreciated. Hopefully I can keep that vocal chain improving. I will continue to have Janice help out. That always helps





Good to see you around, young fella. Don't be dissin' the hat....

I really like the band for this song. They're right in step with the vibe and arrangement. Enjoyed my listen.

Thank you Misha. Glad you liked it!

J&B




That says a lot Ray and it is much appreciated!

J&B

Thanks! Appreciate that. Bud's picture is perfect.




Thanks, as always, Alan...





Thanks, Herb...




Couldn't ask for more than that! Thanks, Greg...

Beautiful piece. Pictorial lyric, sung with melancholy. Even Janice is down there near the bottom of her range. Just great. Loved it when the EP came in, sparse and tinkly and adding just that bit of empty brightness. Like a just finished book and half a fifth of Gin. Or something like that. Hugely enjoyed here.

Thanks David. Yep, floyd's RT choice was and is always top notch. Glad you liked it!

J&B



Thank you Ronnie.

J&B



We appreciate that Torrey. It's always a great experience to write with floyd because, well, he makes me feel like a writer!

J&B

Thanks, Leon. I love hearing Janice sing, too...however...this song is "weary, reflective, lonely, remembrance kind of song. Having Janice come in earlier would turn it into too much of a duet - a 2 person thing - therefore, not right for the song itself. It is a production decision (which I stand by).



Shigeki Adachi- Thanks for the nice comments. We appreciate it...




James - what a nice thing to say! thanks!...




Thanks, Deej - from the lot of us....




Thanks, Mario. It's always good when a co-write has a bit of both of us sprinkled throughout....

Thanks for having a listen, Charlie... always good to see you drop by...




Tangmo - thanks for a cool review...



Bud - Let's do this some more!!!

Janice - Let's do this some more!!!

A big thanks to EVERYBODY who commented on our part in floyd’s fine production.

We appreciate you.

Be safe,

J&B

Another goodun, Floyd. I've said it before, you're a poet. Choruses don't get any better written than this one. I enjoyed this immensely. Thanks.