Feb 2022 fipple shanty folk lo-fi
It's a bit 'What Did the Deep Sea Say?' and a bit 'What do the Zailors Zing?', I guess.
I'm not really enthusiastic enough about these lyrics to try to record anything based on them, they don't really suit my style. If you want them, feel free.
Tim sez: this demonstrates a pitfall of reading lots of lyrics. Some bite and won't let go, and not only is there no time left, it's after the deathknock. But still, very very quickly: . This sketch is the sort of thing I had in mind. I did ask!
What sing the sailors who drowned in the tide?
No more shanties on the ocean wide
The drowned dead have got no songs
Oh, the dead sing nothing at all
A song is for the living, my friends
For us who are still alive
Though remembrance we’re giving
A song is for the living
What sing the miners who choked in the dark?
No more working songs and fear of sparks
The blackdamp dead have got no songs
Oh, the dead sing nothing at all
A song is for the living, my friends
For us who are still alive
Though remembrance we’re giving
A song is for the living
What sing the soldiers who stood for their side?
No more anthems for a country’s pride
The gunshot dead have got no songs
Oh, the dead sing nothing at all
A song is for the living, my friends
For us who are still alive
Though remembrance we’re giving
A song is for the living
@kendrakinsey Mar 2022
The sentiment is real. Songs are for the living just like wakes and funerals. Love the pirate shanty.
@mikeskliar Mar 2022
wow! I love this- this is an inventive and moving lyric, and the musical setting for this is inspired and perfect! the recorder, the sea-shanty vocals and everything ---- wow and more wow! great job both of you!!
the one little mixing suggestion I'd have is the make the 'a song is for the living' sections just a bit louder, perhaps, in the mix? This is a keeper!
@katestantonsings Mar 2022
I really like this. "A song is for the living, my friends
For us who are still alive
Though remembrance we’re giving
A song is for the living"
Is this a recorder? It sounds a little like an ocarina. I like when the piano comes in :) well done!
@liz561 Mar 2022
The recorder is so atmospheric-and just the kind of little instrument a sailor or soldier could carry. Nice contrast with the piano/vocals.
@fearlessflight2014 Mar 2022
Wow! I love this guys, such a beautiful melody and that whistle?/recorder? is really haunting and I love the key centre shifts. The lyric feels very authentic and timeless. I can see why Tim was attracted to it.
@dragondreams Mar 2022
This works SO well! Tim's absolutely correct. Do NOT trash your own songs. :-D
And he's provided concrete fippling evidence of how a fresh set of eyes and a different interpretation can bring magic to any song.
@timfatchen Mar 2022
You might be unenthusiastic (don't trash your own songs, croaks I, having lost my virtual voice shouting it....) but the lyric is excellent and immediately lends itself to a folk semi-shanty with a call-response segment and a hugely contrasting chorus. Seriously, if this had turned up even ten days ago, i would have run off with it. Now, I just can't do anything worth it until end of March. When, of course, no-one will be left to comment. Still...??