Good Morning JPFers! Thought I'd switch gears and post something a little more mainstream. As always, Mike Zaneski has lent his considerable producion skills and artistry to my endeavors. Thanks Mike!

The lyrics, as posted, reflect the change I am contemplating. Let me know if you agree. Any and all other comments are welcome. Thanks for listening.

Ricki

https://soundcloud.com/rickib/sometimes-i-cant-breathe

SOMETIMES I CAN’T BREATHE

Sometimes I can’t breathe
So I hide inside my head
Till life’s a pretty dream
Why did love turn mean
Promises made, hearts betrayed
Vows turn to elegies

Thunder rolls like a summer storm
I wake myself and realize
I’m drowning in cloud colored eyes

Sometimes I can’t breathe
It hits me like a tidal wave
Surrounds me so I can’t be saved
I’m still standing as it recedes
But sometimes I can’t breathe

Sometimes I can’t breathe
In a less hopeful mood
I step back from this scene
I row and I flow
Down the easy river
The past fades as I go

The sea rises like Neptune’s ghost
There’s nothing left to protect me
From its moods and mysteries

Sometimes I can’t breathe
It hits me like a tidal wave
Surrounds me so I can’t be saved
I’m still standing as it recedes
But sometimes I can’t breathe

I can’t breathe
Sometimes I can’t breathe

©Ricki E. Bellos (BMI)

Great concept Ricki! Meaningful lyrics. I like the harmony and vocal. Good work here!

Best, John

Hi Ricki:

I listened about two hours ago and responded with about three pages of praise and exuberance.. but much to my chagrin... not one single sentence made it to this wonderful song-post. I went on about how that sneaky Zaneski had found a way to bring in a Sitar to quietly accompany your pleasing vocal. My he has a way to enhance and surprise us... just like you... with such raw talent and creativity. We are lucky to have JPF for a place to hang our collective hats... and enjoy refreshing new songs. Thanks so much.

I too listened a wee bit earlier Ricki.
.MZ's production skills seem infinate.
Great song Ricki really enjoyed the listen.
A sure fire winner!
Travis

Great lyric that has meaning, Ricki and Mike did a fine job on it.

Just one tiny teeny nit. The phasing in:
"Surrounds me so I can't breathe" sounds a little rushed.

Vic

Ricki

This is another fine song, with great Harmony, taking it to higher level--I like this one a lot!

Mackie

Wow Ricki,

My favorite from you. Fantastic lyric and just a great vocal. Michael did a fantastic job with the production. For me, it had the feel of Sandy Denny’s, Who Knows Where The Time Goes, which is one of my all time faves. Great stuff.

Dave

Ricki,

Well, that’s a pretty tune, and as usual Mike does a nice job on production. But your vocal and the harmonies really make this resonate on the ear. And lovely lyrics, with nice phrasing throughout. I think this might be my favorite listen from you—just because this hits on all cylinders; every aspect is just so sweet. Well done, Ricki!

My humble regards,

Deej

Hi Ricki,


Wow---liked it all, but the dreamy vocal is extra cool.


Calvin


http://www.soundclick.com/bands/0/calvinstewart

Thanks for listening, John.

Ricki

Dave, I don't know if I can handle 3 pages of praise and exuberance! Thank you!

Ricki

This is really nice, Ricki. A cool write.

I like the idea of the lyric swap (above) - getting the big reasons up front and then "rowing and flowing" later in the song.

Mike's production is good - as always.

fj

Thanks for checking it out, Travis.

Rick

I think you mean "surrounds me so I can't be saved"? Yeah, you're right.

Glad you liked it.

Ricki

The backing tracks and the BGV's really work together to support the melody and lyric...great imagery!

It has just of enough ethereal sound with your vocal to emphasize the whole vibe.

Really well done.

J&B

Thanks, Mackie, I'm always striving for a higher lever.

Ricki

Wow, Dave, mine too! Mike has never steered me wrong. Thanks for listening.

Ricki

And my humble thanks to you, Deej.

Ricki

Thanks for listening, Calvin.

Ricki

Thanks for listening and paying attention, Floyd.

Ricki

Thanks for listening and commenting, J&B. Glad you liked it.

Ricki

Ricki

That is another lovely song. The lyrics are in counterpoint to the languid arrangement. I like your voice a lot - it reminds me of Judy Sill - a 1970s performer who departed early.

Hello again, Mike. Thank you for the possitive comments and thanks for the comparison. It was only recently that I heard about her and am honored by it.

Ricki

Hey Ricki,

That's a very meditative song. Very mellow listen. And paradoxically, the breathy vocal just lends to the overall feel.

Took me away ...

cheers, niteshift

Thanks for listening, Nite. I hope it didn't take you too far away...

Ricki

Wow!..I love this tune! Awesome everything, production too!

Wow! Thanks for listening, James, and the enthusiasm!

Ricki

Beautiful! And I loved the harmonies. Have you changed the lyric since posting? The latter half of v1 doesn't match the recording.

Thanks Owen, glad you enjoyed it. Did you happen to read my first post?

RIcki

Just lovely. Your gentle vocal fits so well with the tune and the dreamy nature of the lyrics. Personally, I wouldn't swap the lyrics, but keep them as they are. The "Down the easy river" line may be metaphorical, but it paints a strong visual picture. For the rest of the song I was in a boat on that river with you singing to me. Also the references to drowning and even the tidal wave somehow feel more meaningful then.

Just my opinion. Either way, it's absolutely wonderful.

Thanks for listening, Gavin, and your comments. I thought the same thing until it was pointed out to me that I don't say what the problem is, why I can't breathe, until way later in the song. If I change it, eveyone will know from the start. It won't take much for the change and then I'll have it both ways...win-win!

Ricki

WOW!! Great song, Enjoyed the whole trip.

Douglas

Thanks for tuning in, Douglas.

Ricki