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Run Away Free by jgurner [Email]

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SONG STATS:
Hits: 2442
Comments: 32
Votes: 15
Plays: 444
Last Played: May 02, 2008 - 01:05:10 AM
Downloads: 80
Fans: 3
Uploaded: Aug 23, 2005 - 08:18:18 PM
Last Updated: Nov 04, 2005 - 02:44:59 PM



Keywords:
freedom (40)life (130)history (16)sense of place (1)
Description:
This was written in 1988 for the seconde band I was in, Psychic Pilgrimage. We rehearsed it a few times, but never performed it because we could never really get it to sound right with just a guitar, bass and drums. A couple of months ago I came across some of my old notebooks with song sketches and found the basic chord structure and some of the lyrics. I reconstructed the missing parts with what I could remember and just redid the rest. The end result sounds nothing like I thought it would sound when I wrote it or even what I thought it would sound like when I started working on it in GB.

Lyrics:
Out beneath the starry skies
facing the southern breeze
See the past, see the future
Learning from our histories
We look back through the sands of time
and wonder where our glory was
live a past without a future
trying to break free

God and country self and spirit
I wonder what they mean to me
The wind will whisper
Can you hear it
Telling what is meant to be
We drank deep from the wine of friendship
and wondered where our glory was
living, learning, laughing, loving
the world was new to us

Free your mind
free your spirit
Only time can tell
Only you can hear it
Live your life
Dream as a poet
Everyone join hands
and run away free

The long and winding road unfolds
footfalls, footfalls, dusty roads
Don’t look back, don’t look forward
No advance and no retreat
We walk along the path at midnight
looking for the turns ahead
crying, hoping, longing, praying
for the morning light

Free your mind
free your spirit
Only time can tell
Only you can hear it
Live your life
Dream as a poet
Everyone join hands
and run away free


Hardware:
iBook, M-Audio Keystation, Eurorack UB802, Epiphone classic guitar, Peavey Foundation bass, cheap mic

Software:
GB
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nice song j &mdash 08/24/05 - 02:59:16 AM
nice lyrics. romantic

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nice song j &mdash 08/24/05 - 09:14:56 AM
Excellent! Glad you liked it, JOAN. Thanks for dropping buy and taking a listen.

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Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
Awesome Joseph! &mdash 08/24/05 - 04:59:39 AM
This is again a very good song with a really catchy melody,
mood and production. I like this ong for a variety of
reasons: for one, you dare to put the vocals in front, it
sounds very good because you can hear every single part of
the mix. I agree with Joan, romantic, a little bit sad or
longing, very touchy. Reminds me of Neil Young a lot (the
vocals), The Bad Seeds (musically) it has that unstable
movements over it like it could crack at any moment, of
course it doesn't, this is story being told in a very good way.
This is my favorite one from you so far. Awesome.

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Awesome Joseph! &mdash 08/24/05 - 10:10:14 AM
Thanks, Mikki, that's very cool that you like this one. I had a "good voice" day with this one. It's the happiest I've been with my vocals so far. Ironically, a massive thunder storm hit as I was recording and I just knew all the thunder rumbling around was going to mess up the recording. I'm glad you guys picked up on some of the emotions in the tune. This was written at a time of major change in my life. Changes in my major at college, changes in relationships, changes in the things I believed. It was a time when I finally realized I didn't have to fill out some pre-determined role for my life and I was free to do my own thing. Oddly enough, almost 20 years later, it seems kind of relavant again.

Thanks for listening and commenting. I glad you liked this one so much.

---
Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
Neil Young sound &mdash 08/24/05 - 06:52:53 AM
Yes, a Neil Young feel. Even the style of reverb. He always
compelled thru his honesty and shirtsleeve vulnerability,
which became a strength of message and character. I like
the changing textures of the arrangement. In an idea song
like this, with a sweeping generalized vision set forth the
chorus, sometimes more details in the verses help make the
song an individual expression. But the whole things is solid,
clear and well thought thru.

[ Reply to This ]
Neil Young sound &mdash 08/24/05 - 10:18:07 AM
I'm a little ashamed to say, as much as I've been compared to him, that I've never really listened to much Neil Young, with the exception of the stuff he did with Crosby, Stills, and Nash. And of course, the stuff that still gets played on the radio. I guess it's time to go back and correct that ommission. It's awesome that you like the song Tobin. I get more and more respect for your critic's ear the more I read your comments around the site. Thanks for listening. It's much appreciated.

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Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
Found gold &mdash 08/24/05 - 11:49:56 AM
I have to echo the Neil Young comparisons, not just for
the sound, but also the lyrical content and the overall feel.
I liked the fade in and out w/ the piano isolated at the
end. Also have to comment on how great is to find
something from so long ago & make it current and fresh
again. Well done & thanks for sharing!

[ Reply to This ]
Found gold &mdash 08/24/05 - 11:57:39 AM
Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment, stevec. For a long time I though of rehashing stuff I'd written years ago as just pointless meandering down memory lane. But here lately, I've come across some older stuff that has not only had a new relavance, but that has also stimulated the creation of new stuff by reawakening some old ideas. It's nice and refreshing. Really glad you liked the tune.

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Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
I don't know why... &mdash 08/24/05 - 03:32:32 PM
...but, man this one really drenched my face... The lyrics in this one are 'RIGHT ON'! Nice message. I like the sparseness of instrumentation. I like that you kept it simple as it is the perfect accompaniment for such simple, yet profond and poetic thoughts to hang on to. I was wanting it to go on some more though, as I wasn't ready to stop enjoying it...

I'm sure that you know by now, how much I'm dig'n your vocals - always captivating in a way that takes me back to the day...

If what we do is who we are, I'd say that you must be a fairly cool person.

Thanks for sharing this one J.

Cyd/Dion


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I don't know why... &mdash 08/24/05 - 04:22:21 PM
Thanks so much for the comments, Cyd. Your one of the people at MJ that has
helped me get a lot more confident in my vocals. That's much appreciated
becuase I've never liked the way my voice sounded. Like I said earlier, this one
doesn't sound anything like I had thought it would sound, but I've found if a
tune starts leading you in a different direction, it's best to just sit back, follow
and enjoy. I'm glad you stopped in and listened and I'm glad you enjoyed.

---
Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
Good writing &mdash 08/24/05 - 06:25:22 PM
edges may be rough
but the song is well written
and made with much care

[ Reply to This ]
Good writing &mdash 08/24/05 - 06:40:01 PM
I'm still working on production skills. Patience would actually help more than
anything, but I'm in short supply of that. Thanks for taking the time to listen and
comment, pv.

---
Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
production could use a little work &mdash 08/24/05 - 06:28:36 PM
but wow! The lyrics and melody are perfect.

[ Reply to This ]
production could use a little work &mdash 08/24/05 - 06:42:58 PM
Glad you liked it, cjhoose. I'm hit and miss on lyrics. Pretty pleased with this
though. Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment.

---
Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
The song &mdash 08/24/05 - 08:08:50 PM
has an innocence that I find moving. Better production
would strengthen it. Of course, that said, I don't have any
critical knowledge to offer in this regard. Thanks for
sharing

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The song &mdash 08/25/05 - 09:38:00 AM
Still figuring out the whole mixing and production thing, but I learn something new with every song I work on. Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment, themasses. It's much appreciated.

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Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
Great sound &mdash 08/25/05 - 02:01:26 PM
This song is recorded and mixed really well, and it's a pleasure to listen to something so well balanced. It's got a straightforward message that's rather unadorned lyrically, and maybe that and your sort of reedy voice is what is most similar to Neil Young. But regardless, that's not a bad comparison. I have a feeling Neil would have stuck a distorted guitar solo in there, or at least some tootling on the harmonica, though. Hey, that's not a bad idea!

Good job! I likethe ressurection of old songs!

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Great sound &mdash 08/25/05 - 04:08:25 PM
Thanks for the comments, Jim. Much appreciated. If I were to try a guitar solo, it would definitely be distorted, but not in a good way.

I've got another oldie in the works, but it's gonna take a while. Can't really remember all of it.

Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment.

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Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
I like this song's feeling &mdash 08/26/05 - 08:40:26 AM
I wanna free myself like this song!
Lylics is also beautiful,I'm glad that you use easy words
like Jhon Lennon. I can understand it well!

[ Reply to This ]
I like this song's feeling &mdash 08/26/05 - 06:57:06 PM
Thanks very much for listening, jackstone. If I'm doing anything like John Lenon,
that's a great accomplishment. I appreciate you taking the time to listen and
comment.

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Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
Beautiful Song &mdash 08/26/05 - 07:31:32 PM
Great lyrics, melody and the song just flowed along like
that southern breeze. This was really an outstanding
effort.

[ Reply to This ]
Beautiful Song &mdash 08/26/05 - 10:03:54 PM
Very cool, bronco. Thanks for the excellent comments. I'm glad you enjoyed it
and thanks much for taking the time to listen and comment. I really appreciate
it.

---
Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
Beautiful Song! &mdash 08/28/05 - 01:12:53 AM
I really like the melody of this song. I love the lyrics and yes,
you do have a Neil Young sound which i personally feel is a great thing!

[ Reply to This ]
Beautiful Song! &mdash 08/28/05 - 08:02:30 AM
Thank you very much, Sista Mac. I think this song was actually helped by the fact
that I couln't remember all the lyrics after all these years. It forced me to rethink
and rewrite and make sure the old mixed in well with the new. Thanks for taking
the time to listen and comment.

---
Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
cool &mdash 08/29/05 - 01:54:45 AM
lyrics their werid and interensting but also chill and that pic is wied look s lie a sghroom kinda but whatever its cool but yah thought to stop by and leave comment but dont comment back i wont read it but yah that is all late pce you for now lateaa

[ Reply to This ]
cool &mdash 08/29/05 - 10:20:01 AM
Thanks for listening and commenting. The photo is actually a large, antique bell that has been in my mother's back yard who knows how long. Like everything else in her yard, she's covered it with flowers.

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Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
in a perfect world &mdash 08/29/05 - 11:44:31 AM
enjoyable message-reminds me of younger days for some
reason. the bass & percussion really make this tune, but also
hurt it a bit. i think tightening some of the bass hits &
moving them on the pan dial might help separate some of
the instruments better. the lower end sounds all seem similar
& are a little hard to distinguish from another (i'm listening
with speakers). hope that's helpful. great song

[ Reply to This ]
in a perfect world &mdash 08/29/05 - 02:36:25 PM
Thanks for the advice _derscore. Everything I do is mixed to where it sound good on my headphones since I don't really have a good set of external speakers to listen. I've been frustrated in the past when I've listened to tunes in the car and the mix doesn't sound near as good as it does on the headphones and it's usually a muddy sound on the lower levels. I think the bass on this one is all the way out, so I may try messing with the pan on the different track and seeing what the results are. But I sseriously need to get a good set of external speakers to get a better listen to the mix. Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment.

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Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
Takes me back Joseph &mdash 08/30/05 - 08:46:09 PM
Very "Comes a Time" period feel. Liked the way the lyrics worked and the way you kept things simple. Wish I had your confidence to put the vox out so much in the mix and not to cover it up with other tracks! Respect!
Nice one.
Neil

[ Reply to This ]
Takes me back Joseph &mdash 08/30/05 - 10:14:07 PM
Thanks very much, Neil. I'm just now getting to where I don't mind the vocals
being front and center so much. In a lot of earlier stuff, I had a tendency to bury
them way down in the mic, partly because I don't like the sound of my voice, but
also because that seemed to be the trend on a lot of stuff I listened to in the 80s
and the influence kind of rubbed off. If I had vocals (and lyrics) that sounded as
good as yours, I'd keep 'em front and center. (Have listened to Sydney Weekend
almost everyday since I downloaded it.) Very much appreciate you listening and
commenting. Really glad you liked the tune.

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Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
Yes, I Hear Neil Too :) &mdash 09/17/05 - 08:23:42 AM
I voted on this when you released it, but forgot to leave a
comment. oops.
I like the flow of this and your vocals here are very good.

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Yes, I Hear Neil Too :) &mdash 09/17/05 - 08:32:03 AM
Thanks, Mungo, I appreciate you coming back and commenting. I tend to get a
little forgetful, especially things like where my glasses are, what time an
appointment is, what my name is.... :) I appreciate you taking the time to listen
and glad you liked the tune.

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Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.

[ Reply to This ]
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