JPF Home Page Forums Lyric and MP3 Feedback MP3 Feedback Forum Ruby - Wendy DuMond

I'm posting this one for Wendy because the storms last night knocked her power out. She wrote this song for Mike Caro and Ruby the Mouse, and asked me to play the backing music. I thought that was the coolest proposition in town. Sure enough, it was a blast, and I look forward to Mike just happening to find this thread... Heehee. So please respond to Wendy on this thread--this is her song and her voice, and I'm just the session man...but due to heavy weather, I'm also hosting and posting.

Ladies and gentlemen, without further adieu, I am pleased to present Wendy Dumond:

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=759055&songID=6538100


Ruby

Ruby's feeling mousy
Ruby's feeling brown
Says she's going out tonight
Says she's going to paint
the town
red..
That's what she said

Chorus
Ruby don't be angry
Ruby don't be red
Storm clouds are behind you
And blue skies ahead

Ruby's feelin' nervous
Says she wants to squeal
She's been feelin' lately
like a hamster running
in a wheel..
That's for real

Chorus
Ruby don't be angry
Ruby don't be sad
Your troubles are behind you
Pretty skies shining ahead

Ruby's feelin' crazy
Says she's in a rage
She's been feelin' lately
Like she's living in a cage
Oh but Ruby turn the page

Chorus
Ruby don't be angry
Ruby don't be red
Storm clouds are behind you
And blue skies ahead

(Copyright 2008 by Wendy DuMond)

The saddest (and funniest) part of this is that Wendy can't even listen to this one yet...her employer frowns upon downloading music at work. :o

Mike better treat Ruby right, or she'll walk. lol.. love the background track you did. Good Job Wendy. My daughter has two guinea pigs, I been thinking about writing a song about

Great job guys, had me toe tapping and singing along, a sure
sign I enjoyed it, not good however for anyone within earshot,

Tony.

Ya know I have been feeling so ill lately and so depressed I haven't even been able to post or respond on the boards, emails or phone calls. Basically I'm giving up again, nothing I mean nothing is going my way, the list just keeps getting longer.

Then I seen Al's post about Helen, while saddening me also snaps me out of it enough to try to push myself. Then I see THIS!

This put a smile on my face and in my heart before I even heard a note or line.
It was a wonderful thing to do, and with Wendy that does not surprise me at all, and the same goes for Mark. Thanks guys!

As For the song - I think the problem is the second verse ..... etc..etc.. BIG LOL
Kidding of course!

I LOVE IT! First of all it's about our little Rube but it also relates to me & too Tripp.
I love the lyrics the vocals, the playing the feel the style and the sound...
It has a classic old school sound and style to it, like a big hit from the past. I LOVE that...

Heidi has been trying to get me to develop a book/story about Ruby, I actually started a bit even though I was fighting it. This story involves music and songs. We here haven't been able to find the time, strength and recourses. With no job and no disability I worry every minute of the day on how we'll get through. Having faith in that my hard work, talents and creativity will help me out and pay off is FAR removed from mind, Too bad it's gotten into my heart as well. Ah talk to me 10 years ago, make it 20, no make it 30.
Forget "what do you have to lose" Taking chances cost everything!

All that said : I'm thinking this song goes in the book and eventually the movie

Tripp loves this mouse to no end, she sleeps next to her at night and looks for her first thing in the morning. And Tripp can really use a smile between her troubles and having to deal with mine all the time. She'll be home soon and I'll play it for here right away.

THANKS Wendy & Mark from both of us!

Hot dawg, this is a cool one! Right out of the Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack. Instrumentation was great and the singing worked out perfectly. Mark -- I heard some harmony in there, but you should have added a little bit of the MKMCC, though (Mark K's Massive Clone Chorus).

Kevin

Tripp LOVED it she wants to post it on her My Space in her blog/

She smiled and especiially everytime the mandolin went in that trill at the end

Mark GREAT job on playing that! and on all of the production.

Needs a little tweakin'...and I think it's not too late to add a little bridge, hint hint. Easily inserted...

That's actually a balalaika...old and weird and sort of a bitch to play. I wish I did have a mandolin, but I love the weird tone of this thing.

Tripp! Glad you like it too! Mike, I'm so sorry about how things are, how things feel. All week long I've been looking forward to this...and wouldn't you know it, poor Wendy is trapped in her own house, powerless. But this was all hers.

Animated short, suitable for TV or cable or DVD, anyone?

This was fun and so trippy! Being new, I don't know the history behind it, but I think the song stands on its own merits. The hamster wheel and cage feeling are so universal. Great production all the way around. Thanks for sharing.

Ricki

Hi Wendy, Mark

This is what I love about JPF, the love & the friendship here. Ruby is a STAR! Well done absolutely love it, and it's the first song I have listened today, you have made my day.

Every year I go through depression Mike, the chemicals in my brain remember by themselves, the seasons, it sucks Mike, but I pick myself up and push through it, so come on Mike, this is when I wished I lived a bit closer, cause this Aussie girl would be giving you & Tripp the biggest hugs.

I can also remember someone who pulled me out of it when I was going to give up with my singing/songwriting, I got very depressed, so a big thanks Mike.

I am now returning the favor, so get up Mike, smile, you have a lot of friends who love & respect you here, so for the days you are down, talk to us, and we will do our best to help you Mike, okay.

Maybe someone should start a personal post, and call it "LET'S CARE" to help each other through the tuff days, give support when it's needed. I know when I get depressed it helps so much to talk about it, and to know that others care, and I am not alone.

Wendy & Mark, thanks for making my day, and Mike we love & care about you very much, that I am now getting emotional. You have touched my heart, and many others here, so thank you!

Love always

Your Aussie friend

Michele

I've finally made it back! When our power came on, every light in the house was on, and the stove was on. I forgot that I was about to have some tea when the lights went out.. I think Scout went around the house trying to turn the lights on.

A big oak came down last night in my neighborhood and took out the the power lines, flattened a car, and caused some general excitement.

Mark - Thanks for helping with this and for hosting today! It was a lot of fun. Hmmm..a bridge, you think? I'll have to think on it. I might be out of mouse references.

Mike - I'm glad you and Tripp like it. I was blown away by what Mark did with it. It's funny about the Ruby book, b/c I sent this to Mark along with a work tape and then saw the posts about the Ruby book. I e-mailed Mark and asked him if he thought anyone would be offended if we went ahead and worked on the song. We both agreed that it was just an odd coicidence but hoped it meant something good and cosmic was happening. I listen to a lot of the They Might Be Giants kids tunes. Those guys are so fun and clever and they are great musicans too. I wanted the song to have that sort of feel, with some clever lyrics referring to the mouse and the color. Anyway, I'm so glad it made you smile. Seems like we all need some encouragement these days.

Louis - Better get that guinea pig song going. It could be the sequel to Ruby!

Tony - I'm glad this got your toes tapping. If you offended someone, I apologize!

Kevin - Thanks for that Oh Brother reference. I'm a huge Gillian Welch fan and kind of started out trying to sing like her. The first song I learned when I got my guitar was Orphan Girl. You were probably referring to Mark's playing and not my singing, but heck..I'll take it.

Ricki - I'm glad you enjoyed this. You should post your Night Radio song over here in the MP3 forum, by the way. There are many days I feel very much like a hamster in a wheel.

Loved it

Great collab - and a most worthy subject

Scott

Welcome Ricki! Look forward to seeing you around.

Kevin - O Brother Where Art Thou...yep! I've got a secret jones for bluegrass and such, always did.

Thanks Louis and Tony...sing it Tony!

Michelle, you're all heart. Scott, stop being so mean and cruel all the time.

That whole Ruby book/movie thing...Ruby really is a great character. The whole concept inspires me to seek out my own "Point"...remember Harry Nilsson's "The Point"? I always wanted to write a song cycle like that...cool for kids, cool for parents. Go for it Mike, Ruby called to you from that Pet Store...maybe for reasons beyond reckoning.

Lively and pretty. Nice vocals. I wondered about the hollow-vib of the vocals at first but I think it works with the song. Nice lyrics. It all works. Beautiul singing with lovely tone to the voice. Nice balance between the music and vocals.

Tom
from Nebraska

I defy anyone to listen and not have their day just brightened up
about 12 notches!! Makes me want scream Yieeeeee!!! Its a beautiful day, I just got back from an awards day at my work. didn't get and award but I got to play and sing with my work band, the Archstreeters. Then I listen to this for the first time. Wendy your voice is perfect to convey the hopeful encouragement that you sing. This song is on my list on my computer and no sooner than when this one was over, Johnny Put Your Gun DOwn comes on!!! Yeieeeeeeeee!!

Mark you work miracles on a daily basis. Ruby is up there sir great production musician ship and of course signature vocal harmonies....

Its shining here in Philly!! Beautiful sun beautiful weather beautifyl music!!! Yeieeeeeeeee!!

Note>>>>>>>>>>>>No drugs were involved in the making of this message!!

Every one have a good day Paul

Wendy: Your singing was involved in the compliments and the ole timey feeling that it gave the song. It might be 'ole-timey', but it still sounds fresh. I guess good music can just last a long time.

Kevin

Wendy's voice rocks. "About Mermaids" blew me and my wife and daughters out of our chairs...very cool song, sung a capella. Since then I realized every song she's presented has these great wry lyrics, always a balance of imagery, simplicity, twisted angles and humor...and intelligence. Her songs have that sense of experience behind them, like someone who's been there, understands pain and worry, but rises above it and turns it into prosody. I think being a mother probably helps. Either way, count me in your fan club, Wendy.

Wendy, Lyle,
you guys did a good job on this...Ruby's feeling Mousy...classic opening line...the production sounds like it was fun...that's the best thing you can do for a lyric in my opinion, have fun putting music with it...if you can't have fun with it, why is it we're doing this? you know...writing from the heart and playing from the soul, always a winning combination, throw in a dash of cleverness and, presto, there's Ruby all ready for lucky waiting ears...thanks folks...Moker

Wendy and Mark,

This is a fun song and very uplifting. Anyone that writes a song to a mouse is okay in my book. Wendy, your vocals are excellent and Mark's track brings it all to life. Good work!

Clint

This is a great song and it grew on me more and more as it progressed. Hurray and great work!

ABsolutely ADORABLE!!!....Wendy I loved your singing and melody
and absolutely adorable words...to Ruby.... How could ya not
smile hearing this? Mark..I love the arrangement and playing... This was just wonderful!!!....you two.

oh..yeah...PRECIOUS too!!!!...

best..to ya both...
Kaley

Piano Melodies and Demos
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=8404&content=music

Children's Songs
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=6469&content=music

Wyman and Kaley's Andy & Friends CD
http://cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg

Wendy and Mark,
This melody is so lovely, really. You know you can read a million books on composition and songwriting but some folks got a gift and Wendy the arc of this melody makes me think you do.

Cool musical landscape for this Mark. Does that have "Oh Brother" vitality.

Tom

Tom,

Thanks for dropping in on this one and welcome. I've been through Nebraska a few times. Last time I visited we had to stop for cattle in the road and some girl at a gas station told us how her two brothers were struck by lightening. :o

Thanks for your compliments. Mark sure did a great job with this. It was a fun project.

Michele,

Just realized I did not post a response to you. I think these days you have to be an exceptional, rare, and together person not to suffer from some form of depression. There are just too many things going on around us all the time that effect us, make us sad, and cause us despair. I battle self doubt and frustration all the time. It does make me feel really good to know that a simple little song about a mouse could spread some cheer and goodwill. Glad you enjoyed it!

Kevin,

Thanks for coming back. I think I'm turning into a diva..high maintenence, or whatever you call it.

Thanks for clarifying the vocal thing. By the way, how come you haven't posted Roll Daddy Roll, over here? That's an awesome song and your wife sounds great (better'n the aforementioned diva).

Mark,

Thanks for the compliments! We all know who the real talent is...

Moker,

Thanks for dropping by to listen. We did have fun with this. I was shooting for clever and I think Mark heard what I was hearing, only better. The "mousy" line just arrived in my head one evening as I was putzing around the house, then I tried to put it together with the color and make it upbeat. Glad you enjoyed it.

Clint,

Thanks for giving it a listen. My next song will be to a bird, or about a bird....another thing that "arrived" in my brain tonight. Mark did a super job and both Mike and Tripp liked it, which was an important factor as well.

Kaley,

How ya been? I haven't seen you around these parts lately. You could do a little piano version of this and add it to your mouse suite of songs. I'm so glad you liked it, since you are the mouse song SME (subject matter expert).

Thanks for listening!

Tom,

Thanks for giving our Ruby song a listen. Thanks so much for the nice compliment, by the way. I wish that were true!

Wendy,

Now, this is almost as cute as you are...almost! This one of the most creative and enjoyable tunes I have listened to in quite some time. Although I am not depressed, I am emotionally exhausted and physically worn out right now. But, this brought a smile to my face and cheered me up. Thanks! great song...lyric, vocal and instruments.

Al

Paul,

I just realized I skipped over you last night. Your post was so funny! My daughter, who likes your Hannah Montana song and can quote most of the words, liked it too. I'm glad you enjoyed our little mousy song!

Al,

Thanks for listening and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Mark and I have had so much fun with this little mouse song. It makes me feel good to know it might give someone a two-minute break from the heavy hitting stuff.

Is Helen getting better? Did they determine if she has a staph infection? We will continue to pray for you guys.

PS - That's my daughter in the picture with her string bass.

Mark,

Is that you? What a nice picture! That little baby is so sweet!

That WAS me back in San Francisco circa 1994, and that little nosesucker is my first daughter Madeline, who now looks more like this:
http://cdn2.soundclick.com/28/imgPages/4/4/4118844_301669.jpg?version=167
and Lucy looks like this:
http://cdn2.soundclick.com/25/imgPages/4/4/4118844_301670.jpg?version=115
I don't know if Teresa wants everyone to look at her picture. But they get their good looks from her.

Hey, I uploaded an improved mix...less reverb on your voice and a fuller blend of the elements...there were a few "buried" bits before. Tell me if you like it better or worse!

Hi Mark & Wendy

The girls are adorable Mark Two teenage girls? I both envy you and pity you lol...

Just about everyday at some time or another I feel a complete loss of purpose in my life. Through all of the nonsense and struggling I often find the absence of a child.

The new mix sounds great, much clearer, I love the verb On Wendy's voice cause it gives it that extra warmth and charm. But the BIG difference is now I hear your cool backing vocal. I didn't even notice it was there before. Clearing up her voice brought back yours.

Another thing you always re-discover when mixing. The effect one move you make has on something or everything else. By taking away from one thing it's like giving to another. I wasn't feeling the Kick drum quite right, instead of raising it I lowered the bass guitar a touch and the kick fell in perfect.

This song just keeps growing on you! It really is wonderful.

Hi Wendy.

Helen does not have a staff infection. But, she does have a strep infection. She is feeling pretty good. She sleeps a lot..what else is there to do in a hospital? We are hoping that she might be home for the weekend. Thanks for asking and thanks for the prayers.

Your daughter is very pretty! Gets it from her mom, I'll bet.

Al

Hi Mike!

Don't pity me, I got it covered. Instead of buying a shotgun, I've been systematically telling those girls absolutely everything there is to know about boys...in other words, I have armed them with knowledge. And nothing scares a boy more than a girl who is smarter than him, and about five steps ahead of him. No, I pity those boys.

In fact, this song might not be done yet...Madeline plays violin and Lucy plays saxophone, and there just might be room for an alternate version of this one with those girls playing on it too.

I took off ALL the reverb I had on it, but Wendy send me a vocal that already had some reverb. It's crazy how EQ changes everything...a little less low end on a vocal makes it seem louder, etc. It's really interesting...and it also drives me nuts.

Mike, you clearly have it rough, and you're well aware of it. But you're wrong when you talk about "loss of purpose" in life. That whole sense of purpose is a flat out illusion---none of us have control of our "purpose", and none of us can predict what moment of our life held the most value to the world. Don't get me wrong, I believe we all have purpose and choices, etc...but Things Happen, and sometimes the most random, dull moments have the biggest impact on the lives of others, sometimes lifesaving impact. This is probably the worst season of your life...but the wheel keeps turning. And during these bad times, you have made a huge impact on my life and on many others on this board. This song was for you, you know...that's why Wendy wrote it, and that's why I was so excited to contribute. Wish we could give you money instead, but this will last longer anyway... Be tough as nails, Mike and keep on enduring, like Job, like Jesus, like Laurel and Hardy. The world needs you, and there's blue skies ahead.

Best wishes and hopes for you & Tripp...and Ruby, who plays her part so well. -Mark

Good post there Mark. My wife has the same condition that Mike does and I see how she feels when debilitation sets in. Luckily for her, she is quite functional right now. Still has some symptoms, but they seem controllable. Just like Mike, though -- no help from doctors, she is just on a bit of an upswing right now.

Kevin

Hi Wendy and Mark

I just love everything about this ! Makes me want to go out on the town with Ruby. Really nice job on the vocal delivery and writing Wendy. Musically it all sounds great Mark. And your girls are beautiful. jm

Wendy: I did post Roll, Daddy, Roll back in late February -- it got some nice comments, but it did fade quickly (LOL!)

Mark: I can't tell if the newer version is better than the earlier one, but it still sounds great.

Kevin

Hey Wendy, your song hit the Top 50 in SoundClick, woohoo. #20 in Country and #4 in Bluegrass.

I know, it's not really Bluegrass...sort of Bluegrassy...I guess this would be called Americana. But they didn't have that category.

Scott,

I think I forgot to respond to you. Thanks for listening.

Katie,

I forgot you as well. I'm glad it grew on you. Thanks for dropping by to listen and comment.

Joice,

Thanks for listening. I'm not sure if Ruby should be going out on the town, since she's stuck in a cage. Hmmm.. I'll have to think on that. Sometimes these little lyrics come into my head and I can't rid myself of them. I just wrote this down as I heard it playing in my head, but didn't bother to ask myself if it made sense. I'm glad you enjoyed it though.

Kevin,

I just downloaded it. I did not even notice I could download it before. If my computer crashes, it's your fault.

Mark,

I do think it sounds a bit better. Do you want me to send you another vocal without the reverb? I could probably do that, though I don't know if I can back it off the one I did already.

Your girls are so pretty. Just an FYI, I didn't believe anything my dad told me once I turned about 14. Of course, my dad was not very delicate about such things either. He was also big and mean. I think that kept me in line more so than anything he said.

Wow, the top 50. I guess that's pretty cool. Mice must be good luck.

Wendy:

Wonderful song. Great opening line, and I like your use of colors (red, blue, Ruby, (gray?) storm clouds.) The lyrics are clever and they sing very nicely.

Lyle, this is another really good production. And you sure play a lot of different styles (but nothing you do fits neatly into any ONE style.)

This was a fun listen. (And a really nice thing to do for Sub, who has been so giving of his own time.)

Mark

Wendy, Thanks for the kind acknowledgment. I may do that but it took me 4 years as a JPF member to get this far. I don't want to rush into anything! And the new mix is awesome. By the way, I played About Mermaids for my husband and he wants to know when it will be available to download on his Ipod!. He wants to put you right next to Lucinda Williams! You rock.

Ricki