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Keywords:
depression (21), pain (53), sorrow (20), loneliness (cheerful sort of song isn't it?) (1)
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Description:
A 4 way collab.
Two men, two women and 6000 miles
Tom Franz a good friend of mine in California asked me to sing this song. I don't know why as he has a tremendous voice himself (http://www.macjams.com/song/25474) but not being one to turn down the opportunity to do one of his songs I had a go.
I was really taken with Tess's lyrics and I thought Tom's musical setting was astonishing. I didn't have to do much as Tom's guitar did all the work for me. Rebsie kindly agreed to sing some rather wonderful harmonies and this what we've got.
As I can't post an updated version then a better version is here http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6007072
So from the West Coast of the States to the West Country and the South Coast in England we bring you Without Company.
Without Company © Garvin/Franz 2007
Lyric by Tess Garvin
Music by Tom Franz
Guitar: Tom Franz
Vocals & arrangement : Dick Langford
Harmony : Rebsie Fairholm
When my wounds will stitch themselves
And pain can quench my thirst
When things can get no worse
I'll let you in.
When anger feeds my soul
Instead of crushing who I am
When the wolf befriends the lamb
I'll let you in
For now, I'm none of your concern
Just let me live and learn
'Cause I prefer to be
Without company
When the nightmares I have
Don't come from something real
When I've nothing to conceal
I'll let you in
When I can greet the dawn
Without a sense of dread
When dreams can fill my head
I'll let you in.
For now, I'm none of your concern
Just let me live and learn
'Cause I prefer to be
Without company
Knocking on my door
Or banging on my grave
Makes the same sound
Above or below ground
Until I can tell
If this is heaven or hell
For now, I'm none of your concern
Just let me live and learn
'Cause I prefer to be
Without company
Cheers
Dick
Hardware:
Taylor acoustic
Software:
GB4
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Wonderous .. &mdash 11/24/07 - 12:29:41 PM
.. an really fantastic song/collab. Great performances all round..the lyrics are what makes this especially excellent for me. No nits .. just a great ballad.
Well done all, pity no download :o( [ Reply to This ]
No download? &mdash 11/24/07 - 01:15:26 PM
How do I get a download on the page? I don't see a "download" flag on the song submission.
The lyrics are what got me as well. Succinct and very effective even though somewhat bleak. Tom did a great job putting the melody to them and came up with some interesting chord changes.
Many thanks
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
this is &mdash 11/24/07 - 12:52:17 PM
a supremely beautiful song. the vocals are par none. the music is mesmerizing. i am in the middle of writing another metal concpet opera, so this is as far from what i am doing musically as it can possibly get. it mellowed me right out. it also made me realize i need to write a metal duet with rebsie!! bravo! [ Reply to This ]
Par none? &mdash 11/24/07 - 01:26:40 PM
That's very kind of you Allen. I've never thought of myself as a singer but Tom thought I should try this. I was rather pleased he did.
Thanks for the comments.
Cheers
Dick
[ Reply to This ]
in good company &mdash 11/24/07 - 01:06:16 PM
a wonderful tune. Your vocal really has a great up front presence on this one. Rebsie's back up vocal melds right in there as well. The world sure is a small place when you can get people together and make it seem they are all in one room. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Vic &mdash 11/24/07 - 01:30:37 PM
the world is indeed a small place when something like this can happen. The bloody orchestra drank all my beer though.
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
lovely &mdash 11/24/07 - 01:33:40 PM
a lovely, and rather sad, ballad
i really like the chord progression of the verse in particular, and the entire piece is wonderful
thanks [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Ed &mdash 11/24/07 - 03:39:05 PM
Remarkably sad indeed.
I just love these lyrics and Tom's melody. I wasn't sure about my singing at all but this song still brings a tear to my eye each time I listen as the lyrics are so fcking good (regardless of my voice)
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
Email &mdash 11/24/07 - 01:53:00 PM
I got this email notification of a new song by DWL, thought at first it was spam! Good thing I checked it out, this is a really good song. Tom's guitar is indeed excellent. The lyrics are memorable and You and Rebsie sound great. The internet is amazing sometimes.
Thanks
Bill [ Reply to This ]
I changed my name &mdash 11/24/07 - 03:47:35 PM
long story and maybe a mistake
The internet is indeed a wonder sometimes.
Tom plays a pretty mean guitar but is as self effacing as me so thinks he's done a poor job. I'll point him to this thread.
Thanks Bill
Cheers
Dick
[ Reply to This ]
Without Company &mdash 11/24/07 - 02:23:59 PM
So wonderfull so cozy and real elegant song .very true
and honest words ..loved the soft back ground .every
thing on this song so cool and perfect specialy the
singin and the haromny ..KUDOS ! ! [ Reply to This ]
Feter, you are a wonder &mdash 11/24/07 - 03:52:47 PM
There should be an award for you for supporting so many people on this site.
Your comments are always thoughtful and incisive.
Thank you very much for your comments here.
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
Woot &mdash 11/24/07 - 02:25:14 PM
A very sad song indeed &mdash 11/24/07 - 04:05:31 PM
I just hope the writer doesn't have the problems she writing about.
Thanks for stopping by.
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
********* &mdash 11/24/07 - 03:35:31 PM
Subtle harmonies,clever lyrics,excellent performance.
That opening harmony on the chorus is beautiful.Its a intimate sound you got on the guitar,dick and every note rings true.
the download option btw is where it asks you if you want restrictive rights - if you choose no - its downloadable
Cheers
Richard [ Reply to This ]
Subtle? that'll be Rebsie then &mdash 11/24/07 - 04:36:20 PM
Thanks Richard. All down to Mrs R I think.
I'd love to take credit for the guitar but it was played by Tom Franz (the guy wot wrote the melody)
Comments very much appreciated.
Cheers
Dick
[ Reply to This ]
THX for the D-load &mdash 11/24/07 - 03:55:48 PM
Of an sad but beautifully song done by heart feelings it's always a good listening. Kudos you 2.
Peace, Love & Respect
---
Kenta [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Kenta &mdash 11/25/07 - 10:30:55 AM
Great to be a part of this &mdash 11/24/07 - 04:49:48 PM
I really love this song. The lyrics are deep and honest and cleverly written, the guitar work is delightful, and the chord structure just right.
You have a really beautiful voice, Dick. It was a pleasure to sing along to. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks for your help and support &mdash 11/25/07 - 10:39:28 AM
Sorry I didn't get the mix quite right on this version and bring out your vocals as they should have been :-(
Cheers
Dick
[ Reply to This ]
Don't worry about it &mdash 11/25/07 - 01:07:13 PM
Love it &mdash 11/25/07 - 04:41:39 AM
Lovely song. Great work all round.
Hardware: Taylor acoustic. Indeed. [ Reply to This ]
Bonsoir et merci buckets &mdash 11/25/07 - 03:29:05 PM
Thank you M. Furet. I am tres pleased you enjoyed it :-)
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
Great tune &mdash 11/25/07 - 07:21:35 AM
and nicely complimented by Rebsie; enjoyed this very much, thanks. The overall volume is really loud, but it may be my tired ears :) - I didn't hear any clipping pops in my player, so all must be good...
Again, it's a great song!
. - Harold [ Reply to This ]
Loud? &mdash 11/25/07 - 10:33:31 AM
wow - normally I get criticised for my tracks being quiet.
I'm pleased you enjoyed it though.
Thanks
Cheers
Dick
[ Reply to This ]
Heart felt &mdash 11/25/07 - 07:33:12 AM
Hey DWL - really beautiful piece, almost Cohenesque ... your voice is wonderfully downtrodden.
S [ Reply to This ]
Hi Steve, &mdash 11/25/07 - 10:36:43 AM
Nice to see you back and glad you saw through my disguise....
Downtrodden? I like that :-) (musn't let my wife see the comment though)
Cheers
Dick
[ Reply to This ]
gorgeous ballad &mdash 11/25/07 - 10:48:15 AM
oooh, this has the music, lyrics, and structure to stretch across time. The updated version is indeed a little better, with Rebsie's harmonies more prominent. The guitar-work is beautiful, the lyrics are touching and well-written, fit right in. The singing is good, but probably could add a touch of emotional bite to the delivery. The backing harmonies (Rebsie & the strings & bass) are really nice... I wanted one chorus or main section added near the end where just the instruments play it, where they swell up and take over. Anyway, very nice folky ballad!
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Mr D &mdash 11/26/07 - 02:00:29 PM
The lyrics have deservedly attracted a lot of attention. Dark stuff indeed and a few people have confessed to me they have been in that place. I certainly have.
I was working with the guitar part and there wasn't space for an instrumental section and in many ways I didn't want one. The instruments are supposed to support the narrative rather than distract from it. The only part where I pushed the backing a little was the introduction of the discords at the very end.
I tried to inject a little emotion into the vocal but I'm not really good enough to do it and it sounded forced so I tried to keep emotion out and be dispassionate.
Thanks for the very thoughtful comments.
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
Just beautiful &mdash 11/25/07 - 03:42:54 PM
Beautiful song and beautifully sung.
Nicely recorded guitar too.
Everything Dick and Rebsie touch, seems to add a bit of gold to. This is no exception.
Nice nice nice. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Damien &mdash 11/28/07 - 11:16:22 AM
it makes a change from the heavy orchestral and rock stuff I have been doing.
I'm pleased you enjoyed it.
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
right then &mdash 11/26/07 - 09:17:49 AM
didn't have time to post reply the other day...sorry about that. yep this one is a beauty. lyrics are wonderful your vocals backed by rebsie are really perfect. perfect example of why i am such a big fan. hats off to the both of u! [ Reply to This ]
Nice to have a fan &mdash 11/28/07 - 11:18:30 AM
I really appreciate your comments. I'm lucky to have such good material and collaborators!
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
Nice piece of work here Dick &mdash 11/26/07 - 07:40:06 PM
An excellent set of lyrics by Tess, delivered with feeling by you and just the right background By you Tom and Rebsie. Being a bit deaf, I could almost make out Rebsie's harmonies, but I'm sure a person with better ears could hear it just fine.
I really really like what all of you have done here Dick. Bravo for a beautiful song that's very well done.
Be well, the both of you.
Ed [ Reply to This ]
It's not your ears Ed &mdash 11/28/07 - 11:43:43 AM
the vocals were mixed way down originally. Not deliberate but a few other people commented and I remixed it here http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=409319&content=songinfo&songID=6007072
but couldn't post an updated version.
Thanks for stopping by and your support.
Cheers
dick [ Reply to This ]
Whoa - this is one intense song &mdash 11/28/07 - 02:32:15 PM
the lyrics are pretty amazing and you do such a great job of putting them across with just the right amount of conviction and resignation. I'm really impressed. This is heavy stuff. Great work all around. [ Reply to This ]
It's those lyrics resonating &mdash 11/29/07 - 12:30:55 PM
Just wish I'd written it.
Thanks a lot for the comments.
Cheers
Dick
[ Reply to This ]
~ &mdash 11/28/07 - 10:34:13 PM
Good enough for me &mdash 11/29/07 - 12:32:07 PM
Oh so... &mdash 12/01/07 - 12:30:07 AM
...beautifully conceived and performed...with such restraint in the vocals and the gentle strings to accompany a poignant guitar score. I love songs that don't hit me over the head with their "noise" but that speak to my heart with subtle messages and with longing. You've pulled all of that off so serenely here. (One small thing: fade the ending...clean the end of the track so that it is a smooth fade to nothing). This one's a download for quiet listening over and over again. Bravo (and brava!) to all of you.
Peace.
Paul [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Paul &mdash 12/08/07 - 02:36:22 PM
high praise from such a consummate musician.
Good advice on the ending.
As I said before I only wish I'd written the song as it's so good. All I did was sing and any fool can do that.
The singer or the song? I know where my money is ;-)
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
Agreed - &mdash 12/01/07 - 08:57:00 AM
Sad but beautiful. This isn't even one of those 'hopeful endings'. It's just total desolation. Great guitar, I like how your vocals are really upfront and Rebsie is quite far back - It gives the aural feel of being alone, even while other people are nearby. [ Reply to This ]
I'm humbled! &mdash 12/08/07 - 02:40:37 PM
Tess's lyrics are quite exceptional. I just found out she turned 18 two weeks ago. It's frightening, the quality of what she does now and what she could do. She has an economy of language I can only dream of.
Thanks.
Cheers
Dick
[ Reply to This ]
By the Gods! &mdash 12/01/07 - 03:44:28 PM
This is incredibly beautiful. It made me teary-eyed man. Fabulous job on the vocal Dick. I'm so glad you got shot-gunned into singing this. In places you remind me ever-so-slightly of Oysterband's John Jones (which is a good thing). Rebsie's supportive and angelic harmony vocal adds another level of pathos...so fine.
Big thanks to Tom Franz for making Dick do this. We owe ya!
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks mate &mdash 12/08/07 - 02:48:20 PM
Oysterband are one of my favourite bands although I never had any sense of sounding like the singer.
I was rather disappointed when we supported them in Brighton a few years ago. I'd have liked to have a chat but they didn't turn up until just before they were due to go on and I never did get to say hello :-(
It is a stunning song though.
I'm trying to persuade Tom to join MJ and I know he's following this thread so maybe you'll get to hear from the man himself at some point.
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
&mdash 12/09/07 - 05:35:44 PM
Come on Tom, come and join us. We're a very friendly lot and you and your music will certainly be welcome here. [ Reply to This ]
Superb. &mdash 12/01/07 - 07:39:29 PM
The understated nature of the performances create a huge impact. So very tastefully put together all round. This is highly impactful on hearing it, so very moving. Thanks folks!
Keep well,
Doug [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Doug &mdash 12/09/07 - 05:36:41 AM
I made it deliberately low-key so as not to distract from the the lyrics and melody. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
Nice Ballad &mdash 12/02/07 - 07:02:13 PM
I think you should give yourself more cred for your voice. You sound a bit like Ray Davies (SP?) of the Kinks. Song doesn't try to do to much; just rides some great lyrics and melody. [ Reply to This ]
Ray Davies? &mdash 12/09/07 - 05:38:16 AM
Wow, that's a compliment. One of my favourite songwriters.
Thanks.
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
supper song &mdash 12/10/07 - 01:13:34 AM
What a great Lyric
Very well written and performed.
Such a clean recording with great vocal harmonies.
Rebsie is popping up everywhere lately for me, I must vist her music
This is such a moving song.
nice strings/great recording
i love the drama
[ Reply to This ]
Much appreciated Tim &mdash 12/21/07 - 09:12:21 AM
All around &mdash 12/19/07 - 09:22:00 AM
great song.The guitar sounds fantastic,lyrics are extremely well written(wish I could write lyrics)and your vocals excellent.(wish I could sing) [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 12/21/07 - 09:08:35 AM
Yeah, well I wish I could play guitar like you!
Compliments of the season!
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
Fantastic &mdash 02/02/08 - 01:12:01 PM
Bravo to all involved... the vocals are great, the lyrics haunting and memorable, and instrumentation just right. This is a favorite, and thanks for sharing a wonderful piece of music from a performers spanning 6000 miles! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks BC &mdash 02/05/08 - 07:43:54 AM
Blown Away! &mdash 03/02/08 - 07:45:47 AM
Here's a quote from my daughter. &mdash 07/22/08 - 06:54:53 PM
"It's a beautiful piece. I wouldn't change a thing."
I heartily agree. :)
[ Reply to This ]
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.. an really fantastic song/collab. Great performances all round..the lyrics are what makes this especially excellent for me. No nits .. just a great ballad.
Well done all, pity no download :o(
[ Reply to This ]