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Keywords:
life (122), work (18), daily grind (1), His plan (1), time (72), yield (1), heart (101), folk. harmonica (1), guitar (831), folk (351)
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Description:
After reading the forum thread "What's Your Occupation?", this introspective answer of mine came about in the form of a song. Just a guitar, vocal, and a little harmonica.
Song art is me sitting by the bay near Brandon, Ireland 1998.
... dedicated to the "Fifty and Over Club"
Lyrics:
You ask of me, tell me now what do you do?
And I shake my head, as I pause to reply.
I'm here punching a clock, each day just spinning my wheels.
I guess I'm trying to come to grips with time passing me by.
It is said somewhere, all this sweat and toil... I know I've read it
It is but a curse, for every man to bear.
Thorns and thistles, they are the daily yield of my soil.
I'm just working to come to grips with time passing me by.
Bridge:
Through the sweat of this wearied face
Comes each day my daily bread.
And in this dust of ground that still battles me
One day, Lord knows, I'll rest my head.
You ask of me, tell me now what do you do?
And I shake my head, as I pause to reply
I'm here living my life, yeilding my heart to His plan.
I think I'm finally coming to grips with time passing me by...
I guess I'm finally coming to grips with time passing me by.
2007 Music and Lyrics by Jack Miller
Hardware:
iBook G3, M-Audio PreMobile, Shure Mic 57, Applause acoustic guitar, Hohner blues harmonica.
Software:
GarageBand 1
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yeah &mdash 01/13/07 - 07:54:35 PM
put down in words, I guess this is familiar thoughts for many souls. I think that reflections like this, on how my days may look, looking in the mirror... I am the only one in charge of any change that I'd like to see... But it is easy to speak it... and it will seem hard to do...till it's put into action.
The song... very good. I like the simple arrangement with your harmonica and guitar. Honest and near. [ Reply to This ]
life and times... &mdash 01/13/07 - 10:45:49 PM
Thanks, Thor. It's kind of tough and sometimes depressing to check into how one feels about the daily grind. But it helps me to bring Reality into focus... and reorient my life in a good direction. Thanks for listening and leaving your thoughts... cheers, my friend.
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Hey! No fair! &mdash 01/13/07 - 09:34:29 PM
You wrote exactly what I'm feeling! Yeah, it seems the older one gets the more Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 makes perfect sense. These days I find the Psalmist's confession: "My times are in Your hand" (Psa. 31:15) to be exceptionally appropos.
A fine bit of tuneage Jack, sung and played with honesty and conviction.
Be well bro!
REASSURANCE [new collab] http://www.macjams.com/song/27908 [ Reply to This ]
Hey! but... &mdash 01/13/07 - 10:54:18 PM
all's fair in love, war, and working out one's salvation... heheh.
I agree with what you are saying there, Mike. For me sometimes sitting down and putting my thoughts into a song is the only way to think things through... and "get it out" and to see beyond my view of my circumstances. I appreciate your liking the presentation as well as the content.
Jack
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
very pretty... &mdash 01/13/07 - 11:54:50 PM
Very soothing and relaxing, the lyrics are great for mental health, bringing out in the open that thing that haunts us, even though many of us we may feel deep down everything will be alright, the doubt I do struggle with sometimes, in part, but always there are many things in life that speak of something extraordinary going on that we are part of. Mostly I see it in nature and try to celebrate it in music. It gets harder, though, because so much war seems to be around us today, one has to ask did we bring it upon ourselves? It would seem we have been put to the test by someone, or something, as to whether we have it in our heart enough love to bring peace, and that we have already failed at preventing wars. [ Reply to This ]
haunts us all... &mdash 01/14/07 - 12:25:16 PM
time, someone said, yeilds to no one. Funny how a simple question like, "what do you do for a living?', can open up a cavern of thoughts and wonderings about life, purpose, and things eternal... I glad if this little tune furthered some of your thinking on these matters. You always seem to pick up on the spiritual side of songs and lyrics... a good soul you are, Ian.
Jack
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Perfect timing, Jack &mdash 01/14/07 - 07:40:02 AM
After reading the forum posts on occupations, I felt like a classic underachiever. I felt like all i do is dishes, and that time was passing me by, as I watch everyone come and go. It's not easy to accept my limitations. but you are right, it is in God's hands, and we must yield willingly to His plan. Your song helped me; gave me peace. It reminds me that this, too, will pass, and every day we are closer to home. I really like the simplicity of the way you played this- just right. It's cool how the separated your voice, guitar, and harmonica, so each can be heard on their own. Really good song, Jack, tha k you for sharing it with us. :-) [ Reply to This ]
You got it... &mdash 01/14/07 - 12:31:56 PM
that is, what was rumbling around inside of me. Underachiever... woulda, coulda, shoulda... too easy and of little profit to rehearse the things of the past. Especially with so much to be thankful for in my life. Yet these times of reflection and "mopey" introspection invariably lead me back to see God's love and faithfulness. Thanks for echoing that in your comments...
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
the eternal &mdash 01/14/07 - 09:28:55 AM
pondering of time passing..... a heart felt song jack.....well answered.... [ Reply to This ]
appreciation... &mdash 01/14/07 - 12:36:29 PM
for you taking the time to listen and leave your response. Sometimes music, for me, is the way I get my "thoughts and inner rumblings" sorted out and expressed. Kind of a spiritual-mental-musical therapy... I better check that with Ed to see if that is a legitimate theraputic approach.... : )
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Time's passing .... &mdash 01/14/07 - 08:28:38 PM
. us all by Jack (and seems to pass quicker the more of it goes as well). My approach has been to leave the "occupation" behind and make the most of my time in ways that I want to, rather than in ways that someone else wants me to. I certainly went through the "woulda, coulda" stage - especially when I started writing and playing again - but hey, it's really about making what we can of the future rather than dwelling on the past.
This is a good song Jack, a bit of a downer, but cool nonetheless.
Ed and I have patented this approach - we'll send you the account!
: )
Neil [ Reply to This ]
downright mopey.... &mdash 01/14/07 - 08:40:19 PM
My wife said it sounds kind of mopey... I get in these moods every now and then. But you are right. It is about what is today and the direction one takes for the future. This song will be part of my self-therapy music series that hopefully Ed can advise me on... :)
Thanks for listening and leaving your thoughts. I appreciate it.
Jack
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
plaintive &mdash 01/14/07 - 10:02:16 PM
great song jack! a nice narrative piece, ala springsteen/dylan, the harmonica really fills it out. we should all relapse to a time in the past, with parachute pants, red converse high tops, and staying out all night and not a worry of the future. lets wind up the old time machine and wish we could relive the glory years. or least remember the good stuff.
Vic [ Reply to This ]
Vic, hmmm..... &mdash 01/15/07 - 11:35:03 AM
red converse sneakers, eh? I may have to get me a pair of those. And you are right, the harmonica does a lot for this song. After doing that part is when I decided I would put it here on MJ.
The past is past... but sometimes my "demons" do battle with me and what I am about and what I didn't do. That only serves to distract me from the many blessings that have come my way and from the very good path my life has taken and is still following.
I always appreciate a comment from our resident 60's-70's music guru... cheers
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Wish you lived on this coast, Jack... &mdash 01/14/07 - 10:49:51 PM
I've got a feeling we'd have some good walks and talks.
There's the song, and then there's the feeling behind the song. I feel almost embarrassed saying anything about the song, when what I'm really feeling is that deep well of feeling behind it... The total vibe of this has as much reality and soul and depth as anything on a scratchy old Robert Johnson or Bob Dylan or Johnny Cash LP. It doesn't so much matter who you are or where you come from, but rather, do you know what's in your own heart and can you get in touch with it and speak it...
And, of course, I'm a guy who enjoys a good, solid mope from time to time...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Nothing like a few... &mdash 01/15/07 - 12:32:21 PM
good walks and talks. Yeah, there is "a little bit" lurking behind this song (and a few others). I do think you are totally zeroed in with your comment, "It doesn't so much matter who you are or where you come from, but rather, do you know what's in your own heart and can you get in touch with it and speak it..." The struggles, the self-doubts, and questions of the heart are common to all, whether of high or low estate. Looking at those things, owning them, even embracing them in a sense... lessens their power to hinder and distract from the higher callings of life and to cloud our view of the blessings of this life. Easier said then done... but so helpful when put into practice.
Thanks for hearing me. And I appreciate the gracious comparisons to three great ones regarding the song.
from one mope to another-
Jack
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Right on Jack! &mdash 01/15/07 - 08:42:43 AM
Great playing and singing. I've been through all of what you sing of, but have recently decided to choose to let the past go and look forward to the future. Despite the fact that I have a lot more years behind me than I have in front, I've discovered that it's my relationship with God that counts. Thanks for reminding me Jack.
God bless,
Rick
[ Reply to This ]
Good words, Rick... &mdash 01/15/07 - 04:47:26 PM
... looking ahead and looking to Him, seems like a good plan to me. God bless and thanks for listening and leaving your thoughts.
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
When I was &mdash 01/15/07 - 10:42:44 AM
much younger, I guess I thought that by now I would be much smarter, mature and wise at 50. Oh well, I guess I don't have many regrets, I am blessed with a lovely family and great friends and some similance of financial success that will care for us adequately. . - Harold [ Reply to This ]
Then... &mdash 01/15/07 - 04:50:19 PM
rejoice in what God has given and keep on truckin'... :)
Thanks for dropping in and leaving the thoughts this song kicked out...
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
takes the wind out of my sails &mdash 01/15/07 - 01:14:26 PM
Sad to the core, gives me pause... well written and performed, though I admit that I don't like to dwell in this place! Tech note, I would suggest dropping the harmonica back very slightly and giving it more warmth/ambience/reverb (very slight)... it seemed a bit sharp and distracted from the singing at times. Well crafted song!
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
Not a place... &mdash 01/15/07 - 06:37:56 PM
to dwell too long... agreed. But it can somtimes be profitable. Despite the downer tone of the song, I am glad you liked it. I will try your suggestion on the harmonica. This is really at best a demo... so it is still a work in progress. Thanks for stopping in.
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
To the heart of what matters &mdash 01/15/07 - 01:33:12 PM
Very introspective. I have a vision of you writing this in the lunchroom of a tile showroom, in between pulls of the vending machine bandit. Or perhaps it was written in the lavatory? No, better yet, written on a crisp evening overlooking the quietly roiling Pacific waters. [ Reply to This ]
Written on... &mdash 01/16/07 - 12:24:35 PM
a quiet Friday evening and Saturday morning, the house to myself. Recorded that afternoon. Introspection isn't something I easily do... the music helps, I think.
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
inspiration &mdash 01/16/07 - 02:51:18 PM
I find inspiration in many different places. I'm glad you found the "zone" for this one.
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http://www.schletty.com/song [ Reply to This ]
More &mdash 01/23/07 - 02:02:57 PM
The more I listen, the more I appreciate the deep meaning of this song. Sorry about my silly comments above.
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http://www.schletty.com/song [ Reply to This ]
Strikes me &mdash 01/16/07 - 06:45:59 AM
Your song strikes me deeply. Thank you for talking my feelings! The song has an existential simplicity which is way deep.
When listening it also strikes me that today even young people may have existential struggle about time, questions like; will there be any future for me? ... For the "Fifty and Over Club" (count me in) the question is; what did I do with all that, which once was a future of seemingly unlimitited possibilities? And maybe also; will there be any future for my children? (jiguma has adressed this in a beautiful way).
Thank you for adressing this! And you do it in a fabolous way. The song is completely beautiful! Only a minor thing I would wish; that the harmonica left some more space to the beautiful vocal and guitar stumming. Otherwise, a major favourite in my collection from now! [ Reply to This ]
You say it well... &mdash 01/17/07 - 10:32:55 AM
Curry, your reflections do mirror much of what is in the song for me and go further, as if the song and your comments are part of a conversation we are having in front of a warm fireplace. I am glad this provoked some good thinking for you... it has for me.
Thanks...
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
PARDON, BUT &mdash 01/16/07 - 01:44:14 PM
Sublime
Clearly, You are In Your Time. "Youthful" for the Young, Tested Strength for the Experienced.
That's what I hear, here. No "Mutton Dressed as Sheep."
The harmonica is Perfect; never Overpowers.
I sense Strength, Well Stated. I am not Saddened.
A FINE Piece.
With Highest Regards,
Cooper [ Reply to This ]
Heheh.... &mdash 01/19/07 - 12:38:36 PM
yeah, I'm starting to think (hope) that maybe, just maybe, I am entering my time. I appreciate your words and I'm glad you liked the song. Always good to have you drop in and listen.
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
folky. &mdash 01/17/07 - 08:25:08 PM
pretty sounding. like the instrumental and add of hermonica. very folky sounding. [ Reply to This ]
Folky sound... &mdash 01/21/07 - 09:25:40 PM
is what I wanted, so thanks for your 2 cents. I appreciate your stopping in and giving my song a listen... cheers
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Pause for reflection &mdash 01/19/07 - 07:34:20 PM
Great job Jack... this is certainly where I'm at... I have come to know God as subtle and extrordinarily benevolent... I believe the curse is a blessing through the back door, from the hand of a god who completely understood our plight apart from him... there is a redemptive componant in the curse, as it has done it's work over the course of years... breaking and reshaping us... and in this I have more rest and peace than any time I can remember in my life
thanx for that punch in the chest [ Reply to This ]
yes, pause for reflection.... &mdash 01/22/07 - 11:36:51 AM
that is what this was for me, as well. You said, "there is a redemptive component in the curse." I was just saying the same thing to a friend of mine the other day as we were discussing this song. It is that reality that allows me to say at the end of the song, "I guess I'm finally coming to grips with time passing me by." It is as it should be (His plan). It's actually a good thing, a humbling thing, which focuses the mind and heart on things eternal.
Thanks for listening and sharing your thoughts...
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Doesn't it go fast &mdash 01/20/07 - 11:55:04 AM
Loved the song... makes me ask myself if I have made a difference or not. My mother in law once told me, being a Husband/Father/Bread winner is in itself a great achievement. We all have our place. Just make the most of it... not only do you grow older and time passes you by but you never no how long. Thanks for sharing. [ Reply to This ]
I agree with your mom... &mdash 01/29/07 - 12:06:02 PM
Father, husband, and breadwinner - the center of whatever it is we should be... can be or do... to impact for good those we are directly related to and in closest contact with. That is a good and necessary foundation for anything more. And it is something I always need to remember and focus on...
Thanks for listening and leaving your thoughts, John.
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Excellent &mdash 01/28/07 - 03:08:10 PM
I like your guitar sound with the fine harmonica touch, lean style...
With these great lyrics, your voice is fine adapted to this song.
Really well done. Bravo. Thanks to share...
Marc [ Reply to This ]
Merci, Marc... &mdash 02/07/07 - 12:59:37 PM
It is nice that this simple song is finding some who like it. Sometimes a simple arrangement is able to carry a song so much better than many instruments, etc. I always like the guitar harmonica combination... easier to sing from the heart.
Thanks again for your generous comments.
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Keepin' it simple is nice &mdash 02/14/07 - 08:41:41 PM
and I can't help thinking what fun it would be to be the one playing the harp for you on this one. This song breaks it down; we're all just punchin the clock for a little while. Your time here in the break room has been a pleasure for me. Very well written. Nice harp, too. [ Reply to This ]
Hey Joe... &mdash 02/17/07 - 11:00:56 AM
thanks for listening and leaving your thoughts. Like the song, maybe life is pretty simple. It's just us that makes it so confusing and complex.
So, you play harmonica, eh? Hmmm...
Thanks again.
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Dadai... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Time Passing Me By &mdash 11/09/07 - 08:29:52 PM
another fabulous folkie one Bro ..
the harmonica and the guitar a cool
signature of your songs I admire alot
KUDOS !
peace ! [ Reply to This ]
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The song... very good. I like the simple arrangement with your harmonica and guitar. Honest and near.
[ Reply to This ]