Yikes! This one's way out of my wheelhouse!!
But What the heck....
The Meltdown
by Gary Ray Knowland
I am unique, but I'm headed down
and there are millions more around
They're just like me, tho not at all
and life is short, after the fall
CHORUS
Do I truly have a purpose?
A destiny to play a part?
Sometimes life is like a circus
Death-defying acts of heart
I'm getting closer, I see it now
The view is clearer, bright somehow
Some friends are there, and some are near
I'm filled with anger, joy, and fear
Do I truly have a purpose?
A destiny to play a part?
Sometimes life is like a circus
Death-defying acts of heart
BRIDGE
It's over now, and here I lie
no more falling, only sky
I'm melting down, but what do I know
I'm nothing but a flake of snow
Do I truly have a purpose?
A destiny to play a part?
Sometimes life is like a circus
Death-defying acts of heart
Death-defying acts of heart
© 2022 Grayland Studios
@johnstaples Feb 2022
Hey Gary, I was doing some FAWM listening today and decided to stop back by this song for another listen. And I love this even more than before!
Now, I am a big fan of your country stuff but, damn man, this beautiful song is one of my all-time favorite Grayland songs! And it is easily one of the very best songs I've heard here at FAWM this year!
@tcelliott Feb 2022
Great title and great lyric. I love the last line of the chorus and that bridge is nearly perfect. You've got a good one here.
@crisp1 Feb 2022
A very pure, soul-searching song. A human being questioning the meaning of their life. Not an easy topic to tackle, but you've done an admirable job here and your gentle arrangement and authentic vocals make this all the more rewarding a listen.
@leakyplusme2 Feb 2022
Very very good song.
@tamsnumber4 Feb 2022
So lovely to hear you soul singing, that is so special to put down on paper and to share. There are other's that are able to relate to it and take the ride though the song with you, it is the emotional goal of a good singer songwriter. This is so gentle and questioning and the vocal is raw and real. It is a treat to hear you like this and see this side, you are having such a special FAWM friend.
@coolparadiso Feb 2022
i read the lyric first on this and it is so well written! Soon as you sang i knew you had nailed it! your wheelhouse has expanded! what a fantastic pair of lines Sometimes life is like a circus
Death-defying acts of heart. then the synth! top class
@jerrypettit Feb 2022
Nice simple and effective arrangement to a song that needs to have that emphasis on lyrics and vocal. Loving when the strings come in here. Just a great, great job! Good luck on doing all 14!
@bithprod Feb 2022
Piano, guitar and vocals are all great! Nice touch with the "strings" parts. Relatable lyrics and a good melody to go with. Good song!
@sapient Feb 2022
"Death defying acts of heart" is such a good line.
There's so much depth to these lyrics.
And delivered so perfectly.
Darn, this is a good ún...
@metalfoot Feb 2022
A question asked well and quite musically. Nice work all around.
@judypie Feb 2022
Sometimes life is like a circus, death defying acts of heart.
Hollaaaa! This made me all emotional so kudos on a very effective write! Love the break in your voice, it sounds so honest and heartfelt. And the bridge is as sweet as freshly fallen snow <3
@sunnymae Feb 2022
You pose the question we all ask ourselves at some point in life. This piece has a tenderness and vulnerability to it and your vocals mirror those sentiments beautifully. I love your guitar playing. It has a steady flow and adds the hopeful element one needs when asking the tough questions. Well done!
@sheilerk Feb 2022
Beautiful piano intro, and clear, sincere vocals. This is definitely a different feel from the first one of yours that I listened to, very introspective, but I can hear a similar thread running through them.
You've really captured the essence of edging towards the latter part of life.
@zecoop Feb 2022
This song sounds like it is hanging on an emotional precipice. It certainly goes way into the depths of our minds and keeps searching. It has a big sense of yearning, so you nailed that vibe. Beautifully done!! :)
@writeandwrong Feb 2022
Ohh, phew, this is heavy and feeling like so many people can relate to this right now... what a beautiful performance. Great vocals that bring out the yearning. Several of us spend so many years trying to figure out our purpose... I say take that flake that's about to fall to the ground, go and build a snowman!! Don't forget the tophat! So many truths in your lines...life is like a circus or a rollercoaster at the fair. That bridge twinged my gut with such sadness. Very thatrical. I can see a very dramatic video to go with this. I love this piece! It's so relatable!
@ponygal1961 Feb 2022
Love the orchestration. The entire song is wonderful really. As @johnstaples 's said so eloquently, it is sincere, beautiful, deep and quietly powerful.
@ajna1960 Feb 2022
This is quite lovely and soothing, despite what appears to be a sad subject. I love the edge your voice has every now and then. It gives it that unusual gritty edge and adds more interest and emotion to the song.
Great lyric, very cleverly written.
@dragondreams Feb 2022
I'm going to have to have words with that Staples guy! He leaves little unsaid. So I'm going to echo EVERYTHING John said about this song.
It's gentle and powerful at the same time. It's a really polished piece too. I know that FAWM is about the song more than the production (but I live for production) and the presentation of your song is superb.
The arrangement, dynamics and instrument choices are sublime.
Instant watchlist!
@cindyrella Feb 2022
This is very thought provoking and I'm honestly in awe! I love the wonderful music and gosh, your vocals! Great song!
@johnstaples Feb 2022
Awww, damn Gary, this is quite beautiful! And DEEP too! I just love the music...the piano and the orchestration (how'd you do that?) And your vocals are strong yet tender. Powerful and sincere.
And now, as I listen again, I am blown away at how insightful and wise this song is! OMG, you have questioned the universe and the purpose of our very existence in a calm, gentle way! I don't feel sadness or anger or fear (even though you insightfully say "I'm filled with anger, joy, and fear") from this song. To me it has more of a zen feeling; a feeling of curiosity (along with the others) along with a bit of acceptance!
The title is really a great one and I love that you don't even utter it in the song! So many of my all-time favorite songs do this! That chorus is stellar! And the last two lines of the chorus...
Sometimes life is like a circus
Death-defying acts of heart
OK, now that right there is some brilliant lyric writing! I love that bridge too and it is nicely tied to the title!
Damn dude, you are writing some top-drawer stuff this year! Keep 'em coming!!!