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#637990 01/23/21 07:58 AM
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Although very busy with Spirit Level lately, I`m still writing solo songs.
This one`s a folk tale about Gilbert Bland Jr., a map thief who cut priceless maps from some of the oldest books in America`s most prestigious libraries, evading capture for years... and never revealing at trial or to fascinated journalists what possessed him.

The Man Who Stole The World

Style is _KIRKLND.STY (Morning in Kirkland Pop Ballad)

RealTracks in style: 2937:Bass, Fretless Electric Pop8thsRene Ev 085
RealTracks in style: 2194:Piano, ElectricVintage, Rhythm CoolJazzPop Ev 085
RealTracks in style: 1765:Guitar, High-Strung Acoustic, Fingerpicking Pop16ths Ev16 085
RealTracks in style: 365:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 676:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming FolkRockBritEighths Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 2364:Synth, ElectroFlutes, Rhythm Pop Ev 085
RealDrums [in Song:CongasEv16[single]: a: Congas b: CongasEv16[single]



The Man Who Stole The World

there are angels over the arctic
sea monsters swim the margins
a fire breathing horse
gallops the globe
on the first map he stole

Mr Bland the book bandit
tearing pages from the atlas of ages
when the world was still young
hurries them home
to see pygmies at the North Pole

did you find the land you`re looking for
the one Capernicus unfurled
do you like the poster wanting you
the man who stole the world
the man who stole the world


from Yale to Harvard and Chicago
he`s the scholar looking over his shoulder
disguised as a priest
cartomaniac in the stacks
the librarians enemy

Theatrum Orbis Terrarum
the aroma of antique paper
when science was an art
or was it the cash
gave maps such ecstasy

did you find the land you`re looking for
the one Magellan unfurled
will you like cell waiting for you
the man who stole the world
the man who stole the world


© Robert Cordrey Dec. 2020

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That's quite a story that I've never heard before.
Your lyrics bring it to life in a very interesting way........well done.

The band supports the vocals nicely and the melody is perfect for the tail.

Nicely done!

moto

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I never heard about that either but I love a story.
"Did you find the land you're looking for?" Great line.
Your voice reminds me of a '60's British folk singer called Donovan btw.

Vic

Last edited by vicarn; 01/23/21 10:06 AM.
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Really pretty song Robert!! You have such a way with creative, dreamy lyrics! The band works perfectly.....love the fretless!! Take care. Greg

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As a fan of you lyrics, I read them first, wondering "What is this all about?" Then I read your story of your inspiration. Fascinating!

I very much like the song. Nice folk 60s sound.

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If I could only write lyrics like you Robert! I always love the way you look back at events and people in history and craft a lovely song and paint a wonderful picture with your lyrics! Excellent work! Thanks, T




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Interesting story, excellent arrangement.

Nicely sung as well. smile


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
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Fascinating story, good song, well sung. I enjoyed it. Makes you want to know more about the perp. Well done!


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Robert,

A bunch of really interesting phrases in the lyric. An interesting story to put to song - and an excellent title/hook.

Well done. The flute is a nice late addition...

fj

(You might be interested in a similar story that appeared in Smithsonian magazine about the guy who stole 8 million dollars worth of rare books and maps from the Carnegie Library.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/theft-carnegie-library-books-maps-artworks-180975506/
)

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Hi Robertkc,

Perfect symbiosis between melody and well-written lyrics. Very endearing and very philosophical melody if you think about the lyrics. The arrangement is superb. Well done.

Kindly regards
Take care of yourself

Derochette
Alias JaniJackFlash

Last edited by Derochette; 01/24/21 10:04 AM.

Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
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Originally Posted By: CaptainMoto
That's quite a story that I've never heard before.
Your lyrics bring it to life in a very interesting way........well done.

The band supports the vocals nicely and the melody is perfect for the tail.

Nicely done!

moto


Thank you , Captain.

Anyone wanting to know more about the elusive, aptly named Mr Bland, can find the story which inspired the song here:

https://www.outsideonline.com/1843196/mr-blands-evil-plot-control-world


Originally Posted By: vicarn
I never heard about that either but I love a story.
"Did you find the land you're looking for?" Great line.
Your voice reminds me of a '60's British folk singer called Donovan btw.

Vic


Vic,
Cool, another story song fan- thanks for your comments!




Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
Really pretty song Robert!! You have such a way with creative, dreamy lyrics! The band works perfectly.....love the fretless!! Take care. Greg


Thank you, Greg.

Originally Posted By: Ezekiel's Storm
As a fan of you lyrics, I read them first, wondering "What is this all about?" Then I read your story of your inspiration. Fascinating!

I very much like the song. Nice folk 60s sound.


I`m glad you liked the story and the way I made a song from it!

Originally Posted By: Torrey Bliss
If I could only write lyrics like you Robert! I always love the way you look back at events and people in history and craft a lovely song and paint a wonderful picture with your lyrics! Excellent work! Thanks, T


Torrey,
I appreciate those very kind comments.

Robert

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A fascinating story beautifully translated into song, Robert. Much enjoyed.
Regards,
Leon

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An engaging essay into a very odd man.
The flutes brought Tom Rapp to mind though I don't recall any flutes on Pearls before Swine recordings.
Nice one Robert.


Cheers
rayc
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Hi Rob !


I did watch an episode of
a TV series where they
went thru this story I think
it may have been something
like " mysteries at the museum"
or something similar ! It
was fascinating indeed and
so is your wonderful tune
so delicately and prepared and
performed !

Gracias !

Cheers
Dani

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Being fans of history we remember the reporting on that.

This is quite a fascinating subject and one that would not be
expected to become the subject of a song. You did a remarkable
job of capturing the tale with that vivid imagery.

Janice's first comment was that she felt as though she was
floating over the maps. The groove does offer that indeed.

The flute was an excellent choice. Also the congas work very well.

Really well done and the addition of the right video track would be something to behold!

J&B

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Hi Robert ...

You write some of the nicest lyrics. You truly have a way with words. You turn sounds into pictures. The movie projector in my head played nonstop [*****] I listened.

I absolutely loved your musical arrangement and choice of tracks. This is truly a lovely song. How creative ... the band is magical and the vocal a soft pleasure. Thanks for a wonderful listen.

Wishing you the very best.

Alan


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Originally Posted By: dcuny
Interesting story, excellent arrangement.

Nicely sung as well. smile


Thank you, David!

Originally Posted By: TuneMonger
Fascinating story, good song, well sung. I enjoyed it. Makes you want to know more about the perp. Well done!


Its strange...on the surface he`s a perfect match for his surname, making the audacious nature of his crime that much more interesting.
Thanks for listening!




Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Robert,

A bunch of really interesting phrases in the lyric. An interesting story to put to song - and an excellent title/hook.

Well done. The flute is a nice late addition...

fj

(You might be interested in a similar story that appeared in Smithsonian magazine about the guy who stole 8 million dollars worth of rare books and maps from the Carnegie Library.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/theft-carnegie-library-books-maps-artworks-180975506/
)


Floyd,
Thanks for that link- there are lots of good stories on the back pages- and thanks for your comments.



Originally Posted By: Derochette
Hi Robertkc,

Perfect symbiosis between melody and well-written lyrics. Very endearing and very philosophical melody if you think about the lyrics. The arrangement is superb. Well done.

Kindly regards
Take care of yourself

Derochette
Alias JaniJackFlash


Derochette,
I appreciate those generous comments and especially glad you noticed the melody.

Originally Posted By: Leon1
A fascinating story beautifully translated into song, Robert. Much enjoyed.
Regards,
Leon


Thanks very much, Leon!

Robert

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Interesting story indeed!

Very nice, Robert, love the vocals and harmonies.

Enjoyed!

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Very cool song Robert. What an interesting story. Boy are there some weird people out there. Destroying priceless works for what, Loved the acoustic framing your vocal. Beautiful song. Well done


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Simply exquisite. Lovely poetic lyrics. Vocals nailed it. The band was in the zone too. Good one.


My music can be heard at: The Cracks
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