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I grew up listening to a lot of songwriting story tellers.
John Prine, Steve Goodman, Danny O'Keefe, Randy Newman.
Jim Croce, Paul Simon, Kris Kristofferson, Billy Joel.
Cat Stevens, Jackson Browne, Jimmy Buffett, Bruce Sprinsteen.
Joni Mitchell, Jerry Jeff Walker, Janis Ian, Gordon Lightfoot.
Tom Waits. Harry Chapin. (The masters...)

It was as much about writing the story as writing the song...

In the late 70's in Florida there was a rash of predator "dance instructors".
A plague that fed on the life savings of aging widows.
Dancehall gigolos who convinced women looking for companionship that they were loved.
Signing them to ever-longer contracts and draining their bank accounts.
(The newspapers did exposes on them and eventually they were run out of business...or underground).

Here is a story.


NATURAL PARTNERS

what have we here, who's this lovely young thing
with the free lesson ad in her hand
don't tell me you're not belle of every dance floor you grace
let's try one and see where we stand

we're the young at heart school of dance
we're happy to have you aboard
why dear mrs. foster, or lorraine if i may
you're a natural, shall we try one more
   
   how 'bout a kiss for the queen of the ball
   how 'bout the progress you've made
   stick with me, love, we'll out-dance 'em all
   you've got a gift we can't afford to waste

lorraine, come with me, i must show you off
mr. casey, i think we've got quite a find
is there any room left in the upper class
i've got a contract somewhere she can sign

lorraine, i'm so glad you decided to stay
natural partners the way that we are
you're so easy to lead, put yourself in my hands
we'll dance all the way to the stars
   
   how 'bout a kiss for the queen of the ball
   how 'bout the progress you've made
   stick with me, love, we'll out-dance 'em all
   you've got a gift we can't afford to waste

hey, dancehall johnny, i hear you struck oil again
man, the contracts you land with that smile
six months, not bad, think she'll fall for it all
i'd be a rich man if i had your style
   
   how 'bout a kiss for the queen of the ball
   how 'bout the progress you've made
   stick with me, love, we'll out-dance 'em all
   you've got a gift we can't afford to waste

what have we here, who's this lovely young thing
with the free lesson ad in her hand...



Dance music provided by...
RealTracks in style: 366:Bass, Electric, Country Ev 065
RealTracks in style: ~~365:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Ev 085
RealTracks in song: ~2200:Guitar, Nylon, Background CountryBrent Ev 085
RealDrums in Song: BossaRockPerc^1-a:Congas , b:Percussion Busy
RealTracks in song: 2337:Violin, Background, PopHigh Ev 085 (1TrackStringSection)
RealTracks in song: 2338:Violin, Background, PopLow Ev 085 (1TrackStringSection)
RealTracks in song: 1856:Cello, Background PopCountry Ev 085
MIDI SuperTracks in song: 2058:Strings, Rhythm CelticAir Ev 085
MIDI SuperTracks in song: 2066:Piano, Rhythm NewAgeAnswers Ev16 110
RealTracks in song: 1850:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopShiningGrittyMuted Ev 120
guitar loop from Studio One Pro.


Comments welcome and encouraged.
Tell a story.

floyd

Sounds like something Jim Croce might have written back in the day.
Great storytelling and I love your vocal, very expressive!
I like the fx you added to the vocal during the bridge too, very effective.
Good stuff as usual, enjoyed the listen!

man, this seems to be sneak up on ya good

a very enjoyable listen as the story unfolds

I'll let Noel break down all the genius going on.

this would be a hard assignment if we were given this

subject to write about, and yet you made it brilliant

love the tracks, very good vocals

love that the song writers listed here are also ones

that I love - some more than others, and I would have to add JT

great song man

Kenny

Hi Floyd.

What an excellent narrative that was. Cleverly told, with some historical accuracy, a beautiful literary style and a story which draws you in and holds your attention all the way through, yet with an underlying touch of sadness.

In fact, I got so wrapped up in the story that I almost missed how good the production was.

And it was a great arrangement - loved the "Radio" voice bit.

I've always liked your more rocky songs up until now, but this is up there with the best.

ROG.

Floyd,

A very original story idea that you`ve fleshed out with details that are telling. You learnt a ton from those idols of your youth.
The best part of this song for me is that you nailed the " voice " of the narrator (sleaze with charm!) and made it so believable.
That phone-call bridge is a surprise and really well done.
Crystal clear production and vocals as good as we expect.
One of my Floyd favourites.

Robert

Another winner from FJ, keep up the great tunes!!!!!

Hello, floyd

Your interpretation of this song is really wonderful.
Beautiful melody soothes my heart.
The chord progression (G - G on F# - Em - Em on D - C - D7 -G) is also my favorite.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

floyd,

I've just had a listen. The track is really masterfully put together. The introduction reminded me of James Blunt's "You're Beautiful" intro. You certainly know how to tweak those dials and slide those sliders so that a powerfully rich mix greets the listeners' ears. Adding to this, your performance is first class.

In relation to the topic material... your song has caused me a great deal of reflection. I found it quite a moving journey. The topic of greed preying on loneliness has left me with feelings of disquiet and sadness. I don't know how you did that and I envy that skill of yours that allowed you to accomplish this. It's a credit to your songwriting ability that your song has had this effect to me. In all honesty, I'm presently puzzled and I'm going to be thinking a great deal about how you managed to engage my feelings to this extent. The music and the lyrics were spectacular.

You have definitely, 100%, conquered writing both the story and the song.

Another outstanding work for your catalogue!

All the best,
Noel

Absolutely awesome write, arrangement and performance.


Charlie

This was very cool song Floyd I swore I was watching a movie while listening to the lyrics . Backtrack was so complimentary to your vocal Well done

Hey Floyd,

Great song.

In terms of production, overall sound and relationship to storytelling giants this reminded me a lot of Dan Fogelberg.

So much so, I feel I could go to one of this albums, put on the needle and hear his.

Probably one of your best productions yet, and very 70s in its sound and arrangement--and I mean that as a high compliment.

Awesome job.

Floyd,

Great song and vocal excellent story telling - I can hear the Fogelberg that David mentions.
From the production point of view I see you've used 2 violins a cello and a midi string section and it sounds really nice - well done!
Gets better each play.

Peter

Really excellent delivery here Floyd. As usual, your arrangements are first class, and this is no exception.

Your intention to tell a story has certainly been achieved.

Consider this story 'told'

Alan here - Di is not feeling well
.
Scott pretty much took the thoughts straight from my mind. This is a three-and-a-half minute movie that tells a two-hour story - and tells it superbly. Your writing created all the images necessary - camera not needed.

You're a musical wizard. It seems all you have to do is pick up a pen and magic ink takes over. You open your mouth and vocal excellence falls out with no effort. You turn a "knob" on the mixing gear and suddenly some words and notes become an audio masterpiece. By the way - I liked the song!

The name that came to mind after the first verse and chorus was Tom T. Hall, probably the greatest story-teller in many decades.

Another "Floyd song".

Alan (I'm sure Di would want me to say "Hi" on her behalf)

Thanks, Dave. The bridge was a "fun diversion" - finding an effect that separated the commentary from another party... There don't seem to be any "new Jim Croces" these days that I am aware of. It seems to be a "lost art"...

This is an amazing write on a difficult subject handled with great care and skill. A terrific vocal delivery. The bridge is great. The strings are excellent. The nylon guitar fits really well. Great choice of percussion. It is a testament to your arranging how well all the real tracks work together. Perfect mix. Another one in a long list of winners. Superb,Tom

Floyd,

I think this is a new favorite for me... I really love the song and production, but your voice and delivery is truly outstanding - there is a quiet restraint to your vocal that really brings this song home.

Excellent!

Bob

Kenny - I appreciate that... JT was a huge influence on my music through the years. Maybe more so than anyone. I still remember the weekend at church camp that I heard the Sweet Baby James album. It played over and over and over on the record player. It changed my life. I never thought of him as a "story teller writer", but thinking about it now, that might have been an oversight...

What he said.


Regards,

Lefty

Thanks, ROG. It is always good to hear that someone gets "wrapped up in the story", especially with a song such as this... "an underlying touch of sadness" - I appreciate hearing that, too, since that is the intent...