Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,031
G
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,031
Hello forum friends. Thanks so much for your enthusiastic support of my last post, We Had Some Times.......really appreciate your comments!! My second post of '21 is another tribute song. Hopefully, I'll move on to something happier soon. I lost my dad just over 5 years ago. It redefined the meaning of pain and loss for me. Just about a year ago, I heard some music in my head (it might have been after the Oscars) and that evolved soon after into this song. I would love to hear your thoughts on it. Take care all. Greg

https://soundcloud.com/gjohnson-2/the-view-from-there

The View From There

It’s been 4 years now since the day we said goodbye
The hardest thing I’ve ever done
There’re few connections that run deeper way down here
Than that between a father and a son

Sometimes I wonder how you see your former life
And what it’s like to be released from earthly cares
And I wonder just how crazy we all look
When you take in the view from there

Frantic fools just fighting, trying to get ahead
Each one scrapping for his share
Is it comedy or tragedy you see
When you take in the view from there?

You and I God knows we had our conflicts too
But such a pointless thing is blame
Each generation I guess has its cross to bear
They’re all unique but all the same

What I remember now is nothing but the good
The finest moments that we had
When I distill it to its essence, what I feel
Is just the love of a boy for his dad

And I will hold you in my heart as I walk on
And try to treat the world with care
Until the day we stand together once again
And both take in the view from there

The players:

Liverpool piano.......midi track used with Komplete NI piano......Grandeur I believe
Bass. 366
Guitar solo. 1167
Synth. Omnisphere
Strings. Komplete Session strings

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,259
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,259
Greg what a beautiful piece of music...Being both a father and a son this is such a tender reminder of how special it is to be both of those...and like many my father is viewing things from there...perfect marriage of a universal and well loved subject with the crying guitar solo and piano...it's hard to hear piano songs anymore and they're the best...loved it...thanks Dan

PS...The most profound things are said in simple common words and concepts and you have woven together some beautiful and profound phrases...the music is good but the lyrics excel...great songs are also great poetry...when the lyrics can stand without the melody you have a great song.

Last edited by firesong; 02/13/21 11:42 AM.

www.soundclick.com/firesong
BiaB 2024, Steinberg Cubase Pro 13, Wavelab 11.2, SpetraLayers Pro 10, Audacity, Steinberg UR44 Interface, Yamaha Genos, Roland FP60 and FP10, Windows 10

You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,321
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,321
Really touching. A good pop write, too - as Dan wrote, personal but universal.

The vocals and crunchy lead guitar make a good contrast with hazy synth and strings.

No need to hurry on to a different sort of song. Just keep writing excellent music like this! laugh


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,324
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,324
Greg.
I can relate to this.
It's a fine piece and lovely tribute.

Vic

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
W
Expert
Offline
Expert
W
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
Hi Greg,

Being someone that also experienced a big loss in recent years I felt the lyrics connected deeply within me. Your song actually brought tears to my eyes.

The great thing about this track is that it might have resonated just as deeply anyway, because it is a magnificent composition... and an outstanding good mix.

I'm so happy that you decided to share it with us...thanks a lot for that!
Will

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,766
Very well done - the whole piece communicates very, very well.
I was a bit put off by the guitar solo but I do understand it's a very expressive instrument and it takes that role on quite well within this song.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,521
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,521
Thanx Greg for putting a few tears in these old eyes. I lost my dad 21 years ago and I still think about him to this day. This lyric "What I remember now is nothing but the good
The finest moments that we had" really hit home.

Outstanding tribute to your dad.

Everything about his one is top shelf!


My dad showed me a 30-minute PowerPoint presentation of why one should always wear a condom during sex. They were all pictures of me!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Greg,
Perhaps the wait of a few years after your loss brought in the beautifully expressed universal perspective to the hurt expressed in your fine tribute.
This is an excellent write and a gently emotional vocal. Simplicity is all that`s required in the arrangement and it works well.
(While listening I found the synth slightly distracted from your vocal in a few places- its probably the close frequency match).

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
What a lovely composition. I love the piano. I'll have to look that one up (I purchased BIAB 2021 - at long last). Great rich vocals. Lyrics tell a great story. Well done. Congrats. Thank the band for me too.


My music can be heard at: The Cracks
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,315
Greg,

Not sure one could tug at the heart strings any harder.

Stunning songwriting.

A truly heart-felt vocal.

Beautiful backing. Excellent mix.

As Good As It Gets.

You are a pro.

fj

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,622
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,622
Greg

Beautiful write and emotive singing. Just a lovely song.

You are exceedingly good at composing these ballads and this is no exception.

Peter

(I'd like to play or hear a guitar solo for this that fits the sombre mood - the RT is a touch harsh and busy to my ears).

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
Beautiful! What a great composition!

User Showcase
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,971
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,971
Greg,

Very beautiful song!
And emotive singing.
As Peter says, you are exceedingly good at composing these ballads and this is no exception.
I think this is a wonderful and heartwarming tribute song to your father.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,139
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,139
Hello Greg ...

What does one say when all the superlatives have been exhausted and the English language bankrupt of his most expressive words? That how always feel when I listen to one of your compositions.

My father died in 1969. He hung on long enough to see me when I returned from Vietnam. He died soon after. We didn't have a particularly close relationship, but he gave me the two things I most cherish in life, other than the people I sharer it with. He gave me baseball and music. I will always treasure those two gifts, regardless the relationship. Both have brought me thousands and thousands of hours of please.

Your song literally brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for the emotion and treasure of having this listen. You are a marvelously talented gentleman. Wishing you & yours the very best. Take care ...

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,507
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,507
As good as it gets. Just a wonderful composition and performance!

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 138
J
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
J
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 138
Greg,

Very well done! Great prosody between the words and music.

Consider revising this verse:

Frantic fools just fighting, trying to get ahead
Each one scrapping for his share
Is it comedy or tragedy you see
When you take in the view from there?

All the other verses focus on the father / son relationship. This one doesn't, which makes it out of place.

One idea would be to express the unfairness of death from the son's point of view, but hoping for understanding in 'the view from there'

Another idea would be to cut this verse but add a verse towards the end of the singer talking about struggling with his son (the grandson)....and understanding what the father was trying to before...

Or you could drop this verse and the rest of the song would still stand on its own.......keep at it! This one's a gem!

Cheers,

James

User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,267
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,267
Greg, I can say for sure that the view from here is one of rarified air. You stand alone on this forum as the master of of heartfelt ballads. It has been a pleasure to watch your writing continue to improve to the point of being on par with your exquisite rendering of the vocals. Excellent in all regards. Downright touching and beautiful,Tom

User Showcase
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,572
Hi Greg,

t's a lovely song to pay homage to your father. The arrangement is super well done. And your soft voice lends itself wonderfully to well-written lyrics. I appreciated.

Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash


Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,585
E
Expert
Offline
Expert
E
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,585
Fine tribute, Greg. Thanks for posting.


Link: www.soundcloud.com/ed_shaw (Feel Free to Use)
https://www.Rumble.com/edshaw
Biab for WIN 2020 -- Win 10 64bit -- Reaper/Audacity
Zoom R-16 -- Tascam DP-03-SD -- SoundTap -- Crescendo --
User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,318
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,318
I'm going to cry in a minute. Incredible. Bravo.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Video: Summary of the New Band-in-a-Box® App for iOS®

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new Band-in-a-Box® app for iOS®! Designed for musicians, singer-songwriters, and educators, this powerful tool lets you create, play, and transfer songs effortlessly on your iPhone® or iPad®—anytime, anywhere.

Band-in-a-Box® for iOS® :Summary video.

Check out the forum post for more information.

Introducing the New Band-in-a-Box iOS App!

We’re excited to introduce the new Band-in-a-Box iOS app, designed to enhance your music creation. The Band-in-a-Box iOS app is the perfect companion to your desktop version, giving you the freedom to sketch out ideas wherever you are and develop them further when you're back at your workstation. Now, you can create, play, generate, and transfer songs seamlessly between your iOS device, and desktop.

Key Features:

- Easily Create and Play Songs – Build and play songs effortlessly on your device.
- MIDI and RealTracks/RealStyles Support – Generate MIDI tracks and RealTracks/RealStyles right on your iPhone or iPad (RealTracks/RealStyles require an internet connection).
- Notation Support – View chord sheets, professional notation, tab, and drum notation for all tracks.
...and more!

Watch the Band-in-a-Box iOS Overview Video.

Visit the Band-in-a-Box for iOS support page for more information and to listen to demos of our RealStyles catalogue.

Download the Band-in-a-Box iOS App from the Apple App Store today!

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows® Today!

If you’ve already purchased Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®, great news—a new update is now available! This update introduces a handy new feature: a vertical cursor in the Tracks window that shows the current location across all tracks, and more.

Discover everything included in this free update and download it now at https://www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1124

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Boot Camp: The AI Lyrics Generator

With Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows®, we've introduced an exciting new feature: the AI Lyrics Generator! In this video, Tobin guides you step-by-step on how to make the most of this new tool.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Boot Camp: The AI Lyrics Generator video.

Check out the forum post for more information.

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using VST3 Plugins

Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows® now includes support for VST3 plugins, bringing even more creative possibilities to your music production. Join Simon as he guides you through the process in this easy-to-follow demonstration!

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using VST3 Plugins

Join the conversation on our forum.

Video: Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows: Using The BB Stem Splitter!

In this video, Tobin provides a crash course on using the new BB Stem Splitter feature included in Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows®. During this process he also uses the Audio Chord Wizard (ACW) and the new Equalize Tempo feature.

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using the BB Stem Splitter

Check out the forum post for some optional Tips & Tricks!

Congrats to Misha (Rustyspoon)…downloaded/installed a full Audiophile 2025!

Breaking News!

We’re thrilled to announce that Rustyspoon has made PG history as the very first person to successfully complete the download and install of the full Band-in-a-Box 2025 Windows Audiophile Edition (with FLAC files)—a whopping 610GB of data!

A big shoutout to Rustyspoon for stepping up to be our test "elf!"

Thank you for your support, Rustyspoon!

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics83,555
Posts767,029
Members39,353
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Adrichmen, Migrena, resco, ruppert, MrBarrysMinistry
39,353 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 217
DC Ron 139
rsdean 95
WaoBand 82
Today's Birthdays
4mrwrkr, Alan59, HELIXT
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5