39. Uncharted Seas

 

As 2023 has dawned, for myself, it has brought with it an element of uncertainty. This song reflects that feeling, both lyrically and musically. I am headed into “Uncharted Seas.”

Listen here: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14532724

Growing older is a challenge. Medical and work-related situations have raised their ugly head. They have done so at a time when I’m not really ready to move on. Pity the little beasties couldn’t have hung on for another year or so, but that’s life! I honestly don’t have a plan and a whole lot depends on decisions are out of my hands. We’ll see what happens.

So, I’m trying to lay back into the situation and trust that the winds of change will lead me to a place where there is a greater sense of certainty… health wise, financially, emotionally, spiritually etc..  I’m certainly hoping that in the not-so-distant future I may find a place I can call home. For now, we’ll just travel on.

The song begins and ends with the sound of the sea. (For the recording geeks – it's a VST Absynth 5 stereo synth and a patch called 'absynth beach'. Can't believe they are not extending this synth to VST 3 and discontinuing support!) I grew up by the water and hope I end my days near the coast.  

A droning synth also starts and closes the piece, synthesizers having been a big part of my musical journey. Likewise, a little bit of Hammond B3 brackets both ends of the music. Then in comes some acoustic guitar and the tune builds in a reasonably predictable way. The orchestral trumpet sounds in the chorus come from a 'Spitfire Audio' VST of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, that can be downloaded free of charge from their website.

After the second chorus there is a coda that begins with an E Maj7 chord. (Such a whimsical little chord) and also throws in a few bluesy 7th’s.  I wanted to project the idea that there is more to come… the journey doesn’t end here.

The vocal is a little all over the place. With it being a very personal piece it felt right to inject a bit of personality into the mix, rather than succumb to the temptation of auto-tune.

It’s a little “Prog” and not the sort of thing I would expect has any commercial potential. It’s good to engage in occasional navel gazing … even if just for the sake of one’s own mental health. Making music can be such a wonderful place to dwell. Takes your mind off things, while also providing greater focus on whatever you are working through!

Uncharted Seas
© Adrian J Pratt December 10 2022

Taking it easy traveling through these days
Journeying onward, doing what it takes
Don't have in mind a final destination
How things work out's going to be a revelation
Depart from here . Sail uncharted seas.

There may be sunshine,  maybe a storm
Seems that's the way it's been since the day I was born
Trying to watch and see what the next tide will bring
Trying to stay awake and feel the wind
Depart from here . Sail uncharted seas.

Looking back on the journey so far
I would never have guessed it would lead us here
But here we are
Still following that star

That old night sky so full of clouds and filled with haze
It can be hard to navigate these days
But we'll be fine
Tomorrow sun while shine
We travel on

Unchartered seas are leading us home
Where that may be remains the great unknown
I've been a mover all of my days
Become accustomed to travelers ways
Leave this place . Sail uncharted seas.

Looking back on the journey so far
I would never have guessed it would lead us here
But here we are
Still following that star

That old night sky so full of clouds and filled with haze
It can be hard to navigate these days
But we'll be fine
Tomorrow sun while shine

We travel on
Looking forward to finding our next resting place
We travel on
Looking for a safe harbor
Somewhere we can lower our sails
Somewhere we can stay for a while
A safe haven we can call home

Taking it easy traveling through these days
Journeying onward, doing what it takes

38. New Year

 

 I can only share this one once a year... so now is the time.

New Year https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=12623868

Of all the songs I've written I am most regretful that some known artist has not taken this on one board. It is absolutely the ideal song to be playing as the ball drops in Times Square or straight after Big Ben chimes in the New Year in London. It would be on everybody's playlist once a year.

It even has the melody for 'Auld Lang Syne' kicking in at the end for a sing along. It could assure an annual income stream for whomsoever's version catapulted it to the top of the charts and pay for my retirement in the process. C'mon Harry Styles you need another classic song. lol. Oh well. We can all dream.

This song was originally written as the first track for a follow up album to my 1985 release 'Jester Before the Throne.' My bright idea was to have an album with 12 tracks each related to the months of the year. An Easter song. A  Christmas song.  A summer song.  etc...  And this was the New Year song. And it's a belter.

It may well show more than a little influence of 80's rock band 'After the Fire'... but they were one of my favourites at the time I wrote it... so that is hardly surprising. (I suspect Van Halen would never have written 'Jump' if  'After the Fire' had not been their support band on tour with them. It has all the hallmarks of their classic songs. But that's another story....)

The song itself needs no explanation. If it were a commercial release I may change the lyrics in places, but overall I like the arrangement.

So Happy New Year to all.

New Year
©️ Adrian J Pratt 1984

New Year, Time to rejoice and celebrate life
New Year, Time to reflect and contemplate life
New Year, Like an open book before us
New Year, Can't you hear the future call us
New Year, New Year is here!

New Year, Time for us to make our resolutions
New Year, Time for us to seek for new solutions
New Year, Like an open book before us
New Year, Can't you hear the future call us
New Year, New Year is here!

How is this year going to find you?
Will you know there's love beside you?
Will you find your life
Is in loves hands?

New Year, Time to rejoice and celebrate life
New Year, Time to reflect and contemplate life
New Year, Like an open book before us
New Year, Can't you hear the future call us
New Year, New Year is here!

Celebrate, it's a New Year.
Celebrate, it's a New Year.

New Year, Time to rejoice and celebrate life
New Year, Time to reflect and contemplate life

New Year, New Year, New Year, New Year!




    

37. Rock and Roll Christmas

 

 It’s Christmas. So of course I’m posting a Christmas song. I have written a few, some more religious in nature, others just for fun.

Audio Version https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=6088282

Grainy ancient video from early eighties https://youtu.be/6IjN7CY-h68

As an aside (Skip the next two paragraphs if you are not interested in my rant) I really am not in sympathy with either those who complain their religious liberties are under attack or those who are afraid a Christmas tree might offend somebody. Wish me a happy Hanukkah, joyful Kwanza, wacky Winter Solstice or awesome Old St Nicks day and I will not be in the least bit offended.

My house will have a Christmas tree visible from the street with pretty lights to brighten the winter view, but my vehicle will not be the one with a bumper sticker declaring “Keep Christ in Christmas.” That maybe my personal decision but I‘m not going to make an issue out of it and tell you that the way you are celebrating is all wrong.

And if somebody becomes offended because I wished them a “Happy Christmas” then hopefully they'll eventually get over themselves. I am not going to apologize for offering a joyful greeting. It's Christmas, and whatever that means to you, go celebrate. Or not.

This particular song was written for an event hosted by the “Shepherd Center” in Beckley, WV. Described as “The fun place for seniors” they met in the Fellowship Hall of the Presbyterian church every week and enjoyed a whole host of activities. Arts, crafts, music, chat, and discussion. Every now and then I'd offer some musical entertainment while they enjoyed lunch.

On a previous occasion I'd shared a selection of Chuck Berry songs and we'd had a great time “reeling and a rocking.” But on this occasion I'd been asked to present a Christmas program. What I should have done was looked up the words to “Run, Run, Rudolph.”  But I hadn't.

As I walked down the stairs to sing for them, this little rocky ditty appeared in my mind and I scribbled it on a bit of paper I had in my pocket. Maybe the quickest song I have ever written.  Just a happy, celebratory message about Santa and some of the joys of the season.

Liked it so much that I recorded a version for myself and since sharing it over the years, others seem to like it. Also, a few decades ago now, made a family video.. back when we was all a lot younger A bit of fun. Happy Christmas to one and all. :-)

36. Simple Joys

 

 So today in the USA is Thanksgiving Day. Could there be a better day to post  thanksgiving song? "Simple Joys."

https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14007864

I've heard other people respond when they are asked how they are doing say, "Better than I deserve!" When it boils down to it I am thankful for much the same stuff as everybody else. Family, friends, good health, good music and faith. I totally understand that when it comes to beliefs we are not all on the same page, but we all have faith in something, even if we can't put it into words.

I recently had the opportunity to take part in an interfaith Thanksgiving Service held at the Old Whalers Presbyterian Church, in Sag Harbor, NY. It was wonderful to share in giving thanks with representatives of Buddhist, Islamic, Jewish and various Christian traditions.

 
At the start of the service we were each asked to share something from within our own faith traditions. So I put on my 'Morrison' tartan tie (my family clan and expressing connections with the Scottish Presbyterian Church) and read out the words of 'Simple Joys' as a poem.

It was encouraging to afterwards have a few folk comment that they had found it meaningful. Quite a boost when your lyrics can communicate something without their accompanying music. But I do prefer the musical version!

The original was written quite early after I began my ministry with my first congregations in Wales. I recall sharing it a few occasions over the years. It really has been a lifelong privilege to be involved in the life and ministry of different churches and their congregants. I often feel extremely blessed... beyond what I deserve. Such is the nature of grace.

But... enough with the sermonizing. Just hope somebody out there enjoys the music and I hope it may be a prompt for some personal thanksgiving.

Simple Joys
Copyright Adrian Pratt 1985

For my home for my family
For all the special things You have given to me
The laughter of children
The warmth of sunshine
Everything you have done for this life of mine

Lord I want to thank You for the simple joys
The every day memories which no one can destroy
The life that You have given freely to me
Your light and Your peace which have set me so free
Thank You Lord for simple joys
Thank You Lord for simple joys

I'm nobody special
Yet You treat me like a King
Give me the song
And the ability to sing
Give to me my strength,
Give to my my health
Opened up my life to the treasures of Your wealth

Lord I want to thank You for the simple joys
The every day memories which no one can destroy
The life that You have given freely to me
Your light and Your peace which have set me so free
Thank You Lord for simple joys
Thank You Lord for simple joys

Forgive me Lord when I feel to see
All the blessings
You have showered down on me
Help me Lord to live my life for You
And walk in Your will whatever I do

Lord I want to thank You for the simple joys
The every day memories which no one can destroy
The life that You have given freely to me
Your light and Your peace which have set me so free

Thank You Lord for simple joys
Thank You Lord for simple joys
 

35. Nothing That I Need

 

Well. It may be a song every other week or so, but today... get ready to rock. 

"Nothing that I Need." Listen here:
https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14512900

If a phrase strikes me as interesting or memorable I will sometimes jot it down. Might just turn out I can use it in a sermon or a song. Oftentimes such phrases sit around for quite a while till I rediscover them on whatever piece of paper or device I left them on.

I recently rediscovered in my notes a jotting that said '"You are not what I need but you are everything I want." I have no idea of the original context.

When driving in my car I have a load of my old LP's on a USB device that plugs into the sound system. One of my favorite albums growing up in the 1970's was 'Dog of Two Heads' by UK band 'Status Quo.' Those guys knew how to boogie.

When I looked at the phrase (and turned it around) "You are everything I want, but you're nothing that I need" sounded rhythmically like a Quo song from the 70's. So I plugged in the guitar, turned it up to 11 and indulged in some song writing time traveling nostalgia. Haven't rocked out for a while so some head down no nonsense mindless boogie time was well overdue.

It is not about anybody or any situation in particular, but it could be. lol. Read into it whatever you please.

For home recording enthusiasts the guitars are being recorded through an old version of 'Guitar Port,' an interface from Line 6, that allows you to plug directly into the computer and seeks to simulate various amps and speaker cab set ups. For sure the resulting sound is not as dynamic as a room full of Marshall cabs, but I'm sure the neighbor's appreciate me confining my rock concerts to my headphones.

Methinks though that I'd have a lot of fun performing this with a live band. But that is highly unlikely to ever happen. So instead... wherever you are.... time for some head banging. Enjoy.

Nothing that I Need

© Adrian J Pratt November 7 2022

Don't know where, you get the idea, that we could ever be friends,
Don't know when, you thought I was yours, but this is where it all ends.
I can see you, but I don't need you
I can see you, but I don't need you
Get away from me!

Don't know when, you got the idea, of chasing me around,
Don't know when, you lifted me up, getting ready to pull me down.
I can see you, but I don't need you
I can see you, but I don't need you
Get away from me!

You're everything I want, but you're nothing that I need
I don't like the way that you're bugging me
You're everything I want, but you're nothing that I need
Got to get you out of my life (repeat)

(Guitar solo)

You're everything I want, but you're nothing that I need
I don't like the way that you're bugging me
You're everything I want, but you're nothing that I need
Got to get you out of my life (repeat)

Get away from me!
Get away from me!
Get away.

34. Hagen and the Griffins (Chewing Dead Frogs)

 

Listen here: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14180887

As a young person it always vexed me that humanity saw a need to inflict suffering upon one another. 'Why we can't just live in peace?' is a dilemma that has vexed greater minds than mine.

I recall as a child being upset by legends that involved conquest and death. Always seemed they involved such a waste of life. The stuff of nightmares. Those childish thoughts of ancient... but violent... tales, were behind the strange title of this adolescent anti-war song, "Hagen and the Griffins (Chewing dead frogs)." I think I was  around 13-14 years old when I first wrote the words. The music came a little later as I was attempting to teach myself guitar. (Older friends may remember my first guitar "Eric"... that's another story! lol)

Recorded on my trusty Teac A3340 tape deck, by a much younger me, many moons ago it sadly still resonates with the warring madness that continues in the 21st century.

I still hate the fact we need guns. I hate that we need weapons to fight against each other. I hate the fact that we have not evolved as a species into rational beings who can reason their way out of conflict. It is hard to understand how, when the simple prescription, 'Love thy neighbor' is continually being offered to us, for generation after generation, we manage to evade it and ignore it.

The planet has enough for us all.  But we don't care. We won't share. We have to be right and we have to be in charge. So we inflict suffering upon each other. And upon creation. And we put up with it and say nothing can change.

So here's to all who are doing the little things that make a big difference. Here's to the peacemakers. Here's to the helpers and those who pay it forward. Here's to those who refuse to be molded by values that are destroying us all. You tip the scales by adding one little weight at a time.

Hagen and the Griffins (Chewing Dead Frogs)
Adrian J Pratt 1973ish

Hey, What's going on?
Why all the bombs?
Why all the pain and agony?

Who started it?
Who'll finish it?
Will it finish?
Strange isn't it?

Doesn't it make you sick?
Doesn't it make you sick?

Politicians become senseless.
The people become restless.
Everyone sits by and lets it happen.

What can they do?
Who'll do it?
And when will it be done?
Strange isn't it?

Doesn't it make you sick?
Doesn't it make you sick?

Hey, What's going on?
    

33. As It Was (Harry Styles cover)

 

 As it Was (Harry Styles Cover) https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14499109

As it Was (Harry Styles Cover... acoustic-ish version)
https://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/33585451?utm_campaign=a_public_songs&utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=page_object_news_item

A fairly recent adventure in music making for myself has been creating cover versions of current popular hits. This was a practice encouraged at some of the song writing retreats I have attended. The idea is that if you get inside the way other songs are created, it will help with your own creations. It may also cause people to give your own tunes a listen.

It is a fact that people really like listening to things they already know. Sounding like someone else appears to grant a validity to your work that sounding like yourself is unable to achieve.

Maybe there is a tipping point where you become treated seriously as a songwriter. Or maybe you have to prove you can master other peoples songs first. Or maybe folk need the validation of commercial sales to accept the value of what you are doing. I'm getting to old to worry about such things. I just like making music because I can. Some paint. Some sculpt. Some write. Some play Scrabble. I musically doodle.

And ... despite my reservations... figuring out how other folks songs work is a whole lot of fun. It is the way almost every songwriter on the planet began to write.

Harry Styles song 'As it Was' has turned out to be one of the most popular ditties of 2022. A global hit no less.  Even featured in an episode of one of my favourite TV programs "Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing." So it seemed like a good one to fool around with.

It is of course ludicrous for an old guy like me to take on a young pop legends creation, but it's all done very tongue in cheek, and provides me a wonderful opportunity to explore all my newest music software. lol.

It is kind of frustrating that more folk will listen to this than my own creations, but if it causes them to give some other of my songs a listen... then that is just fine by me.

And for more information about the song than is ever needed, it has its own wikipedia page. Weirdly, it is does not mention my cover version. Wonder why? A serious omission to my mind.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/As_It_Was
   
As It Was -  Harry Styles

(Written by Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson & Harry Styles)

"Come on, Adrian, (Harry) we wanna say goodnight to you"

Holdin' me back
Gravity's holdin' me back
I want you to hold out the palm of your hand
Why don't we leave it at that?
Nothin' to say
When everything gets in the way
Seems you cannot be replaced
And I'm the one who will stay, oh-oh-oh

In this world, it's just us
You know it's not the same as it was
In this world, it's just us
You know it's not the same as it was
As it was, as it was
You know it's not the same

Answer the phone
"Adrian (Harry) you're no good alone
Why are you sitting at home on the floor?
What kind of pills are you on?"
Ringin' the bell
And nobody's coming to help
Your daddy lives by himself
He just wants to know that you're well, oh-oh-oh

In this world, it's just us
You know it's not the same as it was
In this world, it's just us
You know it's not the same as it was
As it was, as it was
You know it's not the same

Go home, get ahead, light-speed internet
I don't wanna talk about the way that it was
Leave America, two kids follow her
I don't wanna talk about who's doin' it first

(Hey)
As it was
You know it's not the same as it was
As it was, as it was
   

32. Edited Scene From An Unknown B Movie.

 

The arrival of Autumn sees the temperatures falling and the days growing shorter. There is a strong possibility I may be spending more time on the couch watching the TV. This weeks musical offering is titled  "Edited Scene from an unknown B movie"

Listen here: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=4223765

It was one of the many songs I wrote during my college days in Aberystwyth back in the early nineteen eighties. They were very productive songwriting years and I experimented a lot, writing about random topics, and exploring different musical styles.

The song was partly inspired by a favorite early Ealing comedy 'The Greatest Show on Earth' which featured, among others, Peter Sellers and Margaret Rutherford. The film was released in 1957, the year of my entrance into life. I may well be re-watching it one of these cooler darker evenings.

The central story of the movie is of a young couple who inherit a cinema that has seen better days. Together (with a little bit of help from the eccentric characters around them) they revive the cinema. I recommend it.

"The Smallest Show On Earth"

In my scenario (set, of course, in a ninety fifties cinema) a young couple called Billy and Jennifer meet while working there and fall in love. Against the odds, they are married and live happily ever after.

The lyrics talk of movie stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Cary Grant, films falling off reels and life on the silver screen. The middle section muses as to how disconnected we have become in our modern age, expressing a longing for simpler times and the hope that love can still get us through.

Musically it is mostly based around the acoustic guitar, electronic piano and bass parts. It was recorded some years ago in the tiny bedroom we had in our church manse in Wales. Yvonne kindly offered up some background vocals. It was meant to be part of a demo tape of songs I had written, (titled 'Not About Goats') but didn't fit well with the others in the collection.

Out of many songs I have written, it is a personal favorite. But it's not a crowd pleaser and not so easy to perform as just a solo piece. It would be great to record it one day in a proper recording studio, but that may well be a pipe dream. I have yet to perform it in front of an audience.

If it is not immediately a hit with you, sit with it a while.
Fill in the blanks and create your own movie.
Maybe it will grow on you :-)

Edited Scene From An Unknown B Movie.
© Adrian J Pratt 1982

Billy, he was looking like one of those dudes in the movies.
Slick black hair and an open neck shirt
Jennifer, she was the debutante dreamer
A pretty while cotton blouse
And a tight pleated skirt

Just like a love scene
From some unknown B movie
She fell in love with him
Just a week ago last Tuesday
And now they were 'in love.'

Billy told Jennifer she looked like Monroe
She once told him he was just like Cary Grant
Held her in his arms,
but not for to long, She had to go.
Just a quick kiss and that meant 'Good Night.'

Just like a love scene
From some unknown B movie
She fell in love with him
Just a week ago last Tuesday
And now they were 'in love.'

So this is life my friend
Life on the silver screen
But in the morning the cameras broke
And the film falls off the reel
And on the cutting room floor
A thousand dreams
are just a series of disjointed scenes

Like an edited scene
From some unknown B movie
We cut away at our dreams
Till there's nothing left to feel
And slowly our life it seems
Becomes a collection of disjointed scenes
Oh no, oh no.

Life goes on outside the cinema walls
The usherette slowly puts on her coat
Billy makes a cup of coffee
Jennifer hangs her coat in the hall
Hey... they got married, after all

Just like a love scene
From some unknown B movie
She fell in love with him
Just two years ago last Tuesday
And they were still 'in love.'

Nobody could take that away. no no
Nobody could take that away, no,no
Nobody could take that away, no,no
Nobody could take that away. NO.
    

31. Hold On (To the things that you believe in)

 

Song here:
https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=4223830

One of the things that impressed me about the life of the late Queen Elizabeth was her tenacity. She held onto her beliefs and convictions no matter what the world around her was doing. Her beliefs gave to her life a sense of meaning that expressed itself through a sense of duty that she maintained until the end came, as it must to us all.

I honestly can't describe myself as a royalist.  Yet her passing has left a deep feeling that something irreplaceable is now over. While having strong reservations about the whole phenomenon of monarchy, I recognize that she pursued her role with tremendous dignity.

She was truly an inspiration to a great many.  As prime ministers and presidents came and went, she remained an influential voice for moderation and common sense.

At the heart of her life appeared to be that crazy little thing we call love. Love for the God in whom she placed her faith. Love for her family. Love for her country. Love for the wider world.

Not that she ever claimed to be perfect. Or never made errors of judgment. Or that every day was wonderful and she lived without regrets.  Everyone of us could say much the same. But I'm not sure all of us could handle the responsibility placed upon her shoulders with quite so much wit and style.

She did appear to have tried to see the good in everyone. And, thanks to Paddington, we now know, she carried a marmalade sandwich in her handbag, and was always ready to share.

Life goes on. And we all have to choose how we live within the beliefs that we hold most important. Yours are not mine and mine are not yours and that is the way it will always be. The future of many aspects of the monarchy are not clear. Things will inevitably change. The same can be said about so many areas of life.

There is a passage in a letter attributed to the apostle Paul, and directed to a church  community in the city of Philippi. It contains the advice "Sisters and brothers, focus your thoughts on things that are true and honorable and just and pure and beautiful and respected. If there is anything that is morally excellent and worthy of praise, focus your thoughts on these things." (Adrian translation)

Not easy advice to truly follow, but well worth aiming at. Such is the inspiration behind this song offering. 'Hold on to the things that you believe in.'

I've shared it a number of occasions over the years. Sometimes it has been received well and folks have taken the time to say thanks. Though usually performed on an acoustic guitar (and on a couple of occasions with a band) this particular version features my Hayman electric guitar. Just something I liked about the tone and feel of it and set it apart from other folksy things I've written.

Times of change create moments for reflection.

Hold On (To the things that you believe in)
© Adrian J Pratt –1983

Hold On, Hold On
Don’t let nobody steal your love away
Hold On, Hold On,
To the love you hold in your heart this day.

People will push you around
People will drag you down
Just because of the things that you believe,
People they won’t understand,
The love you hold in your hand
They’ll turn your truth into dreams.

Hold On, Hold On ,
To the things that you believe in,
Don’t let nobody steal your love away
Hold On, Hold On,
To the love you hold in your heart this day.

Let nobody shatter your dreams
People they don’t always mean
The things that they say.
Just keep your flag flying high,
The truth can never die
And love can win the day,

Hold On, Hold On ,
Just walk in the light till the darkness is gone
Hold On, Hold On ,
Just walk in the light till the darkness is gone
You've just got to hold on

Don't be afraid to stand out of the crowd
Don't let doubt pull you down

Hold On, Hold On ,
To the things that you believe in,
Don’t let nobody steal your love away
Hold On, Hold On,
To the love you hold in your heart this day.

Hold On, Hold On ,
To the things that you believe in,
And don't let nobody steal your love away
Hold On, Hold On,
To the love you hold in your heart this day.

30. "Space Oddity" (Bowie cover)

Trying to cover a David Bowie song is rather like attempting to climb Mount Everest in flip-flops. But in honor of NASA once again heading to the moon, thought I'd share my version of his classic "Space Oddity." This is not a cover version. It is an 'Adrian' version. And I hope somebody out there enjoys it as much as I enjoyed creating it some years back.

Listen here; https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=13771230

"Space Oddity" was first released as a 7-inch single on 11 July 1969. It was also the opening track of his second studio album, David Bowie. It became one of Bowie's signature songs and one of four of his songs to be included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. 

Inspired by Stanley Kubrick's film 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), the song is about the launch of Major Tom, a fictional astronaut, and was released during a period of great interest in space flight. The United States' Apollo 11 mission would launch five days later and would become the first manned moon landing another five days after that. Bowie revisited his Major Tom character in the songs "Ashes to Ashes", "Hallo Spaceboy" and possibly the music video for "Blackstar".

"Space Oddity" was Bowie's first single to chart in the UK. It reached the top five on its initial release and received the 1970 Ivor Novello Special Award for Originality. His second album, originally released as David Bowie in the UK, was renamed after the track for its 1972 re-release by RCA Records and became known by this name. In 1975, upon re-release as part of a maxi-single, the song became Bowie's first UK No. 1 single.

In 2013, the song gained renewed popularity following its recording 44 years after Bowie by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who performed the song (with slightly revised lyrics) while aboard the International Space Station, and therefore became the first music video shot in space. In January 2016, the song re-entered singles charts around the world following Bowie's death, which included becoming Bowie's first single to top the French Singles Chart. The song also ranked as third on iTunes on 12 January 2016.

One thing I love about it is that it is a perfect example of a song telling a story, that feels like a movie, and once heard lives forever in your mind! I recall singing it once at an open mic in Ellicott City, MD, when a violinist joined me up front, and took things to a whole new level. Great memory and 'tis a pity nobody captured it on video. Not so much for mt performance, but tat of the violin player jamming along.

To NASA... boldly go. To David Bowie... thanks for the music and rest in peace as this planet continues to resonate with your wonderful compositions.

"Space Oddity" (David Bowie)
Copyright: T.R.O. INC.

Ground Control to Major Tom
Ground Control to Major Tom
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on
Ground Control to Major Tom (ten, nine, eight, seven, six)
Commencing countdown, engines on (five, four, three)
Check ignition and may God's love be with you (two, one, liftoff)

This is Ground Control to Major Tom
You've really made the grade
And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear
Now it's time to leave the capsule if you dare
"This is Major Tom to Ground Control
I'm stepping through the door
And I'm floating in a most peculiar way
And the stars look very different today

For here am I sitting in a tin can
Far above the world
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do

Though I'm past one hundred thousand miles
I'm feeling very still
And I think my spaceship knows which way to go
Tell my wife I love her very much she knows
Ground Control to Major Tom
Your circuit's dead, there's something wrong
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you...

"Here am I floating in my tin can
Far above the world.
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do"

29. Love is a mystery and life is crazy

 

Listen here: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=10473775

The "Adrian song of the week" may have become "The Adrian song of every other random week," but that's OK. The world keeps turning. lol. I have been busy with other things. One thing going on is that in the next few weeks I have a number of weddings in numerous locations to officiate. These include one on the beach, one in a barn, one in an aquarium, as well as a couple in the more traditional setting of a church.

No matter all the stresses of the last few years (and those we are currently passing through) the mystery is that people still keep falling in love, committing their lives to each other and celebrating their togetherness. It always seems that everybody is cynical about the prospect of love, and finds it an altogether silly state of affairs, until it happens to them. So, I wish each happy couple all the very best and will do my utmost to see their special day is one that truly celebrates where they are in their lives right now. May the good fairy sprinkle stardust on their nuptials!

It seemed appropriate to share a luvvy duvvy song composed for the object of my own affections, my wonderful, tolerant, long suffering wife, Yvonne. How she came to fall for somebody like me and has stuck with me all these years will always remain a mystery.

Though probably a pipe dream, it would be a wonderful ditty to perform with a full band (rather than just a band of Adrian's). While I am a reasonable multi instrumentalist, I excel in none in particular. A group of talented folk could surely rock this one to the heights. but, as with a lot of things in life, it's the best I could do with the resources and time that I have. so... enjoy.

And if you want to imagine Bonham on the drums, Clapton on the guitar, McCartney on the Bass, Wakeman on the keyboards... then... hey... don't let me stop you.

Love is a mystery and life is crazy

© Adrian J Pratt 3/24/2011

 There's no reason why the sun should shine

There's no reason why you should have ever be mine
There's no reason why a young man should fall in love
But, boy, once you've fallen there ain't no getting up'
I'm held captive by your beauty
I'm held captive by your charms,
I want to hold you in my arms.

There's no reason why the moon is full tonight
There's no reason why your perfume smells so right
There's no reason why this glass of wine just tastes so fine
There's no reason why a girl like you should ever have be mine
I'm held captive by your beauty
I'm held captive by your charms,
I want to hold you in my arms.

Your love for me is beyond comprehension
A mystery that I can't understand
I cannot fathom why I gained your attention
Can't understand why you took my hand

Now here we stand and watch the sun go down
Watch the sea fade into gold, holding each others hands
And as our love grows deeper and as the years roll by,
Just enjoy the ride and don't pretend that we know why...

There's no reason why our hearts should keep on yearning
There's no reason why this old world keeps on turning
There's no reason why the two should become one
There's no reason why our song just keeps playing on and on
Held captive by your beauty
I'm held captive by your charms,
I want to hold you in my arms.

Your love for me is beyond comprehension
A mystery that I can't understand
I cannot fathom why I gained your attention
Can't understand why you took my hand

Your love for me is beyond comprehension
A mystery that I can't understand
I cannot fathom why I gained your attention
Can't understand why you took my hand.... oh no...

28. The Rose and Max Song

 

This weeks song here: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=13864413

Max and Rose are two of my three grand-kids. The third one, Sunny, was born after the song was written but we love her just as much. And the reason for sharing this right now (and the reason I haven't posted for the last couple of weeks) is that we just finished up vacation time.  First time we have been all together as a family since before Covid hit us. And it was awesome! Missing them all already.

The song was obviously inspired by my grand-kids. and, yes, it is kind of 'homely' and even has Nana singing along as well. There is a place for music at the heart of my family. I would advance the argument that not all music needs to be evaluated by commercial potential. It is fine to write and play those songs that just mean a whole lot to you., because they are uniquely yours!

The song has a reggae-ish vibe, partly inspired UB40's version of the theme for the kids program ' You and Me' that we used to watch when our children were their children's age. Songs and stories were always included.

 Each program featured a four-minute sketch with Cosmo and Dibs (friends of an uncategorizable animal species) about an area of child interest: sharing, eating, arguing, bullying, sleeping, bereavement, dressing up, being silly, having a row, make-believe, making poetry – there were no limits! I suspect that may often be the same with conversations between grandparents and grandchildren. It can be an interesting relationship.

right now all I can say is that it has been a great couple of weeks. It is amazing to see how quickly little people grow! Play and make believe is so important to child development. I suspect it is just as important for adult development, whatever the age,  as well.

So... everybody... young and old... play on :-)

The Rose and Max Song
© Adrian J. Pratt/December 13 2018.

Rose and Max, Max and Rose,
Love you both from your head to your toes.
Princess and prince, Prince and princess
Couldn’t love you more, couldn’t love you less.

See you growing up, watch you growing strong,
We’re here for you as life rolls along.
GrandAd and Nana, Nana and GrandAd
Know you’re the best gift they ever had.

Rose and Max, Max and Rose,
Love you both from your head to your toes.
Princess and prince, Prince and princess
Couldn’t love you more, couldn’t love you less.

Dance and sing, Sing and dance,
We’ll be with you when we get the chance.
Learn and play, Play and learn
Every time we leave, we want to return.

Rose and Max, Max and Rose,
Love you both from your head to your toes.
Princess and prince, Prince and princess
Couldn’t love you more, couldn’t love you less.

Always good to be with you.
Hope we see you soon!

Mum and Dad, Dad and Mum,
When we are together, we have so much fun.
Prayers and love, Love and prayers
Thinking about precious times yet to share.


Rose and Max, Max and Rose,
Love you both from your head to your toes.
Princess and prince, Prince and princess
Couldn’t love you more, couldn’t love you less.
Couldn’t love you more, couldn’t love you less.
Couldn’t love you more, couldn’t love you less.
    

27. Go and Do The Same

Listen here: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=13511890 

Last week in church I was hoping to administer the sacrament of baptism to a little one. We had to reschedule as unfortunately Covid had invaded the household and they were quarantined.

Needing something to replace that part of the service, the reading for the day was the parable of the Good Samaritan.

"A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

Jesus asked, "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do the same." "

I looked at a few ideas for children's talks ...  but none of them really resonated. Then I recalled I had written a song about this passage some years ago, so decided to share that. This was literally the Adrian song of the week. lol.

It was originally composed by a small group of us at a Moreton youth group reunion weekend held at Trefeca college in Mid-Wales back in the mid 1980's. I forget the exact circumstances, or who helped write it, but I know we had that passage as our theme.

I do recall not doing much with it after the retreat but then needing it for some other youth week purpose and having to rearrange it so I could perform it solo. Sometime later I decided to record a version of it.

It is strange how very few Christian songs are written about parables that Jesus told. There are oodles of worship tunes and doctrinal based masterpieces, but not as many that focus on the practical side of serving each other and caring for folk less fortunate than ourselves.

The story of the good Samaritan is a classic. The Jewish group Jesus addressed  really did not get along with Samaritans.  The very idea of a 'good' Samaritan would have caused some of them to laugh out loud.

When Jesus spoke about the hypocrisy of the priest and the Levite there would be those thinking, "Awesome. Jesus is calling those religious hypocrites out and showing them up for who they really are."

But the end is such a sting in the tale. Not only do the actions of one considered as an enemy become a source of inspiration but the story invites us to consider what we are practically doing to help those who are in the worst of circumstances.

'Go and do the same' invites Jesus. It's not an invitation to believe in anything. Or to have a faith in something. It's a simple statement. There are people who need help. Go and help them. It doesn't matter who they are or who you are, what they believe or what you believe. Everybody can help somebody. Just be a good neighbor. 

It really is that simple.

Go and do the Same

1) He's down and out, He's downright lonely,
The life we love passes him by.
Then someone took the time,
To offer a helping hand,
Picked him up and put him back on his feet again.

Go and do the same
Go and do the same
Be a neighbor in His name
Go and do the same

2) She overdosed, She's over done it,
And people wonder who is to blame,
Then someone took the time,
To offer a healing hand,
Picked her up and put her back on her feet again.

CHORUS

3) He sits alone, He sits so lonely,
Surrounded by the careless crowd.
Then someone took the time,
To try and understand,
Picked him up and put him back on his feet again.

CHORUS

26. I am the B-Side

 

 Listen Here: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=7145288

 Video Version: https://youtu.be/ImdVeFxT7rE

A heart cry from the wrong side of the vinyl 45.

Back in the days when the joy of ones life was purchasing the latest '45' vinyl single that was climbing up the pop charts, a great unknown was what would be on the reverse side of the record... the B-Side.

The first single I ever purchased was Manfred Mann's "The Mighty Quinn. The B-Side was a ridiculous music hall parody  "By Request Edwin Garvey", that was more reminiscent of Dame Hilda Brackett than any thing else Manfred Mann ever produced. If you have never heard it... it was not the greatest of B-Sides.
 https://youtu.be/-KBlmoxF8OI

Then there was "They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!" a 1966 novelty record written and performed by Jerry Samuels (performing as Napoleon XIV). The B-side of the single was simply the A-side played in reverse, and given the title "!aaaH-aH ,yawA eM ekaT oT gnimoC er'yehT"
https://youtu.be/bRAs5rs54z4

But I think I was unlucky. Some pretty famous hits started life as B-Sides. Queen - We will Rock You.  The Rolling Stones - You Can't Always Get What You Want. Kraftwerk, The Model. And there are many more. Generally speaking though, the B-side received less attention than the side with the hit on it.

Reflecting on that situation led to this little ditty being penned. We all have those days when we feel like "B-Sides" rather than the the main event.

The recording is deliberately lo-fi.. Just a scratchy vinyl sound, an acoustic guitar and a single vocal.

I recall singing the song to myself while walking the dog. This happened a number of times so eventually I jotted the words down and eventually gave it some guitar chords. This happened over quite a period of years.  No idea where it origunally came from! I've found the only to get rid of such tunes is to write them down, and record a version to get it out your system. lol.

I have performed it 'live' a few times and it usually gets a positive response. One of those quirky, cutesy songs, that you are not really sure why you wrote. But sometimes that works!

I am the B side
 © Adrian J Pratt 1994

I am the B side, I lie beside the A side
And I never get played on the radio oh no.
 I am the B side, I lie beside the A side
And the DJ won’t play me on his radio show

Is it because I’m lacking in melody, melody, melody, melody,
Or am I lacking in harmony, harmony, harmony, harmony,
I just don’t know’
I’ve got rhythm I’ve got soul
Surely there’s room for me on the radio?    Oh!

Is it because I’m lacking in.
Or am I lacking in.
I just don’t know’
I’ve got rhythm I’ve got soul
Surely there’s room for me on the radio?

I am the B side, I lie beside the A side
A lonely piece of black vinyl with a hole in his soul,
I am the B side, I lie beside the A side
And the DJ won’t play me on his radio show
And the DJ won’t play me on his radio show
And the DJ won’t play me on his radio show.

25. Sick Of The City

Listen here: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=4223902

Here in the good old USA holiday season is upon us. Flight delays, traffic snarl ups and traveling nightmares abound. However, folks all over the world put themselves though all of this for a reason... it's great to get away from the daily grind.

That's particularly the case if you are stuck in a job you don't particularly enjoy and tied into a routine that is pretty much the same every day. Until the advent of Zoom and remote working, many folk had no choice but to make a daily commute into an office in the city.

When such was my weekly routine, I really did not enjoy it. Getting up early to rush to the station to try and catch a train that you did not know was going to be on time. Invariably, as the journey went on, the more crowded it would become. Personal space could be a thing of luxury. Then when you arrived, being faced with the same old tasks could wear you down. Even the break times could take on a monotonous tone! I mean how much can you say about the weather in any given week?

The trip home could be even more congested than the trip to work. Trains were more likely to be cancelled on the homeward journey, so you never know exactly how long the commute would turn out to be.

I have to confess, some weeks I quickly grew sick of the city. And now, while there are days when I think “It would  be nice to go back to regular routine,” this song reminds me that I really did not enjoy the experience.

If such be your daily lot, then you may identify with this one. Feel free to sing along.

Such a topic musically seemed to cry out... “Make it funky.” There is something generically urban about a lot of funk music. The rhythm. The repetition. The stops and starts. It's tight. It's punchy. Music to keep you on the move.

Sick of The City
© Adrian J Pratt  - March 4 1981

Get up in the morning, it's a quarter to eight
I've overslept once again and now I'm running late
Run from the house and try to reach the train
Yet again, I've missed it. I'm going to be late again.

Boss – he is shouting what time of day do you think this is
I smile at him and say five past nine, that's what time it is
Works piling up, files all over the desk
And that phone won't stop ringing, its driving me round the twist

I'm sick of the city, I'm sick of the city,  So sick of the city, Working night and day
I'm sick of the city, I'm sick of the city,  So sick of the city, Working night and day

Soon gets round to eleven and its coffee time
And everybody's nattering – gab,gab,gab – the weathers fine
Not long to lunch, will I make it through the day
I don't think I'd do this job, if it wasn't for the pay

So the day keeps dragging, going on and on
Oh I'll be so pleased when another week has gone
Five O'Clock, its here at last, I run down to the train
People crushed against people squashed, oh here we go again

I'm sick of the city, I'm sick of the city,  So sick of the city, Working night and day
I'm sick of the city, I'm sick of the city,  So sick of the city, Working night and day

(Instrumental)

We spend our lives, working away-ay-ay,
Working week in, week out, working just for our pay-ay-ay
There's got to be more, Got to be more,  Got to be more to life than that....
… Got to be more to life than....

Get up in the morning, it's a quarter to eight
I've overslept once again and now I'm running late
Run from the house and try to reach the train
Yet again, I've missed it. I'm going to be late again.

So the day keeps dragging, going on and on
Oh I'll be so pleased when another week has gone
Five O'Clock, its here at last, I run down to the train
People crushed against people squashed, oh here we go again

I'm sick of the city, I'm sick of the city,  So sick of the city, Working night and day
I'm sick of the city, I'm sick of the city,  So sick of the city, Working night and day
There's got to be more, to life than that.

24. Decisions

An Adrian version:             https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14390659
Performed by Salt::             https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14390664
Live in concert with Salt:    https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14390665
In Welsh/Cymraeg:             https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=5452225
In Welsh on TV (from 1985):     https://youtu.be/pH_qEF0DEvs

A multiple choice option this week!

Why choose this song right now?

I have reached one of those points in my life journey where multiple options lay before me and I truly don't know which ones will work out and which are the ones I should pursue. That was exactly the situation when, along with a wonderful songwriter/musician called Rob Fisher, we wrote this song.

Right now my career is nearer its conclusion than its beginning. I have to make some pretty HUGE decisions. When would it best to retire? What would be the most sensible option in terms of finances? What would be the most sensible options in terms of family? (and bear in mind my family is on two different continents.) Where should I live? How long am I likely to live? (I do not even want to know the answer to that one!) So, yes, some decisions that literally have to do with the remaining life I will have on the planet.

The local governing body (The Presbytery) of the area in which I am serving are having to ask some serious questions. When I arrived, the eight churches on the South Fork of Long Island all had ministerial oversight. Now, following Covid, only three of them do.

In one of those the minister is on maternity leave. The position I occupy is a dual part-time position and the denomination I serve has decided, in just over a years time, to no longer fund their part of the equation. This came as rather unwelcome  suprise to both myself and the other half of the equation, which is the congregation I am currently working with.. We could interpret that as 'throwing us under the bus' but our more worthy side refuses to be that uncharitable! So other peoples decisions, beyond our control, are influencing the decisions that I have no option but to make.

The circumstances of the original song,

I was playing in a band called "Bananas" and all sorts of stuff was happening.  We had our whole lives before us. None of us had any idea what the future held for us. I was hoping it involved writing songs playing music because I LOVE writing songs and making music. But I was, and am, a person of Christian faith. And my life has always been tied up with trying to understand what a higher power had in store for me, It was then. It is now. And faith is all about trusting that the "Big Unknown" knows what is going on. That has worked pretty well for me and I'm hoping will continue to do so. So Rob and myself wrote the song.

A little more history of the song and these recordings.

Rob and I wrote it originally for ourselves and for the band we were playing in to perform. Then "Banana's split" (pun intended.) The next band I played in, called "Salt", liked the song and also played it and recorded a version of it. But the recording, complete with copying the guitar solo almost note for note, came after I had left that band. (And what was it about me and bands with food products in their name?) We are still great friends and when they had a reunion gig I was invited to join them to perform it  … which is the "Salt Live" version.

I had moved on to study theology in Wales and, of course carried on playing music. The song became translated into Welsh and played on the radio and on the Welsh TV pop show, "Ser" in 1985. (Featuring a future General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church of Wales - Rev. Meirion Morris - on Bass guitar.) Which accounts for those two versions. I'm told all of "Ser"s TV broadcasts are preserved in the National Library of Wales, so if any future generation searches for examples of "Christian Welsh language Rock Bands performing on TV" they may well find it.

But enough of this rambling. Give it a listen. Or watch it. Most of all hope you enjoy it and find the message relevant for your own life.

Decisions
© Adrian J Pratt/Robert Fisher 1977

Don't want to make a mistake
I want to do what's right
Gotta make my decision
I want to do what's right
Because I've got to do what's right
Sitting thinking, Confusion on my mind
Don't want to wait till tomorrow
Feel like I've just got to decide what's right to do

Got to make my decision, Got to make my decision
Got to make my decision, Got to do what's right
Decison oo- oo
Got to make my decision, Got to make my decision
Got to do what's right

It's not a straightforward direction
Do I turn left or right
It's more a case of being guided
To where I do what's right
Because I've got to do what's right
Should I do just as I feel
Follow my desire
Should I go ahead and take the plnge
And risk being brainwashed by the liar

Got to make my decision, Got to make my decision
Got to make my decision, Got to do what's right
Decison oo- oo
Got to make my decision, Got to make my decision
Got to do what's right

I'm gonna do what You want me to do
I'm going to do what's right
I'm going to follow where You lead me
Because Ii've got to do wjat's right
I want to do what's right
Now I know the feeling
That You are by my side
I know that You will guide my decision
I know that You will be what I decide

Got to make my decision, Got to make my decision
Got to make my decision, Got to do what's right
Decison oo- oo
Got to make my decision, Got to make my decision
Got to do what's right

Decision, Decision, Decision

(Iconic guitar solo)

23. StarBlazers. Series 2, Episode 3 - "Home"

 

 This weeks song is a cheesy lo budget sci-fi opera. A Space Romp. A little ditty to pay homage and say thanks to all the futuristic imagineers out there in the universe. Not sure what genre that qualifies for!

Listen here: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14130916

Growing up I graduated from puppet shows like Fireball XL5 and Thunderbird's to low budget sci-fi movies with real people in them and TV series like Star Trek. Often the themes were very similar. Somebody is lost in space or in trouble and needing rescuing. They try and find a way home. And there's often a laser filled battle along the way.

Along came Covid and much Sc-Fi binging took place as I revisited everything from Hawkwind concerts to remakes of Battle Star Galactica.

Musically I wanted to capture both the orchestral movie vibe and throw in some late 1960's sounding pop for the sung parts. And there had to be silly voices, robots and characters with unpronounceable names.

There's even some philosophical musing about humankind's propensity towards destruction. Retrospectively, I think the lyrics also reflect the fact that a world wide pandemic was taking place and we had no clue where life was headed.

The title is meant to represent the way many sci-fi series have repeat series and numerous episodes, not to mention remakes. Enthusiasts can often name their favourite series or show.

All recorded in my lock-down man cave. Enjoy a throwback to low budget TV series with predictable plots. You can almost hear the scenery wobble.

StarBlazers. Series 2, Episode 3 - Home
(© Adrian J Pratt 10/20/2020)

This doesn't feel like home to me
This strange alternate galaxy
Where we are I can not tell
But it feels just like hell

How do we get home?
How do we get home?

It's hard to breathe the atmosphere
Not even sure how we got here
This gravity won't let us go
Feeling trapped, feeling alone

How do we get home?
How do we get home?

Comms. This is Earth calling. This is Earth calling
We can not help you. We can not help you.

Tirion: I don't understand. Why are we stuck here. How was this allowed to happen? Who is to blame?

Margorthea: Dear child, we are all to blame. We went too far. We pursued narrow visions of personal power in preference to logic and fact. We thought domination was more important than intergration. And now, this war, will never end. This war will never end. This war will never end.

Comms: We can not help you. We can not help you

Searching for the light each day
A lifetime trying to get away
Could it be the prophets lied?
Are we all just born to die?

How do we get home?
How do we get home?

 

22. I wrote a Song.

 Adrian Song of the week 

 Listen here: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=12885889

 

A very ancient video of a much younger me playing the song at a Bala, UK  youth retreat can be found here: https://youtu.be/b0p5WJ6SIFM

This weeks song is a true masterpiece of composition and incredibly notable for its focus and brevity.  Here are the lyrics.

I wrote a song.

Which don't take long.

It goes like this

That's all it is.

Hmm.

Yep. That's all it is. 17 seconds of mandolin accompanied reflection. Recorded 'live' in my bedroom at my parents house in 20 Orchard Road on an Akai DB 4000 reel to reel deck, more years ago than I care to remember. (Shout out to Paul Maylor who was the mandolins owner)

I have performed this 'live' at various random events over the decades. Most recently at open mic nights. Usually raises a smile or two. 😎🙈😝

After conversations with other creative folk, I have been analysing my own song writing methods and how, at least for me, songs and tunes can happen. 

I've identified the following patterns.

Songs that just arrive. Suddenly there they are in your mind. Can be something you wake up with, or just a random tune that arrives from goodness knows where. 

Songs and tunes created just because I like the way the music sounds or the words fit together.

Songs written specifically for and sometimes with bands I've played with. 

Songs or tunes that come out of experimenting with synths, samples and DAWS.

Songs written for specific purposes such as retreats, worship services, events. If they are written for a group of folk to learn and sing, this has a big impact on the writing process.

Songs of personal devotion or that are reactions to things going in or around my life.

Songs that reflect my beliefs, in particular either a supportive thought or a critique.

Songs about things going on in the world. Politics. Issues of peace and justice.

Songs that are part of musicals (and therefore just part of a bigger picture)

Songs about family and relationships (Including silly love songs) 

Songs co-written with others on a huge variety of themes.

Music put to other folks words or expanding other peoples musical ideas.

Songs that explore a genre I am not familiar with or wish to learn about.

Cover Versions of other peoples songs.

Remixes and Mash Ups.

Q. Do they start with the words or the tune? 

A. Depends which comes to mind first. Can be a thought or it can be a chord sequence, something I just read or a melodic idea that I can't shake off. 

Q. Is it a quick process or a lengthy one? 

A. Again, depends. Some are done in twenty minutes. Some take years of revisits.

Q. Why write at all, particularly when your work generates zero money or is of only limited interest to anybody but yourself? 

A. Because I can. Because it brings me joy. Because sometimes my songs bring others joy. Because it is a way of working things out and expressing things I can't always frame with words alone.  Because it's something I've done as long as I can remember.  Because it keeps my mind focussed and requires creative thought. Because I'm growing older and need to do things that keep the grey matter active.  

Honestly, I have no idea if these thoughts are of any interest to anybody but myself. And that's ok. 

But hey... if I've given you 17 seconds of light relief...  then 'yay!'