This song came from the title phrase, it popped into my head as a melody first, I sang it into my phone while out walking and came back to it. I liked the idea of a drop happening in the chorus, to emphasise the drama of the moment musically. also not playing the one is quite satisying.
I wrote three bridge sections and used two, maybe I shouldn’t have repeated the second bridge but I liked it, so I did it twice. The whole song might be a touch high for me, I struggled to get the notes… maybe it’s still early in the month, but I might try it in different keys if it’s ever returned to.
I wrote the words on the train from Clapham to Surrey Quays (although I don't live or work in either of those places :)), I had the chorus and bridges but needed the verses. But when I got off the train I had the story and most of the words. It’s based on a man visiting his wife in a nursing home, she has dementia and he isn’t sure how much she remembers of him and their lives together.
Maybe there’s a distance in her eyes, but sometimes there is still a remembrance, some kind of muscle memory of a life together.
Again, it’s about an inner turmoil (awww gawwwddd) that is constantly churning in the character’s mind, while everyone sees a different version of what is reality as they walk through their neighbourhood.
Had to choose between gold watch and carriage clock for the gift they received when they retired and I think carriage clock works better.
In a way that line was the key to the song. Not so keen on the delivery of the buzzing door line. Not sure I quite nailed it, but can return, maybe I suppose.
The first middle eight is the husband talking about visiting his wife in the home and the second middle eight are some of the things that she tells him when she visits. Tales of the disconnects within the brain.
I originally had the hit drop a lot harder on the choruses, maybe this is more subtle and tasteful, but in a way I miss the heavy smash of the cranked guitar coming in. Having said that I didn’t quite nail the transitions, so it sits there in the mix as a reminder of demos past.
I think the demo to this demo (I transposed it to supposedly make it easier to sing) had more harmonies on the bridge, but I ran out of time, but what we have is all good.
Mostly happy with this one, my daughter likes to sing it so that’ll do for me.
My eyes are out on stalks
Got a distinctive walk
That I wear wherever I go
So many things have changed
So much has stayed the same
So now I’m on my way
I nod and say hello
to all the friendly people I know
My pulse is racing as
I’m buzzed into the room
Maybe there’s a distance in your smile
That I can’t escape as time creeps by
Maybe there’s a distance in my mind
A line that I can’t cross as I pass by
As I pass by
I got a carriage clock
For 50 years of work
And while I’m still able
I’ll walk to you for
miles and miles and miles and miles and miles
Maybe there’s a distance in your smile
That I can’t escape as time creeps by
Maybe there’s a distance in my mind
A thought that I escape as I pass by
As I pass by
Maybe it’s fine and won’t be forever
Maybe this time will be for real
What out for daggers, and snakes under ladders
And happy ever afters
Hold tight the jackals Preparing for battles
Been happy for so long
Lately there’s a distance in your eyes
That I can’t escape as time creeps by
Maybe there’s it’s a subject we can’t broach
I can feeling it growing in my throat
Just can’t get it out
Stuck in my throat
@nadine Feb 2022
I enjoy reading your liner notes while listening to the song. This is why I don't comment on the lyrics lol. No need to excuse for the arrangement. I like the structure and the chorus is so catchy. I guess 2 semitones lower would be easier but I also think that this chorus needs that falsetto. Maybe record a punch in the very high part?!
@mychaleg Feb 2022
I haven't read the liner notes yet (I need to on mine)...
Miles and miles...extended for effect, I got it I like it
The producer in me says you gotta crank this up a la Foo fighters. Belt some lines, give it some URGENCY MAN! HA
@klaus Feb 2022
This sounds lovely with just the right amount of certain quirkiness. Chorus is quite catchy and the title is singable with a nice rhythm. You should never underestimate the power of a catchy chorus and no wonder your daughter sings it too. Marvelous pop song.
@n1742 Feb 2022
Vocal sounds great and the lyrics are so good. I particularly like hold tight the jackals. It’s one to play over and over
@thedutchwidows Feb 2022
This is very nice indeed. Has a great vibe to it, and the chorus is instantly memorable.
More successful with bridges than Boris Johnson!
@katestantonsings Feb 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your writing process. This is spot on:
"while everyone sees a different version of what is reality". The lyrics are sweet and timeless. Meaningful indie pop!
@sbs2018 Feb 2022
Oh my, that was quite a walk to spit this out! I love it! Too funny about writing 2 Bridges - I can rarely come up with 1 - lol!
@vomvorton Feb 2022
Great title / hook line, emotional subject matter but tied to a propulsive and hooky arrangement - probably would have taken me a few listens to start spotting the theme without your explanation, which I mean as a compliment - always nice when a song reveals additional layers as you go on!