1,401 Reply by KAP54

(11 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Hi astro5mile
To be playing for ten months and having problems with the D chord is not uncommon.Everybody has their own chord that they get stuck on so I wouldn't sweat over it too much.Learning to play the guitar is a time consuming love affair.The more you put into it ,the more you will get out of it.
The more time you put in, the faster you will get where you want to be,but remember that it has to be quality time.
2 years from now you will look back and be able to say(hopefully)that you learned with quality not quantity.
Hope that helps smile
KAP54

Go to forum: Acoustic

1,402 Reply by KAP54

(8 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Thanks for the nice song Daddy
For some memories are all they have.Hopefully they are happy memories.
Nicely done smile
KAP54

Go to forum: Songwriting

1,403 Reply by KAP54

(5 replies, posted in Electric)

Hi deaken316
I caught a post a while back(I can't remember who posted it) but the advise was to tape yourself and then replay the tape and compare yourself one year later.You will be amazed at how you have progressed.It seems slow going but time passes quickly.Be patient and don't be hard on yourself.
Hope that helps   smile
KAP54

Go to forum: Electric

1,404 Reply by KAP54

(4 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

Thanks Doc
Playing at home and doing sum recording is all I need.The PX4A or PX5D looks like it should do nicely for me.Thanks for the repost.
Good to see your "keepin on keepin on".The best of days can't be easy but at least your not shutting the door. I enjoy your thought provoking questions and would like to see sum
homegrown tunes in the songwriting section....I know you got'em.
Peace smile
KAP54

Go to forum: Guitars and accessories

1,405 Topic by KAP54

(19 replies, posted in Songwriting)

This is a song of fiction that can hold true in any large city.People struggle day to day just to exist and it's not getting any easier as we get more crowded.
This is a slow song  that I am trying to learn on my keyboard as I believe it will come across with a more honest approach. I apologize for all the F chords. It doesn't need to be barred.My minds eye has it sung in the style of Springsteen. Enjoy

Cast Off by the City Lightsby Ken Peters


July 14/08




[F]I've been walking the [G]streets for sometime,


and I've [F]seen something new every[G]day.


I've [F]seen people drown on the [G]merry-go-round,


as they [F]struggle to find their own [G]way.


I've watched [F]old people cry,I saw [G]one suicide,


in a [F]park in the thunderin [G]rain.


I re[F]member the look on his [G]face as he shook with frus[F]tration and anger and [G]pain.


I re[F]member the look on his [G]face as he shook with frus[F]tration and anger and [G]shame.




[C]Cast off by the [Em]city lights,


destined to the [F]dark of night.[G]


[C]Oh baby what a [F]lonely way to [G]fly.


[F]Lost in the sea with no [G]chance to succeed.


[F]Caught in the trap with your [C]soul left to bleed.


[F]No cause to dance cause no [C]second chance ever will [F]come around.PAUSE


[F]I've been watching the [G]streets for sometime,


and it [F]scared me when I saw to[G]day.


A [F]young women cry as she [G]stood in a line,


with her [F]food stamps enough for one [G]day.


The [F]shirt on her back had turned [G]bright white to black,


and her [F]hair was all tattered and [G]grey.



I re[F]member the look on her [G]face as she shook with con[F]fusion and sorrow and [G]pain.


I re[F]member the look on her [G]face as she shook with con[F]fusion and sorrow and [G]shame.


[C]Cast off by the [Em]city lights,


destined to the [F]dark of night.[G]


[C]Oh baby what a [F]lonely way to [G]fly.


[F]Lost in the sea with no [G]chance to succeed,


[F]caught in the trap with your [C]soul left to bleed.


[F]No cause to dance cause no [C]second chance ever will [F]come around. PAUSE


[F]I've survived on the [G]streets for sometime,


but my [F]heart broke when I saw [G]today.


A [F]family of four that could [G]struggle no more,


cause their [F]dignity washed down the [G]drain.


The [F]Mom and Dad cried [G]and the kids tried to hide,


behind [F]Mommas blue dress in the [G]rain.


I re[F]member the look on their [G]face as they shook with be[F]wilderment,hunger and [G]pain.


I re[F]member the look on their [G]face as they shook with the [F]embarrassment,sorrow and [G]shame.


[C]Cast off by the [Em]city lights,


destined to the [F]dark of night.[G]


[C]Oh baby what a [F]lonely way to [G]fly.


[F]Lost in a sea with no [G]chance to succeed,


[F]caught in the trap with your [C]soul left to bleed.


[F]No cause to dance cause no [C]second chance ever will [F]come around.



Fade out on piano,strings and guitar

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1,406 Reply by KAP54

(8 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Hey daddycool
Promises and secrets...interesting lyrics.
Makes me kinda wonder how many I've broken or shared over the years.I'm guessing a few roll

Thanks

KAP54

Go to forum: Songwriting

1,407 Reply by KAP54

(2 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

Thanks riddler.
I think I'll have to put some cash away for a new puter down the road and for now just learn the basics and what  I can do with it.I did see the tutorial on noise reduction but haven't watched it yet.   Looks like I got myself a lot of homework LOL.
Thanks again smile
KAP54

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1,408 Reply by KAP54

(23 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Nicely done Jeff. smile Are you going to post it at myspace?

KAP54

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1,409 Topic by KAP54

(2 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

I am looking at Adobe Audition 3.0 for doing some recording and thought I'd get some feedback on it. It looks pretty complicated but definitely a cool program. Lots of tutorials on youtube(thank god)
Anybody else using it?

KAP54 smile

Go to forum: Guitars and accessories

1,410 Reply by KAP54

(8 replies, posted in Songwriting)

So many times words are said and it's too late to take them back.
Good food for thought.Well written. smile
KAP54

Go to forum: Songwriting

1,411 Reply by KAP54

(3 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Nice job Wm
For some one from Ireland you got a good feel for a C&W tune way over in Texas.
Thanks KAP54:)

Go to forum: Songwriting

1,412 Reply by KAP54

(11 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Thanks Phill
Not sure if I am going to put a chorus in there. I have a melody in mind but I think instrumental in between verses would have a better effect.
As for this song being upbeat,I was looking at my posts and I seem to be writing a lot of slow tunes about death or failure and I need to write something more upbeat so I don't fall into the trap
of writing the same style of song. LOL

Thanks Again smile
KAP54

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1,413 Reply by KAP54

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

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Great character study by two great actors

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1,414 Reply by KAP54

(17 replies, posted in Music theory)

Cazador,you sound a lot like me.I can play OK but know squat about theory.I want to learn now but it's gonna take some time just because it's gonna take some time.If writing songs is what you want to do than the more theory you know the easier it will be when it comes to progressions.If you have melody in your head and you know theory than thats half the battle.
I suggest reading the stickies at the top and if you are stuck,ask Jerome and he will help you the best he can.(Also you've only been playing 1 year,I've been playing over 35 years.Have fun with it)
Hope that helps
KAP54 smile

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1,415 Reply by KAP54

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

Hey marcalan.I have visited chordie from work and not logged in.All links can be viewed and are clickable.You have to log on to post.
Hope that helps
KAP54 smile

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1,416 Reply by KAP54

(4 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Zurf,you have written a song that I'm sure your wifes family and your family will find very touching and comforting. Tenderly written from the heart.
Well done Sir and my condolences for your loss.

KAP54

Go to forum: Songwriting

1,417 Reply by KAP54

(11 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Thanks Lena and daddycool.The odds are long but I guess you gotta try when it feels right.
Lena, Thank You for the link to Nanci Griffith.I have never heard of her or the song
Tecumseh Valley.Absolutely Beautiful. She had my eyes welling up as she connected with the lyrics and the audience. I shall be watching out more closely for her music.Thank You

KAP54:)

Go to forum: Songwriting

1,418 Reply by KAP54

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

Soon to turn 55, I started playing in my late teens and have played more off than on.I enjoy the
acoustic and love anything from 1965-1980.I also play a little keyboard(very little)and thanks to chordie I've revived my passion for music.

KAP54

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

1,419 Topic by KAP54

(11 replies, posted in Songwriting)

This is a song about a young mans dreams of making it big dashed by the harsh reality of life in the fast lane. I love the American people and what America stands for so please don't be offended by the title. I gotta start writing something more upbeat. LOL I'm seeing a pattern.
Written on keyboard transposed to guitar and thinking about a chorus

The American Dreamby Ken Peters


July 10/08






There [C]was a young man from a [G]small country town,


who [F]dreamed of the day he would [C]fly.


He [F]dreamed he could sing and he [C]dreamed he could dance,


and he [G]dreamed that he never could die.


So with a [C]passion in his heart and a [G]fire in his eyes,


he [F]set off in search of what [C]seemed.


[F]Sure fame and glory a [C]fairytale story some [G]call the American dream.


[F]His Momma asked him [C]not to go.


[F]There's so much more in [C]life to know.


[F]There's so much more to en-[C]joy than the fortune and [G]fame.


[F]And Poppa said if [C]you must go.


[F]Watch your back and [C]take it slow.


[F]Keep your eye on the [C]prize but beware of the [G]danger. The [G]danger.The [G]danger.


As his [C]Momma tried to hide her [G]tears in Poppas side.


he pro[F]claimed he'd return as a [C]king.


Cause he [F]knew how to sing and he [C]knew how to dance,


and that [G]that's what his future would bring.


With a [C]jump in his stride and lady [G]luck by his side,



he [F]set off in search of his [C]dreams.


The [F]big city lights that he [C]sought all his life they were [G]there for the taking it seemed.


[F]But a cold wind [C]seemed to blow.


[F]Everywhere he [C]tried to go.


[F]And every door that was [C]opened was closed just the [G]same.


[F]Time would slowly [C]drag and burn.


[F]To the point of [C]no return.


[F]Blind to all of the [C]sorrow and blind to the [G]danger.The [G]danger.The [G]danger.


Now he [C]lives on the street and his [G]life's incomplete,


only [F]street lights can light up his [C]life.


The [F]visions he had turned to [C]nightmares so sad,


and the [G]agony cuts like a knife.


All [C]alone in the world and not a [G]friend to his name,


he [F]ended it all with a [C]scream.


The [F]search for the glory the [C]fairytale story some [G]call the American dream.


[F]His Momma begged him [C]not to go.


[F]There's so much more in [C]life to know.


[F]There's so much more to [C]enjoy than the fortune and [G]fame.


[F]And Poppa said if [C]you must go.


[F]Watch your back and [C]take it slow.


[F]Keep your eye on the [C]prize but beware of the [G]danger.[G]The danger.[G]The danger.



[song]
{t:Lost to the American Dream}
{st:Ken Peters  May 2010}


[C]Janie played her songs in a [G]small country bar,
But [F]dreamed that one day she would [C]fly
She [F]knew how to sing and she [C]knew how to dance.
Sweet [G]Janie had stars in her eyes,
With [C]passion in her heart and [G]fire in her eyes,
She [F]set off in search of what [C]seemed
[F]Sure fame and glory the [C]fairy tale story some [G]call the American Dream.
[F]Her Momma asked her [C]not to go.
[F]There's so much more in [C]life to know.
[F]There's so much more to [C]enjoy than the fortune and [G]fame.
[F]And Poppa said if [C]you must go.
[F]Watch your back and [C]take it slow.
[F]Keep your eye on the [C]prize but beware of the [G]dangers.

{soc}
    [C]Dark [G]nights
[F]Red [C]lights
    [C]Caught oh baby then [G]Lost to the American [F]Dream
{eoc}

[C]Janie made her way to the [G]streets of LA,
Where the [F]nightclubs light up the [C]night
She [F]sang and she danced, she just [C]asked for the chance,
But the [G]answers she got held no light.
[C]So she played the game and [G]inside hid her shame,
What [F]ever it took was her [C]scheme.
[F]She turned tricks for glory, the [C]fairytale story that's [G]now an unreachable dream.
[F]Darkened streets called [C]out her name,
[F]Teasing her with [C]love and fame,
[F]Turning all of her [C]visions to sorrow and [G]pain.
[F]Needles bloomed a [C]new romance.
[F]Teaching her a [C]lonely dance,
[F]Blinding her [C]eyes and disguising the [G]dangers.

{soc}
    [C]Dark [G]nights.
[F]Red [C]lights.
    [C]Caught oh baby then [G]Lost to the American [F]Dream
{eoc}

[C]Now she lives on the street and her [G]life's incomplete,
Only [F]street lights can light up her [C]life.
The [F]visions she had turned to [C]nightmares so sad,
And her [G]agony cuts like a knife.
[C]All alone in the world, the only [G]friends to her name,
Are [F]hookers and pimps and the [C]screams
[F]Lost is the glory, the [C]fairytale story some [G]call the American dream.
[F]Her Momma begged her [C]not to go.
[F]There's so much more in [C]life to know.
[F]There's so much more to [C]enjoy than the fortune and [G]fame.
[F]And Poppa warned if [C]you should go.
[F]Watch your back and [C]take it slow.
[F]Keep your eye on the [C]prize but beware of the [G]dangers.

{soc}
    [C]Dark [G]nights.
[F]Red [C]lights.
    [C]Caught Oh baby then [G]Lost to the American [F]Dream.
{eoc}

©Ken Peters May 15 2010

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1,420 Reply by KAP54

(8 replies, posted in Songwriting)

You keep digging daddycool and we'll keep reading.
Well Done James.
KAP54 smile

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1,421 Reply by KAP54

(5 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Nice job James...You ole lyricist you.

KAP54

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1,422 Reply by KAP54

(11 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Really Nice marcalan. You and Lena make a good writing team.I can picture a voice in harmony coming from the Emerald Isle.Any chance of that happening???

KAP54 smile

Go to forum: Songwriting

1,423 Reply by KAP54

(16 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Great subject for a song Phill.
I liked the way you tied a fragile beautiful doll to a fragile love...Brilliant
Looking forwards to the chord progression.
I had to write down the chopro switches on a piece of paper and tack it to the wall next to my computer cuz I will forget them.Then I preview and look for all my mistakes (and there are lots)
till I get it right.
Well Done Phill smile
KAP54

Go to forum: Songwriting

1,424 Reply by KAP54

(4 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Funny,I'll bet you wrote that song for your Mom and yet the words apply to every Mom.
Well done Sir(looks like your clicking to me)

KAP54 smile

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1,425 Reply by KAP54

(4 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Been there,Done that.
We had a bar about a mile from home called the Ridout.We'd always ride-out and stagger back.
Fell through our back door many a night. LOL
Thanks for the memory smile

KAP54

Go to forum: Songwriting