Topic: Epiphany

My father-in-law was a man of strong faith. He passed on a while back, 10 years or so. His final words were, "I'll be fine." 

I wrote a song about that because I think "I'll be fine" are as good of last words as a man of faith could possibly have. 

Dirty Ed and Alvin Pugh, a mutual friend of ours who has since passed, gave me some very helpful constructive criticism and in Alvin's case editing sufficient to merit co-authorship. Nevertheless, I was never satisfied with the song. 

The other day, ten years later, I had an epiphany!  The song is all about big, scary issues that more or less force faith and potentially bravado. My F-in-law's faith was the kind that showed in the small things, in the day-to-day, in the routine. Oh sure, when the big hairy things came along he was faithful, but also while cooking dinner, or driving in traffic, or checking out at the grocery store.  So that's what I should have focused on - the routine,. The day-to-day.  And THEN go for the big finish.

When I get it revised, I'll put it in Songwriting.

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude

Re: Epiphany

Looking forward to seeing the final product.

"what is this quintessence of dust?"  - Shakespeare

3 (edited by easybeat 2017-04-15 05:57:05)

Re: Epiphany

`Another Day` by Paul McCartney proves that ordinary stuff makes great songs.
Penny Lane is another,a classic example of ordinary lives.
Of course there`s heaps more,but these two songs came to mind first.
Has anyone else got examples of songs about ordinary stuff?

The King Of Audio Torture

4 (edited by Tenement Funster 2017-04-16 09:50:03)

Re: Epiphany

I got stymied trying to figure out what "ordinary stuff" is! Will these do?

"Gone Fishin" (Bing Crosby)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdxYS_zVByg

"Seamus" (Pink Floyd)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3u5E8XKPjg

"Father & Son" (Cat Stevens)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yERildSsWxM

Re: Epiphany

`Ordinary stuff `to me means. everyday stuff/uninteresting/maybe even mundane.
the things we take for granted.

The King Of Audio Torture

Re: Epiphany

Taj majal fishin blues

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YLziJcPIcG0

Your vision is not limited by what your eye can see, but what your mind can imagine.
Make your life count, and the world will be a better place because you tried.

"Use the talents you possess, for the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except only the the best." - Henry Van Dyke

Re: Epiphany

Zurf wrote:

My father-in-law was a man of strong faith. He passed on a while back, 10 years or so. His final words were, "I'll be fine." 

I wrote a song about that because I think "I'll be fine" are as good of last words as a man of faith could possibly have.

I've been pondering on this theme for a bit, too, but from the other direction.  When my dad died, I tried hard to remember the last thing I said to him, and couldn't.   I just recently lost an old Navy friend, and in June am heading to Las Vegas for his memorial.   I do remember the last thing I said to him, though.  He was up my way a few years ago with his new girlfriend ("The One!") and were planning on coming by the house.   That morning he called and said they weren't going to be able to make it.   I said "Hey no worries, there's always another day."

Except there's not.

Someday we'll win this thing...

[url=http://www.aclosesecond.com]www.aclosesecond.com[/url]

Re: Epiphany

Doug_Smith wrote:

Looking forward to seeing the final product.

So will I, Z!

Question: does your wife (or you) ever dream about him? If so, does he speak to you?

I am a very "vivid" dreamer, and keep a notebook by my bed that I write in as long as my dream(s) are fresh. Sometimes there's a song in there, sometimes not, but it's like being with my parents and/or friends again when that happens.

Bill/Opie

Epiphone Les Paul Studio
Fender GDO300 Orchestral - a gift from Amy & Jim
Rogue Beatle Bass
Journal: www.wheretobud.blogspot. com

Re: Epiphany

Thanks for the comments and suggestions.  I am very slow at these things.  This particular song has been over ten years in development...

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude