Hi, folks:

Here’s a new collaboration with John Vaughan, who penned the original lyrics. We played with them a bit thereafter and here’s where we ended up, word and sound-wise. I hope it’s worth the listen.

Stay safe and stay well, all!

Deej

Here’s the song:

LIES AND RUMORS

Here are the lyrics:

If you’re handing out a sentence
Can I add a few words
What will be my penance 
For the lies that you have heard
Not to touch your lips
To feel your kiss
To share your bed
All for his whispers in your head
 
Among the lies and rumors
There’s a strand of truth
In that tangled web
My innocence and proof
Among the lies and rumors 
Cruel flames of love burn free
Sparked by someone’s jealousy

He’s tried to win you over
With his artful deceit
Have you crying on his shoulder
And falling at his feet
How you believe a word
Of what you’ve heard
I can’t decide
But it makes me feel so dead inside

And I know he lies so well
But I thought you knew more about me
And they say that time will tell
But, love, how you could ever doubt me

And here’s the band:

RealTracks 700: Bass, Electric, PopHalfNotesPush
RealTracks 2930: Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm FolkRock8thsBrent
RealTracks 3520: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Americana16thsDelayBrent
RealTracks 2643: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm ModernPopHardHighMurray
RealTracks 3504: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm NashvilleRadioBalladDanny
RealTracks 2690: Guitar, Electric, Soloist Slow16thsPopBrentSimple
RealDrums: PopRock8ths^02-a:Closed Hat, Snare, b:Ride, Snare

Deej,

Very heartbreaking song.
The lyrics by John Vaughan is wonderful.
Your singing is very realistic.
Your voice character is perfect for singing the lyrics like this.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

I'm such a fan, Deej. Really like your vocals --always. What a brilliant opening line: "If you’re handing out a sentence
Can I add a few words". And those wonderful lyrics never stop delivering the perfect phrases. No lie, man, you guys write good music.

another good one.

Nice job on the lyrics.

Hi Deej ...

Well, I've been a big fan of yours since you joined the site. This is a particularly good example of why I say that. Strong lyric!

On the music side, that acoustic on the left, soon joined by the pop rhythm soon after on the right are the perfect primary backing tracks. And the lead guitar is just so good. Hats off for a job perfectly executed. That was a real joy to listen to.

Alan

Deej,

A lot of cool stuff happening here.

Excellent vocal, as always.
Very cool BAND - great sound. Mix is good.
Loved the melody.

I find the lyrics to lack a specific focus - a bit confusing.


fj

I liked it all but slightly agree with Floyd about the focus.
I had to think about it but that's sometimes a good thing too.

Vic

Wow!
What a terribly good song.
You sing it with a lot of feeling.
Great lyrics too.

Enjoyed.

Rob and Anne-Marie

Very well done. Liked it a lot. The chord progression, the vocals, perfect guitar work - I liked it all. You've got a great sound.

Deej,
the package is really good.
I listen rather than read and from that perspective the words SOUND good.
Ace melody.
The singing over the lead outro is very cool.

Deej, what a great write

I always said never sing over a solo but you blew that theory out the window

Outstanding vocal

Great band

Two thumbs up

Very good song & production... great work...

Brilliant. Dark, broody, absolutely wonderful. The guitar is also perfect for this song. Love the augmented chords and dissonances, especially towards the end. Great lyrics. Congratulations to you both.

Strong lyric, melody and backing combine to make a powerful statement. Plenty of emotion in the vocals make for a worthwhile listening experience. Anyone who has been lied to or betrayed would identify with the message in this song. Well done.

regards,

Ghostgum.

Deej

“How you believe a word
Of what you’ve heard
I can’t decide
But it makes me feel so dead inside”

That is so sad that Janice almost cried.

You and John make a good team, Deej. The lyric and melody were beautiful.

The BiaB tracks and your soulful vocal really serve this sad lyric well.

Awesome collab!

J&B

Shigeki, Marty, Guitarhacker, Alan, Floyd, Vic, RnAM, Brad, ray, Mario, bloc-head, musician17, Ghostgum, and J&B:

Appreciate the listens and feedback. Thanks so much for stopping in and glad it seemed to work for the most part. A couple of specific replies as to the lyrics:

Floyd and Vic: John’s original lyric had some additional nuances to it . . . but as we refined the lyric we focused on this outcome. The story, or rather the singer’s state of mind, I think is there; though the first verse only hints at the intent (ultimately requiring the listener to pick up on “his whispers” in the first verse, and thereafter connect it to the second). But sure, it may require a listen or two to pick up on.

My best to you al,

Deej

Hi David
Great song
But without your voice the song wouldn't work so well for sure
Really strong vocal performance
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

Hey Deej...great song in every way...love your vocals...so well written...very conversational and nothing is forced...the guitar solo is fantastic...great handling of BiaB...five stars!

Loved the mix. Vocal was excellent. Super backtrack. Well done Deej. One of my favs

I enjoyed the song very much, Deej. I read all the comments above and I can only agree with them. Although I wasn't confused by the lyrics.
they felt as a cry from your heart especially because of your strong vocals!

Hans

this is a very very good song.
great vocals...
and i like the way different instruments weave in and out.
great vocal emotion.
kudos.

om

This is really well done...
Great vocals & instrumentation
Terrific song...

Sung with convincing, genuine emotion.

Band/mix sounds great.

Whoah,

Dude! This is killer!

You are the king of gut-wrenching emotion. So powerful. A knock-out.

You are a VERY gifted emotion-based writer and singer my friend. This is a music lesson on how to put it in the bleachers.

Wow.

SMH.

Great work Deej (and John Vaughan).
It's a strong song with a great vocal and band.
Cheers,
Mike

Andi, firesong, Scott, Hans, om, bloc-head, Ezekiel, David, and Mike:

Thanks much for the listens and kind feedback. Glad the tune worked, and so appreciative of your taking time to comment. Stay safe and well, all.

Deej

Deej (and John)

One of the strongest tunes I have heard by you. Amazing work on compo and vocals. Lyrics work very well.
Mix is crisp -> many tricky nuances are well pronounced. Cool progression. Enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

This has what it takes.
Wonderful production.
Rob4580

Lyrics describes the feeling of deceit convincingly. Very interesting chord progression. Lovely bluesy arrangement, the solo guitar fits perfectly with the mood. Excellent vocals.

Janne

Deej,

You vocal is full of feeling and spot on (they always are)! Love the melancholy feel and build up tension in verses. Great choice for that guitar solo! I really feel this is a great song!

Thanks, Torrey

Misha, Rob4580, Janne and Torrey:

My apologies for the delayed thanks . . . I have relatives in town visiting for a couple of weeks and hadn't had an opportunity to spend some time on the board. I really appreciate the listens and kind comments. Much thanks!

My best to each of you,

Deej

Deej

A well constructed song, with an excellent melody.

Great vocal as usual and well mixed.

Great work.

Peter

Peter,

Thank you very much--really appreciate the listen!

Deej