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Good evening everyone!

A few months ago I wrote some lyrics called My Harbor about a woman who doesn't like to commit. Over the months, I eventually rewrote the lyrics to fit my personal growing relationship with God. I tried writing a spiritual song last year but it just didn't work out, so I was wary to give it another try. However, my dear husband, who is privy to a lot of my demos and finished songs, listened to this and he really likes it, and I'm curious what you all will think of it.

The song is called "Harbor" and it was quite a fun song to record, with many layers of piano (all played by me) and vocals (all me). I love recording BVs! I did the vocals in about two takes after much practicing after a very emotionally trying day too.....

Here are the lyrics:

Harbor

(c) 2011 Ann Feld

Drifting in my boat
I search for any port
Any coast to tie up to
Or I'll continue to float

The storm wails above my head
It feels like years since I've
Had some calm in these sails
Now I want a warm bed

So won't you, so won't you
Give me a place to stay

Chorus:
So lead me to Your harbor
I need Your love in my life
So lead me to Your harbor
Your lighthouse is just what I need
Just what I need

Wandering through these waves
I've always watched Your lights
Flicker through the evening fog
Feeling lonely and deprived

"Come to me in all your strife
And I will give you peace,"
You whisper in my ear
So begins my new life

Sailing closer to your shore
Sailing closer to your shore
Sailing closer to your shore
I'm coming into Your light
Coming into Your light
Coming into Your light

Chorus

As always, let me know what you think of this song and I look forward to hearing what you think! I'm considering this one done, so I'm mainly looking for feedback on how the song sounds, etc. Thanks!

Hi Ann,
This is my favorite kind of vertical song. I like that it shows the angst involved in a spiritual journey. I don't like the songs that are seem to recite the company line.

I also like the dreamy feel of this and the recording is quite good. But I got to tell you Ann to my ear the lead vocal is pitchy and should be redone. I will be interested if other of our fellow songwriters feel the same way or if I just don't get the desonance or something.

Obviously you have talent I think the main vox needs a few more takes.

Tom

<Edit> Your song has been haunting me. I have listened several more times and I think every note you sang was intentional. So you wanted the Dissonance. I think I am a folk singer and you are a musician. I will keep listening as it is sticking with me.

Hi Ann

Finally we get to talk some It SOUNDS wonderful.. You did an excellent jog layering and shaping the song here. You have an ear and a knack for it. Greta levels and tones, it felt really good.

I was taken by the uniqueness of the song overall. Odd and and dissonant melodies throughout and the music seemingly floating along.

I'd say your set sonically, it might be fun to try some more effects on the lead vocal, touch more verb or delay since the song fits that kind of thing so well. But it does work without that too.

Hi Tom,

Thank you so much for the comments! And I'm very glad that you liked my song! Even though I write mostly for myself, I'm always more than happy when one of my songs sticks with people. Thanks again for listening!

Ann Feld

Hey Mike, glad we get to talk some as well!

Thank you for your comments! I use Logic Express for all my songs and over a year after purchasing it, I'm still learning new production techniques. I've never taken a recording engineering or production class, so it was a huge learning curve. In short, it's great to know I'm getting better and that it sounds good to other people besides me and my husband!

As for vocal effects, I thought of doing some more effects on the vocals and I think I might do another version for fun with some. It was a very fun song to layer and record, especially all the vocal parts.

Thanks for listening!

Yep, safe harbor nestled in another's arms, far from the waves of depression, and the islands of one. lovely song~~~MFB III

Ann....before I read Sub and Tom's comments...I thought the same thing....add some more effect to the vocal....some echo...the vocal needs to be as "dreamy" as the music....just my thoughts...nice work so far...Bob

Ann
Your hard work is paying off.
This is a beautifully arranged and produced song.
When you do experiment with effects, like reverb, on your vocals, don't go over board. A little at a time.
The song has a haunting quality to it and i love the layering.

Well done

Ann,
I would have to say that I was surprised at the intro/vibe of this song but I love it! Really good job in the dreamy/airy feel. I too felt some of the singing was pitchy especially towards the beginning. I also feel this is somewhat intentional and I may have to take another listen but a couple of notes really distracted me a little too much. Other than that great song!
Ricky

Rocky, Bob, Nelson, and MFB, thanks for your input and comments! I appreciate that you took the time to listen to my song!

This is really well done. I was surprised (pleasantly) by the intro. I do agree with the vocal suggs. Other than that, no nits.

Hi Ann,

I think the song sounds really nice. It's a beautiful lyric and if I could sing like you, I'd be very happy!

Dottie

Hey Ann,

Love the originality and dreamy quality. The layering of background vocals works well. I think some dreamy reverb on the lead vocal will be the icing on the cake.

Best, John