Winding Down

Robert James

2021 5090 Song Number 25. We’re half way there, babie!

I wrote the melody to this one first and then filled in the instrumentation behind it. I don’t know if I want to do that anymore, for two reason. First, they always seem to sound awkward. Second, I always have a hard time singing them.

Case in point, this one. It just doesn’t seem to hold together well. It’s not bad, it’s just… forced? Is that the right word? It shouldn’t be because literally everything I’ve ever written was forced. Whatever, it’s not a bad song it’s just not the best.

Like almost all of my songs the lyrics are kind of stream of consciousness. I think my consciousness was streaming toward feeling bad about the start of life as an empty nester. I wasn’t trying to go there, but I think the song went there on it’s own. I didn’t plan on it, but today is literally empty nest day. Both of my step kids are now living in Vermont and I am so sad. I’m also thrilled for the opportunities they have and I can’t wait to see where life takes them, but for me and my wife… it’s really sad.

The guitar tracks were all played with a Gibson Les Paul Standard through a Fender Bassbreaker 15. The pedals on the rhythm parts were a Chicago Stompworks Blooze Maker into a Ryra The Klone. The lead used the same with the addition of a Wren and Cuff Super Russian.

Chorus
time is winding down
days are running out
they are leaving town
they leave it’s true

Verse 1
guess it’s our turn
just the way it goes
guess it’s no use
it happens

Verse 2 and 3
right of passage
everyone goes through
so be it
its just our time

Bridge
it had to happen someday
no way around it is there
feels like disaster coming
that’s the way it is