This is a story from a long, long time ago and how it relates to my present day state of mind…


https://soundcloud.com/tommyad/way-back-when


http://tommyadamsmusic.com/track/2437702/way-back-when


RealTracks in song: 1758:Banjo, Rhythm, Pop16ths Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 1947:Mandolin, Rhythm PopModernGrooveAndy Ev16 075
RealTracks in song: 1761:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Pop16ths Ev16 085
RealTracks in song: 2446:Guitar, Baritone Electric, Background SpaghettiWestern Ev 065 Held
Royalty Free Loops


Recorded in Logic Pro X
Plug Ins : Nectar 2, Neutron 2, Ozone 8, Tonal Balance, Waves LinMB, Waves, L3-LL Multi Limiter, Scuffam Amps S-Gear, Waves Vocal Rider, Waves Bass Rider


Vocals, Electric Guitars(Tele & Les Paul), Tom Adams



Way Back When




I walked out of high school the day I turned sixteen

Couldn’t wait one more day if you know what I mean

I lived outside that window I was wild as the wind that blows

I emptied out my locker and then I hit the road


I still feel like I did back then way down deep inside

The only problem I have now is I am so damn tired

I try to dial it back a bit use a little common sense

Cause I felt I could do anything Way back When


My friends got jobs or dove into the academic pool

And there I was out on the street looking like a fool

So I told a little white lie about the GED

And in a while I had my University degree


I still feel like I did back then way down deep inside

The only problem I have now is I am so damn tired

I try to dial it back a bit use a little common sense

Cause I felt I could do anything Way back When

©2020 Thomas Adams

Tom,

I believe ever word of it. That alone makes this an excellent write.
I'm a big fan of "short" writes that say all they need to - and this delivers.

"I lived outside that window I was wild as the wind that blows
I emptied out my locker and then I hit the road".

Nice.

Really like the pared-down opening and ending. The overall production has a really nice (and appropriate) Indie-Country sound to it.

Your usual honest vocals (you really have a great voice for this style).

Your usual clean mix. Nothing out of place.

fj

Hi tommyad,

Really good arrangement of the music. it sounds like something I grew up hearing on the radio (not like the mindless, formulaic dribble being played now). Also, I can identify with your lyrics. I don't want to hijack your post expanding on this... Ha Ha.

But, thanks for posting. I enjoyed the twangy guitar and your vocals fit in nicely to the vibe...

Tom

Wonderful song, loved the lyric and the chorus was superb, great guitars and a great vocal.

A truly excellent song all round (and floyd's review as usual is on the money).

Peter

You had me hooked right from that very cool opening guitar part with the downwards bend followed by the double stops, very slick.

Enjoyable story, great vocal delivery.

"I still feel like I did back then way down deep inside
The only problem I have now is I am so damn tired"

Yep!

Good one, Tom, enjoyed.

Good job! The chorus/hook says it all. We're sadly all like that when we get older, of course. But I bet you couldn't write a song like this at 16, though I may be very wrong :-)

Anyway: great, great, great job. Loved the solo, too. Also: it's all structured so well, it keeps the ear engaged throughout. I've written this after one hearing ... I want to hear it again :-)

On my second hearing now :-) Nothing more to add that I can express in words, really - just listen to the song, everybody. I defy you not to relate! :-)

Well done.

What a wonderful Everyman Story, Tom, and an exciting way to tell it. The best part of "way back when" is being able to say it in the here and now. The best part of your Way Back When is being able to listen to it again & again. Excuse me...

Cool.
The baritone steps on your lead lick on occasion and may be kinder if panned a little.
The kick is very modern sounding.
I really enjoyed when the level and density built into the solo.
STRONG vocal.
Well done.

Thanks floyd. You know I always appreciate your feedback. I was watching the TV show Yellowstone and Kevin Costner says "Deep inside I still feel sixteen but in my heart I'm so tired". It was all I could think about for the next hour. It really struck a chord with me and I was hoping that all of us old guys here on this forum might relate. It's good to know that the believability came across because it's nothing but the truth, Tom

Hi Tom
A tight write, great vocal and guitar and a story that rings true for us all sooner of later. As a teenager my grandmother told me she still felt like a girl of eighteen inside. It was a revealing moment for me back then and one I've never forgotten.
Regards,
Leon

Bawb, Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment,Tom

Tom,

I don't remember reading your bio before - no wonder all of your mixes and productions sound so dang professional. You're a pro!

As for the song, a lot of people can relate - I certainly do - and as usual, your performances are top notch.

Take care.

Scott

p.s. I do remember you guiding me through mixing and mastering:)

Man, can you tell a great story in short order ... but we know that from sitting around the campfire

It's been oft said but you are an absolute master at saying a LOT with a LITTLE.

Janice just said "I'm glad he's not too damn tired to make music!"

And this is another great "showcase on the showcase" of putting together a production with BiaB, loops and your own playing...playing that really shines on this and as always is never too little or too much.

I'll quote Janice again, "the vocals are rich," yep, and oozing soul.

Stay around Mr Adams!

J&B

Excellent authentically expressive vocals.

Everything about this is top notch.

I had to go back and listen to that guitar solo a second time. Yeah!!!

Great song. I enjoyed this muchly much.

"I still feel like I did back then way down deep inside
The only problem I have now is I am so damn tired
I try to dial it back a bit use a little common sense
Cause I felt I could do anything Way back When"

That is so true!

Everything I was going to say about this outstanding song already has been said. All I can add is that this is professional all the way!

Tom,
Excellent playing, vocals and production!
Can totally relate to your lyrics. Pro level stuff. Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

Tom,

What a great song! Your vocal and production really come through here at the highest level - this sounds like a record...

Excellent!

Bob

Very cool story in your lyrics Tommy. Loved the twang and grit of your Tele. Well done

Thanks Peter. Glad you enjoyed it, Tom Dave I’m glad you related to the lyric, Tom

Thanks so much for the great review. I appreciate your comments, Tom Marty, I get what you’re saying. If you’re lucky enough to grow old, you can really appreciate the past. Thanks for the kind words,Tom

Hi Tom excellent production love the whole song great stuff thanks eric

Ray, I appreciate your careful listening and I pay attention to your suggestions. Thanks for stopping by, Tom Leon, I recall elders in my family saying similar things. Most likely we all feel it at some point. Thanks much for your generous comments, Tom

Excellent superb job all the way around instrumentation mix vocals lyrics very nice good old country.

Tommy, ALWAYS, ALWAYS thrilled to hear your stuff!!!! NEVER, NEVER disappointed!!!! You have such a way of grabbing the listener and taking him on a great ride........LOVE IT!!! Take care. Greg

Probably that's the way a lot of folks feel around here. Great vocals and a very tight band.

Mike B.

Thanks Scott for your nice comments. I hope I was able to help you way back when, Tom

Tom,

Powerful sound and great vocal!
The combinations of various guitars are really cool.
Very clear and complete mix.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

You two are always so generous in your comments. I can't thank you enough. I may be absent again for a while but I'll check in when I have cell service. Tom

I like it. Your vocals and guitar playing, spot on. And those drums, they really sound great.

What's not to like? Guitar hooked me in; great lyrics, convincing singing, solid production.

Good stuff!

Hi Tom ...

To paraphrase J&B (hope you don't mind, guys), a lot said in just a few words. It takes some mighty nifty, talented conjuring to pull that off and you did it perfectly. I've found that in many instances, simplicity is one of the hardest things to do and do it well. You touched every base with this one.

Almost everyone can relate to this in one way or another. Only terrific writers can do that convincingly. You were convincing. loved my listen ... that ending was a great, unexpected treat!

Best to you. Please be safe ...


Alan

I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for mentioning the solo, Tom Hey Mario. I was hoping us oldsters could relate. Thanks, Tom Misha, Thank you for taking the time to listen and comment, Tom

Bob, I’m glad you liked it. Thanks,Tom Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it,Tom

Hi Tom,

It's been a long time since I last heard one of your songs. I knew when I opened Users Showcase, and your name was in top position, that I was in for a treat.

Your knack for arranging and producing lyrics and music that engage and drive the listener along on a very satisfying musical journey is as strong as ever: maybe even stronger!

I still love what you do and admire your talent greatly.

All the best,
Noel

Thanks Eric, Tom Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Tom

Thanks for the great comments, Appreciated, Tom Thanks Mike. I’m glad you stopped by, Tom Shigeki, thanks for listening and taking the time to comment. I’m glad you mentioned the guitars, Tom

What a great song. Love the lyrics, arrangement and playing. I've also fallen in love with the tele in the photo!

Frank, thanks for the kind comments, Tom David, thanks for stopping by and commenting, Tom

Thank you Alan for such a wonderful review, Tom It’s great to hear from you again Noel. I hope you are doing well. Thanks for the wonderful comments, Tom Chris, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it, Tom

Sounds great. Nice Songs and vocals.

Hi Tom
The song is really fun
Perfectly played and sung from the beginning to the end
Congratulations
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

Dang it Tom, you make hard for the rest of us to keep up! You sound so good every time! Love that Tele sound..you've really got that sound dialed in as well as the Les Paul! Your vocal is all aces once again! Enjoyed every bit of it! Thanks, T

Great song, great sound, loved everything about it. You're showin' how it's done!

Excellent song Tom!
Great music, lyrics and vocal.
Enjoyed.

Rob and Anne-Marie

I can't believe I missed this one.

It has a up on cripple creek vibe to it. Good one.

great job. Loved the solo, too. Also: it's all structured so well, it keeps the ear engaged throughout. Showbox jiofi.local.html tplinklogin I've written this after one hearing ... I want to hear it again :-)