Leaving (1 of 14)

[lyle_from_minneapolis]

This is #1 of 14 for the FAWM Challenge ("February is Album Writing Month" - the challenge is to write 14 songs in 28 days).

Man, it's hard to just slap it down and leave...I want to fix things, re-sing pitchy vocals, try different sounds, etc...but, nope. Gotta let it go and move on.

Still, I do plan to get back to this someday, so I'd love to hear some feedback or suggestions. Thanks!

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7303681

Leaving

In these northern woods the leaves are turning red and golden brown
I can feel my blood within their veins
When the frozen wind has withered them they all come piling down
To remind us that soon we must be leaving

Every time I move to close the door a new one opens wide
If I come or go it's all the same
All our actions keep repeating like the motions of the tide
Is there even such a thing as leaving?
And everybody knows we have to go

Leaving
Gazing out the window there’s a face you think you’ve seen somewhere before
Leaving
Passing into time, into space, and through the ever-open door

Leaving
Gazing out the window there’s a face you think you’ve seen somewhere before
Leaving
Passing into time, into space, and through the ever-open door

When I finally come undone and can no longer sing my song
Oh sweet love, please hasten to my side
As I pass into the gleaming hold my hand and keep me strong
I may need you to help me through the leaving
I may need you to help me through the leaving
And everybody knows we have to go


(Copyright 2009 by Mark Kaufman)

[walker]

Hey Mark -

Great tunage per your usual! I hear the strong C&W influence in this song, too. Quite the undertaking - 14 songs in 28 days! It's a good kick-in-the-butt motivator for cranking out product, but I can hear the compromise in contrast to your usual top-level performance. It sounds like you already have the issues here pinpointed. I know you'll get back to refine these drafts when your schedule allows, and I'm looking forward to hearing the finished versions. (or as close to "finished" as you will allow.)

As an alternate version, it might sound kind of cool to hear the first verse with just the lead vocal, then bring in the harmony vocal on the second verse. Might make for a nice build that way.

[lyle_from_minneapolis]

I agree, Mark, good call.

Yes, I've turned my head on this challenge two years in a row...always with the excuses...but this time I thought what the hell. Worst that can happen is I come up short. Well, my wife could divorce me, I suppose...but I think I could win her back.

Drives me crazy to slap something down and move on...I spent too much time on this one. But at the end of the month, I'll have plenty of new material to work with, and the process is giving me a mental workout...always thinking of hooks. Geez.

Thanks!

-mk