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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 13
Casual Observer
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OP
Casual Observer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 13 |
Song was inspired by the story of my grandparents' marriage. Short version: My grandfather, Marshall, was an alcoholic through my mother's (and her siblings') childhood. My grandmother, Minnie, one day decided she had enough. Minnie threw Marshall out and told him to stay gone until he was ready to sober up. Indignant, he returned to his home in Kentucky and stayed gone...for years. Minnie never remarried and went about the business of raising the family alone. One day Marshall shows back up on Minnie's doorstep, straight as an arrow, and vowed to never touch another drop. Minnie kept her promise and took him back. Marshall kept his promise and stayed sober until the day he died some 40 years later. Minnie's strength, despite her vulnerability, amazes me every time I think about it, and her ability to forgive after all is all the more incredible. Marshall's weakness against his demons followed by his strength to not only beat them but to admit to his failings inspires me daily. I couldn't possibly tell this story from only one vantage point. So, this is the first duet I've ever written. The bridge is...ambitious. It's meant to be an argument, heated, both shouting, neither listening, but ultimately they both want the same thing. I'm still on the fence, though, if it works, musically. Long Way HomeOn a cold December eve I beg the whiskey's reprieve As night fall sets in I curse the day’s sins While the wind blows straight through to my bones It's barely been a month And I can hardly tell you're gone But when the midnight wind blows The scent of your ghost Wanders across our home Through cracks in the curtains shines A pale blue honest light Through the cracks in our hearts it finds The pain beneath the pride It’s so hard to just let go Of everything you know But don’t give up if you Still believe in us I’m just taking the long way home You said you knew what you wanted when you slammed that door You thought you could control me But you never dared turn your back on me this way before Rule the ground right below me (The following lines are sung simultaneously) Now I’ve finally discovered how strong I am But freedom’s a lonely place So don't you even think about me if you can't And all the whiskey in Kentucky won’t numb this heartbreak Climb out of that bottle and find your way back home again I’ve beaten the bottle, I’m trying to find my way back home again Through cracks in the curtains shines The breaking morning light And the scars on our hearts remind us That it’s ever worth the fight When the night gives way to dawn And the fighting gives way to calm I want nothing more Than to walk through that door See you walk back through that door At the end of this winding road I’m taking the long way home
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 18
Casual Observer
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Casual Observer
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 18 |
Great song Rob! Really great story and great simple recording really allows the beauty of these lyrics to come through. "Through cracks in the curtains shines a pale blue honest light through the cracks in our hearts it finds the pain beneath the pride." That is really great writing! I really also liked the simultaneously sung lines. That has to be written and sung just right or it becomes a mess. You've pulled it off with aplomb and it really works well. Again, well done all around!!!
Kurt
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,385 Likes: 1
Top 200 Poster
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Top 200 Poster
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,385 Likes: 1 |
Rob, this is an impressive effort. Really strong lyrics, and touching, particularly with your having shared the back story. Like the guitar work as well. The bridge is definitely ambitious, but it works musically (at least IMHO) and you both do a good job with it. I agree with Kurt that it has to be executed perfectly, and as you work this more, I think there are opportunities to get a little tighter with the harmonies and timing in some spots. But overall, this is pretty brilliant—well done and keep working it!
Best--Deej
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
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Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29 |
NIce story Rob. Thoughtful song. Pretty melody.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
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Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Wow, Rob, ambitious to say the least. A unique way of doing this duet. It would have been pretty good anyway but that really added a lot of emotion to this story. Nice g/v as well. If you do add instrumentation, keep it under control so it doesn't step all over all those lyrics. They make the song memorable. Well done.
Ricki
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 13
Casual Observer
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OP
Casual Observer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 13 |
Thanks to all for the feedback. I labored on this song for over the year. I don't consider myself a great lyricist, so for many of my songs I'm happy if they get "close enough." But this one was way too personal to settle for anything less than perfect. I'm glad to hear the effort paid off.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
Top 30 Poster
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Top 30 Poster
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831 |
Hi Rob:
I'm listening as I comment... and I agree with the others. Great "song-story" and the duet is performed flawlessly. Knowing the "provenance" and personal nature of the song really make it special. Thanks for sharing. Really inspiring.
----Dave
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
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Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
Rob,
Wow, a wonderful story, your intro was as exciting as the actual write, I felt like I was caught on the Hallmark channel (I mean that in a good way, I love those movies..LOL).
This is so emotional and a loving tribute, I think the duet, the music, the words are coming together in a brilliant way. I really enjoyed this, my favorite line was
Climb out of that bottle and find your way back home again
Tammy
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