ADOBE & BLOOD
Thanks to David Kneller
for bringing up the subject
and creating that phrase:
ADOBE & BLOOD
I read a lotta stories about a lotta stuff
But I tell ya folks, I'll never read enough
To block out the memories what…
This is my adaptation of a poem by Rosemarie Kempton.
"I always felt that it was fitting that you turned the poem I wrote into a poignant hymn that captured the feeling of loss of a loved one. My words sprang from my attempts to understand…
ABOUT LUANNE capo @ 2 in Am 1st note - E
Am G F E repeats
Luanne’ll take you down
But she don’t use muscle
She’s found some of your pieces
And she wants to solve your puzzle
Dm
She wants you to be happy
Am
And it bugs her that…
It’s an exceptional piece... I like pieces that “bother” and flip a phrase to a point... this one intrigues me....
You must keep writing James!!! Hope to cross paths again soon...
Blu (Sharon Walker)
The lyrics of this song,
as they pertain to plot,
are my exact memory of the event.
I had spoken to the kid maybe a minute before the "action" started about how the pressure of the water was very strong. He was nestled down with his back…
what awesome lyrics mate!
Reminds me of good old Robert Zimmerman... but it also doubles as metaphorical mastery!
The boy represents an issue within your community... one for which you are there, and MUST help... but which the community just sits back on, not really seeing the "problem" you are attempting to fix...
Powerful stuff, mate.
Love it. Mark Brookman
GHOST TOWN
Key C Capo @ 2 or whatever works for you...
C Em F G C
I live in a Ghost Town somewhere on the edge of space
C Em F G
Everything is dusty and everything is in it's place
Am Em F G C
All the doors hang open and when it rains…
...after reading John Steinbeck's IN DUBIOUS BATTLE and watching the John Ford movie of GRAPES OF WRATH. The opening and closing statements are quotes from the Preacher in the movie.
A friend said he wanted to do a video of this track. I…
Gwyn Henry
The Stienbeck excerpt: Especially the 2nd paragraph. My Gawd! I had forgotten how that man could write!!! I had forgotten why he is an icon among American writers,. Touched by the gods. As is your song, In Dubious Battle. It is an opus. imhop. If you had never written another song, just leaving this one would earn you a place in the echelons!! (OK, I'll calm down now.) These two pieces in combination have moved me greatly for their Truth. And so totally relevant today.
FIREFLIES. capo @ 2
F walk down
We (C) spoke of them as (C/B) sweethearts
There (Am) in the Southern (F) sky
(C) Saturn, just a (G) twinkle, bold (F) Jupiter near (G) by
I (Am) guess we didn't (Am/G) notice
as they (Am/F)drifted a…
"Fireflies." has a stellar intro, and then you woot he listener in with your crooning and compelling vocals. I have always loved the topic of fireflies and your hook about chsing fireflies in the htickets of two hearts is Phenomenal. Lots of nostalgia in this one, especiually for the girl next door who played a game with me, a kiss for every firefly i caught for her. But man those bugs were elusive as hell. But when I got a few, I was enthralled by her gentle thank you on my lips. Matthew Blowers III
SKINNY GIRLS
Capo @ 3 in G
...and then he said,
I like skinny girls
Toothy girls
Flat chested girls
I like girls with Adam's apples
A mouth full of titty
And a hand full of ass...
A girl with a six pack
is my kind of...
And then…
Now "Skinny Girls.' is a riotus collection of just plain fun and some great humor, I was so dissappointed when the track just cut out. But then I unbderstood you were giving folks just a taste. I was actually starting to visualize all the descriptive bean pole girls you were listing. A great bar song for sure, and I can see all the slightly inebriated guys rethinking and checking out all the skinny girls nursing their beers. LOL Matthew Blowers III
CALIFORNIA
Capo @ 4 in C/Am
I’m (Am) going back to California
A little place in the San (E) Joaquin
(Am, stepping down A G F# F E)
Where the back pasture builds
To Sierra foothills
And Kaweah tumbles down cool and clean
I’m going back…
Matthew F. Blowers III
I am really liking your song on California, I have a special love for that state. You captured all the reaons I miss it, with your superb storytelling in lyrics and with the smooth harmonies and extremely well played music. It has a catchy beat, and I listened to the very last note.
I NEVER DREAM capo @ 2 in C
C
I never dream of building bridges. I never dream I’ll build a dam
I never dreamed of a cathedral for the mighty God, I Am
F
I never dreamed of founding clinics or make donations to the cause
C
I don’t see…
So today, for some reason I decided to read the words first.. Just the words. And found it an absolutely beautiful experience. The metaphors you use to describe great and cosmic plans and intentions of great societal achievement, contrasted with the lines that begin with, "BUT I dreamed we met for breakfast".... (the switch and the contrast is very powerful) what a tiny, common human thing: meeting over the sharing of food,. Then followed by, "I dreamed I held your hand"... human touch/connection, as though those two simple things are worth more than all the highest achievements of worldly fame, and material ladders climbed! Which they are. They so are. The rest of the lyrics continue to develop & express that idea beautifully. Then I listened to the sing, and although it is good as a song, For me, the words in themselves stand strong and impactful w/o anything else. Not to contrast them and say one is "better" than the other. Just that sometimes I see lyrics that stand alone, And just saying, these words do that very well. Gwyn Henry
HOME
(Am D) or (F C)
VERSE 1.
Where the (G) windmill sings to the mocking bird
And the (CM7) prairie wind, without a word
(Am) Whispers thru tall (D) grass, I’ll be (G) home
(F C G) or (Am D)
VERSE 2.
Where the butter cups and…
Peggy taught me an Eagles song toward the end off our life together. I think it was NEW BOY IN TOWN. (I had no idea what she was telling me.) I took the chord progression from that song and wrote this. Peggy said that was cheating.
WATERMELON…
FOOD I MY BELLY
Capo @ 5 in Em
Em) I gotta get some food in my belly (2)
Am) My hands are shaking and I'm feeling weak
B7) I gotta get some food in my belly
I gotta get some food in my belly
I'm feeling woozy gotta get off of my feet…
IN MY ROOM
In my room there's no day and there's no night
In my room, just an incandescent light
...hanging from a wire.
In my room there's no hot and there's no cold
In my room,I'm not young. I'm not old
...hanging from a wire…
JOHNNY BROKE AN AXLE 110220
I got revved up on blueberry donut holes
and cranked this one out...
Johnny broke an axle
Broke it like a pencil
Oh, no.
We need an ambulance at turn three.
Johnny broke an axle
Broke it like a pencil…
EVER ONE I NEED TO TALK TO
Everyone I need to talk to tonight is gone
Some have gone to heaven. Some have gone to hell
Ever one I want to talk to tonight is gone
FOOD I MY BELLY
Capo @ 5 in Em
Em) I gotta get some food in my belly (2)
Am) My hands are shaking and I'm feeling weak
B7) I gotta get some food in my belly
I gotta get some food in my belly
I'm feeling woozy gotta get off of my feet…
(I Almost Washed the ) DISHES
I almost washed the dishes
I almost ran the water
Maybe tomorrow
Maybe Saturday
What does it matter to me
I almost washed the dishes..
(C) 2020 Royal T Music
BEAVERS AND WILLOWS
Capo @ 5 in C
FCG FC FCFG
F C G F C
Like beavers and willows
Bats and mosquitos
F) Toad C) frogs and F) flies (G
DA DA - E Am G C
Algae and oil spills
Shovels and coal hills
Black holes…
EDIT 2017-09-02: MIDI guitars and drums were replaced with real instruments.
Lyrics, Vocal Melody: Kim Noble
Electric Guitars: Uli Lang
Acoustic Guitars: James Fraser
Bass: Jean Lui Toudou
Drums: Nick Anderson
Original Music & Production…
Lyrics: Mike Graszyk
Vocals, Vocal Melody: Jessica Rasche
Guitars: Derek Barlas
Bass: George Schiessl
Drums: Ole Kirkeby
Original Music & Production: Steffen Offermann
I really like this song. Especially the vocal. Sad Rock! But...there are places it's so far back into the mix that I can't tell what she is saying.
AND...thanks for listening to my music.
Snow on the ground. Wind and temperatures below zero. It's time for another coffee table evening.
Recorded live around my coffee table with:
Mark Lofgren - Lead Guitar & Harmony
Colleen Dillon- Ukelele & Harmony
Greg Connor…
No, I never wrote the song, but always thought I would begin the song with the sound of my 12 guage shotgun as I open the action.
Gunshots and clapping are very hard to record. But there are plenty of places to go grab a sample.
Snow on the ground. Wind and temperatures below zero. It's time for another coffee table evening.
Recorded live around my coffee table with:
Mark Lofgren - Lead Guitar & Harmony
Colleen Dillon- Ukelele & Harmony
Greg Connor…
You commented on my song I KEEP MY RADIO ON. You also added, "I once had someone call me selling a security system. I told them “I don’t need it.” They will only come in here once." Did you write that song?
Em
Well, some folks got big noses
Some folks got big ass
Some folks stand out in the aisle
Make it hard to pass
Am
Some folks got money
Em
They say, “That’s just how it goes.”
B7 A
They make it hard for folks like me
Am Em
To keep…
There is nothing like the presence of a horse. The quiet understanding. The gentle strength.
Woodlake, California...1961. I had a horse. She was my friend.
There were times in my teens when Babe was the only being that did not judge me…
Jon Hogan said - You are a master of your art. It's the auditory equivalent of a bracing Charley Russel, or a fine Rembrandt, or a poem by Keats or a short story by Hemingway; like these, you have become a master of your art.
There is nothing like the presence of a horse. The quiet understanding. The gentle strength.
Woodlake, California...1961. I had a horse. She was my friend.
There were times in my teens when Babe was the only being that did not judge me…
Jon Hogan said - We were speachless after it was over, up to about the count of ten. We were staring at each other, such a mix of feelings.... then we both laughed out loud to keep from crying. Mindblowing is all I can really think to say, simply mindblowing.
There is nothing like the presence of a horse. The quiet understanding. The gentle strength.
Woodlake, California...1961. I had a horse. She was my friend.
There were times in my teens when Babe was the only being that did not judge me…
There's another plane that I'll ride
and only I know where I'm going
and without reason I can't think
and your lies won't let me sleep.
This early morning sunshine
gets sucked into the wall
where perhaps we might draw from it
when we are…
This song was written after I had watched a documentary about Jonestown, which featured music from their choir. They were very talented and I couldn't help wondering if any of them had survived. I'd like to think that there were a couple of 'em…
I decided to keep working on this one a bit on the "keep messing with it" program.... added some backing vocals and some piano.... kind of like where its heading after the one take wonder before... Any other suggestions are very welcome…
I wrote this song about 2 years ago and shared it here on Alonetone back then. I decided to do a studio recording of it recently. With the help of the team at F5 Soundhouse here in Minneapolis we've created this updated version. I hope you enjoy…
Comments on James Michael Taylor's stuff
"EXCELLENT POINTED SONG RIGHT TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER!" -Don Law
That may be the most beautiful thing I ever heard. Breathtaking. Thanks for sharing. - Janet Fawcett
It’s an exceptional piece... I like pieces that “bother” and flip a phrase to a point... this one intrigues me.... You must keep writing James!!! Hope to cross paths again soon... Blu (Sharon Walker)
what awesome lyrics mate! Reminds me of good old Robert Zimmerman... but it also doubles as metaphorical mastery! The boy represents an issue within your community... one for which you are there, and MUST help... but which the community just sits back on, not really seeing the "problem" you are attempting to fix... Powerful stuff, mate. Love it. Mark Brookman
I ❤️ that song...Kavin Me too. One of his many good ones. JS Savage
Gwyn Henry The Stienbeck excerpt: Especially the 2nd paragraph. My Gawd! I had forgotten how that man could write!!! I had forgotten why he is an icon among American writers,. Touched by the gods. As is your song, In Dubious Battle. It is an opus. imhop. If you had never written another song, just leaving this one would earn you a place in the echelons!! (OK, I'll calm down now.) These two pieces in combination have moved me greatly for their Truth. And so totally relevant today.
"Fireflies." has a stellar intro, and then you woot he listener in with your crooning and compelling vocals. I have always loved the topic of fireflies and your hook about chsing fireflies in the htickets of two hearts is Phenomenal. Lots of nostalgia in this one, especiually for the girl next door who played a game with me, a kiss for every firefly i caught for her. But man those bugs were elusive as hell. But when I got a few, I was enthralled by her gentle thank you on my lips. Matthew Blowers III
Now "Skinny Girls.' is a riotus collection of just plain fun and some great humor, I was so dissappointed when the track just cut out. But then I unbderstood you were giving folks just a taste. I was actually starting to visualize all the descriptive bean pole girls you were listing. A great bar song for sure, and I can see all the slightly inebriated guys rethinking and checking out all the skinny girls nursing their beers. LOL Matthew Blowers III
Matthew F. Blowers III I am really liking your song on California, I have a special love for that state. You captured all the reaons I miss it, with your superb storytelling in lyrics and with the smooth harmonies and extremely well played music. It has a catchy beat, and I listened to the very last note.
So today, for some reason I decided to read the words first.. Just the words. And found it an absolutely beautiful experience. The metaphors you use to describe great and cosmic plans and intentions of great societal achievement, contrasted with the lines that begin with, "BUT I dreamed we met for breakfast".... (the switch and the contrast is very powerful) what a tiny, common human thing: meeting over the sharing of food,. Then followed by, "I dreamed I held your hand"... human touch/connection, as though those two simple things are worth more than all the highest achievements of worldly fame, and material ladders climbed! Which they are. They so are. The rest of the lyrics continue to develop & express that idea beautifully. Then I listened to the sing, and although it is good as a song, For me, the words in themselves stand strong and impactful w/o anything else. Not to contrast them and say one is "better" than the other. Just that sometimes I see lyrics that stand alone, And just saying, these words do that very well. Gwyn Henry
My husband and I enjoyed that song thanks for the lyrics on Facebook.
Amazing song thank you for leaving the lyrics chords and that beautiful piano composition for us.
Glad to see that your spirit was not a victim of the virus.
short and sweet, i like it :)
Eerily simple and powerful
Good one! Sorry about Johnny. lol
Isn't that the truth, losing people every day.
Good one, I really like it!
I think we have all been there, really cute song!
Makes you think.
Comments made by James Michael Taylor
I find this very soothing. I like the way you build it and then take it back to the theme before taking it on out.
This is really peppy. Like the snappyness of the midi stuff. Maybe I'll try some midi guitar.
I really like this song. Especially the vocal. Sad Rock! But...there are places it's so far back into the mix that I can't tell what she is saying. AND...thanks for listening to my music.
Strange how you have such happy music with such sad story.
Acoustic Tull. Love it.
Very good lyric and delivery. Please put your words up.
No, I never wrote the song, but always thought I would begin the song with the sound of my 12 guage shotgun as I open the action. Gunshots and clapping are very hard to record. But there are plenty of places to go grab a sample.
You commented on my song I KEEP MY RADIO ON. You also added, "I once had someone call me selling a security system. I told them “I don’t need it.” They will only come in here once." Did you write that song?
Morgan Lindley said - That is awesome. Next time you see me I'll be playing that song. I'm stoked you have a tab for it
Jon Hogan said - You are a master of your art. It's the auditory equivalent of a bracing Charley Russel, or a fine Rembrandt, or a poem by Keats or a short story by Hemingway; like these, you have become a master of your art.
Jon Hogan said - We were speachless after it was over, up to about the count of ten. We were staring at each other, such a mix of feelings.... then we both laughed out loud to keep from crying. Mindblowing is all I can really think to say, simply mindblowing.
Maria Moss said - Oh yeah. We stopped typing on our laptops and just listened. And then we both went "oh yeah!"
Sooooo relaxing...
Very soothing.
Boy, this is a wake up. Love the energy.
Immediately captures the harshness. The unpredictability of it.
Been there.
I've got no monopoly on clever... Especially like, "Is there nothing you believe in that could not withstand a scrutinous review?"
Nice wake-up song. Like the harmonies.
Enjoying this again. Such a fine song. So well done.