This is my attempt to do something with some lyrics Andy G sent me. I've not really done much collaborating before and I have to admit it felt like a bit of pressure to make something with someone else's words. (Although he assured me it was fine to do whatever with them).
The idea is that it is written from the perspective of a castle ruin... of course I couldn't resist the opportunity to pretend to be a castle!
Andy G: These lyrics came to me as I was exploring the ruins of Pennard Castle on the Gower Peninsula, perched on a headland above the beautiful Three Cliffs Bay. I've very seldom collaborated this way round before, but I think Mel has done a wonderful job realising and giving life to what was really only a stream of consciousness.
I live on the side of a hill
With a wind that in the winter chill
Bites at the skin on your face
If you hang around this place,
It sings a song through the gaps
That remain
An eerie refrain
You see our children in houses around
We watched them grow up while we crumbled down
Visits on most of the days
Different clothing but features the same
I can see the sea from here
Though in cloud it disappears,
Chattering battering shore
Cormorants and seagulls soar
You see our children in houses around
We watched them grow up while we crumbled down
This is not what we were built for
Summer attraction with heritage stalls
Watching the grass grow up
Through our ripped up walls
The waves may reach us and we will fall
You see our children in houses around
We watched them grow up while we crumbled down
@mariekevinkmusic Feb 2022
Great collab. The floatiness of the vocals and how it mixes with the guitar. It really matches the lyrics and gives a kind of eerie feeling to the image of a castle on a hilltop. Intrigued by the use of We when it is the voice of a castle. Is it all the bricks, singing as one entity? So many questions! I love it.
@tukayandryan Feb 2022
Beautiful collab. Gorgeous guitar to accompany such lovely imagery. Doubling of the vocals works really well here too.
@adforperu Feb 2022
In love with that progression, it hints at being angular but you make it work so naturally. @andygriff's lyrics are so evocative, and I can't think of a better musician to fit that sort of folk-y feel than @melaniepegge. Love the whispery delivery of "Chattering battering shore", creates some real drama as if that guitar wasn't enough. Something as simple as double the vocal in the choruses (?) is a great choice.
@kendrakinsey Feb 2022
Wow, it's really lovely. The guitar part is really pretty and the melody also so intriguing and unique. They pair together so well, and with the beautiful lyrics
@andygriff Feb 2022
You've done a great job with this. The guitar work is truly delicious and I really like the way the vocals float above.
@annaharp1 Feb 2022
That’s lovely that Mel x
@songmistress Feb 2022
Oh, I love this. Delightful.
@sheslin Feb 2022
The gorgeous lush guitars, and your beautiful haunting vocals floating above is giving me all the feels! The reverb makes me feel like I am in this castle. I also love the twists and turns of your melancholy melody. I think you did this poetic lyrics justice. Great collab!
@conuladh Feb 2022
I love it. You musical style is very different to Mr. G's and I find it a very interesting and pleasing result. You vocal performance is beautifully haunting/