|
9 members (Fdemetrio, bennash, VNORTH2, couchgrouch, Everett Adams, Bill Draper, 3 invisible),
1,182
guests, and
238
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Welcome to the Just Plain Folks forums! You are currently viewing our forums as a Guest which gives you limited access to most of our discussions and to other features.
By joining our free community you will have access to post and respond to topics, communicate privately with our users (PM), respond to polls, upload content, and access many other features. Registration is fast, simple, and absolutely free; so please join our community today!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mutlu
by Gary E. Andrews - 04/15/24 07:08 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi All, This is my take on not ever being able to go home again. There has been some discussion about posters explaining what their goals are when posting a new song. I know my songs are mostly not "commercial" but I write them because they're in my head and this is how I get them out. My goal is to tell an interesting story with a catchy melody that may be remembered for at least a little while afterward. Since I'm not a performer, this is a good avenue for me to send my songs out into the world and find out what just plain folks think about them. http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7101642BACK HOME ©Ricki E. Bellos Sunday dinner in the air All the relatives are there Mom and Dad, Gram and Grandpa too Family never meant so much Until you couldn’t feel their touch Only empty chairs wait for you It’s so hard to go on When all your bridges are gone You’d give anything to get back home Your old room looks the same As the day you ran away You lay your hands upon the wall There are so many memories here You felt something you swear But there’s no soul left here at all It’s so hard to go on When all your bridges are gone You’d give anything to get back home Even now you reach for them You try again and again Remembering when you first drove off Watched in the mirror until the bend It’s so hard to go on When all your bridges are gone You’d give anything to get back home It’s so hard to go on When all your bridges are gone You’d give anything to get back home
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 162
Serious Contributor
|
|
Serious Contributor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 162 |
Hi Ricki, Have not been around much as far as doing any critiques so it was really nice to get started back with this song. I did get involved in the broken record project and had the complete joy of working with Lynn Orloff... putting some music to her wonderful lyrics. Hope you will give it a listen when it gets posted. Anyway.... I think it is just plain wrong for you to say you are not a performer!!!  What I just listened too was not only a really interesting and emotional song... it was a really good performance of it. It sounds like this is coming from some place very deep inside of you. Whew.... a real thought provoker... just what I really like in a song. Great job!
Ed Thomas
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,082 Likes: 1
Top 10 Poster
|
|
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,082 Likes: 1 |
Well, I'll soon be making the annual pilgrimage myself. Thanks for putting me in the mood.  Your voice and guitar sound great on this, Ricki. Music is haunting and the lyric feels right too. Second verse really resonated with me....felt that many times..... Scott
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,409
Top 200 Poster
|
|
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,409 |
Hi Ricki,
This is a mesmerizing song. You underestimate your talent. You have a unique sound and style, a mix of Carol King and a mellow Janice Joplin maybe. Sad song that touches you, and I like a song that touches people.
One bad thing Ricki,
Your frog scares me....lol
Letha
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,941 Likes: 3
Top 10 Poster
|
|
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,941 Likes: 3 |
Pretty powerful tune and a very good performance. Well done and moving. It's all good from where I sit.
This is one where added instruments/harmony in the middle section then going back down to just vocal/guitar again would work also, I think.
Kevin
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,725
Top 50 Poster
|
|
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,725 |
I agree with Letha, don't underestimate yourself, this "is" powerful stuff you got here.... Now I'm homesick
http://www.soundclick.com/louistwinn"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." Thoreau
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
HI Ed,
Thanks for giving this a listen. What someone can produce in a studio and what they can do on a stage are worlds apart. Trust me when I say I am NOT a performer. I am cursed to be able to write songs that only I will ever want to sing but I view it as my artistic expression and don't allow myself to expect anything from it. I'll keep doing it as long as it's fun. Glad you liked it.
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi Scott,
Ah yes, nothing like the holidays to put things in perspective. My husband and I have no more parents between us and even at this age consider ourselves orphans. We have a few siblings but to me, parents are where "home" always was and without them, well home and the holidays will never be quite the same. I finally understand why some people get so depressed during what should be a happy season. Ho, ho, ho!!!
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,670 Likes: 2
Top 100 Poster
|
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,670 Likes: 2 |
So pretty and moving, Ricki. It really touches a chord. And I agree, your voice here is a kind of Joni Mitchell-Janis Joplin blend.  Lovely melodies. Only one nit: In verse 2, line 2, you say you ran away. This creates a certain kind of image, inconsistent with the loving memories. And in the bridge, line 3, it appears that you drove off in a car, apparently reluctantly. These notions seem contradictory. If you simply say "went away" rather than "ran away" in verse 2, line 2, the problem would be resolved. Anyway, keep-or-sweep. Donna Hi All, This is my take on not ever being able to go home again. There has been some discussion about posters explaining what their goals are when posting a new song. I know my songs are mostly not "commercial" but I write them because they're in my head and this is how I get them out. My goal is to tell an interesting story with a catchy melody that may be remembered for at least a little while afterward. Since I'm not a performer, this is a good avenue for me to send my songs out into the world and find out what just plain folks think about them. http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7101642BACK HOME ©Ricki E. Bellos Sunday dinner in the air All the relatives are there Mom and Dad, Gram and Grandpa too Family never meant so much Until you couldn’t feel their touch Only empty chairs wait for you It’s so hard to go on When all your bridges are gone You’d give anything to get back home Your old room looks the same As the day you ran away You lay your hands upon the wall There are so many memories here You felt something you swear But there’s no soul left here at all It’s so hard to go on When all your bridges are gone You’d give anything to get back home Even now you reach for them You try again and again Remembering when you first drove off Watched in the mirror until the bend It’s so hard to go on When all your bridges are gone You’d give anything to get back home It’s so hard to go on When all your bridges are gone You’d give anything to get back home
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,235
Top 200 Poster
|
|
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,235 |
Ricki,
This is just striking and so melancholy. When I grow-up musically, I want to be you. I love the line "watched in the mirror until the bend." That's such a striking image of the divide between memory and reality, childhood and adulthood.
You should be performing somewhere. Even if it's just for a few friends. Your voice really carries these tunes and it's so expressive. I wish I had the skill to do that.
I always wonder how you get such a clear, crisp sound, and if you tend to use alternate tunings. Love the sound of your guitar on these pieces. Mine always sounds like I'm playing at the bottom of a giant bucket.
Good stuff, as always.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,865
Top 100 Poster
|
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,865 |
Ricki, that frog just freaks me out!! lol
I do like this, for all the reasons stated, you've got an interesting blend in your vocals and it comes out so well, my blend soured some time ago.
Very nice, I think I may go and listen again, since I'm finally able to! (had some comp. issues the past few days)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi Letha,
Thanks so much, King & Joplin mix, WOW!!! When it's humid and my hair is frizzy and I'm in the dark, I look like Carol King! Coincidence?
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi Calvin,
Thanks for always listening and being so kind.
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi Kevin,,
Thanks for listening and for the input. I didn't hear harmony in my head at the time but can see where it may help fill it out.
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi Louis,
Thanks a bunch, but did it make you cry?
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,240
Top 10 Poster
|
|
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,240 |
Well...gal...If you were playing out...I'd listen. Your voice is special...real...and this song is incredibly touching!!...
My only concern is the very same as Donna's.... I am reading this as....although the singer wants to go home....there's no one there any more...and there was some pain/rift of some type in the leaving.....
Very moving...ya know...It's something how when I was much younger....I thought all those relatives were going to be there...One by one...the older ones...and (some younger ones) die...and that very very strong realization hits you like a brick.
yeah...I'm feeling this one tonight..good job...
best...
Kaley
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,386
Top 30 Poster
|
|
Top 30 Poster
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,386 |
Hey Limey, Thought I had commented on this already -- did I send you a PM maybe when you posted it on Mentor? Regardless, I'll reiterate how much I enjoyed this. And the fact that you really DON'T consider yourself a performer makes me hate you all the more -- you're HUMBLE on top of being so talented.  Can you imagine what would ever happen if I could sing? The board would have to shut down because I'd never let anyone get a word in edgewise! While this song would resonate with me whenever you posted it, it particularly does so during this time of year. It seems we have a lot of "nostalgic" tunes showing up... Hard to pick out favorites parts in your songs anymore...they're all so good. The image of the empty chairs is very sad.... Again, I have that same "private concert" feeling about this. As if you sat down and this song just poured out of you. Yeah, you're no performer. And I'm shy and ladylike!!  Keep up the good work, girlie! Thanks so much for sharing.... Beth
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,440
Serious Contributor
|
|
Serious Contributor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,440 |
Beautiful song but it depresses me because my family doesn't want me to come home this year and it will be my first Xmas away from them. Hopefully I can find something to cheer me up in Nashville this Xmas.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi Donna,
Thanks for listening, you're way too kind. I see your point about the "ran away". At the time, I was thinking more about impetuous teenagers, yelling and screaming things they don't really mean, wishing they could take them back, but finding it's too late. Even as they're headed out the door, they're regretting everything, wishing someone would stop them. Anyway, that's too long of an explanation. It should be made clearer in the lyric. I'll have to think about it. Thanks,
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 499
Serious Contributor
|
|
Serious Contributor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 499 |
Hey Ricke sounds good to me, I like your style and the acoustic guitar. Are you have-in fun.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi Wendy.
Thanks, glad you like this one. You crack me up. I couldn't sing and play in front of anyone with a gun to my head! It's just not in me. It's said as you age, you stop caring about what other people think and are able to free yourself from things like performance anxiety. Guess I'm not old enough yet.
As for the recording, the guy is really good, don't know what he uses but I sound a lot better than I really am. As for tunings, I only know 2, in and out, and I can't always tell the difference. That's what I pay him for.
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi Caroline,
He's just looking at your avatar! Thanks for the compliments, glad you like it.
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi Kaley,
Thanks a lot for listening, glad you felt it.
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi Beth,
Thanks for listening and for all your support. Yes, you did send a PM about this song but that's OK, I can handle a double dose of warm fuzzies. And I'm really not that humble. It's a terminal lack of self confidence along with an enlarged self-critic. I'm amazed that I can get up in the morning and function at all!
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,386
Top 30 Poster
|
|
Top 30 Poster
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,386 |
Oh dear, Limey, An enlarged self-critic? :o Don't they have any sort of antibiotics for you? Have they tried lancing it? Goodness, I hope they don't have to amputate. Although, if your lack of self-confidence is terminal, there's probably no need to put you thru all that anyway... Good luck, my dear friend, and I hope you're able to crank out another song or two -- before it's too late! xoxo, Beth
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,195 Likes: 1
Top 100 Poster
|
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,195 Likes: 1 |
Yes, yes.....
Nice guitar work and very fine lyrics. This really works. Very enjoyable song. I like the imagery.
Tom
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,788
Top 40 Poster
|
|
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,788 |
This one really bares your soul Ricki so thanks for sharing something so personal. I love your voice!!! I'm not saying it isn't hard to try and enjoy the holidays without special loved ones, but think about how you will see them again and how this is but a temporary separation and they would want you smiling. Best to you, Lynn
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi Rblight,
Thank you for stopping by for a listen. Sorry this depressed you. I like it when people feel emotions because of my music but not that one. Hope it was short lived and that you find what will make you happy for the holidays and beyond. All good things.
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi Ordinaryguy,
Thanks for listening. Glad you like it. I'm having so much fun I can hardly stand it!
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hey Beth,
You crack me up!
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,195 Likes: 1
Top 100 Poster
|
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,195 Likes: 1 |
Ricki, the opening cords got me hooked. The quite substance to this song really works. It makes me want to listen. It is very well crafted.
Tom
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,186
Top 10 Poster
|
|
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,186 |
Hi Ricki Great song and Performance.... it's kind of Hard hearing all these great singer songwriters (one other I just read and listened to) putting the songs here and saying you are Not a performer.... if you perform for an audience of just one.... well you Know what I'm saying..... Perhaps you wish to say at the top that you don't wants Notes on your performance ? maybe... This is really well done - take a bow. jm
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 326
Serious Contributor
|
|
Serious Contributor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 326 |
Ricki, when I'm a big, famous songwriter/artist/performer/novelist or whatever, and living in Primrose Hill, I'm gonna send a cheque over to Wisconsin so you can make your own album, which I'll buy...
I want 40% royalties on every other sale though :-)
Lucian
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi Tom,
Thanks for stopping, twice no less! Glad you liked it enough to come back again.
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for listening. I greatly appreciate your comments. Thank you.
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi JM,
Thanks a bunch, glad you like it. I'll be taking my bow now!
Ricki
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
|
|
OP
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895 |
Hi Lucian,
You're back! Thanks, glad you stopped by. Hey, I'll take that check, but the kind without a q, and I'll even give you a free copy. Just where is Primrose Hill?
Ricki
|
|
|
|
We would like to keep the membership in Just Plain Folks FREE! Your donation helps support the many programs we offer including Road Trips and the Music Awards.
|
|
|
Forums117
Topics125,753
Posts1,161,281
Members21,470
| |
Most Online37,523
Jan 25th, 2020
|
|
|
"When will we all, as artists, creators and facilitators learn that the so-called experts in our lives are nothing more than someone who has stepped forward and called themselves an expert?" –Brian Austin Whitney
|
|
|
|
