Fire Without Fuel

After writing and sharing more than a half dozen father/son themed songs here I thought to go back to the first of its kind -30years back- and one of the first songs I wrote. Updated and in a style that`s also a familiar friend (before I delve into Biab 2021 and look for something new).

Style is _HOMESIK.STY (Homesick Soft Pop Serenade)

RealTracks in style: 2474:Bass, Acoustic, Held Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 2505:Piano, Electric, HeldChords 085
RealTracks in style: 3059:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm Muted16thsFintan Ev16 080
RealTracks in song: 2533:Guitar, Acoustic, HeldChords
RealTracks in song: 3231:Guitar, Electric, Background CinemaHeldHighDarin Ev16 090
RealTracks in song: 3230:Guitar, Electric, Background CinemaHeldLowDarin Ev16 090
RealDrums Shaker


Fire Without Fuel

in darkness you`re nobody`s fool
that stance so wild and cool
is there a sound behind your eyes

I hear you beat a warrior`s drum
show me everything I`ve done wrong
words for feelings you hide
I`m a man trying to understand

a boys life won`t play by rules
its fire
fire without fuel fire without fuel

my daddy died when I was young
burned out like a tired old sun
sinking out of my world

I wrote his name in the sand
never talked to the man
my vow after him hurled
never grow old let my blood run cold

my life played by one rule
fire
fire without fuel fire without fuel

never mind about the apple and the tree
what burns in you burns in me
your station won`t play my song
we`re two boys who long

for life played by one rule
fire
fire without fuel fire without fuel

© Robert Cordrey 1994/revised 2020

Good write! Sad and angry, understanding but still looking away. The structure feels fragmented and jagged, a good match with the lyrics.

Emotive singing, nice backing and mix.

"my daddy died when I was young
burned out like a tired old sun"

Nice! You truly are a wordsmith, Robert.

Good song, great job on the production and mix too.

Loved this song Robert. Very cool mix. Super vocal and lyric. Backtrack was perfect for the song. Well done

That is a most thoughtful cross-generational write...so many subtleties.

Nice twist on the apple/tree phrase.

There are a LOT of folks who are still looking for a write like this long, long
after their first few songs.

Really nice production all through!

J&B

Robert,

A strong write. Very impressive for "30years back- and one of the first songs I wrote...".

Good production and an emotive vocal. Nicely mixed.

Poetry set to music. Very original in all respects.

fj

Angry loss is a common combo.
This covers it well.
There's a hit at 1.49 that could be reduced - I found it distracting in headphones.
Well done.

What a great way to express oneself.

"my daddy died when I was young
burned out like a tired old sun
sinking out of my world

I wrote his name in the sand
never talked to the man
my vow after him hurled
never grow old let my blood run cold"

I did you come up with this line some 30 years ago? WOW is all I can say. Your lyrics are fantastic.

You also did a fantastic job on your vocal, backing tracks, and mix.

Great song.

Thanks for your listen and comments, David!



Dave,
That`s very kind.
In the lyrics tried to avoid any sentimentality- even if keeping it a little raw will put some listeners off.




Scott,
Thank you, Sir!



J&B,
Ok, you found the line I added this year!
Many thanks for your appreciative comments.

Robert

Another well crafted song. Lyrics are poetry. I love the way you have the band playing that sweet melancholic music during break.

p.s. I love the "Two Bit Mystic" brand. Outstanding.

Robert

Very nice work all round, I like what you are doing with your vocals these days, including the nice harmonies.

Enjoyable song.

Peter

Love the atmosphere, and the arrangement is super. When the bass kicks - perfect!

Well written!

Robert,

The combination of musical instruments is wonderful.
I think it's perfect for this song.
The contrivance of the chord progression is very personal as usual.
You also did a fantastic job on your vocal.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

Hello Robert ...

I always find your songs engaging. I like your sense of music - a little traditional, a little freelance, a little outside the box, a lot of creativity and wonderfully arranged. I liked this one a lot!!!

Great lyrics here:

my daddy died when I was young
burned out like a tired old sun
sinking out of my world

I can relate. My father died when I was relatively young (21). He taught me my first chords on the guitar. he had big hopes for me. Unfortunately, he didn't live long enough to see it. He was an automotive mechanic his entire life. He died broken down and in extremely poor health.

Another fantastic song. So much to like! Wishing you the very best ...

Alan

Floyd,
I appreciate those kind comments!






Good ears, Ray! That click must be the acoustic guitar...and I`m so close to maxed on SC that I can`t afford to fix it.






Mario,
I`d had 25 years of repressing how I felt about my Dad`s death when I wrote that.
Needing to get real with a teenage son must have been good for my newly discovered songwriting interest.
A very supportive review- thank you!



The moniker is intended to be a little fun at my philosophizing tendency- glad you approve of it and the song!

Robert

Nice, I am a sucker for harmonies. Translates well to my laptop which has not bad sound. Don't dare sneak back into the studio. Hehe.

Hi Robertkc,

Very sweet song. The rhythm of the guitar goes well with the vaporous sonorous layers in the background. Your voice lends itself very well to this atmosphere. Well done

Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash

You are a genius. The real deal. Full stop.

So effing sensitive, every time.

Peter,
I listened to someone`s advice on how to stand & breathe for better harmonies- still working on it but I appreciate the nod.
Thanks for listening!





Thank you!



Shigeki,
I know you recognize my style preferences and similar song progressions... I do hope that`s a groove rather than a rut!
Thanks for your comments.



Alan,
Your positive comments and personal relation to my words are much appreciated!




Thanks, Paul!




Derochette,

"vaporous sonorous layers"- I like that!
I also like that you heard something sweet in the song- thank you.




James,
My secret to being "effing sensitive" is to give free rein to that other guy in here, who can`t help making up silly, crude and childish versions of my own sensitive lines ... if you heard those you`d certainly not use that G word!

Robert

Very strong emotional poetry with cinematic images about boy's life. Cinema guitars work very well, adding nice layer to the indie movie atmosphere. Good vocals, I like the way you sing the first 'fire' in the choruses, kind of high point of the song.

Janne

Fine set of lyrics, as others have pointed out good parts. This 30 year old song shows the beginning of your lyrical acuity.

I like that style. I haven't heard it before. Good choice for backing your melody.

Thanks for your listens and comments Janne & Ezekiel.

Robert

Robert,
A very nice resurrection! It is interesting to see an early work and how it compares to your more recent tunes.
I liked that line: "a boys life won`t play by rules its fire" I am scared to even think about the things we did
Very good and clear vocals and mix. Thank you for sharing.

Misha.