New Tune - Deeper in the Weeds

[teletimetx]

Well, why not? Here's a new tune I wrote in the last week or so. Back in the fall, I got invited to a monthly jazz jam, with some wonderful musicians. Why they invited me? Best not to delve too deeply. Just some really solid players, either playing from their own sheet music or from the Real Book.

I've written two tunes for them so far. This is the second. Musically, it sort of fits within their spectrum, I guess. We'll see; chords below, if you're interested.

Lyrically, this was for all parents of older children; the parenting thing just is relentless, sort of. My kids, generally have done great, but have their own assortment of problems, just like we all have or have had. I've beaten up and strained the lyrics as best as my colander mind can. If you have thoughts, feel free. Chords and lyrics from the lead sheet I would typically supply to either group.

Likewise, if something in the music is off, whatever. The recording is on GarageBand and I'm no engineer and don't wish to be. However, if you think there's something that other people could learn from, feel free. I just want to play guitar and don't like spending all my time staring at a screen.

It's all me - acoustic guitar, short lead intro and vocals. I left a hole after the bridge, where a solo or several will go - this is also for my current band, the Wild Elderberries.

Hope you enjoy.

DEEPER IN THE WEEDS B Aspinwall Jan 2023
VERSE chords
Bm7 C#7 F#m7 B7
Bm7 C#7 F#m7 F#7
Bm7 G#m7b5 Amaj7 A7/A#
Bm7 C#7 F#m7 /

BRIDGE chords
Dmaj7 D#min7b5 Amaj7 F#min7
Bmin7 G#m7b5 C#7sus4 C#7

Out: tag first line of bridge, {rallentando}, end on last line of verse:
Dmaj7 D#min7b5 Amaj7 A7/A# Bm7 C#7 F#m7


LYRICS
V1
I guess you could say I wear my heart on my sleeve
People like me must seem naive
Reading people like a book, you poke a heart, it bleeds
While we wander deeper in the weeds
V2
All these moments pass you by, but seldom feel complete
Your luck plays out, you’re living on the street
The trail gets tougher either way, ’til the tide you ride recedes
While we wander deeper in the weeds
BRIDGE
I wish that I could promise you some happy ever always
As if just a wish could bring better days
V3
It’s simple to be cynical, the world’s just sand & clay
The truth is truth and easy to betray
The toughest armor’s hollow, the plow somehow succeeds
Still we wander deeper in the weeds
V4
So when the stars start vanishing, and storm clouds never end
Look for light, your rainbows might start to bend
Just keep facing up your fears - no reason to concede
And you will find your way out of the weeds

 

[elihu]

Man, you got a good voice Teletimex-sound like J.J. Cale's little brother.

I guess that's because the first tune your song kinda reminds me of Cale's The Sensitive Kind.

Anyway, good job. I'd like to hear it recorded properly when you get around to it.

 

[teletimetx]

Man, you got a good voice Teletimex-sound like J.J. Cale's little brother.

I guess that's because the first tune your song kinda reminds me of Cale's The Sensitive Kind.

Anyway, good job. I'd like to hear it recorded properly when you get around to it.

Thanks! I appreciate the comments.

Kind of sorry we didn't cross paths when I was in Texas - seems like we have a lot of common interests in music. You've posted some great stuff here on TDPRI and I always look forward to that.

 

[elihu]

Thanks! I appreciate the comments.

Kind of sorry we didn't cross paths when I was in Texas - seems like we have a lot of common interests in music. You've posted some great stuff here on TDPRI and I always look forward to that.

I'd love to sit around with you, two acoustic guitars and some good Mexican beer.

How do you feel about Modelo Especial?

And your voice is good-on pitch and you're not trying too hard.

I appreciate that because in order for me to do that it takes all I have.

 

[teletimetx]

I'd love to sit around with you, two acoustic guitars and some good Mexican beer.

How do you feel about Modelo Especial?

And your voice is good-on pitch and you're not trying too hard.

I appreciate that because in order for me to do that it takes all I have.

Modelo Especial? You bet! 2 acoustics? Yep! As mentioned (and now that I'm retired) I just want to play guitar, and love playing songs of all kinds.

In Texas, there are so many wonderful, wonderful musicians, guitarists and songwriters - there's definitely some friends I miss. Didn't know if I would find anything similar up here, but have been lucky so far. Not as many songwriters, but some plenty fine players.

Most def, if I find myself headed towards the Lone Star state, I will pm you ahead of time and see if we can get together. Like wise, if you're ever headed towards these mountains, let me know. I'm about an hour north of Denver.

 

[RobRiggs]

Wow. That’s fantastic. Well written and well played.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Nice! Fits snugly in the "This Masquerade" niche. And Leon Russell is good company to niche with.

 

[teletimetx]

Wow. That’s fantastic. Well written and well played.

Thanks! I appreciate the listen.

Nice! Fits snugly in the "This Masquerade" niche. And Leon Russell is good company to niche with.

Thanks, Charlie! I do appreciate the comparison to Leon Russell (and any comparisons, really!), but no need to insult the memory of Leon...also I appreciate your post in remembering that amazing album, Carney, which I haven't thought of in a pretty long while.

Moreover, I would've appreciated being mentioned in the same sentence as the ever erudite, swashbuckling Charlie Bernstein! That alone would have made my day.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Thanks! I appreciate the listen.



Thanks, Charlie! I do appreciate the comparison to Leon Russell (and any comparisons, really!), but no need to insult the memory of Leon...also I appreciate your post in remembering that amazing album, Carney, which I haven't thought of in a pretty long while.

Moreover, I would've appreciated being mentioned in the same sentence as the ever erudite, swashbuckling Charlie Bernstein! That alone would have made my day.

Flattery will get you everywhere!

 

[drewg]

The recording is on GarageBand and I'm no engineer and don't wish to be. However, if you think there's something that other people could learn from, feel free. I just want to play guitar and don't like spending all my time staring at a screen.

That’s my philosophy for recording, too.

Really like the lyrics and the jazzy feel. Thanks for sharing!

 

[teletimetx]

That’s my philosophy for recording, too.

Really like the lyrics and the jazzy feel. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for listening! I appreciate you taking the time.

 

[chulaivet1966]

Well, why not? Here's a new tune I wrote in the last week or so. Back in the fall, I got invited to a monthly jazz jam, with some wonderful musicians. Why they invited me? Best not to delve too deeply. Just some really solid players, either playing from their own sheet music or from the Real Book.

I've written two tunes for them so far. This is the second. Musically, it sort of fits within their spectrum, I guess. We'll see; chords below, if you're interested.

Lyrically, this was for all parents of older children; the parenting thing just is relentless, sort of. My kids, generally have done great, but have their own assortment of problems, just like we all have or have had. I've beaten up and strained the lyrics as best as my colander mind can. If you have thoughts, feel free. Chords and lyrics from the lead sheet I would typically supply to either group.

Likewise, if something in the music is off, whatever. The recording is on GarageBand and I'm no engineer and don't wish to be. However, if you think there's something that other people could learn from, feel free. I just want to play guitar and don't like spending all my time staring at a screen.

It's all me - acoustic guitar, short lead intro and vocals. I left a hole after the bridge, where a solo or several will go - this is also for my current band, the Wild Elderberries.

Hope you enjoy.

DEEPER IN THE WEEDS B Aspinwall Jan 2023
VERSE chords
Bm7 C#7 F#m7 B7
Bm7 C#7 F#m7 F#7
Bm7 G#m7b5 Amaj7 A7/A#
Bm7 C#7 F#m7 /

BRIDGE chords
Dmaj7 D#min7b5 Amaj7 F#min7
Bmin7 G#m7b5 C#7sus4 C#7

Out: tag first line of bridge, {rallentando}, end on last line of verse:
Dmaj7 D#min7b5 Amaj7 A7/A# Bm7 C#7 F#m7


LYRICS
V1
I guess you could say I wear my heart on my sleeve
People like me must seem naive
Reading people like a book, you poke a heart, it bleeds
While we wander deeper in the weeds
V2
All these moments pass you by, but seldom feel complete
Your luck plays out, you’re living on the street
The trail gets tougher either way, ’til the tide you ride recedes
While we wander deeper in the weeds
BRIDGE
I wish that I could promise you some happy ever always
As if just a wish could bring better days
V3
It’s simple to be cynical, the world’s just sand & clay
The truth is truth and easy to betray
The toughest armor’s hollow, the plow somehow succeeds
Still we wander deeper in the weeds
V4
So when the stars start vanishing, and storm clouds never end
Look for light, your rainbows might start to bend
Just keep facing up your fears - no reason to concede
And you will find your way out of the weeds

Howdy tele....

This is a good song with good structure, interesting topic with good lyrics.
Your vox fits it well and the it's smoooooth and appealing to the aural receptors.
Nothing "off" about it at all and you should feel good about this write.
I'd have some fun playing rhythm under your vox.

What comes to my pea brain:
To me what you call the 'bridge' is more of a chorus....but, I've been wrong in the past.
I also feel some short bridge, even (4) bars for a short melodic lead line would fit after each chorus.
NOTE: this is NOT a crit....just how my ears hear it arrangement wise and would feel more complete.
Just my subjectivity rearing it's head.....this is a cool, classy sounding tune and stands on it's own just fine.

I like it!....very well done.

 

[teletimetx]

Howdy tele....

This is a good song with good structure, interesting topic with good lyrics.
Your vox fits it well and the it's smoooooth and appealing to the aural receptors.
Nothing "off" about it at all and you should feel good about this write.
I'd have some fun playing rhythm under your vox.

What comes to my pea brain:
To me what you call the 'bridge' is more of a chorus....but, I've been wrong in the past.
I also feel some short bridge, even (4) bars for a short melodic lead line would fit after each chorus.
NOTE: this is NOT a crit....just how my ears hear it arrangement wise and would feel more complete.
Just my subjectivity rearing it's head.....this is a cool, classy sounding tune and stands on it's own just fine.

I like it!....very well done.

Hey, thanks for taking the time to listen. I appreciate it.

Bridge v. chorus, yeah you're probably right. Sometimes when it's just two lines, it just doesn't feel like a chorus, so I call that a bridge. But usually the bridge is sort of a contrast to the verse/chorus pattern, etc.

Since the song is pretty new and the paint's not dry yet, the arrangement is not a done deal. I like your idea of a lead line after each chorus - more than likely, since I'll be playing this with some jazz musicians, there will be plenty of additional instrumental work, fills and solos and such. I'll probably just sit back and let them have at it and see what happens.

thanks again!

 

[chulaivet1966]

Hey, thanks for taking the time to listen. I appreciate it.
I'll probably just sit back and let them have at it and see what happens.
thanks again!

Your welcome.

Cool....if it develops further I'd look forward to hearing the updated version.

Carry on...