OK. I've got some thanks and catching up to do on this one...
SluiCe--(see how I remember to capitalize that C?)
Yeah, there is something satisfying about knowing that a song works with just voice and guitar or a piano. I feel like if I can get THAT to work, I can figure out everything else that can be added on. Plus, you then have the luxury of being able to perform it solo if needed. No excuses..."hey, I don't have my drum machine or my synth or my bass player, etc". Its not that I am against other methods, but its nice to be able to tuck your music and a guitar under your arm and be able to go anywhere and play the song, knowing that it "works" as is.
Smokepole--Yeah, man! Recently, I heard a song called "I'm Movin On" (not the Hank Snow tune) by Rascal Flatts. That song was so wide open lyrically--you could plug any experience into it and it would work. That was really inspirational to me. I thought--AH! being vague about certain things is a strength, not a weakness. I hate to over analyze writing and all, but this idea seems to hold some water.
Lt. Bob--are you partying without me?! Damn, that ws a funny post! Enjoy your vacation--and be sure to think about me--her in this damn frozen north where the highs will be in the 20's all week!
B. Sabbath--Thanks for those words! The final recording is going to be better--much better--if I have to sweat blood to make it so. I just want to add that even though we are polar opposites in the type of music we create, that I have a ton of respect for you and your many talents. I appreciate your open mindedness to be able to listen to something like this without having to say "Well, I hate this kind of music but this is pretty good considering I hate this kind of stuff"
I do hope you know I am pulling for artists like you--you have gifts which should be used by the world.
Guernica--Thank you big guy! One of the things I am trying to do now is write like I used to write--which was from the heart--before everybody and their brothers publisher tried to steer me in directions that seemed good at the time, but weren't really so smart. I've reached a point where I have to make myself happy first. I could die tomorrow, so I want to spend today writing music that means something to me. Its all I'm gonna leave behind, so I want to be proud of my legacy, no matter how insignificant it may be.
Sky Blue Lou--Crying is OK. Mixmkr said nothing about crying, only gushing.
David--Thanks for your comments. Now, if I could only find 250,000 more people who felt like you...I could be a minor hit!
Mixmkr--beaming is OK too, its just the gushing that is taboo.
Chrisharris suggested a slight tempo change, which I think is a great idea and will make the words come out more flowingly. I should stop smoking and climbing stairs to do recordings too--that would help! In summary: beaming 'good', gushing baaaddd', tempo change good, gotta stop smoking--not prudent at this juncture.
Knopflerfan--I am going back to Nashville at some point. Right now, I am just writing and trying to get some good takes of the songs. Once I get enough stuff together, then I can pick what to take and target to that market. I want to have too much stuff before I go rather than too little, since I haven't been there for almost six years.
The drums and strings were a synth--a Yamaha Motif that I just got. I'm still tryin to figure the thing out, but I think its gonna be pretty awesome compared to what I had before.