This is a really unfinished skirmish attempt. I'd like to add another verse full of stories about the lives of strangers I see on the street when walking. And maybe a bridge somewhere.
Since it's the final week, I'll try to restrain myself and leave this skirmish result as is until I hit 14 songs.
Edit: unsurprisingly, I had no self control and I added another verse and re-recorded an updated version. The demo above now links to the new version. The old version is at https://soundcloud.com/berthuang/passing-by?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Edit: some notes for post feb plans. I know some folks liked the repeated melody in the verse, but I think I need to change it up after the first or second stanza. It’s too simple and repetitive for me. I’m thinking of adding string starting from the bridge until the end. Maybe a solo violin, maybe more. Depends on if I can arrange something that sounds pretty.
She is on the phone
Talking to an old friend
Who is living alone
In a town she’d never been
A couple argues quietly
Hiding that they’re struggling
They don’t know how they’ll go on
They don’t know how it went wrong
Block by block we’re passing by
As we walk our busy lives
Strangers in the city street
All our lives lived differently
They’re closer than they seem
A dad is with his son
They stop to look at toys
Toys that cost too much
That could bring home some joy
A jogger runs on past
Her heart beating fast
She’s thinking about her worth
(Trying to) put herself first
Block by block we’re passing by
As we walk our busy lives
Strangers in the city street
All our lives lived differently
They’re closer than they seem
Block by block we’re passing by
As we walk our busy lives
Strangers in the city street
All our lives lived differently
They’re closer than they seem
I walk with headphones on
Sometimes I pause my songs
To listen to people
It makes me feel I belong
Every story’s secret
But they’re all the same
We’re all trying all we can
To make it all okay
Block by block we’re passing by
As we walk our busy lives
Strangers in the city street
All our lives lived differently
They’re closer than they seem
@coolparadiso Mar 2022
a big lyric for a skirmish, ah maybe ive listened to the update! Different to my ear more in the classic singer songwriter style, using lift by vocal! Good chorus! thoughtful lyric again! #tit4tat (4of 5)
@scruffyblues Mar 2022
Really love the idea behind the lyrics. As an avid people watcher I totally get the intrigue to know more and imagine what might be. This has given me inspiration! Thanks :)
@mccannrs Feb 2022
I'm glad you were able to expand on the song already! Nice chord progressions on both the verse and chorus. I like how you'll repeat a melodic line over multiple chords, changing the context of the melody. Simple and effective!
@seemanski Feb 2022
This really takes you on a journey, totally relatable as I am walking now and it makes sense. The words are so good and it is sung and played really well.
@vainhirvain Feb 2022
That's a nice song. I'm listening to it after the update, and in this case i'm thankful to your lack of self-control! The song is a reminder of how important it is to feel connected even in a city, and take those headphones off now and then. I often feel isolated in the crowd, so I really needed this song. THanks.
@crutherford Feb 2022
oh. this is lovely. i adore the vignettes. but my fav lines are:
I walk with headphones on
Sometimes I pause my songs
To listen to people
It makes me feel I belong
Those are some dynamo lines right there. I know it's a skirmish so it's a quick write and record - but I really like this one with just vocal and guitar. i'm into minimalism. so in the future if you're planning to spruce this one up a bit - don't do too much to it - kay?
great job on this skirmish!
bravo!
@jwhanberry Feb 2022
Wonderful take on the prompt. Watching others as you take your walk and catching brief glimpses of their lives. Good stuff.
@arthurrossi Feb 2022
Beautifully written lyrics with lovely observations. It feels like sitting on a bench somewhere in the park or in a cafe and looking around... Lovely tune and guitar play...
@thedutchwidows Feb 2022
A really cool set of observations; there's magic in just watching life and this captures it really nicely. Very nice skirmishing.
@porrectus Feb 2022
Great message in this song. Nice sounding guitar work. I like the chorus. Really well done. Great into and outro
@berni1954 Feb 2022
I don't feel it is unfinished, but I think you could add a few more stories without losing your listeners. The Chorus pulls it all together.
I started FAWM a couple of years back with the idea of writing several songs about the people I met on my walks in my home town. It gave me two good songs, but then I got distracted with challenges and skirmishes. I think I could have done an entire album's worth of material on just that one idea. Maybe I will one day.
@max Feb 2022
I wouldn't call it unfinished. It works really well as it is right now.
You put your observations into words very artistically. My compliments.
@axl Feb 2022
The chorus has quite some pop potential, imo. And it goes very well together with the verses. A well-rounded and emotionally appealing piece of music.
@tunecat Feb 2022
Nice atmospheric guitar chords. I like and recognise the idea of walking around with headphones on and the idea of being somewhere but not totally belonging. The music is compelling somehow. Great playing btw
@ajna1960 Feb 2022
The images painted in these words are very clear and full of everyday interest. The pain and suffering quietly, the strangers, the friends, the general debris of life flowing past. Very evocative.
@keithcuts Feb 2022
guitar intro is sweeet
oh this is relatable.
how can we know everyones story but they are there.
great isongwriting it took me with yuou !