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This one is probably a little "artsy" but that's just what the music suggested.

Close Your Eyes and Smile
© 2002 Harriet Ames

vs1
When hills hold the mist like a blanket of white
And veils the emergence of day from the night
Take a walk in the clouds, lift your face to the sky
Just close your eyes and smile

vs2
Sit next to a river whose current is strong
My voice will return woven into it's song
Recalling the good times, ignoring the trials
Just close your eyes and smile

bridge
We make our choices
Set forces in play
Then hear the voices
When it's too late to change

vs3
So pass on regret, put it out of your mind
At those moments when comfort is too hard to find
Remember our samba was sweet for a while
Just close your eyes and smile

Just close your eyes and smile

Don't shed a tear....just smile

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Harriet

[This message has been edited by Harriet Ames (edited 06-28-2002).]

If I type quickly I can be the first to say this is really good! I was deer hunting one morning in Tennessee and I was above the fog hanging to the side of the mountain and it looked like I was above the clouds. Very nice!!!
Tony

Thanks Tony,
Being a child of the rain, I just have to use those images now and then. Hard to explain the feeling of being surrounded by a fog. it's magical for me.


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Harriet

Well it MIGHT be artsy, but i really enjoyed it. Flowed really well too. Real solid effort Harriet.

Hi there Harriet. This lyric is fabulous and knowing now how you sing I know it would sound great. I'll go so far as to say it's the best of yours I've ever read, and you've had some really good ones in the past but this one is something special, just the right length - love the bridge. Glad you got back home safety, it was a joy to meet you. Cheers, Judy

Thanks Blake,
Glad you enjoyed it.
The music for this is more ethereal than my usual fare, and I catered to it's wishes.

Thanks Judy,
One of my best? I might agree, But I'm deep ithe middle of a very strong case pf New Song Syndrome,(and so my opinion is not to be trusted )
It was good to meet you, too. Although I got home and felt like I'd barely spent time with a number of folks (like you) So I'm already counting on next year.

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Harriet

Beautiful.

Only one thing stops me, and it may be just a personal hang-up of mine. The word "shroud", to me, sounds funereal. Like in the song Ribbon of Darkness by Gordon Lightfoot:

Clouds a gatherin' over my head,
That shroud the day and hide the sun

I know shroud has other definitions, like "enveloping", and some nautical meaning I've forgotton, but I can't shake the "funeral shroud" or the Shroud of Turin.

It's a good word, onamotapoetic, but it gives me a sinister prelude that doesn't match the pastoral beauty of the lyric.

By the way, "samba" knocks me out.

hi harriet...when you live in the moment and are aware that everything we need is at hand then when life throws you a curve all you can do is smile pick yourself up and move on...great sentiment...great visual lyrics...great song...terry

Thanks Mike,
Let me start from your last remark.
Of all the words in this, the one I thought I had the most chance of getting slammed on was "Samba" almost took it out. Thanks for the vote
Now....shroud......hmmmmmm, hadn't thought of Turin. No..... that's not wuite the image I'm going for. But enveloping is. Obscuring was the first word I tried, but it seemed kinda clumsy. It's an image of "semi-sorta" darkness I was aiming for, where a heavy mist or fog can blockout the first faint light of morning.
well maybe there's another word. I'll think on that.

Thanks Terry,
yeah, You got it. My biggest point to this was you can't get carried away with second guessing. There's a lot that you can't go back and change, so just reflect and move on.

I've been doing a whole lot of that lately. Coming to terms with closing down my farm, knowing what went wrong, knowing how it could be done right, but deciding that's not something I want to do. But I'm taking away some great memories of the things that went right.

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Harriet

This is very nice, Harriet. The story here is kinda between the lines, but only in such a way that people can fill in the blanks with similar circumstances for their own lives. Not much to nit here, but okay, I'll slam ya a bit on "samba". It seems to stick out in a bad way, but it sings well, so I'd leave it in unless you can think of a better synonym.

Nice job! Good luck with this one.

Anthony

Hi harriet,
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved these lines. So pass on regret, put it out of your mind
At those moments when comfort is too hard to find
I will ahve to jump on the band wagon though and say I didnt care for samba. Not bad for a one word nit huh.
Take Care
Ria


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http://angelfire.com/amiga/riassonglyrics

Beautiful Harriet

Nadda nit from me, really enjoyed the read this morning.

Take care,
Amelia

Me again Harriet. Just wanted to add my comment on "samba". I'm with Mike, it was the one word that got me right in, really nice. You could have used "dance" but not nearly as interesting. Also just wanted to say that the most disappointing thing for me at Pineyfest was the fact that I didn't get the chance to really spend time with people - my fault because we were staying in town and had so many other things happening. Also looking forward to next time and really getting to know you a bit better. Cheers, Judy

Hi, Harriet!

I like this. It is the beauty and reality of nature that often helps me climb above the artifice of civilization and remember what is important in this world.
Good as is but I would like to make some suggestions, take or leave as desired.

and veils the emergence

remember my voice woven into its song

Although I like the sound of samba, it triggers an image of an energetic dance which would work if you had described the nature scene in a less placid way.

Instead of samba, perhaps concert since that integrates both the song and the union of the two in its definition.

bridge
Sometimes our choices
set forces in play
We can't hear the voices
'till it's too late to change

or

and don't listen to voices


JeanB

[This message has been edited by JeanB (edited 06-28-2002).]

I quite honestly could cry at these lines:

Remember our samba was sweet for a while
Just close your eyes and smile

Such sad emotion, yet sweet sentiments. Artsy or not, I happen to love every word of it!!

Excellent writing my friend!!
Tink

Thanks Anthony,
wow, that's all you can nit me? Guess you haven't had enough beers yet
(and psssssst just between you and me, I'm thinking I sing this one different than most of my others.......NO not "Ain't"style

Thanks Ria,
hmmmt two votes against samba...(and counting)

You picked out a couple of my favorite lines. When I found them I knew then exactly what I was trying to say.

Thanks Amelia,
no nits? you're to generous. (but okay

Thanks again Judy,
another vote for samba. I like it. but we'll see.sure don't know yet what I'd replace it with

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Harriet

Thanks Jean,
oooooh VEIL might be the word I need!!!
started with blurred (NO!)
obscured (clunky)
the word that would have fit is CLOUDED, but that was taken already.
Yes.... I think you've given me the right word

In the second verse, I was trying to pull an example of how the memories will flashback here and there. So "my voice will RETURN" is more the thought than REMEMBER my voice.

The singer is basically saying, "there will be things that trigger memories of me, and maybe make you second guess. but don't look back with regret, that maybe it was a mistake to end it, just smile at what was good"
Now as to samba....... I know it's a more energetic dance than I wanted.... but it rolls off the tongue so nicely. (couldn't say "Our LAMBATA was sweet for a while"
Okay, gonna make you think... Do you remember a song from the 60's (or earlier maybe) called "One-Note Samba"? that had a slower feel to it. at any rate, if you can find another dance (two syllable) that "sounds" better, I might change it. Otherwise , my only thought was "story" (but I'd rather not switch to that)
Still debating on the voices. probably could be clearer

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Harriet

[This message has been edited by Harriet Ames (edited 06-28-2002).]

Thanks Tink,
Oooops, didn't mean to make you cry. You're not following the request, ..... JUST SMILE!!!

If I get the chance (and the emotions in check) I'll probably sing this at my last time at my monthly open mic.
But I might be watching the movers load my stuff!!!!!!! Just might be moving in 2 WEEKS!!!!!!! (if I can get things coordinated

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Harriet

I really like this, Harriet! Great visuals and ethereal images (as well as the music from what you're saying!). I didn't mind "samba" or "shroud" -- like it just as is!

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Mary Lou

Harriet,

Top notch lyric here. Your imagery captured my attention from the first line and then it carried me through. I noticed myself smiling at this one as I read it... your words capture a feeling that can be so many things to so many people.

I absolutely love it
dee

Harriet,

Doth mine eyes twinkleth upon gazing oer your chosen prose??...welleth duh! Nice, very nice. Not a bad line to be found. Super. Dano.

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www.angelfire.com/music3/danolyrics

Thanks Mary Lou,
another vote for samba. I think I'm keeping that. Haven't found anything remotely close to replace it with.

Thanks Dee,
and appreciate the "smile" (how appropriate
Yes it can mean a lot of different things to different people. In fact when I wrote the hookline, I had one image in particular, but now it spotlights many things to me. (some I really hadn't planned on



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Harriet

Thank You Kind Sir,
I'm just pleased as punch Sir Twinkle Toes
Ooops I guess that was that Twinkle Eyes?
next time I'll be sure to include a bad line Just For You

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Harriet

Well I made it Harriet, and first off, yeah, keep that samba...great. And you are right about fog in the mountains. Here's another visual...from a distance you see the mountain disappear into a cloud, and re appear above it. Awesome.

Now the ONLY nit I had was the phrasing (not the idea) of


My voice will return woven into it's song

I did not want to hear "will return" because you are there sitting... IMO you need something in the present, describing how your voice weaves into the song of the river...

siens

My only thought toward this at the moment Harriet is the river line.
Sit byr a river where the current is strong , sang better to me.
Other than that it looks and feels nice.
REgards.
Graham


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http://www.soundclick.com/bands/grahamhenderson_music.htm

Oooooohhhhh, Harriet, this is LOVELY!! Artsy?? Nooo, just very expressive and heartfelt. I LOVED the samba line...please don't get rid of that word. To me, a samba is sort of a seductive dance...and as such it fits what you are trying to get across there I believe. The bridge is a KILLER! Your words just melt all into themselves there.

Don't change a thing. I want to hear this with music...please!

Bobbie

Thanks John,
Yeah, that's a great visual on the mountaintop. I've flown almost as much in the last three months as I have in the last 20 years. (almost) Not that I've really flown a lot lately (well 3 trips) but hadn't done that much before. Anyway...... had a few chances to look at the mountaintops poking through the cloud layers below. trippy

I think you might have missed one slight idea I was going for here. This is aimed at future times. ie 1) sometime when the mist covers the mountains, go out and take a walk
2) got sit next to a stream and in the sound of the current you will hear my voice
3) when it just ain't working, remember that once it did.....
so I wasn't thinking of present tense.
same thing with the bridge, I'm picturing that the one being sung to, might be hearing "those voices" that say it was a mistake to end things....etc



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Harriet

Good evening Harriet,

I passed on this the first couple of times I read it. Then tonight, I didn't read it...I experienced it...and it was fantastic! Not a word or line worth changing. I know you're gonna do a wonderful job with this lyric. A wonderful way to say goodbye on open mic night before you leave.

peace and blessings always...Clark

Thanks Graham,
hmmm hadn't thought of that for the river line. extra syllable (albeit a quickie) Although, by using "WHOSE" it retains some of the human flavor that one voice would mingle with another. Now you're making me stop and think. pshaw!

Thanks Bobbie,
you got it!!! I even went and looked up the definition of samba and yeah,,, it's supposed to be a faster dance. but the image is still as you said seductive. The only other dance I can think of that's even close is TANGO. (and it just doesn't sing as well)
yeah, samba stays.
Glad you liked the bridge. The first two lines of it and the title line were what I started with.
Okay, tapes a coming (before I move)

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Harriet

Thanks Clark,
well I'm gonna try to sing it that night. But I don't know. Last month when I thought it would be my last time I almost didn't get through my song.(one I've sung lots and lots) Singing this could be a rough ride. (I can be such a teary-type) But that's my plan.


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Harriet

Hi Harriet,
One word for this....BEAUTIFUL.

God bless
ClaireJeanne

The slower sensuous one is called the Rhumba. The samba is hyper and jerky in movements . It dispels the peacefullness of the song.

Even though I still don't like the dance idea at all, thought I would let you know. I had to look it up and everything. I 've danced it before but I forgot the name. It is a really beautiful dance.

HI PowaLady!

'Nuther Vote for the SAMBA Line...heck, the whole Song is a Sweet One..WELL DONE!

"KUDOS" Kiddo...a Really SOOTHING Song!
Big Hugs,
Stan

Try Bolero Hariet. International dance comp tempo for Samba is 100 clicks and bolero is 90. Bolero is smoother and samba bounces. The formre seems more in line with this one.
I saw the samba comment and went and played it . ,I just didn't ring right for me. Bolero did.
I thought about the whose tyhing and it just didn't sound right to me in that spot. No big one.
Regards.
Graham


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http://www.soundclick.com/bands/grahamhenderson_music.htm

Thanks Claire,
ooooh, don't think I'll ever get tired of one word responses like that.

Thanks Stan,
Yep soothing is what I was after.
Just smile


Thanks for the lesson Jean,
Yeah, I tried the rhythm selection on my keyboard labeled samba, ---speedy.
Actually the best fit for the feeling I have is Beguine ,
but SAMBA sounds better than it's definition. And anyway, a "relationship" isn't all sweetness and light. The singer is saying to remember the good times (when the samba WAS sweet) ah well, sometimes words "sound" different than their real meanings

Thank Graham,
hmmmm, wooooo, now bolero, that's sensuous all right. so I should change that line to
"Our BOLERO was BICHIN for a while" ????
think I'll leave it, It just sounds and feels better with samba. and if that's the only word that's causing a debate I'll call myself lucky.

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Harriet

Harriet,

Heh heh...the debate rages on. Ya know...you can always use "yambu". It`s a type of rumba for couples, with slow sensuous steps. Fits the idea to a "t"...but might not be as smooth sounding as samba. Dano.

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www.angelfire.com/music3/danolyrics

Tsk Tsk Daniel,
You're not gonna fix your image this way.
Yambu?????
arrrrrgh try again Twinkle Toes

on second thought, I'm almost afraid of what else you can think of.............

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Harriet

Hi, Harriet. Thanks for the reply. I'm curious-- is your natural singing voice that tremelo-laden? The "Ain't" song seemed more natural-sounding than any other song I've heard you sing. I would assume that your folky style of singing is a matter of choice, but maybe I'm wrong.

BTW, it's the wee hours of Sunday morning, so yes, I do have a number of beers under my ever-expanding belt, so that's why I ask. But this lyric is as good as I originally said it was. Nice job!

Anthony

Sorry to disappoint you Anthony,
But the Vibrato-"laden" voice is my natural singing voice. But as you heard , I can turn it all off.
It takes a conscieous effort to do so. The best singers maintain tight controls on how much and how often they allow the vibrato in their voice. I won't go so far as to say I rank up there, but I can and as you heard do control it (more often at some times than others.)

But now, after a few beers you still like my lyrics? Now I feel good
passed a critical test

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Harriet

[This message has been edited by Harriet Ames (edited 06-30-2002).]

Can't believe I missed this beautiful lyric for so long. Incredibly written with balance and grace. Kudos and applause.

The "samba" is a perfect choice. I would have probably used "Macarena".<g>

Thank you for sharing this one and giving us some writing to aspire to.

dawg

Thank You Dawg,
Awwwwww such sweet comments to wake up to.
Gonna make me blush
Macarena? hmmmmm no,.... Lambata I would think would be your choice


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Harriet

Simply beautiful! This was the perfect Sunday afternoon read. I'd love to hear this sometime! Great work.

Corey

Thanks Corey,
From one of the masters of lyrics I'll take that as high praise.
Not doing demoes now, while I'm trying to pack. But I'll bet this is high on the list when I get settled in Texas this month.
Will try performing it for the first time tonight.

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Harriet

No. Remember our Bolero was bliss for a while.
So remember this and smile.
It got me in bolero mood anywayHarriet.
Regards.
Graham


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http://www.soundclick.com/bands/grahamhenderson_music.htm

[This message has been edited by Graham (edited 06-30-2002).]

Hi Harriet, Not too much time for the forum lately, but, had to tell you how much I like this lyric. BEAUTIFUL! Don't change a thing, just sing as is. Nice to meet you in person.It's too bad we did not have more time to connect. Idamarie

Ah yes Graham,
Bliss would work better with Bolero.
All yours, for one thing too many syllables there. Could rearrange the line to make it fit, but nah!

Thanks IdaMarie,
Yeah, this should have sunk by now, but there's less to look at, so it keeps bobbing up again.
Was good to meet you too. will have more time next time. (that's my plan

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Harriet

Love the imagery Harriet. Artsy? Yeah, I was getting flashbacks to listening to the Jonathan Livingston Seagull soundtrack, but that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned.

Stac

Thanks Stacy,
JL Seagull? oooooh that's an ooooold memory. never saw that movie, was during my poverty years Did hear some of the soundtrack though.
Thanks for the flaskback (to my tender youth....well college anyway


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Harriet

G'day Harriet Ames, Gee you write great, marvellous, wonderful songs. I look forward to your every new song and I am never disappointed. I LOVE THIS ONE TOO!. best wishes, Ray in Australia.

Thanks Ray,
I'm just starting to perform this ne, so I'll know soon how it flies. What with me packing up to move, this one packs a lot of emotion for me. Sometimes hard to get through. May take a while.
Thanks Ray, at least I know that when I finally make my CD, someone will want a copy of it.

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Harriet