Well, I went down the Drum Loop rabbit hole on this one. Just wanted to make it more interesting. . .two extra days later, I threw in the towel and just need to move forward. * Just adding that it took two extra days because the drums also affected every other part and I pretty much had to re-record all the tracks. The, I-went-back-in-time-and-killed-the-butterfly-effect.
This song is about getting through hard times with your kids, and at the same time letting them go.
I’m ok
Just don’t bring up the kids
I’ll be alright
Seal the bags and close the lids.
It’s truth or dare
in Union Square
My child, my light,
His friends are there
CHORUS
We’re taking it slow
Breathing through our noses
Speaking with our mouths closed.
In the silence you can hear the thumps and groans.
our hearts, they beat so close
Just do me a favor and don’t bring up the kids, no no.
I don’t like crying (in front of you)
I’d rather lie (than face the truth)
I don't like crying (in front of you)
I'd rather die.
A mother’s wish
To soothe to kiss
My girl resists
Missteps and trips
I fumble, say,
“It’ll be okay”
Inside I scream,
“Don’t slip away.”
CHORUS
I don’t like crying (in front of you)
I’d rather lie (than face the truth)
I don't like crying (in front of you)
I'd rather die.
@matthew62 Mar 2022
You drug some tasty loops from the rabbit hole. They support the song well. The lyrics are beautiful. They're a lovely depiction of the ups and downs of parenting, especially the anguish of the times of uncertainty over whether or not we're up to the task. The call and response sections really pay off as well. This is well-crafted, performed and produced.
@richaaaay Feb 2022
This works great. Such a soft delivery, vocally and instrumentally. This has an endearing feel to it. Very enjoyable listen.
@nancycunning Feb 2022
Yes. Yes, And Yes. Parenting is like that. Throwing my hands over my eyes when they are racing down gravel driveways on real or proverbial BigWheels. Phew.
Beautiful vocals, and the doubling reminds me of the inside of my brain where one voice is saying, "You have to tell them" and the other is saying "Don't say it. Don't say it. Don't say it"
@andygetch Feb 2022
This is deep and the lyrics and music captures the ups and downs of raising kids and having conversations with friends about the difficult times and the consequences of their choices. That does not end when the the kids become adults.
@rkeeling75 Feb 2022
I like the the introduction of the snare. And your vocal doubling was a great choice. Even with a single voice, your voice does a good job of giving the listener the depth of the emotions behind the song. Well done.
@johnstaples Feb 2022
Aww Angelina, this is a Beautiful song!
So, that Drum Loop rabbit hole worked out really well! I love how you added the drums to certain sections. It lifts the song quite nicely in those areas!
And I just love, Love, LOVE your pretty vocals! Just the right balance of power and tenderness! The doubling works a treat and the call-and-response on lines like "I don’t like crying (in front of you)" is both a powerful messaging device as well as a lovely addition to the soundscape!
Your words are where this song really touches my heart! You do such an awesome job of describing the challenges of parenting. Knowing when to chime in with GOOD advice and when to bite your tongue. Watching them stumble and resisting the overwhelming urge to catch them. You capture it all, beautifully!
I've always said parenting is the toughest job...if you do it right, they leave you! And you must spend their entire childhood changing, growing along with them. My two are grown but it is still a challenge to find the path to stay close to them and remain relevant in their lives. I'm convinced this parenting thing never really ends!
Thank you for this song! It brought back a lot of memories for me. So glad to hear your lovely voice again. Keep the faith! You got this. <3
@ericlord Feb 2022
I really enjoyed this.. your singing voice and tone really convey the meaning, if that makes sense.
I'm all about drum machines and folky songs! Love what you did here
Peace
@splittybooms Feb 2022
The drums sound great in my opinion. Good choices in what you picked and where you placed them. Also sound good in the mix with the vocals and guitar; kinda in the back so the other things shine, but still adding nice mellow rhythm to the track.
No kids of my own but have been through many of my little cousins growing up from babies to young adults now and I think you really captured a lot of stuff that I see on their mothers' faces at times.
I stay out of it, just be the cousin who does fun stuff with them to take their minds off of things, try not to give them a hard time, or tell them what to do; but I feel some of these things in your lyrics myself sometimes. I'm very close to my cousins, who are really just cousins by name, more like little sisters and brothers, second mothers, etc.
I think the whole feel of this is really heartfelt and the simple guitar with the sparse drums was a great choice for the subject matter, and also a nice backdrop for your vocals. Speaking of vocals, theres sadness in them, which adds to the feel of the song.
Really enjoyed this.
@kenficara Feb 2022
Your songs are like scalpels. They cut delicately, but deeply. I’m impressed with a drum machine loop that supports the fingerpicking so wall and I _love_ the interlocking vocal parts.
@coolparadiso Feb 2022
we have all been there, hope you got out! they work fine , i love the change with the doubling so pretty and nice. Nice words top off a really enjoyable listen . i can till here those drums
@erelpi10 Feb 2022
evocative song, there's a tugging need, i especially like the chorus where the shadow reveals the story. i also like the way you record your vocals with the quieter double. nice to hear your voice again :)
@mikeskliar Feb 2022
What a wonderful and fascinating song! All those drum loops add alot, actually, and this demo sounds clean and polished and really accomplished. The lyric is interesting, and provocative- and that chorus 'i dont like crying.. etc' is hypnotic and memorable. And I get the feelings, that 'getting thru hard time and/but letting them go, etc'.... but of course you know I know your kids are great !
@candle Feb 2022
Parenting is the hardest job. I can really relate to this. A beautiful expression of a Mother's love & frustrations. I really enjoyed this.
See You In The Shadows…