Feb 2022 topical banjo tenorbanjo harmonica folk covid hopeful
So I woke up this morning and decided to take down from the wall an old tenor banjo I had. Not sure how I had last had it tuned, but I went with B E Gsharp E, which is a kind of open E chord. Started strumming, and, thinking about the pandemic and some lifting of mask mandates here and there, came up with this.
Recorded the tenor banjo, then vocal, then since I had a few extra verses I had played on the banjo, I went back and did a harmonica overdub as well.
I kind of got a perverse satisfaction of naming this song 'crossroads'.. maybe classic rock stations can stop playing that anti-vax nut eric clapton now, and play this instead? (lol)
I thought this came together half-decently, for something so quick. Goes without saying, but while you should feel free to talk about the song, etc. , let's not get into 'should there be masks indoors, or not, etc.)
enjoy!
We’re sitting here in the crossroads
That limbo that lies between
Back there was fear and boredom
Back there was quarantine
Ahead may lie back to normal
But are we moving there way too fast
Another change in the DNA
And the die might be already cast
I don’t think I know the right answers
The truth is, no one can say
I’ve been good for so long already
Seems a shame to throw it away
But we can’t live this way forever
Collateral damage piling up
Still I can’t say I’m hurting all the time
I’m looking at a half full cup
So I’ll take a few baby steps
To bring back that normal feeling
And hope it doesn’t all crash back down
Is that a crack I see in the ceiling?
(c) M. Skliar 2022
@guatecoop Feb 2022
What a great sound! I just love the banjo and you play it so well. The melody and words fit perfectly. Then the harmonica?!? Mike, there’s no way you live in NYC….the jig is up. Great song! Wow, you really are doing great things.
@abudabard12514 Feb 2022
Oh that banjer keeps nice time it surely does. I like that verse a freakin lot. And the harmonica solo was choice, sucker punched me in a real nice way.
I'd rather listen to you over Clapton 9 times, man.
@audrey Feb 2022
Oh, I enjoyed this so much. You've accurately expressed what I'm sure many of us are feeling these days about getting back to normal. Should we do it, or should we still be afraid? Timely and great lyrics and I really like your melody too. Thanks for this. :)
@andygetch Feb 2022
I like the circular ballad structure/chord progression which supports the lyric. Love the focus on what the narrator can control. The harmonica is a nice outro touch.
@chinacat Feb 2022
Another nice one, enjoyed listening
@nancyrost Feb 2022
That banjo sounds so close and personal! Great take on the title, and you know I'm with you in this gentle trepidation. Great last line. Ah, I wasn't expecting the harp - nice meditative and fun moment to close this out.
@n24 Feb 2022
Mmm that sweet banjo, right on the money, very cleanly executed. Really love the hopeful tone of this piece, it’s really nice, and the harmonica solo at the end is just right :)
@tseaver Feb 2022
Nice write, and a timely finger on the pulse. The banjo's brightness weighs in a bit on the hopeful side of the dilemma. Great harp outro.
@hamiltonpoolhall Feb 2022
Man, great vocal on this, and I love the wistful feeling you pull from that instrument/tuning. Such a lovely harp solo too, and a great recording, with everything feeling warm and balanced and clear. Also, this is the second post of the day to make me advocate for a tag anytime we use a classic blues phrase or title as the basis for something new!
@rayboneor Feb 2022
That banjo really moves things along. It's cool how the accent falls on "and" (or maybe "e" depending on the time signature). That is a pretty sweet solo. That rueful final line hits pretty hard, I say with a wry smile :)
@fuzzy Feb 2022
HOW DARE YOU EXPRESS AN OPINION THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM MY OWN I AM TRIGGERED BLAH BLAH BLAH
Just kidding.
I like how you sing about contentious subjects in a personal, humourous, and endearing way.
Excellent harp work there.
Nice welcoming banjo playing, if that makes sense.
@davidtaro Feb 2022
Love the sound of that banjo, Mike. And then the harp solo is so classy on top. I'd be quite happy to hear this on the radio over Clapton, he's rather blotted his copy book lately hasn't he!
@mikepalmu Feb 2022
Nice sense of humor in this little tune. Can't say it's timeless cos it apparently is not but definitely lights up the room!