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!'

21. The Silly Saga of Unexplainable Egbert Nosh

"The Silly Sage of Unexplainable Egbert Nosh"

Two ways to enjoy this weeks song.

Audio Version https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=4111228
Video on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCcqBgM6gn4

A blast from the past.

Egbert Nosh was a colorfully animated cartoon film designed by Hilary Hayton and shown on the BBC May 1 1974 (based on a children's book by Paul Groves.) In it Mr Egbert Nosh takes his house, garage and dustbin for a walk. I was so impressed back then that I wrote a song about it and around 1976 used to sing it with a band called Mr. Grumbold. 

I understand the original cartoon was wiped - but I found a few Nosh pics and a snippet of video on YouTube called 'Egg' on the web. I mixed what I could find up with a few other images. If anybody else remembers it, then enjoy! It's just a silly song about a kiddies book that caught my imagination back in the day :-)

The original book goes for quite a price. (If this link is still active... https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Egbert-Nosh-Paul-Groves/dp/0516034510) Very happy to say my dear wife obtained a copy not to long ago and gave it me as a birthday present. But that was after I put together the video! 

The audio only version has an introduction featuring the words being read as the audience joins in. Doing the honors was now Merseyside DJ 'Chris Currie', who has an excellent radio program showcasing Merseyside music on Monday nights - repeated Tuesday - on Mersey Radio.(merseyradio.co.uk) The opening segment, featuring Chris, was recorded at the United Reformed Church Hall in Hoylake, probably around 1976 and rescued from a cassette tape.

It is an unusual song. Very short. Numerous key changes. Lot of chords. And finishes with a plagiarized nursery rhyme. Amazing what you can come up with when nobody has taught you how songs are meant to sound or should be structured!

The Silly Sage of Unexplainable Egbert Nosh

© Adrian J Pratt 1974 (ish)

Egbert Nosh,
Ever so posh
Have you seen him on your TV?
He's portrayed in technicolour
A funny sort of fellow
Is Egg-Bert, Egg-Bert, Egg-Bert Nosh

He owns a house
Which takes fancies to walking about
So does his garage
His dustbin rides a motorbike

But poor old Egbert could not allow that
It attracted attention
Much to
Much to
Much to
Much to
Much to
Talkabout

So he signs up an agreement
To see his holdings have fair treatment

He promises to take
His holdings out on Sunday
So for the rest of the week
They will remain normal
Suburban sundry.

(Guitar break)

Egbert Nosh,
Ever so posh
Have you seen him on your TV?
He's portrayed in technicolour
A funny sort of fellow
Is Egg-Bert, Egg-Bert, Egg-Bert Nosh

Egbert Nosh, Ever So posh
Egbert Nosh, Ever So posh
Egbert Nosh, Ever So posh
Egbert Nosh, Ever So posh
Egbert Nosh, Egbert Nosh.

20. Battered, Bruised and Bewildered

 

Listen here;  https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14277382

 As news of another senseless shooting and the loss of more innocent lives comes across the news, like many of us I am angry, frustrated, and sad. I don't want to spend time pointing fingers of blame or suggesting how the situation can change, but I do want to acknowledge the helplessness I feel right now, in the face of many situations we are facing in our lives today. 

The politics and division, the violence, the war in Ukraine, folks’ standards of living being eroded by rising prices (with those least able to help themselves being affected most.) and then there are our personal losses and struggles.

 It is overwhelming. Acknowledging that we are all 'battered, bruised and bewildered' is the simple message of the song. Although I wrote it as a reflection on some personal struggles I was facing, I keep returning to it whenever I feel like the storm is greater than my ability to deal with it.

 In some ways it is an acknowledgment that none of us is blameless. We haven't always spoken out when we should or could have. We have remained comfortable with half-truths and easy solutions. We have compromised. We have avoided the discussion because we are not sure if we have anything more to say.

None of us knows what the future may hold. For sure the innocence that we once believed in has long since faded. But we can all acknowledge our failings of the past. And hopefully we can learn from our mistakes and move forward.

 If we insist on cradling our fears and taking a road of inactivity then nothing will ever change. If we go forward with stumbling steps, at least we are moving forward!

 "Just raise your glass to better days."

Battered, Bruised and Bewildered.
© Adrian J Pratt May 18, 1991

 Battered, bruised, and bewildered,
Wondering how my heart has become torn.
Why, oh my soul, you once flew so free,
Now you're questioning the day that you were born.
Don't know how we ever reached here,
I don't know where we should go.
Battered, bruised, and bewildered
Where this road will lead
God only knows

Remember those days of childhood innocence,
When joy and laughter filled all of our time?
But oh, my soul they seem like light years from today
And nothing I can do can bring them back now.
How do we get into these situations?
How are we so easily compromised?
Battered, bruised, and bewildered
No-one who can say
Where our future lies.
 
Don't say to me "I know how you're feeling"
How can anybody know?
Don't say to me
That you know that tomorrow
Will blow all my troubles away...
Just raise your glass to better days

 I tell you I cannot see a way forward,
Out into the darkness I must go
Come on, oh my soul, stop cradling your fears,
Let's get out of here and move down the road.
But don't expect to see me marching in confidence,
Don't expect to find me rushing from place to place
Battered, bruised, and bewildered
It's all you can do
Just to face the day.