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A MASTER OF REASON AND RHYME

you were never one for modesty
but honestly
it might do you good
if you took the time to listen
you might learn a lesson
i think you should
you're mired in mere mediocrity
you miss the message most of the time
it takes more than you've managed to muster
to be a master of reason and rhyme

your hackneyed cliches don't ever
find clever
or hit the mark
sometimes it seems you'll never
find your way
out of the dark
the finer points of perfect still elude you
nothing's ever polished to a shine
it takes more than a baggart's swagger
to be a master of reason and rhyme

you've convinced yourself
you can stand with the best
trust me when i tell you
you'd never pass the test

mired in mere mediocrity
you miss the message most of the time
it takes more than you've managed to muster
to be a master of reason and rhyme

so much you need to see before you'll ever be
a master of reason and rhyme

I really enjoyed your song...Very well crafted all around
Regards
Mimmo

Wow, Floyd:

I really like that song. Remind me to do my best to "stay in your Good Graces... 'cause you have the ability to use your musical machete to perfection... LOL! Entertainment and education all rolled up into one great song. I don't know which is most memorable... the melody or the lyric... but this one is capable of "turning heads." You've been missed, my friend. Thanks for your creativity and talent. I hope you can convince your two "side-kicks" to visit us and share their talent some more.

All the best... and before I forget... Happy Turkey Day!

----Dave

I thought it was well done, but the lyric comes across as....mean. Occasionally that can backfire. (where the singer appears worse than the subject)
Best
-Mike

A harsh message "juxtaposed" across a very relaxed musical background.
Very different. Nicely crafted.

Martin

Hi Floyd,
I know a couple of people...this might make a good Christmas gift..lol
you have always had a way with lyric I think is so relaxed. thats about the only word that fits for me.
and I always liked your vocals..good song, have a great night. Lane

Hello Floyd,


This is reeeeal smooth, nice work.


Calvin


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

Well said, Floyd but I, too, was expecting music that was a little more in keeping with the biting message. No peaceful easy feelings being shared here. The music gives one a false sense of security but then that's striped away in the first few lines. Just sayin...

Ricki

Floyd, I sent you a PM. Sometimes my messages don't get through so I'm giving you a heads up.

Hi Floyd.
That gentle arrangement seems to take away any "meanness" in the lyric.
It works like that.
Well written too.

Vic

You know how with all the best songs, you feel like the singer is speaking directly to you....? LOL

With that gentle laid back delivery, this is a kick-up the backside delivered by a suede loafer. I think the gentle musical treatment actually adds power - it's dismissive, as if it's really not worth your effort to get worked up about this jerk. The contrast between lyric and melody is amusing. I enjoyed it.

When you are even more of a megastar than you already are, you will provide a living for journalists and professors of musical history arguing over who the song is about (or, in the case of the professors, of course, about whom the song is).

Hi Floyd,

Sounded good! I like the theme and I feel the easy going contrasting music actually gives credence to the singer--as he is being very direct in his criticism to whomever! In other words, harsher music may make the singer sound like a envious whiner or maybe expressing "sour grapes." As music is, very clever IMO.............as the singer's statements feel truthful.

One thought or sug, should you ever want to take this back into production, was maybe lyrically, it might interesting to have the bridge "reflect" an earlier time when this person was more kind/secure and more virtuous. That IMO, might demonstrate better or give you/us more reason to admonish this person--else why would you care or even bother admonishing this poor soul? Regardless, it works as you have it--just a lyrical thought.

Another good one for you, and I certainly enjoyed your performance.

steady-eddie

Hey, Floyd,

I read the lyrics before playing the tune, and I really like that the lyrics themselves reveal the melody (i.e., by reading I almost heard the song before playing it—that’s very cool!) And the sound and production didn’t disappoint. Really nice song you have here.

After listening and reviewing some of the other comments, a few thoughts: Personally, I disagree that the softer arrangement belies the message of the song. I think the contrast works well, particularly because I don’t think the message being delivered here is solely intended as mean-spirited. To me, the tone is not one of superiority, but one that intends to convey an honest assessment of someone who’s behaved poorly. It seems to me less a condemnation than an intervention. So that’s why the softer arrangement works (for me, at least).

But to 9ne’s point, it’s a fine line—though really the only time you talk down to the subject is the “you’re mired in mere mediocrity” line. Great alliteration on that one—would hate to lose it—but if folks are feeling it’s “harsh,” that might be the line that does it.

Sorry for the long comment—but great songs illicit protracted dialogue. And this is a terrific tune.

My best to you, Floyd,

Deej

Wow,what did i do you?Haha,it's okay i can take it,this one sure makes a person feel you're singing to them.Still,all around straight to the point nice tune Floyd.I enjoyed the poke. Mike

Compliments on the mix. Many times I hear a good mix but the vocals are a bit too hot. This is just right! the instruments are flowing around the vocal. Yet the vocalist is very clear and never overtaken by the music. This is a VERY good mix to my ears.

The song is not really my style but I don't mind the music/delivery vs the "mean" lyrics. My feeling on this is the singer is not basing his feelings on emotion. He has taken the time to think this through and s ready to bring the hammer!

I will say there is a little feeling of the pot calling the kettle black....It feels like the singer is a "master of reason and rhyme". Or at least he knows for sure what one is....

Seems like he is singing from a position very much above who he is singing about if that makes sense?

Still not an issue for me. Just an observation.

Great work!

Ricky

Hey floyd,

I really, really like this. Your production shines, your performance is stellar and the music is such a pleasant journey.

It seems that I heard the lyrics very differently from a number of people above me. I didn't hear them as mean at all.

To me, these words came across as a guy looking at himself in a mirror, or maybe singing to a photograph or billboard picture of himself, and reflecting on his present circumstances and addressing some huge self-doubts through self-criticism and negative self-assessment; in other words,he's beating himself up. The image that came to my mind as I listened was of someone who's been putting a tremendous effort into trying to become a successful singer/songwriter, but at the moment-in-time in which these lyrics are set, he has been knocked down just once too often and is finding it a tough call to pick himself up yet one more time.

This song would be ideally suited to a stage production about the life of a country singer and the story of his ups and downs as he strives for ultimate success. In the context of such a stage production, this song would be powerful.

To my ears, you've out-done yourself with this one. It's a tough write. You've created a backing that is very well suited for framing self-reflection and self-criticism. This song showcases wonderful writing and presenting in every way.

All the best,
Noel

Floyd,

First time I've heard this one. Great song and presentation. As I've told you countless times - you're a master of the songwriting craft. This one reminds me of something Ed Bruce might have done - he was one of my favorite sing-songwriters of the 70s and 80s. Tis always a pleasure to hear a Floyd Jane masterpiece.

Floyd.............Floy--oyd?

Are you still kick'n?

steady-eddie

such a classic voice, like nilsson like denver.....smooth and effortless. I have always envied that.

Ah Floyd....
I love it when you bare your teeth.
Cheers.
Richard

Floyd

I haven't been here for a while--You are sounding top shelf, with a fine lyric and recording--I think George Strait needs this one, to add to his collection of HITZ!

Write on!

Mackie