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What Time It Is by Nolan [Email]
Genre: Acoustic Rock

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SONG STATS:
Hits: 2412
Comments: 62
Votes: 29
Plays: 601
Last Played: Oct 12, 2008 - 11:28:03 AM
Downloads: 103
Fans: 24
Uploaded: Mar 10, 2006 - 01:14:07 AM
Last Updated: Mar 10, 2006 - 03:26:55 AM
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Keywords:
Nolan (10), Internet (4), trans-national (1), acoustic (476)
Description:
I wrote this for my wife in the very early stages of our very "contemporary-style" relationship.

Like Cold December and The Life I'm Dying For, this was written in Australia about an American girl.

Lyrics:
The world is a smaller place these days
But it is still not small enough
Because if it was then you'd be here
When I reach to stroke your face
But instead there's just a cold pillow and me

I no longer care how we got here
I've given in despite myself
Because there is more to this I know
Than what I could have conceived
So I'll dispose of all my predisposed ideas

And I wonder what time it is there
And what you're doing now
And what if I was with you
I remember the sound of your laughter
And I imagine your smile and I forget
What time it is here

One day can't come soon enough
I go there in my mind again
And I can feel you on my skin
As we lay there on the sand
Until I awake despondent from my reverie

And I wonder what time it is there
And what you're doing now
And what if I was with you
I remember the sound of your laughter
And I imagine your smile and I forget
What time it is here
What time it is

Here I go again
And I am anywhere but here
And everywhere but there
And time has left us stranded here with
Twenty-three years to catch up on

And I wonder what time it is there
And what you're doing now
And what if I was with you
I remember the sound of your laughter
And I imagine your smile and I forget
What time it is here

Hardware:
eMac, Maton acoustic, MobilePre USB, Sennheiser mic, GarageKey keyboard

Software:
GarageBand
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my dad likes this song &mdash 03/10/06 - 02:21:54 AM
Aj likes this song. Good tempo.
Ju sing good.good piano.

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my dad likes this song &mdash 03/11/06 - 07:34:17 PM
Thanks Mackie. My first guitar looks exactly like yours! (I looked at the
photo on your page)

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That is soo right! &mdash 03/10/06 - 02:40:05 AM
Yes Mackie, your'e sooo right! You just saw my reaction when I
discovered this new post, and it wasn't difficult for you to hear that
your daddy just LOVES this song!

Nolan, your songs don't come often, but when they appear it is a real
treat for me! Here is another post of highest quality in every aspect! All
the beauty that is in your past best compositions is here! Have soo
much longed for more Nolan music and here it is. Your songs are not
played once in this house but loads of times!

Yes I admit that, as a devoted Nolan fan, I am somewhat biased. But
isn't this one of the most beautiful song ever released in the world,
nevermind MacJams?

But where is the ending? Are we going to get another version later, that
has a completed ending? I personally hope so, (anyway, the ending
doesn't keep me from "ten-bombing").

/Johannes "Curry" Cori Ander



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That is soo right! &mdash 03/11/06 - 07:45:55 PM
Thanks Curry. I really appreciate your kind words. I can't believe you guys
are listening to my songs in Sweden! Cool! (and cold)

I wasn't planning on doing another version. I think when I start recording
again it will be something new. But if I ever record a real album (one day) -
I'll fix the ending on this one. Promise.

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great all around &mdash 03/10/06 - 01:40:30 PM
The track is very well-crafted, excellently performed. Your accent is so cool. Your voice is very listenable. The lyrics are so sweet and the music is so pleasing to listen too. I think you could resolve the end with extending the piano a few more measures and end with a delicate piano riff. I'm curious as to your thoughts, considering how meticulous the song production is, to have the tune end with an fadeout?
D/L
Awesone tune

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great all around &mdash 03/11/06 - 07:54:33 PM
Thank you very much Alley.

As far as my thoughts on the ending...If I ever record this one again, I'll
certainly take on the advice you guys have given me and end it with a delicate
piano riff. I suppose I wanted to revisit the chords of the bridge and fade out
on them. When I listen to it, the fade out kind of represents the perpetual
nature of my "wondering" and "imagining" at the time.

Anyway, I really appreciate the feedback.

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great all around &mdash 03/12/06 - 05:43:18 AM
Quote: "... the fade out kind of represents the perpetual nature of my
"wondering" and "imagining" at the time."

That is a point. In that case I would suggest a loooooong fadeout ...

What do you think?

/Johannes "Curry" Cori Ander




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great all around &mdash 03/14/06 - 03:24:25 AM
That is a good suggestion, Curry. But if I do it again, I'll probably end it with
a definite ending - not a fade out.

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Touched again... &mdash 03/10/06 - 03:15:23 PM
Just beautiful Nolan. I think that you know what time it is...

You are a gifted soul.

Thanks for sharing this. It is a very special piece. Dion

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Touched again... &mdash 03/11/06 - 07:56:27 PM
Thanks heaps Cyd. I'm glad you liked it.

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Beautiful and Heatfelt &mdash 03/10/06 - 04:25:27 PM
This one just stirs the emotion with a big ole spoon. Wonderfully moving
lyrics. Beautifully sung and played. If this doesn't pull the heartstrings of
everyone who has had to live apart from the one they love for long,
painful stretches, then something's wrong with them.

Lovely. Moving. You got me before the first verse was even finished.

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Beautiful and Heartfelt &mdash 03/10/06 - 04:26:48 PM
err...that was supposed to be heartfelt, not "heatfelt." Sorry.

---
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.

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Beautiful and Heartfelt &mdash 03/11/06 - 08:01:40 PM
Thanks Joseph. It really makes my day (actually, it makes my year) knowing
that people can pick up on the emotion behind this. I did pour it in when I
was writing this one. Thanks so much for the comment.

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nIce &mdash 03/10/06 - 04:46:14 PM
You have one of the best singing styles nolan here at MJ and that is a
fact!

Cool style, infectious vocals with out questions. I feel a bit of bee gees
somehow though your vocals are quite different.

Terrific style!

It's styles like this nolan that give MJ a high quality feeling!

What is frustatingis that with styles and talent like you have that you
are not well known in the recording industry. So much music I hear on
the tongight show, the david letterman, Ellen and on and on. All the
groups and you could be famous just like them if you got on a few of
those shows.

Terrifc style nolan! When you have a terrific song like this, it becomes
extra frustating when you can't get noticed in the recording industry,
that is one tough thing, you say to yourself, man I know that my tune
is terrific but it's who you know etc. IF you could have a father or
mother high up in the music industry, you would be touring and
making some decent money in t he industry.

Again, one of the very best singing, song talents here or for that
matter anywere else!

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nIce &mdash 03/11/06 - 08:07:18 PM
Thanks so much, Tiles. I'm blown away by your comments. I'm so glad you
enjoyed this; you're an awesome musician.

You know what? I've always dreamed of making a living from writing songs
but if it never happens, this will do me fine. Sharing my songs with you guys
and receiving this sort of feedback really does amaze me and gives me an
awesome sense of satisfaction. Thanks!

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Beautiful &mdash 03/10/06 - 07:00:44 PM
The yearning in your voice is palpable. Lovely vocal performance. So plaintive, so earnest.

The only suggestion I have, and I say this with great humily, is to vary the melody a bit for the final time the chorus is sung. I sort of expected it and was disappointed when it didn't happen.

But I love this song, nonetheless.

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Beautiful &mdash 03/11/06 - 08:12:01 PM
Thank you very much, Charlie. And I hear you about the last chorus. I think
it would add a lot to vary it a bit. If there's a next version, that will be done.
Thanks for the feedback.

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Well. This is just perfect. &mdash 03/10/06 - 07:50:30 PM
I'm embarrassed not to have been able to jump to it and download it
within seconds of release, but what the heck, you need to have people
still listening and voting in its second day, right?

Yeah, I'm with Curry and Mackie on this one.

This has a happy ending, right? I feel a little involved at this point...

I really love your songwriting and singing, Nolan...

Ed



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Well. This is just perfect. &mdash 03/11/06 - 08:16:11 PM
Thank you so much, Ed. I am deeeeeelighted you liked it.

And yes, thankyou - this has a very happy ending. It wasn't the last time we
had to spend a painfully long time apart, but we're together now and it's all
good.

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Well. This is just perfect. &mdash 03/12/06 - 08:51:27 PM
I'm very happy to hear this. Awesome.

Ed

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Best of Times &mdash 03/10/06 - 08:03:34 PM
You've done a really nice job with this song, Nolan --- especially on
the vocal. It's very warm and personal... mostly right for this kind of
material. I believe this has the makings of a very fine tune.

I would suggest adding some dynamics to the song. As charliechen has
mentioned, some variation in the vocal could be part of it. Perhaps
modulating up a half step on the final chorus would achieve that. But I
believe you should *punch up* all the choruses to give the lyric more
of a contrast.

But musically, you need a better build on the instrumentation to make
this a *stronger* tune. I can hear some big drums leading into the
choruses to help give them more emotional power. And I think the
strings sound somewhat awkward coming in so late in the song.

None of this is meant to detract from what I believe is a well-written
and performed song. It's just what *my ears* hear. ;-)

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Best of Times &mdash 03/11/06 - 08:21:24 PM
Thanks, Joe. I really appreciate your feedback. I think a key change into the
last chorus would be great, as would doing a bit more with the vocals. As I've
said above, if I ever redo it, I will definitely heed the advice offered here and I
know the song will be much better for it. Thanks for taking the time to give
me your ideas.

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can't think &mdash 03/10/06 - 10:19:28 PM
I'm so speechless, I couldn't even think of a clever title to this
comment. I can never seem to come up with a proper musical critique
because I'm so drawn to your music from the emotional side, so I'll just
babble a bunch of my gut-reaction-type-stuff. You baffle and amaze
me. You've got this absolutely astounding talent and yet you are so
humble. Lyrically and musically, this song reaches to a level of
sophistication that very few musicians could ever dream of acheiving,
in my opinion. I know a bunch of your music heros/inspiration, and
you know... You're right there. Actually, many of the songs by other
bands that you've been sending me over the last year are still some of
most respected songs in my catalog of ecclectic music.

Maybe it's the sappy side of me coming out, but this song stirs up
something very poignant in me. This, my friend, is a work of art and
you should be very proud. Thank you for another brilliant song. I
wonder if you could perform this one at a certain someone's wedding...
:-)

10-10-10-10

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can't think &mdash 03/11/06 - 08:29:46 PM
Miss C, thank you so much for that bloody lovely comment. I am absolutely
stoked to know you enjoyed the song so much. You're too kind, but you've
made my day anyway. So when's this wedding?....

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u r &mdash 03/11/06 - 05:52:43 AM
music has been a favorite of mine since you first started posting.....u still
have that magic way of writing songs.......this one is no exception......you
and jonx have this seemingly effortless way of writing lyrics.......just a
beautiful song.....!

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u r &mdash 03/11/06 - 08:31:03 PM
I don't know what to say McBoy, other than thank you.

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Just beautiful! &mdash 03/11/06 - 03:25:43 PM
What a lovely song Nolan!! Lyrics deep and rich - imaginative melody
and associated chord changes, excellent production and playing - is
there anything you don't do well?
Accent alley-oop? - what accent!? :)
Just beautiful!
Neil

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Just beautiful! &mdash 03/11/06 - 08:32:47 PM
Thanks Neil. I appreciate that, mate.

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Gorgeous. &mdash 03/11/06 - 11:19:05 PM
Gorgeous song.So well sung and arranged.Beautiful.

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Gorgeous. &mdash 03/14/06 - 03:18:39 AM
Thanks very much MiMi.

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beautiful! &mdash 03/12/06 - 05:41:21 AM
What a beautiful tune this is! And the production sounds flawless to me. I really like the fadeout, see nothing wrong about it! Very good Work!!

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beautiful! &mdash 03/14/06 - 03:20:11 AM
Thanks Selters. I feel better about the fade-out already! I appreciate the
comment.

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Lyric Police &mdash 03/12/06 - 05:43:23 AM
Wow! but are you allowed to classify a song under any rock catagory when
dropping great lines like, "So I'll dispose of all my predisposed ideas" or
"Until I awake despondent from my reverie" fantastic, great composition.
Thanks.

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Lyric Police &mdash 03/14/06 - 03:22:03 AM
Thanks a lot, officer. Glad you enjoyed it.

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Holy guacamole! &mdash 03/13/06 - 02:06:28 AM
Nolan, nolan, nolan,
I have been a huge fan of yours since you joined macjams. And
although I rarely voice my love of your music, please don't think it's
because I've lost interest (it's my lack of interest in typing, really). On
the contrary, I grow fonder of your musical stylings with each new
post. I have enjoyed listening to you evolve as a musician and as a
'garagebander'. You bring a breath of fresh air to the music scene, and
the world could benefit from having music like yours broadcasted on
the radio.
This song will forever have a special place in my heart. It's so nice
hearing lyrics that I can tell truly came from your heart. I have listened
to this song so much that it already feels like a part of my soul.
Thank you so much for your music, and never, ever, stop creating. My
life would be a duller, greyer place if you did.

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Holy guacamole! &mdash 03/13/06 - 03:39:46 AM
I better reply to this one in person...

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Always a good day &mdash 03/14/06 - 05:06:17 AM
when I realize you have a new song posted, Nolan. To re-state what has
been said before: What is really appealing about your music is how is
seems to flow naturally- unforced and eloquent. Your lyrics are seemingly
effortless, but it's your incredible sense of melody that brings this music
to life... that and the obvious love for your wife!

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Always a good day &mdash 03/17/06 - 05:13:31 AM
Thanks Adam. I really appreciate your comment. Thanks a lot for listening.

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Excellent &mdash 03/14/06 - 10:40:24 AM
Excellent tune and writing. Very enjoyable.

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Excellent &mdash 03/17/06 - 05:14:33 AM
Thanks Drew.

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Very nicely tugging groove &mdash 03/14/06 - 03:02:17 PM
I especially like the drums in this, they seem to perfectly support the
feeling in the song. On the other hand the piano seems a little stiff, or
maybe it's just because I know it's just a GarageKey keyboard, but a really
sensitive piano part is probably in order since it plays such a big part. It
seems to be a little heavy handed. I wonder how it would be if you
changed it to an electric piano...But I don't want to seem to be negative,
this is a really great song, and the tender vocal and great soft strumming
guitar really carry it, along with the previously mention masterful drums.

Not sure about the end, it seems to fade a mite too soon, but I'm late to
the party and others have mentioned that, so whatever...

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Very nicely tugging groove &mdash 03/17/06 - 05:18:04 AM
Thank you Jim. Yeh, I too would like to hear this played on a real piano by a
real pianist. Maybe one day.

Thanks for commenting on the drums. Usually I'd do it with the mouse, but
this time I played a lot of it on the keyboard. Seems to give it a lot more
personality. Real drums would be real nice though. Maybe one day.

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what a great song &mdash 03/14/06 - 03:44:58 PM
What skills you have as a songwriter. And also the performance you show here. You are a professional to the fingertips.

Lovely lyrics, you're wife must be proud having such a gem made for her, while you where longing to see her again.

All time favorite. I'll rush to download:)

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what a great song &mdash 03/17/06 - 05:19:19 AM
Thanks heaps Thoddi. I'm really glad you liked it. Thanks for your kind
words.

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Wow! &mdash 03/15/06 - 06:51:47 PM
Another great Nolan tune... heartfelt... well crafted. I really like the
drums on this one... adds just enough accents to the flow.

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Wow! &mdash 03/17/06 - 05:20:46 AM
Thank you Giovanni. Good to see you back on deck. Thanks for listening.

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Wow! What writing &mdash 03/16/06 - 03:44:15 PM
Your so fluid with the way you attach lyrics to your instrumentation. What a nice melody. Great job on your productions and what a nice voice. Thanks for sharing.

Regards,
John

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Wow! What writing &mdash 03/17/06 - 05:21:54 AM
Thank you John. Really appreciate the comment.

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Hi from Bonnie Scotland &mdash 03/22/06 - 08:00:44 AM
Lovely melody, great voice. bit Crowded House but that is not a bad thing. Keep it up, Cheery

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Hi from Bonnie Scotland &mdash 03/31/06 - 05:05:29 AM
Not a bad thing at all!!!! I love them. I can't believe it when people can hear
Neil Finn's influence in my songs. He's my hero. Thanks you very much.

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Hi from Bonnie Scotland &mdash 03/22/06 - 08:00:48 AM
Lovely melody, great voice. bit Crowded House but that is not a bad thing. Keep it up, Cheery

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terrific &mdash 03/24/06 - 11:48:01 AM
Nolan, you are a damn fine prolific songwriter. lyrically and melody its
all there. just good stuff. you are a talent. you ever need backing tracks
give a yell

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terrific &mdash 03/31/06 - 05:06:56 AM
Thank you very much for that. It means a lot. And I may just take you up on
your offer, you know...

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sweeeet! &mdash 04/19/06 - 03:54:04 AM
hiya. look at all these enthusiastic comments you got here!
i cant think of anything what hasnt been said.
but hey, i love the song is all i need to say, i suppose!
i have to come back and check all your past posts!
loved your voice!

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When it is beautiful. &mdash 04/20/06 - 06:04:30 AM
Your song is always beautiful.
You are a melody craftsman.
It shines to craftsmanship with.


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great songcraft &mdash 05/08/06 - 05:44:19 PM
I'm a sucker for good songcraft... performance and production is all
dead on... but you do things that can't be taught... everything stays on
message, and you draw the listener into the story... so I'm feeling what
your writing about in 1st person... you are able to tap into universal
emotions, these are always the best songs for me..

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love this &mdash 05/26/06 - 06:24:09 AM
very nice production quality. top shelf IMHO. the lyrics seemed plugged
into my personal station. you write such cool songs. did you play all
the instruments as well? very impressive! everything sounds like its real
time, and its soooo clean and up front.

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stumbled and fell &mdash 06/02/06 - 10:43:56 PM
I just happened to come across this, never listened to any your stuff
before, and, well, rather than repeat what has been said, I'll just say that
this track, and most likely you, are radio ready.
You'll hate me for saying this, but it does remind me of the Finn bros. -
it's also as good as anyuthing I've heard them write.

Lovely song, beautifully sung, I'll buy this when it's released.

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great &mdash 06/23/06 - 07:20:46 AM
Gorgeous song. Well done production..
I love to have a voice like your on a song of mine..

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lovely, nolan &mdash 08/24/06 - 01:59:44 PM
great chorus-perfectly played piano-simple and heartfelt. i really dig the
2nd vs...'so i'll dispose of all my predisposed ideas..' awesome line.
thanks for sharing such an intimate piece.

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Masterful &mdash 09/26/06 - 06:18:45 PM
Boy what beautiful turns of phrase, aww I can't think of anything worthy
enough without sounding like a sap. But seriously, yours are the strongest
most likeable song I've heard on MacJams to date. Simple as that. Thanks.

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it's 11:45 am here right now &mdash 12/01/06 - 11:43:12 AM
tender, heart-felt and real. wonderful song-writing, beautiful lyrics. I like how the choruses take you to such a different place than the verses reinforceing the idea of being anywhere but here.

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