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A request for a seasonal song by an advertising company prompted this. One stipulation was that it shouldn't have the word "Christmas". It hasn't been accepted yet but then it hasn't been turned down yet, either. How does it sound here? https://soundcloud.com/vic-arnold/winters-showWinter's show. © 2018 Vic Arnold The cold, short days and longer nights The darkness decked in sparkling lights. Warming fires and coloured chains. Winter's show is here again. It's so wonderful. It's so beautiful. Comes exciting. Goes like lightning. We will build a man of glistening snow, together in this final winter's show. Crisp and white the evening brings. A twinkling star to heaven sings. Kids asleep but not so deep and mum and dad are counting sheep. It's so wonderful. It's so beautiful. Comes exciting. Goes like lightning. We will build a man of glistening snow, together in this final winter's show.
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Hi Vic:
I read the lyric and then gave "Winter's Show" a listen. Knowing it is intended for advertising explains the relative shortness and structure of the song. I think you "covered the bases" quite well... but wonder if they will take offense to the reference to Heaven in the second line of the second verse? Hopefully not... but these days, one never knows.
Best of luck in this competitive effort. As usual, your vocal shines. ----Dave
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Excellent Vic! I think you stand a good chance in getting the gig. Good luck! Best, John
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Vic,
I think these lyrics are exceptional!--Wonderful lines. You've really captured "magic" with a seasonal song that yes feels like Christmas without literally expressing so. The music vibe also fits so nicely, the arrangement simple yet captivating--one of your best! (I'm not sure you need harmony on end lines, might sound more personal without them).
Good luck with this one mate!
steady-eddie
Last edited by E Swartz; 11/26/18 05:20 AM.
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Vic,
The melody and production sets a nice mood—yes, very “Christmasy” in it’s way (i.e., without the express reference to “Christmas”). Just listening to this on my Mac—no headphones—but it seems to me your vocal seems a bit muffled, and less crisp than usual . . . might just be me.
Also, since you are trying to pitch to an advertising company, I’ll be bit more questioning: What are “coloured chains”? A U.S. guy here—and I have never heard that expression relative to the holidays. And why is it a “final” winter’s show? Does that add complexity for an advertisement?
Love the second verse.
Sorry if I’m being nit-picky, but just trying to channel being someone deciding whether to use this for an ad. On it’s own, it’s a very pretty tune.
My best to you, Vic,
Deej
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A lyric many can relate too. Deej brought up a point with "coloured chains' Perhaps paper chains would be better here? Good song all round best of luck with it John Or pretty paper chains?
Last edited by Travis david; 11/26/18 07:08 AM.
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. Oscar Wilde
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Hi Dave. Thank you. The brief I was given included these statements: "Christmas sound, style, and tone". "Holiday season ballpark would work better than religious songs".
I hope "Heaven" will be taken more as a reference to the sky above us.
Vic
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Thank you John. Well, miracles do happen.
Vic
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That was a nice listen Vic. I also paused at "coloured chains" (frosted panes?) One other spot was "goes like lightning" Maybe in England. In parts of North America, snow is here for us to "enjoy" for at least 4 months! Good luck with this! -Mike
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It sounds good and works to my ear. Pretty and peaceful.
The only issue that came to mind was whether or not it differentiated these lovely wintery images from just a random winter night, versus a night during the holiday season. You might throw in something more direct about "holiday cheer."
Martin
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Thank you Ed. Maybe you are right.
Vic
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Hi Deej. Well, "coloured chains" refer to the paper garlands that are used to decorate at that time of year which probably stem from Roman times when they decorated with flowers, holly and ivy. Usually referred to as Travis says, "paper chains". "Final show" because December is the last big show of the winter (festivities, generosity, decoration, etc). After that it all goes downhill. I hope that all makes sense. Thanks for giving it an ear.
Vic
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Hi Travis. Yes, "paper chains" would fit, thanks but doesn't seem to have the same romance about it though. Maybe "soft refrains" would work. Keep thinking.
Vic
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Warming fires with dancing flames?
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. Oscar Wilde
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Thanks Calvin. I'm happy I brought a smile to your ears.
Vic
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Hi Mike. I'm really surprised that the "coloured chains" line wasn't "got". "Frosted panes", hmmm, not bad.
We always think that time of year comes and goes quick. We do everything like crazy for a few days and then it's gone. I've heard about the snow in Toronto, though. A guitarist friend of mine has been living there for 30 odd years.
Thanks for the look in. Vic
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Just got done listening to this song and enjoyed it.
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Thank you Martin. More holiday cheer needed you say? That needs some thought without mentioning Santa, presents, sleigh bells and Christmas pudding. Maybe not impossible though.
Vic
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Thanks for that sugg Travis. I'll keep it in mind.
Vic
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Thank you Beechnut. That's good enough for me.
Vic
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Vic,
Thanks for the explanation. Colored chains are not a big thing in the States, at least not in my experience . . . although back in Elementary School as a young 'un I recall making or seeing them to decorate the room (with good ol' construction paper). I guess my other reservation to the reference is simply the word "chains" (even if you use "paper chains"). To anyone not readily familiar with the reference, I think "chains" has a negative connotation to it may adversely contrast with the other pleasant images you've created. I like the "frosted panes" suggestion--nice contrast against the 'warming fires"--and paints a bit more of a picture (for me at least).
Good luck with this, Vic! I'll be rooting for you.
All the best,
Deej
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Thanks Deej. Now I'm kind of excited that I may export a phrase to the other sid of the pond. You gave us Brits a few so it could be a fair swap. :-) I agree though, that it may be expedient to change for another version.
Vic
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WELL DONE
Last edited by Cheyenne; 11/30/18 06:16 AM.
One of the most important principles of songwriting is to remember that a good song is a partnership of many different components, all working together to produce a satisfying musical experience.
In that respect, song components are either enhancing or compromising their combined effects.
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Thanks Cheyenne. Sadly, I just heard back from the guys who are supposed to be pitching this who say they like the lyric and the vocal but there are performance issues. Apart from the age in my wobbly vocal I'm not sure what they mean. Oh well, another time, another place.
Vic
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Ahhh! It did get a local radio play today on Source.
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Hi again, Vic:
I was surprised at the curiosity involving the line about "Colored Chains." During my elementary school years as Christmas approached, (circa 1944) our teachers would have us help decorate our classrooms with brightly colored strips of paper neatly cut and then glued to other strips by forming loops as in the links of a chain. When enough loops were eventually glued together, the ladders would be brought in and the older kids would attach them in garland fashion to nails that had been hammered to the door and window facings, draping them around the room, much as Christmas lights are strung around these days. We did not have electric lights because most schools were limited to what could be spent from public funds. Some had only limited electric lighting a few outlets or receptacles for appliances, etc.
Many of our classmates were dirt poor and would take their newly learned skills (paper chain making) home and decorate their rooms, Christmas Trees or doorways in this fashion. In other communities, popcorn would be sewn in long strips and form decorative chains to be draped around the tree.
Times have changed but perhaps some countries continue to practice this tradition... and even some rural schools and churches observe the decorative part of Christmas this way.
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We kids did the same, Dave. Part of the whole deal. Now they are ready made so you just buy them. Maybe one day they'll be built into the walls and you just switch them on when required.
Vic
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This song does bring the feel of "the season", Vic. How about: Warming fires, colored paper chains? A slight nit, "together in this final winter's show". Living in NE Wisconsin, I can't relate. This is just the start, the tip of the iceberg. There will be at least another 2 to 3 months before this show tapers off. Just sayin... All the best in your endeavors. Ricki
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Hi Ricki. Thanks for the suggestions. By "Winter's Show" I am describing mainly the festivities and excitement, not so much the cold weather, although that has a part to play.
Vic
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Hi Vic,
Wow -- this somehow feels like a Christmas classic! It's beautifully done, all the way around! You sound great, as usual! I saw the debate about the colored chains. I was imagining a string of colored lights and it didn't strike me as being off, though it's true that it is unusual! I thought candy canes, though I've heard that they're not too popular a Christmas item in the UK!
Lisa
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Lisa! You popped up again. Good to see your smiley face and thank you for your comments. True about "candy canes" although most over here know it's a Christmas thing with you over there, but it is a good alternative.
Vic.
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