I wrote this song from the first-person perspective of the famous first human-made satellite. The song’s format is a bit different from what I usually do, but I think the V2 - Bridge - Chorus format in the latter half of the song serves the story arc well.
I attempt to use two Russian words in verse 2: до свидания (da svidania) and удачи (udachi). The former is familiar to many and is a formal parting that translates to “goodbye.” The latter is an informal parting translating to “good luck.” I apologize in advance for my pronunciation!
One last note - the beeps in the middle and at the end are actually a recording that NASA took of the signal put off by Sputnik in 1957, so I guess you could say this is technically a collaboration…
Chorus:
What comes up doesn’t always come down
Sometimes you burn up before you hit the ground
Other times you just keep floating around
What comes up doesn’t always come down
V1:
They said I was a rising star
The pride and joy of the USSR
On the fourth of October I was ready to go
But they never spoke a word about me going home
They said,
Chorus:
What comes up doesn’t always come down
Sometimes you burn up before you hit the ground
Other times you just keep floating around
What comes up doesn’t always come down
V2:
They gave me a pat on the fuselage
Wishing me “udachi” (удачи) and “da svidania” (до свидания)
With the roar of the rockets, it wasn’t long
‘Til I circled the earth, sending my song
Bridge:
Hey look, ma, I can see China
Hey look, ma, I can see Spain
I can see all the people worrying ‘bout the future
You can be sure,
That I’m worried about the same
Chorus:
What comes up doesn’t always come down
Sometimes we burn up before we reach the ground
Other times we just keep floating around
What comes up doesn’t always come down
@mikegtz Feb 2022
Oh, this is really clever and a fun topic for a song. A new genre perhaps even: extraterrestrial country, maybe satellite folk? Very cool, great little song! I also liked the line "They gave me a pat on the fuselage." and the Russian words interlude.
@timlaborie Feb 2022
Good song! And great recording. Love the Sputnik signal. I saw the Sputnik on a cup which I'm guessing is one of your brothers creations. I am also a potter. Does he have Instagram of somewhere I could see his work?
@kadmad202 Feb 2022
Poor little Sputnik I. Whatever did happen to it, anyway? Very original idea and wonderfully executed. You had me rooting for the little guy!
@headfirstonly Feb 2022
Really great writing, particularly in the chorus (and yeah, that second line is a doozy.) The arrangement on this is absolutely stellar (see what I did there?) The way that electric guitar gently sidles in is (chef's kiss).
@sph Feb 2022
Great chorus and as the other's already said an interesting perspective for a song. And I really like the sound of the guitar, it has a nice punch.
@valeriecox Feb 2022
Your sequel to this one can be about the International Space Station. :P Great, great chorus. I dig the country/Americana style. A really good vibe to it. Your bridge is masterful. You really hit gold with this one.
@jorh Feb 2022
Fab idea for a song, I loved how you personified the satellite and sang from this perspective, really unique. Great work on the USSR / star rhyme as well, and the spoken intro was a great scene setter. The chorus is the real star of the show for me though, a country pop hooky delight
@singbiosis Feb 2022
Bravo! What a great song. Solid hook, and the chorus is great, with metaphors for all kinds of life. I love the sounds mixed in, too!
@cubizm Feb 2022
Beautiful recording and concept. I really like the bridge and the way the beeping is subtly incorporated. A new genre! The continuation of Steve Miller's Space Cowboy! Like your voice a lot.
@dock Feb 2022
This is fantastic! I love the perspective from Sputnik. And that beep passing thru the stereo field was a nice touch. "What goes up doesn't always come down" is such a great line!
@jeff9 Feb 2022
How very original and clever. Really impressive. Got a little Radney Foster vibe, which is a wonderful thing in my view. Applause.
@ductapeguy Feb 2022
This has an amazing 80s 'New Country' groove. I love the spacey samples.
@svwulfe Feb 2022
I wish there was more space country out in the world. This is great.
@thedutchwidows Feb 2022
Lovely song and a great angle to take on it. Some great lines, all really well delivered. Not surprising you've marked it a favourite - you've set yourself a high bar very early!
@bradbrubaker Feb 2022
The second line of the chorus is nothing short of a lyrical achievement. It is already in the running for best line I will hear this FAWM. And the song itself is so clever, the perspective you've written from. Other favorite line: "They gave me a pat on the fuselage." Would download if the button were there.
@roblincoln Feb 2022
Great concept ...and a great song-- lyrically and musically. Wonderful arrangement and production as well. Nice to hear your voice again.
@angelinapowersuit Feb 2022
Fun!! And what an original idea for a country song. Catchy chorus too. Cool beeps, haha. You've got a great voice for country - I don't know how to describe it - perhaps just - someone I want to listen to in the summertime while drinking ice cold lemonade :-)