Howdy everyone…
Since writing about the ancient story of “Atlantis” a few months ago I had the urge to pick another ancient history subject that occurred in 480 BC. It was an event where a few faced overwhelming odds and ended up sacrificing themselves to allow for better preparation for what is coming.

So….here it is….”Molon Labe (Come And Take Them)”. The battle of Thermopylae (the hot gates)
We used all BIAB rhythm tracks. Ken and I did not play any rhythm guitar tracks. Ken initiated the ‘concept’ of this write.
A ton of imagery to choose from the imagination.
My collaborator-in-chief Ken Lasaine played lead guitar…and I thank him.
 Thanks to any that give it whirl and hope you found it worthy of your time.
Have a great day....

https://www.soundclick.com/artist/default.cfm?bandID=897733
https://soundcloud.com/chulaivet1966
https://www.youtube.com/user/chulaivet/videos

(Key D @ 120bpm – 04:22)
Intro: Verse 1: They felt the rumble and a distant roar. One hundred thousand on the hot gates shore. Seven thousand standing tall and free will only hold them back until day three. Out of the eastern sun and dressed for war. The heralds’ message is that you’ve been warned.
If you want to live beyond this day, lay down your weapons and walk away.

Chorus: “Molṑn labé!”….it’s the only way. “Molṑn labé!”….it’s here you’ll feel my blade.

Verse 2: We keep our weapons and our bronze breastplate. There’s no surrender in the Spartan faith. The fight for freedom is a high priced brawl. They make their stand at the Phocian wall.

Chorus: “Molṑn labé!”….it’s the only way. “Molṑn labé!”….it’s here you’ll feel my blade.

Bridge: Bm7/ A/ G/ Gsus4 to G/ - Bm7/ A/ G/ G to A/

Verse 3: They say the Persian arrows will eclipse the sun as every man accepts their fate. Then Dienekes rolls his eyes and states….”then we will fight them in the shade.”

Chorus: “Molṑn labé!”….it’s the only way. “Molṑn labé!”….it’s here you’ll feel my blade.

Lead Break: Verse music + chorus music

Verse 4: It’s another ancient allegory about the few and the brave. But winds of change will tell a different story on the plain of Plataea.

Chorus: “Molṑn labé!”….it’s the only way. “Molṑn labé!”….it’s here you’ll feel my blade.

Bridge: Bm7/ A/ G/ Gsus4 to G/ - Bm7/ A/ G/ G to A/

Outro: verse music

Ⓒ Concept: Ken Lasaine Lyrics/music: Wayne Evans Arrangement: Ken & Wayne - July 11, 2022
=DELBRGE.STY Cntemp Ctry, w/ el.guit (102 RT) Syncopated Acoustic and Electric Guitar RealTracks with MIDI instruments playing a contemporary funky Country-Dance Beat w/ strong Rhythm & Blues influence ala Delbert McClinton. T=90-120 (M-Finger Electric Bass,

A history lesson set to music, brilliant!

You and Ken have a winner with this one.

Great vocal, super guitar lead, and the perfect backing band all mixed perfectly.

Two thumbs up

Well howdy Mario....

Many thanks for stopping by and the generous kind words.

I enjoyed writing about it because the topic is full of imagery.
I feel very fortunate that Ken is willing to be part of my song writing efforts.
The tough part is fitting all the potential lyrics in a 3-4 minute song.
What does one concentrate on and what to cull.

Thanks again....and have a great weekend. (all are good, some are just better )

Very nicely done.

Loved how you wrote the history into a workable lyric.

I got some Steely Dan feeling in the guitar solo....

Loved this tune.

There's some great music here. You guys did a fantastic job picking out the rhythm tracks - and the lead guitar is fabulous. Loved the live feel of the whole song with such original lyrics. Good job!

Nice!

I love the live feel you have happening with this, lots of fun.

A tip of the hat to Ken, he can play!

Good song, enjoyed.

Hey, you old fossil you. Good to hear ya, Wayne, and such a good song. Man, what a great concept Ken, and the perfect lyrics to present it. Good feel and a catchy melody. The band drives a strong chariot. The crowd at first seemed to be of the battle, then morphed into the audience. Not sure that was intended, but what a cool experience.

Good morning everyone....

Howdy Herb....
How to portray this historical event in such an abbreviated lyric form was a bit tricky.
But....figured if I stuck to the (somewhat) known and accepted facts I could flesh it out.
The numbers of Persian army are all over the place....up to 250K.
In my ignorance, I tend to think that about 100k or so is more accurate.
Herodotus was known to exaggerate a bit.

Howdy Brad....
Many thanks for giving a listen and commenting.
It was a fun write and glad you found it worthy of your time.
I just ad-libed the into/outro and decided to keep it.
"We are the Unknowns....see you next time"

Mornin' Blue....
Yeah....Ken is a fine musician and I feel fortunate to have his creativity on my drivel.
After coming up with "Atlantis" a few months ago I kept pondering what might be another interesting topic to grapple with.
Thanks for chiming in and the very kind words.

Howdy Bapu....
Ha....you nailed it....an "old fossil" I am.
Surprisingly enough, I woke up above the dirt again today!
Good point....It didn't occur to me the audience could be perceived as grumblings of those on the battle field.
I almost think my lead vox is a bit too up front but I'm guilty of that on most of my stuff.
Thanks to all again for giving it a spin and all the kind comments....much appreciated gentlemen.
It took about a week, with clip board/yellow legal pad constantly in hand, to get the lyrics fleshed out.
As soon as I stumbled on BIAB 'style' I knew that was the one.
Don't know what I'll tackle next.

Have a great weekend everyone....

Hi Wayne ...

First you were in Chulai - I was in Pleiku ('66 & '67). Thanks for your service.


OK, a great history lesson in the key of D - Fantastic! Super concept sand equally admirable presentation. Everything on this shines - like really bright. You and Ken aced it. That was a great listen and I learned a thing or two. Can't beat that! I think Herb nailed it with the Steely Dan reference.

Very nice work, gentlemen!

Alan

Howdy Alan....

Thank you very much for giving a listen and the quite favorable comments.
I do hear that SD vibe too....thanks to Ken....another old fossil rocker.
It is great subject to ponder & putting it to lyrics was enjoyable.

(Respect for your service. Actually, we never spent any time in Chu Lai. After (2) chopper Operations we offloaded from the USS Princeton LPH-5 on 5/8/66, climbing down the long rope ladder with all our gear into the shore boats. We just passed through and headed north to set up a fire base between Tam Ky & Chu Lai. My picnic: was Feb' 66 - March '67 - USMC)

Thanks again Alan....have a great weekend.

Historical stories bring welcome change from normal relationship songs. Really nice "attacking" groove, the crowd effect supports the fight mood. Enjoyable chord progression. The band is very tight and the lead guitar sounds great.

Janne

Howdy Janne....

We sincerely thank you for stopping by, giving a listen and the kind words.
I wasn't sure the (my ad-libed) arena crowd would work but I just let it ride.
It was mixed in very low so I didn't think it was pretentious.

I tend to write songs about many different subjects.
Personally, I do not write or gravitate at all to love/relationship songs for a few reasons.
Just personal taste.
Hence, I'll remain a song writing bottom feeder and never be famous or have a fan base.
I can live with that.

Thanks again and have a great day....