JPF Home Page Forums Lyric and MP3 Feedback MP3 Feedback Forum Change in the Weather (colab with Her Bethness)

Hi JPF!

When I saw Beth's lyrics, I just knew I had a melody for it somewhere in my head. Please feel free to tell us what you think and how we can make it better. Thanks.

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7809444

CHANGE IN THE WEATHER
©Beth Williams & Ricki E. Bellos

Watching the rain pour
Through pain bought and paid for
I pray for the eye of the storm
A moment of peace
A hopeful belief
That the landscape will somehow transform

But the wind is strong
And pulls me along
This slippery slope is so steep
Don't have what it takes
To put on the brakes
I call you when he falls asleep

Can't kiss you
Just miss you
You're right not to pick up the phone
No more one last time
Final price for our crime
Gotta wipe the slate clean here at home

I sigh, back to bed
Eyes dry now but red
I slide in till he and I spoon
Not fully awake
He reaches to take
What I gave you that first afternoon

Temperatures rise, in spite of it all
I will pick myself up from this fall

Can't kiss you
Still miss you
With baby steps I'm feeling better
I know the cost
Of what could've been lost
And sense a change in the weather

Hey Ricki,

Just wanted to publicly thank you for capturing the mood of this piece so perfectly. DANG, that VOICE of yours.... !

Also, on the heels of posting a series of more humorous lyrics, it's a treat to be able to bring a more serious one to the table again -- and in such killer fashion, thanks to your musication.

(Btw, should I send the check to you directly, or to the off-shore account again? )....

Hope everyone enjoys this....

Beth

It's a steamy one. I'm not used to seeing "serious" lyrics from Beth -- pretty cool. One thing I like about your music, Ricki, is that your force folks to pay attention and listen hard if they want to get the most out of your tunes. It's a compliment -- though it might sound kind of odd. What I mean by that is you set a mood that envelopes the listener in whatever story you are singing. Not many folks can do that.

Anyway, nice collaboration and good song!

Kevin

Hey Kevin,

Well, I'm glad we were able to surprise you then!! I try to crank out a "serious" one every now and again...and luckily, I've had the likes of musicators such as Ricki, Wendy, Letha and Heather to help bring them to life so beautifully (go check out my Soundclick page (below)if you don't believe me!! ).

BTW, the FELLA's who've musicated my lyrics...for the most part...have tended to help on the silly ones...(obviously, I'm indebted to them too, but for different reasons. And not wanting to show preferential treatment , belated thanks again to Joe W., Calvin, Steve Biederman, Moker, Mark K., & Rittman!)

ANYHOO, I'm really grateful to Ricki, because I did put a lot of heart and soul into this one, and I would have hated to see it just disappear into Mark K's "Song Graveyard".

She rocks, no two ways about it. And I agree with you about the "envelope" business. I'm always telling her I feel like she's singing JUST to ME, a lucky audience of one.

So thank you for the very nice comments. I'm sure Ricki will be happy when she sees your remarks....

Have a good one!

Beth

Hi Beth, Hi Ricki,

I do love these lyrics Beth, and Ricki has done a great job of bringing them to life for you. It feels like a sort of jazz vibe with a little Carole King in it, but Ricki always reminds me of her for some reason, lol. That is a good thing!

Letha

I love it too. I'd have been proud to write that melody even in the absence of the lyric - which I would have been proud to have written as well.

Some of the pauses struck me as being held just a hair too long - but that's just a small and personal thing. This really grabbed me. Kudos to both of you!

Scott

Hey Letha,

I'm so glad you got a chance to come listen to this....I remember you had enjoyed the lyrics, but after just listening to your KAW song (LOL), I was worried you'd be turning your back on these smoky-type songs (not really, I'm just trying to make sure I don't lose my place in line!!).

But no doubt, Ricki did a wonderful job on this. I agree with you on the Carole King comparison. Like you, she makes it sound so effortless.

I'm grateful you all put up with my shenanigans!!

Thank you again for your generous remarks Letha....

Have a peaceful evening!
Beth

P.S. I hope you don't mind my having mentioned you as one of my cache of great musicators above!!

Wow, great lyric! It really does grab you. I love songs that tell realistic stories in such a clever and relatable way. I think that is widely appealing. Of course, Ricki's voice is so lovely and engaging as always.

Hi Beth and Ricki,

Ricki you capture the mood of Beth's lyric both vocally and musically.

When I read the lyric, I imagined smoky jazz, but I'm enjoying this kinda Gershwin Blues thing (It Ain't Necessarily So) I'm hearing in a lot of your recent music.

Beth, it's a nice lyric, and not an easy one to write, that balances passion, poetry, and guilt, like this does.

Nice work, ladies.

Mike

Hi Beth,

You are such a joy to work with. I thought writing with another person was going to be a nightmare but JPF has brought me in touch with so many great people and I've had nothing but great experiences here. I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!

Ricki

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the "steamy" comments. When properly motivated, Beth can write about anything she wants to, and she does! This one sure caught my attention. Glad you took the time for this one and let us know you liked it.

Ricki

Hi Letha,

Thanks for listening and letting us know you like this one. And thanks for the Carole King comparison. She has been a fav of mine since Tapestry. Yeah, Beth knows how to tell a story, eh?

Ricki

Hi Scott,

Thanks for taking time and telling us what you think about this one. Coming from a great songwriter such as yourself, your comments mean all that much more. As for the pauses, they probably wouldn't be so long if not for the click track keeping time for me. Not sure how to get around that, but your small and personal thing has been noted. Wait, that didn't sound right!

Ricki

Ricki & Beth,

I love Ricki's melody and her performance of the lyric. I particularly enjoyed the last part. That sense that she's getting a grip on things and her heart is turning back toward the relationship she was unfaithful to. It's stated in such a carefully optimistic way.

Ricki, you have a knack for communicating the emotion behind the words. Beth, you have a knack for providing the right words. Should we call your "band" WiBe? (As in KAW?)

Hi Girls,

Beth, some very very good lines in this one.
Ricki, a brilliant performance as always.

Calvin


http://www.soundclick.com/bands/0/calvinstewart

Hi Ricki and Beth

Gosh a nice job on this. Ricki I feel that Your performances just get stronger and cleaner. I think the vocal and delivery on this really shine. Like you should be singing each week at the local piano bar........

Beth - I like this hook and how your opening line starts with the rain pouring. My gut has a bit of a problem with the singer pining this lover, crying and then the juxtaposition of her slipping in there -- to spoon..... just feels to quick...... but I don't have a solution for it. It could just be me - but that part feels uncomfortable.

jm

Hey Scooter,

My, you're awfully nice -- but that works for me!! I have to reiterate Ricki's comment about the "appreciation factor" when such encouraging remarks come from someone of your musical expertise. Thank you so much!!

As you can imagine, I was thrilled when Ricki approached me about musicating this. Aside from bringing the lyric to life, she adds a certain sizzle that is beyond my lyrical execution....so I am indebted to her once again.

And thanks again to you, Scott. I especially enjoyed your "This really grabbed me. Kudos to both of you!" !!!

Have a groovy evening,
Beth

Hi Polly,

Thanks for listening and the sweet comments. The lyrics grabbed me too, and the "lovely and engaging" gave me goosebumps! Thanks.

Ricki

Hi Mike,

Thanks for taking time to listen. "Passion, poetry and guilt" Man, it don't get no better than that, eh? I figured since it was right up my alley, I'd better grab it, and I'm glad I did. Gla you liked it.

Ricki

Yo, Polly Baby!

How the heck are you? The clock is ticking, not too long til September!!

Anyway, I'm so glad you could check this one out. It's always a treat to post a collab with Ricki, because it's like I have an Ace up my sleeve or something. She's so good!

I'm happy too you found the lyrics to be so engaging. The whole "Love Lost" theme seems to be such a universal subject, so it's fun to try to put different spins on it. And of course Ricki just SELLS IT!

So thank you again for your always charming visits. Send my regards to Andy!

Take care,
Beth

P.S. I was thinking about you, Andy and Tom earlier today. Some of our friends up here are actually going to Nashville later this summer....and they were asking me if I had any tips on where to go, what to see, etc. WELL, they're a family with young kids, so I was cracking up thinking about the tour YOU got vs. what would be more appropriate for them.....STILL, I'm envious they get to go! Someday...

I'd like to sit round your camp fire and play tunes with you into the small hours so long as you play songs like this your audience will be rivetted to the spot.

Dude

Ricki & Beth,

I like how you sing this, Ricki. Very nice! Deliberate and passionate.

Beth, it’s great to hear this with music now….one of your serious ones, which has a nice hopeful element to it. Well done!

Enjoyed this, girls!

Kristi

This is wonderful my friends as always. I really like you work

Dan

Morning Mike!

Thanks a bundle for stopping by on this one. Not that everyone's feedback isn't important, but there are certain people whose remarks I take particularly to heart, and you are one of those people. You understand every nuance of a song, and I know you'll call us out (in a nice way) if you think we could have done better.

So I very much appreciate your comments. I know Ricki rocks, but somehow she not only SINGS my lyrics but also ENHANCES them with her musication. (I'm considering proposing this afternoon! )

Pending marriages aside (LOL) Mike, thank you. I'm glad you thought the balance between "passion, poetry and guilt" was a good one. In fact, I love those three words strung together, and they seem to be a theme in my "serious" pieces. Pretty cool you were able to suss that out for me...

Have a sunny Sunday!!
Beth

Hi there Beth and Ricki,

I just wanted to tell you that I stopped by and took a look and listen to your song.....and I love it!

Beth, this is so well written. Your imagery throughout is just terrific. This is filled with such fabulous lines. This lyric really showcases your stellar writing skills!

Ricki, your vocal delivery on this is so right on! You do have such a sultry voice that just brings this lyric to life.

Both of you have done a superb job on this song. I truly enjoyed it, and wish you the best of luck with it.

Kind wishes,
Gail

Hey Wendy,

That's a great idea....WiBe (like We Be) the best!! haha..and then just think of OUR band name -- WiDu (like We Do!)...the possibilities are endless.

All that fun acronym business aside, thank you so much for your very kind words. You've definitely captured an important element of the story -- the eventual sense of "careful optimism". I believe this is a very difficult "change in the weather" for her to contemplate....but it's a necessary one.

Needless to say, Ricki's musication is the icing on the cake. Actually, she's more the baking soda in the cake -- otherwise the cake would fall flat!

So again, thanks for the visit. Your encouraging feedback is much-appreciated....

Have a good evening,
Beth

Hi Wendy,

WiBe! What a hoot! Thanks for that, and for letting us know how much you enjoyed this. Beth knows how to bring out my inner "Drama Queen".

Ricki

Hi Calvin,

Thanks for listening and commenting. I don't think anyone ever said my performance was brilliant, except maybe my ex-husband, and it wasn't a compliment then!

Ricki

Hey Calvin,

Boy, your feedback is getting almost as long as your songs these days!!

Seriously, I appreciate your generous comments about my lyrics. Especially coming from a wordsmith such as yourself, it means a lot to me.

I'm just thrilled Ricki was somehow inspired to work her musical magic on them. I feel pretty lucky in that regard...

Thanks again,
Beth

Ricki and HerBethness,
Not your moon in June love song that is for sure.
Very sultry and artistic.
And I have to take my hat off to you on the third verse. I always like to be surprised but I did not see that one coming.
Well done,
Tom

Wonderful collaboration, Ricki and Beth

Hey JM,

First of all, thanks for stopping by to check this one out. That Ricki sure is awesome, huh? Like you, I feel like she should be OUT there, sharing her talent with more than the likes of us! But in the meantime, I am happy to let her practise with my lyrics!!

Speaking of which, I wanted to address your discomfort with the seemingly-abrupt turn of the tide for the protagonist. In fact, that's how I WANTED you to feel...because that's how SHE is feeling. Essentially, in my mind, she was deeply in love with this man, but it ended. Seemingly he made that decision, but I purposely left those details out...so you can share her lingering sense of bewilderment. Still she has tried and tried and tried to regain her footing with him, to no avail....and one night -- THIS night -- she has finally realized she's hitting her head against a stone wall. These two lines are very important:

Temperatures rise, in spite of it all
I will pick myself up from this fall

Essentially, "wounded in love's battle" she retreats. To her bed. To her husband. To her life. I don't think this would have been her first choice, but it's the only one available to her now. And it took this last not-answered phone call for it to finally sink in.

Hope this helps....but regardless, I certainly appreciate your feedback.

Have a groovy afternoon!

Beth

Ladies,
This is really good. Loved the lyric and ther music/performance brought out the emotion perfectly. Best Wishes:)

Yo Dude!

Aren't you nice? In fact, any time you want to suggest someone might be "rivetted" by our song, we are ALL EARS!

In the meantime, tell you what...you bring your guitar and the fixin's for s'mores, and we are SO there at the camp fire!!

Seriously though, thanks for your very sweet comments. They are much appreciated....

Cheers,
Beth

Hiya Kristi,

I'm sure gonna miss your great comments when you're on vacation next week. Don't they have plugs or anything up there?

Anyhoo, let me thank you PROFUSELY for this particular post...so you'll remember how grateful I am to you while you're away. I think your description of Ricki's musication is right-on, and who'd a thunk I could write a serious lyric which ended sorta hopefully? I DO have a certain reputation to keep up around here ya know....

"Seriously", thanks a bunch for your always welcome and insightful ( ) feedback!!

And f I don't catch you before you leave, have a fun trip!!

Beth

It's a lovely song, Ricki and Beth. the atmosphere of the lyric is captured beautifully in your music, Ricki, I'm afraid no suggestions from me, it's a beautiful collaboration. Just the vocals and the guitar and it's so powerful. I love it.
Nadia

Hi JM,

Thanks for taking time to comment. It felt pretty good when recording but will get even better when/if I get it done for real.
As for the lyrics you mentioned, I look at it as a matter of keeping hold of what you have and being grateful, in retrospect, that you still have it. I like to think she will once again appreciate her old life but that's just me, the cautious optimist!

Ricki

Hi Mark,

Gee, thanks! No one ever wanted to play with me around a campfire before. Any time. I'm stoked!

Ricki

Hi Kristi,

Thanks for listening and the cool comments. "Deliberate and passionate". I'd like that as an epitaph!

Ricki

Hi Dan.

Thanks a heap. Glad you liked it.

Ricki

Hiya Dan,

Gee, thanks a bunch! But I wouldn't qualify collabing with Ricki as "work" at all (I know you used it as a noun, I'm just using it for a jumping off point ....). I just throw some words at her, and she works her magic on 'em.

Much obliged for your kind words,
Beth

Hey there Gail,

Well, based on your post here, it appears I'm going to have to propose marriage to you too! How do you feel about Utah?

Seriously, you are far too generous with your comments. BUT I accept them wholeheartedly, with appreciation and thanks. It's very rewarding to get such an enthusiastic response to something which -- in truth -- did involve a lot of creative energy.

As I mentioned to Dan above, though, Ricki is the one who deserves most of the credit on this one. Yes, she's singing my words...but if it weren't for her musication...they would have simply fallen off the Lyric 3 Forum, and that would have been that.

I'm so grateful for HER enthusiasm and that you enjoyed our collaboration.

Thank you again for your very encouraging feedback!

Have a great day,
Beth

Hi Tom,

What a great response, thank you! And yup, I'm gonna have to agree with you...I think SULTRY is a great description here, regardless of the ending.

Speaking of which, thank you especially for your comments on the third verse...I've had some mixed responses on it, so I'm glad you felt it was noteworthy and in a good way. In fact, I was just talking to someone last night about the importance of surprises...they are SO underrated!!

Oh yeah, and they're fun in songs, too.

Again, I appreciate your chiming in here, Tom. Ricki can really sensualize a lyric, can't she?

Have a great night,
"MYBethness" (is that right? )

Hi Gail,

Thanks for stopping by to let us know you liked this one. Beth continues to amaze me with her writing abilities and seems to bring out my best. She gives me too much credit. It's like the music writes itself when the lyrics are so tight. Glad you enjoyed it.(I'd write with her more but she's so hard to work with!)

Ricki

Hi Tom,

Thanks for listening and letting us know you liked this one. You have to watch out for that Beth. She is chock full of surprises!

Ricki

Hi Randy,

Thanks for the great comments. Glad you enjoyed the experience.

Ricki

Hi Ladies!

This is a really, really nice one. If there's a flaw anywhere, it's so small I can't find it. Loved the acoustic guitar on this. Enjoyed it a big ole bunch!

Alan

Hey Randy,

Ah well, two weeks up here, come and gone. Time sure flies when you're having fun -- though actually, I AM sorta lookin' forward to getting home...

Anyhoo, thanks kindly for your very generous remarks. I never really thought of that notion of the words, music and vocal performance all telling the same story. I guess that's another revelation for me -- the "Master of the Obvious" (or perhaps "Mistress of the Obvious" would be more appropriate?! )

So yes indeedy, I appreciate the visit...and your thumb's up on my collabing with Ricki. She's the cat's meow, ayuh!!

Have a good one, Randy. Keep Maine safe for us til we return!!

Cheers,
Beth

Hey Mark,

How are you on this fine sunny Sunday? I see you're new to these here parts (unless you've returned under a secret pseudonym! ), so WELCOME!!!

Also, thank you very much for stopping by to listen to our song and give us such generous feedback. Sometime you should just go spend an afternoon on Ricki's Soundclick page -- She's FAB!!

I appreciate your comments on the lyrics as well...

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,
Beth

Hi Mark,

Thanks for listening and letting us know how much you enjoyed it.

Ricki