Can't Put Down Roots in Sand Words & Music by Mark Rhodes 26 August 2021
I was born Miami, F-L-A Where it's flat and straight And iguanas play
Don't stand too close, I just might explode Dying to drive on winding country roads Wanna eat a peach from a roadside stand You can't put down roots in sand
[CHORUS] Where you're from---you had no say Where you'll die—well that's another day A man lives to turn his hand You can't put down roots in sand.
I don't like the beach. There, I said it out loud It's just hot sand And an oily crowd
That leather skin is a tragic look Put me under an old shade tree with a book Working my jawbone to some song by The Band You can't put down roots in sand.
[CHORUS]
I don't know why I want the things I do But what I love Is all I know of true
The question why makes no sense to me I do the best I can and let it be Good music is the promised land You can't put down roots in sand
[CHORUS]
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
Hello Mark Cool song And just as cool sung ;-) The background track is super successful Also the sound is good If you plan to improve this demo even more this is already a very very good basis Well done Mark Many greetings Andi ;-)
Tonally, it's wasn't quite angry, or bitter, or bitingly sarcastic. Sort of a middle-of-the-road song of dissatisfaction.
Your explanation on YouTube of this being mostly allusions helped explain what the song was about, but I'm too lazy (and bad at remembering lyrics) to play that game.
I think the mix is really good for a demo! I like arrangement and singing style. Maybe a solo or something in the later part of the song for some variation could be a good idea since it's is almost five minutes?
The vocals remind me of Richard Hell around the 1st Voidoids album...but with a slower song obviously. The lyrics have some funny parts. I struggled to find the link between the hook and the rest though. I assume the main rhythm guitar is you but can't tell. It's solid.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
The vocals remind me of Richard Hell around the 1st Voidoids album...but with a slower song obviously. The lyrics have some funny parts. I struggled to find the link between the hook and the rest though. I assume the main rhythm guitar is you but can't tell. It's solid.
Thanks. The main rhythm guitar is me. Hadn't thought of Richard Hell in 40 years. My older brother was a big fan.
Perhaps the lyrics make less sense to others than to me. It wouldn't be the first time! ;o)
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
I think the mix is really good for a demo! I like arrangement and singing style. Maybe a solo or something in the later part of the song for some variation could be a good idea since it's is almost five minutes?
I thought about adding a solo but it's already nearly 5 minutes long---I didn't want to make it any longer.
Though perhaps I could cut a verse. Something to think about. Thanks for listening!
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
Hello Mark Cool song And just as cool sung ;-) The background track is super successful Also the sound is good If you plan to improve this demo even more this is already a very very good basis Well done Mark Many greetings Andi ;-)
Thank you!
"If I knew where the good songs came from, I'd go there more often." Leonard Cohen
Mark, this is a super demo. The backing tracks and your guitar are spot on. Your vocal was good. However those lyrics are fantastic! I wish I could write lyrics like that. They took it over the top for me.
super demo
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Special Extended Until September 15, 2026! Save over 40% on XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac!
We've extended our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs sale until September 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 offer a wide range of genres designed to work seamlessly with your project. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 11 PAKs for only $149 (reg. $299)!
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with ANY version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-11 includes 1,100 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! .
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 includes 3,900 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
Note: XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs include additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® that work seamlessly with your project. Xtra Styles PAKs and XPro Styles PAKs are NOT included in any Band-in-a-Box® package!
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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