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Hi everybody. Seasons greetings to you all.

I wrote this thinking about things we usually get paid for but some would do anyway.
There's a little twist in the tail.

Vic

https://soundcloud.com/vic-arnold/doing-it-for-nothing

Doing it for nothing ©2020 Vic Arnold
V.1
See him with the guitar
sitting on a stool,
bathing in the spotlight,
looking kinda cool.
Room's half empty.
Everyone is quiet.
Turns up the amplifier,
starts a little riot.
V.2
Writes a few love songs,
Blues and serenades.
Local promoter says
"Son, you got it made".
Come and light up my bar room
any night or day.
Free beer but
you don't get paid
Ch.1
Doing it for nothing.
Guitar and shades.
Doing it for nothing.
"Son, you got it made".
Doing it for nothing.
Don't get paid.
Doing it for nothing
but you'd do it anyway .
V.3
See her with her friends
walking 'cross the sand,
picking up the plastic,
needles and cans.
Gets a nod of thanks
and a picture in the press.
Mentioned in the church mag.
for cleaning up the mess.
Ch.2
Doing it for nothing.
Bagging up the trash.
Doing it for nothing.
No a whiff of cash
Doing it for nothing
on a rainy day.
Doing it for nothing.
She'd do it anyway.
V.4
Had a reputation
for dealing in dope.
Got a little problem
on a slippery slope
Now he stands on the corner
smoking his weed.
Looking for a handout.
Mind gone to seed.
Ch.2
Doing it for nothing.
White cane and shades.
Doing it for nothing.
No job, no trade.
Doing it for nothing.
Don't get paid.
Doing it for nothing.
He'd do it anyway.

Well written and well done.
4 hits on the title in the chorus.
Good contrast between sections.
Very good!

Have fun!

Thanks and Happy 2021 to you, Guy.

Vic

Hey Vic...I like the story line on this...The mere fact he's doing it for nothing, his life is in reality a facade, maybe that 4th line could be more in line with the theme...Maybe a change in a word would give an even more descriptive look into his personality?

Instead of "looking" kinda cool...

Acting kinda cool (or)
Acting like he's cool

Lyrics appear simple and fun on the surface with under current of more complex deeper meaning - Fun yet a little tragic. Awesome.
Voice has a lot of distinguished character loved it from the start.
Instantly had a Deja Vu when I heard the voice but can’t pin it down why it hits home.

Thanks Steve.
Yes, changing that part of the lyric would change the character of the guitar man.
Not sure whether I would want to change it though. I know many people who gig for free. Me included in the last couple of years.

Vic

Hi Calcoic.

Thanks for the listen and comment. You heard it about right.

Vic

Very catchy. The chorus is still playing in my head. Great hook. Really enjoyed this. I especially like the bouncy guitar solos.

I listened without looking at the lyrics and had the occasional problem making out the words. Could it have something to do with the EQ? Somebody who knows more about this might be able to be more helpful. Or maybe it's just me, as usual. Anyway, it didn't stop me from really liking this.

Hi Gavin.
It may be our old ears not picking up some of the high frequencies. If I turn up the highs it may be too high for younger ears.
I have already cut some of the lows and have now cut some more after your comment. You may like to have another listen.
Come to think of it though, I can't hear much of the lyrics on modern songs nowadays either.
Thanks for the comments.

Vic

Ah yes, Vic, but your lyrics are actually worth hearing

I should probably just shut up. I find your voice comes through more clearly now, but a bit of sibilance has crept in on the esses.

Hi Gavin. Thanks again.
Sibil ance is a problem I have (her brother Adam is just as bad).

I have to trade that for clarity, it seems.
I had another stab at it by manually decreasing the vol in the s's. If that doesn't work, I'm doomed.

Vic

I think that's better, Vic. I've had to do that same thing - manually decreasing the volume on the -esses. I have a de-esser, but it doesn't seem to do a great job.

Phew!

Hey Vic,

That was entertaining and a fun listen! Clever!

steady-eddie

Cheers Eddie.
Happy new year.

Vic

Enjoyed the listen Vic a long tale or tail even well produced I like the guitar,. Happy New Year
John

Hi Travis. Thanks for that.
It's actually under 3 minutes but maybe just seems long. :-)

Vic

Hi Vic
Fun song - but sadly true these days
The length of this one is ... perfect!
Sing your song and get off the frickin' stage is what I say
Great hook (ala Money for Nothin) and you milk it well.
If I were a nit-picker I'd say your vocal is a bit muddy esp near the start - maybe notch out some mids?

Well written and performed IMHCO (canadian opinion)
Paul

Thanks Paul.
Glad you enjoyed it.
I did take out some of the mid lows earlier. Maybe I'll take out more now you mention it.

Vic

Hmmm! It seems the BBC have listened to this and it's being aired on a BBC regional station with Bethan Elfyn next week.

One small step for man ........

Vic

Congrats, Vic. How did they hear it. Did they happen to be passing your house?
I know they have a program for discovering local music. I think Travis is a bit of an expert in it.

Gavin, more like I was passing their letter box and mailed it in. :-)

Noooo! I send them stuff now and again. It's called "BBC Introducing".
Usually I get a message saying "someone has listened to your track but that doesn't mean it will be played".
Usually it isn't but this time ....

Vic