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hi folks...here's a new one by Floyd and myself. We hope you like it.


https://soundcloud.com/wabash-cannibal/peace


Peace ©2015 Floyd Jane/Robert George BMI

I was sittin’ on my front porch
Drinkin’ bourbon on the rocks
Pink moon peekin’ through the white clouds
Like my big toe through my sock
Pastor Jones stopped by that morning
But he didn’t come inside
Told him I don’t feel like talkin’
I’m just too numb inside

Just a mid-west boy who got scarred in the Middle East
Lost my youth at war, and I was hopin’ for a little peace

My wife useta phone me often
Back when I was over there
But now she lies right here beside me
And can’t find me anywhere

Ev’ry quiet dream at night becomes a howling beast
I’m a haunted man, since Uncle Sam sent me to fight for peace

Took my wife’s advice last Friday
Went down to the local VA
Sat there like a ghost, up until they closed
In that cold, crowded waiting room
Talked awhile to a young Marine
He was burned out on Thorazine
And he left there, in dark despair
After waiting all afternoon

I went back on Monday morning
And I heard the awful news
That Marine kissed this world goodbye
While wearing his dress blues
So I walked out to the graveyard
Found his cross and had to cry
Way too many of us veterans
Need the cross before we die

Then the sun went down and I heard whispers in the trees
And they all said, that anguished vet took a lonely path to peace

Come Sunday my wife tied my tie
Picked the lint off my old shirt
And I held her warm, safe hand
In the front row of that church

Though I know the mem’ries and regrets will never cease
The word of the Lord, is a mighty sword that helps me fight for peace

Thanks, Guys:

Fallujah comes to mind... don't know why? Enjoyed the song and it's powerful warning about the aftermath and horrible cost of war. Not saying we should not fight them... we just need to pick our ground... and our strategies carefully. I appreciate the work that went into this... and Floyd's vocal sure shines. ----Dave

Thanks Dave. It's a somber tune, to be sure, and not an easy listen. It sure sounds like Floyd poured his heart into it, though.

Couch,

It's a heavy subject, but the song held my attention. I listened to it yesterday and knew I was listening to a well crafted song and production, but decided to come back today and listen with fresher ears. These type songs grow on you. Floyd always sings with great passion, which is an asset to this story/theme. This is produced very well.

There is one line in the first verse, (for me anyway) that I thought/felt slightly disconcerting from the "mood build"--the toe sticking out of sock line..........I guess for me, I quickly visualized that which made me smile; you were setting the song up so well--I think a more serious analogy would work better there--JMO of course. I know it paints a picture, but is hard losing that "visual" and not smiling when going into the next line. But that's kind of a nit-pick, but just giving you my impression as I experienced it for what it's worth.

At age 21 I worked at a VA hospital back in 72'--73', and I saw first hand many veterans with every imaginable health & injury issues--so I can easily relate to the song. Many at that time, young Nam vets, WWl & WWII vets. I even helped treat one old Spanish-American War Vet who was over 100 years old at that time.

What a great listen, and great write! Congrats.

steady-eddie

Thanks Eddie. Before I sent the lyric to Floyd I looked closely at the bridge. I recalled it being a little sideways. It seemed ok and off into the cyber-ether it went. Then I looked at it again and I saw those lines. I don't know that they're "bad" but I think I'd write them differently now. I have a lot of songs
like that.

Couch (and Floyd),

I’m hesitant to comment on this one . . . because it’s so fine in many respects. And it starts well, but it loses momentum along the way (for me at least—others may be all good with it, so take it with a mountain of salt). Lyrically, it’s solid and the vocal is great—and I wish I had suggestions for what to change . . . but sadly I don’t have any constructive suggestions. Is there something in the arrangement you could introduce to pull the listener in a bit more? I don't know. It’s just one opinion, so please take it as such . . . Again, there's so much to admire here, and I appreciate the artistry . . . but emotionally something just doesn’t connect for me. Take that for what little it’s worth. Your respective skills are, as usual, admirable and enviable.

My best to you both,

Deej

Deej, it's a somber song and if it doesn't grab you, it doesn't. Hey, I tried and Floyd did, too, haha.

Couch,

I got you . . . and trust me, I understand the effort it takes to write, arrange and record a song like this . . . so I really appreciate you guys putting in the work and sharing it with us. In the end, I'm just one guy (who, some would say, has at times questionable taste in music). I know there's a lot who will hear this and with whom it will connect and profoundly affect. As I said, everything about it is well done . . . and like all songs, some hit us just right and some not quite as much . . . and who really knows why?

Good stuff, both of you, and good luck with it!

Kind regards,

Deej