576 Topic by Grah1

(3 replies, posted in Songwriting)

I  actually wrote  this  song  nearly  50 yrs  ago  when I  was  in an electric  blues  rock trio   in the  UK   called Firkles Purple Onion .
Its based on a bad experience I  had at a local hairdressers .Back in the  day   I had  hair  like  Ian  Gillan  from Deep Purple  but  I  had  to  have  it  cut  when I  took  a  job in the  motor  trade  ,eventually it  grew  back  and  I  became  the  cave  man that  I  still  am today .
I  dug the  song  out  to do at an  event  this  coming week end  as   a  new  hairdressers shop is  opening  close by  and  I  told  her I'd  play it  for  her .
Hope  you  like   it  it s  an acoustic  number called

BARBER  SHOP  BLUES

D                                                          A           D
Well  my  head  is  cold  and  my ears  are  red
D                               A           D
I  really  wish  that I  was  dead
D                                   A          D
it was a mistake and  I'm so blue
D                                                      A           D
my  hair  has  gone  and  my  beard  has  too

G                                      A                  D
Oh lord I've  got the  barber shop blues
D7
Oh yeah
G                                      A                  D
Oh lord I've got  the  barber shop blues

D                                  A           D
Well first he sat me in the  chair
D                       A           D
then he cut off all my hair
D                                          A               D
when he'd  finished  he  said  that's  swell
D                               A           D
think I take  that beard  as well

G                                      A                  D
Oh lord I've  got the  barber shop blues
D7
Oh yeah
G                                      A                  D
Oh lord I've got  the  barber shop blues

D                                                          A           D
Well I looked in the mirror and  began to  swear
D                                    A           D
I  tied  the  barber  into  the  chair
D                             A              D
I cut off  every hair on his  head
D                                           A           D
and  when I'd  finished he  sadly  said

G                                      A                  D
Oh lord I've  got the  barber shop blues
D7
Oh yeah
G                                     A                  D
Oh lord I've got  the  barber shop blues
G                                      A                  D
The barber had  the  barber shop blues 

Go to forum: Songwriting

577 Reply by Grah1

(8 replies, posted in Poems)

Good  poem  Scott  , i  enjoyed  it .     

Go to forum: Poems

578 Reply by Grah1

(4 replies, posted in Songwriting)

If I have time when I get home tomorrow I'll try but I can't promise  maybe I can send a quick vid to you     

Go to forum: Songwriting

579 Reply by Grah1

(4 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Cool song Scott just played  it through  with a  bit of  a  jazzy vibe .I'd  like to hear your take on it .     

Go to forum: Songwriting

580 Reply by Grah1

(6 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

I use an RC 3 all the time live but as Russell says it down to timing ,however I pre record a backing track into it and use it that way .Down side is you can't stretch or shorten a song if you feel like it  .It's a good tool if you use it wisely.     

Go to forum: Guitars and accessories

581 Reply by Grah1

(14 replies, posted in My local band and me)

I'm still a bit croaky Phill sadly it's an on going problem which will probably get worse as I age  I have fibrosis and bronchiestesis , no cure but relatively stable unless I get an infection .Sensibly I took my own Mic to yesterday's gig in Haworth and it sounded ok I only had a 40 min slot so no problem.
As for Corbyn he needs to be on the offensive  and strike against the buffoon  .     

Go to forum: My local band and me

582 Reply by Grah1

(14 replies, posted in My local band and me)

Nicely produced Phill and to echo every one else's comments it does at first come across a bit floydy but as it progresses takes it own shape ,you have a distinctive voice which compliments the music .Well done .     

Go to forum: My local band and me

583 Reply by Grah1

(6 replies, posted in Other string instruments)

Yamaha   GL1   its  like  a small  acoustic  guitar     uke  size    great    for  travelling  ,even better  now  its in standard  tune     

Go to forum: Other string instruments

584 Topic by Grah1

(6 replies, posted in Other string instruments)

Just fitted  some Hannabach 890 mt strings  to  my Yamaha guitalele which means  its  now  in standard  tuning.EADGBE
Sounds   good  even though they are still bedding in.

Go to forum: Other string instruments

585 Reply by Grah1

(311 replies, posted in Bands and artists)

Check this awesome track from Micheal Messer
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QVpaP2M0aPo     
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QsymugEbTlk

Go to forum: Bands and artists

586 Topic by Grah1

(5 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Struggling with my breathing again looks like I've picked up a chest infection. I must remember to take my own mic to gigs in future ,this happened to me last year and I ended up loosing my voice as well. I think the problem is that some sound guys are not aware of germs living in mic filters ,I used to sanitise mine every time i did a rental gig , it just takes a few minutes . Anyway the steroids and antibiotics I got this morning should sort me out soon . 

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

587 Reply by Grah1

(6 replies, posted in My local band and me)

We have some great venues Jim but the Trades club is one of a kind they let me get away with all sorts of political rants and let me come back again lol     

Go to forum: My local band and me

588 Topic by Grah1

(6 replies, posted in My local band and me)

Here's  a clip from my  set  at  Hebden Bridge Trades  club last night  .The  rest   of  the  stuff  is  quite  political  and  I  don't  post  that  stuff  here  .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp_3UJtB5wQ 

Go to forum: My local band and me

589 Reply by Grah1

(14 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Quite a chilling story Phill can we learn more about this song please and hear a recording soon ?     

Go to forum: Songwriting

590 Reply by Grah1

(8 replies, posted in Poems)

Been in that band many times  the poem tells a true tale .     

Go to forum: Poems

591 Reply by Grah1

(7 replies, posted in My local band and me)

I love a song that tells a story ,I can see this  passed from musician to musician changing slightly each time some one sings it ,Good take on the idea of a blues ballad Peatle

Go to forum: My local band and me

592 Reply by Grah1

(11 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Just listened to you sing this song Jeff ,when I read it through I imagined it with a reggae beat .Great lyrics ,love the picture you've painted in my mind.     

Go to forum: Songwriting

593 Reply by Grah1

(4 replies, posted in Songwriting)

I like this  I'll give it a run through in the morning ,I don't think my wife would appreciate me banging a guitar at 3 . 25  am .lol     

Go to forum: Songwriting

594 Topic by Grah1

(4 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Been visiting  a  few big cities of late  ,Here's  a  song for  the  homeless ,its  getting worse  in the  UK  daily.

Gutter

Am
When a man  lies  down in the  gutter
Dm
and  hes  tryin to  get  some  rest
Am
and  he  aint  got  no  religion
Dm
or  warm clothes on his  chest
C                                                     G
and  the  cold rain  beats your window
Am
but  your slippers  warm  yor  feet
Am
Just  remember  somones  dyin
            C                 G         Am             
on the  cold  stone  in the  street



Am
And youve got too many  T shirts
Dm
that your never gonna wear
Am
and the  golden roadto  paradise
Dm
you walk with  out  a  care 
C                                                           G
you pay  your  bills  with  your apple  watch 
Am
because you think its cool
Am
and you've  just bought a cup  of  coffee
            C                 G               Am             
and  the  man thinks  you're a fool



Am
Do you  ever  stop  to think about
Dm
the people at  your  side
Am
as you ride the subway  daily 
Dm
to  the  place  where  you  reside
C                                                   G
you eat  from Marks and Spencer


Am
not some dust bin in the street
Am
and you  never  give a single thought
            C                 G         Am             
to  the  people  that  you meet 

Am
all  they  want  is  a  chance  to  live
Dm
a life  like  you and  me
Am
but  situations  get  dealt like cards
Dm
the future we cant see
C                                                   G
so next time  as you  pass some one
Am
who's lyin in the  street
Am
spare  a  thought and  spare  some  change
            C                 G         Am             
and  help  them find  their feet 

Go to forum: Songwriting

595 Reply by Grah1

(9 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Thanks for  the  positive  comments  guys . Phill  I do plan   to  do this   with  a  full  on rock chorus  and  a guitar solo   I  think  it  has  potential .I  also  have  a  couple  of  other  songs  I  need  to  do  with  a  full  band   but  its  difficult at  the  moment  as  the drummer situation hasn't  really  improved   ,I  did  get  together   with  a  couple  of  guys  over   in  Hebden  Bridge the  other  month   but  my schedule   is  getting  in the  way  at  the moment  so its  hard  to  make  time  for   studio  sessions  but  I  seriously need   to get an album together .     

Go to forum: Songwriting

596 Topic by Grah1

(5 replies, posted in Songwriting)

In a  couple  of weeks  I'm playing  at  Salmesbury Hall a well known haunted  house near my  old home  town of  Blackburn .So I wrote  this  song about  the  lady  of  the  manor  who  haunts  the   place .
The  song is  about  the  ill fated  love  affair  between Salmesbury Halls White  lady  Dorothy  Southworth and  a  young  man  from the  Cof E De Houghton family who  was alegedly  killed  by  Dorothys brother Christopher.
One  version of  the  story  says  she  took her  own life  after  witnessing  the murder  the  other  says  she   was  sent  to  a  convent  and  later  died .My  song is  about  the  former .

White Lady
D                 Am                         C         G                       D
Ethereal mysterious  she walks her haunted  road
D                                Am                C                        G            D
searching  for  some  one  or  something  she  can never hold

D                     G                 F                C       D
Dorothy  oh Dorothy your love  can never be
D                     G                 F                C       D
Dorothy  oh Dorothy you never will be  free

D                                           Am   
You both conspired  to run away
        C                  G        D
and live  your  lives  alone
               D                               Am   
your  cruel brother  foiled  your  plan
           C                  G        D
your own true love  was  slain
        D                               Am
you took your life ,but never left
          C          G        D
your spirit still  remains
           D                                 Am
you'll  walk the  roads around  the hall
      C            G        D
for ever and all ways

D                     G                 F                C       D
Dorothy  oh Dorothy your love  can never be
D                     G                 F                C       D
Dorothy  oh Dorothy you never will be  free

D                                           Am   
People come  from miles around
        C                  G        D
to catch a glimpse of  you 
D                           Am   
Sceptics and believers
    C                  G        D
sometimes  a TV  crew
   D                                                  Am
You'll hide yourself and   let  them search
      C          G        D
but when they are alone
D                                 Am
they'll hear  the  distant
                 C            G        D
crying of a broken hearted soul

D                     G                 F                C       D
Dorothy  oh Dorothy your love  can never be
D                     G                 F                C       D
Dorothy  oh Dorothy you never will be  free

Go to forum: Songwriting

597 Reply by Grah1

(9 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Quick  demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfuxHqFGADQ     

Go to forum: Songwriting

598 Topic by Grah1

(9 replies, posted in Songwriting)

I've  been a bit  busy   of  late  so  this  is  the  first  chance  I've  had  to post  a new  song .
Its  called  Super hero   and  its  about  when  every  on relies on you and wants  a  piece of  your  day and all  you  want  to  do  is  go  home  and  relax  with  those you  love .
Acoustic  start  with  a  rock  chorus   hope  you like  it . I'll do  a  recording  when I  get  chance .

Super hero
       C                                       F                                     G                                             F~
The trouble with being a  spaceman is that you cant go home when you want to go
C                                                                                      G                                                 
When your  flying  out there  in the cosmos ,or on a journey some where in the
                                                                                                                                  F~
                                                                                                             great  unknown
C                                               F            G                                                   F~
The trouble being  a super hero ,is every body just wants to touch your cape
C                                                                G                                               F~
Even  if youve  just saved the planet ,or if youve just made a big mistake .

G strum

F                 C           G     Am    F                 C           G     Am
Dont want to be a super hero, I dont want to be a mighty man .
F                 C           G     Am    F                 C                     G     Am
Just want to be my alter ego ,coming home again to hold your hand
F                 C           G     Am    F                 C           G     Am
Dont want to be a super hero, I dont want to be a mighty man .
F                 C           G     Am    F                 C                     G     Am
Just want to be my alter ego ,coming home again to hold your hand
Am~
   C                                    F                                      G                                             F~                   
Its so hard to be the peoples champion ,always trying to do the things thats right
C                                                               G                                                         F~
Must be  easier to just be somone .who doesnt need to take part in the  fight
C                               F                            G                                                   F~
Ordinarys better ,not complicated , dont have to hide ,you can just be you
C                                                                   G                                                            F~
No one will bother, no one will trouble,cause of the many things that you can  do
  G strum

F                 C           G     Am    F                 C           G     Am
Dont want to be a super hero, I dont want to be a mighty man .
F                 C           G     Am    F                 C                     G     Am
Just want to be my alter ego ,coming home again to hold your hand
F                 C           G     Am    F                 C           G     Am
Dont want to be a super hero, I dont want to be a mighty man .
F                 C           G     Am    F                 C                     G     Am
Just want to be my alter ego ,coming home again to hold your hand
Am~


Bridge

Am
I'm not some one  special
F
I'm only just  a man
Am
Not  a super hero
G                                     G~
But I do the  best I can

G strum

F                 C           G     Am    F                 C           G     Am
Dont want to be a super hero, I dont want to be a mighty man .
F                 C           G     Am    F                 C                     G     Am
Just want to be my alter ego ,coming home again to hold your hand
F                 C           G     Am    F                 C           G     Am
Dont want to be a super hero, I dont want to be a mighty man .
F                 C           G     Am    F                 C                     G     Am
Just want to be my alter ego ,coming home again to hold your hand


F                 C           G     Am    F                 C           G     Am
Dont want to be a super hero, I dont want to be a mighty man .
F                 C           G     Am    F                 C                     G     Am
Just want to be my alter ego ,coming home again to hold your hand
F                 C           G     Am    F                 C           G     Am
Dont want to be a super hero, I dont want to be a mighty man .
F                 C           G     Am    F                 C                     G     Am
Just want to be my alter ego ,coming home again to hold your hand
Am~ 

Go to forum: Songwriting

599 Reply by Grah1

(7 replies, posted in My local band and me)

Well done Roger charities who aid the poor and needy are well worth supporting  The group we set up in Greece 10 yrs ago is still going strong (Bands against Poverty) and I still try to do my bit back in the UK so I applaud you and your band for the Stirling work you have done.     

Go to forum: My local band and me

600 Reply by Grah1

(19 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Been a bit  busy  my  self  Phill   though I  do  check  the  site  most  days .I've  had  a  fair  amount  of  club and  festival  slots recently .     

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner