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I generally don’t like songs that point fingers anywhere... or take up issues with anyone... sorry, I’m a wuss... but none the less... I have a pet peeve... Televangelists... they drive me nuts... I’m sure most of you can pretty much ignore them, and I will admit that they can have some value as entertainment (when there’s nothing on the comedy channel)...
It occurs to me that several of our friends from over seas may have no idea what I’m talking about... here in the USA we have these fancy preachers with cheap gaudy sets, who purchase TV time and try to sell prayer clothes and bibles and blessings and replicas of the nails used on the cross, it goes on and on... and can be funny... except my heart breaks when I see these guys... and more often I get red faced angry...
there must be people sending these guys money, or they wouldn’t continually have so much face time... I end up feeling so sorry for the folks that send their money, because they think they’re doing something good and right... AND THEY ARE NOT!... religion often makes me sick, but not Jesus... and these folks that pretend to speak for Him, must have at some point read some of His words, and observed the way He lived... I just don’t see how they can reconcile their actions, with the Man... I heard one of these guys defend his $10,000,000.00 mansion by explaining that it was a good investment... I mean please!!! why does he have ten million in the 1st place... did he put the property in Christ’s name?... i don’t think so
Ministry is local... if I can’t put my hand on your shoulder and look you level in the eye... I doubt that there will be much, if any, significant good done.. I believe it is a hands on proposition, that is not motivated by self promotion or advancement...
Well Dion posted a forum question about “charities that were worthwhile” a few months back... and it got me thinking of this song... I realized that it had never been recorded... so I started fooling with it... it was originally written on keyboards... I adapted it to guitar and called Fran Dagastino in for Axe duty... he more than surpassed my expectation... at-a-boy... really, Fran was funny, and he really worked this over... I tagged the song out with guitar solo... and left it long, thinking I could fade it when it was spent.... instead, I didn’t cut a note... it just all seemed like it needed to be said, like I’d be interrupting something important if I faded too soon...
thanx for your time... see why I’m not a writer....
and thanx Kurt V. for showing me how to punctuate.......
Lyrics:
I saw God’s man on the TV screen
but he could not see me
“Send me more money, so I can set you free”
BUT WHERE I LIVE,
SOME CHILDREN DO NOT EAT!
Where do we stand
puddles of mud or on dry land
Where do we stand
solid ground or quicksand
The final choice is made by us
Where do we stand?
Selling blessings, and prosperity
but who is washing feet
We claim comfort
yes that’s our destiny
BUT WHERE I LIVE,
CHILDREN LIVE IN THE STREET!
Where do we stand
puddles of mud or on dry land
Where do we stand
solid ground or quicksand
The final choice is made by us
Where do we stand?
He never promised fortune
Did he ever promise fame?
where will He find us when He comes again
Holding the hand of the orphan
sharing the widows pain
Christian you bear His name
Christian you bear His name
you bear His name
Hardware:
Drawmer preamp... Baby Botle mike... AT4041's on ac guitar... onyx mixer... A/D convertion...
Frans stuff
Software:
Logic 7 & Logic 8... I switched last week
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A hymn... an anthem. &mdash 12/19/07 - 08:43:51 PM
a voice in song, calling out the heart of the Gospel. And out of the mouth the heart speaks... Well sung, well spoken, Scott. Powerful call. Beautiful song.
D [ Reply to This ]
A worn voice &mdash 12/20/07 - 05:29:26 AM
widows & orphans... not mansions and rolexes... the Heart that you speak of...
humble thanx Jack... very much appreciated
Scott [ Reply to This ]
this &mdash 12/19/07 - 08:48:33 PM
is gorgeous. fantastic production, awesome vocals, and i like pointing fingers.... it is fun... great tune, brother
Allen [ Reply to This ]
finger pointing &mdash 12/20/07 - 05:33:21 AM
You've got... &mdash 12/19/07 - 08:55:09 PM
...a friend and ear, here, Scott.
Pet peeve of mine, too. For decades...
"...solid ground or on dry land..."
Besides the excellent songwriting and lyrics (and intent), the guitar work's great. Love the production, too.
Wonderful tune, Scott. [ Reply to This ]
Hi Bob &mdash 12/20/07 - 05:39:02 AM
I got up this morning to start answering comments, and take a fresh listen, (since this is a fresh mix).. and Fran gave me chills, goosebumps... that happens pretty rarely and never my own songs.. that was a treat..
humble thanx, and merry Christmas brutha Bub
[ Reply to This ]
Fran on lead guitar folks &mdash 12/19/07 - 08:59:54 PM
Fran... allow me to say again... how knocked out I am by the quality of your work on this... what HEART! [ Reply to This ]
AHA!!! &mdash 12/20/07 - 09:43:53 AM
I didn't catch that on first read. I kept saying to myself: "sounds like fran on there. Boy...Scott's got his style down!"
Yeah...he's perfect in this tune (no surprise, there). [ Reply to This ]
Where do We Stand &mdash 12/19/07 - 09:15:50 PM
Scott my friend ..was thinkin how this song might
sound with Fran at the axe line .the very first
word came to mine ..INCREDIBLE !! ..the very true
sound of a real thoughtfull mind .your singin
and arrangment just gorgious .Fran let it all
in light and fire .wonderful wah wah ..and AGAIN
this total Nash's sound .how you do that ?
thank you for such gem my friend !! [ Reply to This ]
Light & Fire &mdash 12/20/07 - 05:42:38 AM
I know that English is not your 1st language... so you craft words in such a fresh way... you help me hear things in a new way... "all in light & fire" always love hearing from you..
thanx
peace your way; Scott [ Reply to This ]
Outstanding! &mdash 12/19/07 - 09:20:28 PM
Right on the mark, Scott......great sound too, love the way the backing vocals frame the lead vocal....they bare his name, what a line. Lovely guitar at the end. I think I'm a disciple;-)
Joe [ Reply to This ]
thank you Joe &mdash 12/20/07 - 05:50:39 AM
work has kept me away so much this last quarter, that i half expected a cold welcome back... Instead I'm warmly welcomed home like the prodical...
I really appreciate your time and comments, & yes.. isn't the guitar killer, I find myself skipping to the end when i listen on my ipod
again thanx; Scott [ Reply to This ]
excellent! &mdash 12/19/07 - 10:11:54 PM
Scott you blow me away friend!! This is totally wonderful. Awesome message here and as always, great music. I love the question, who is washing feet? You are sooo good. Truly, love the story. We all need a good finger pointed at us once in awhile to remind us where we came from, in the beginning.... Tis the season
Peace and health to you and your loved ones Scott... Thanks [ Reply to This ]
need a finger &mdash 12/20/07 - 05:56:55 AM
we may need a finger pointed... i'm just not so comfortable when it's my finger... now if I used a different finger,(let say one closer to the middle).... that might temporarily relieve some of the angst...
hoot... laughing at his own joke... thanx Gail, for the "peace & health" I except
Merry Christmas [ Reply to This ]
I am stunned &mdash 12/19/07 - 10:37:50 PM
by the quality of this recording.Just beautiful vocals and ridiculously great guitar work.Are you sure you didn't hire Jeff Beck to play on this?(Actually I'm not sure if Beck would have come up with anything that good!)
I actually watch these nuts on T.V. fairly regularly;alternating between hilarity and disgust.Some of my favorites:Pat Robertson's 5 min segment at the end of each show where he "heals" people through the T.V.("Someone out there has a pain in their stomach..")If he is really healing why doesn't he do it 23 hrs. a day instead of 5 minutes!!Also that disgusting Crouch woman with her wigs yuchh!I could go on.
I'm really glad that you have a committed faith Scott.It shows in your music.I have never been able to accept any religion partly because of the bizarre behavior that I see in people of all faiths."I'm right and you're wrong"-makes me think they're all wrong! [ Reply to This ]
Quality of recording &mdash 12/20/07 - 06:43:44 AM
Hi Mark... that's the main reason that I do this stuff... trying to figure out how it all works... evolving methods, and techniques... there are songs that I've written, just so that I could get in the studio... I love twisting the knobs and pushing the buttons & faders...
Fran and I didn't rush this... it simmered a bit... But He wouldn't send me anything until He could nail it in 1 take... sheesh... to do this in one take... when I see you, Fran, in March... i will be sitting in the front... next to you Mark... I hope
as for these clowns.. you're in good company... the only time we ever see Jesus angry, is dealing with "the Religious" [ Reply to This ]
well I saw this on the list with a 10 rating &mdash 12/19/07 - 11:39:49 PM
And I thought maybe that was a tad wrong. and then I listened and realized that maybe it wasn't so wrong... you always put out well-thought out songs that come from a very deep place, and fran's additions to this just put it right over the top. That was a good call to make, and just shows what a nice touch you have as a producer.
Did you really mean "bare" or shouldn't it really rather be "bear"? The meanings are different...but that's just a matter of transcription...
great song! [ Reply to This ]
Hi Jim &mdash 12/20/07 - 10:33:26 AM
"Bear" it's fixed... thanx for that... and I trust your ears, you've always carried yourself with the utmost integrity... even if it means saying the hard thing... the result is... people trust you... you don't blow smoke... although you may inhale... I digress... anyway, I really appreciate the nod to "producer chops" Fran made me look way smarter than I am.. His solo has given me chills a few times... I love that
THANX again; Scott [ Reply to This ]
scott &mdash 12/20/07 - 12:19:00 AM
thanks for this...this mix sounds great to me!!! dont need to change anything at all....I will write more later!!
z [ Reply to This ]
BRDM &mdash 12/20/07 - 10:37:53 AM
brothers from different mothers... YOU"RE THANKING ME?? I've played several solos on this... nothing approaching your eloquent passion... usually I can't listen to a song for a long time after I've posted it... you've fixed that for me...
Daggers your Frantastic
is that gushing??? [ Reply to This ]
Great-Sounding Tune &mdash 12/20/07 - 01:22:32 AM
While there's something about this song that sounds familiar to my ears, it takes nothing away from the fact that this is a great-sounding tune. So many wonderful elements working together in this arrangement make it lush and Fran does a really nice job of complementing it all with his guitar work.
Coincidentally, I've been fiddling with a song about a closely-related topic. But it will not be nearly as elegant... or as kind, as yours. ;)
A recording engineer I worked with on a project years ago told me of his experiences when he was called in as a consultant to one of the big-name pioneers in televangelism. He said they had the best soundstage and equipment outside of Hollywood. Money was no object.
And why would it be? He said he witnessed DOZENS of women harvesting obscene amounts of CASH from the thousands of letters that arrived each day.
Give us our daily bread, indeed. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Give us this day &mdash 12/20/07 - 10:48:09 AM
our yearly nut... our quarterly dividend... Good point... I love that...
Hmmm Joe, was I too kind? the song itself comes across mournful & hurt... but it really focuses on those who are enabling these scammers... people are very generous, but this skims so much money away from where it could really do some good...
and yes Fran was THE right choice
look forward to hearing a little more anger from you
thanx; Scott [ Reply to This ]
What a &mdash 12/20/07 - 01:46:11 AM
fantastic song. This really is top class, I love everything about it (especially the bass). Luckily we don't have these people on the TV in the UK - I just can't see how people fall for it - they must be very desperate.
Downloaded. Thanks.
Cheers
Len
[ Reply to This ]
Desperation &mdash 12/20/07 - 11:14:15 AM
desperation usually makes for more spiritual sensativity, not less... It's worse... people are just lazy...
thanx for the "Bass" nod... prol my fav instrument to play...
I really appreciate the visit
Scott [ Reply to This ]
Hmmmmmmm! &mdash 12/20/07 - 03:39:40 AM
What a great post Scott! Love the fretless, love Fran's playing (I always love Fran's playing). Beautiful vocal, perfect harmonies and a good set of lyrics. Some very JT phrasing in the vocals, and a Loggins and Messina feel in places. The whole thing sounds so organic.
Like Jim, I queried the 10 rating, and like Jim I backed off as soon as I heard it. This is easily one of the most complete packages posted here at MJ.
Man, I love the way you play fretless bass - makes me want to go out and but one.
PS - a tip I learnt from sharing with Fran - however much room you leave for him, it will always be worthwhile.
Extremely deep bow (just short of a grovel) :)
Have a great holiday season and a brilliant 2008,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
What I meant to say of course was ..... &mdash 12/20/07 - 03:41:30 AM
oy! Neil &mdash 12/20/07 - 11:21:53 AM
How's OZ... and Merry Christmas to one of my fav MJ'rs... thanx tons for the great comment... and yes you need a fretless in your hands... it really has made me rethink bottom end duties.. and consider going back and redoing all my songs...
and I now have 1st hand understanding on your Fran tip... Ed told me he cooks too! sheesh i could leave my wife... [ Reply to This ]
YES &mdash 12/20/07 - 03:49:00 AM
Curry! &mdash 12/20/07 - 11:24:28 AM
and there was much exclaimation from Sweden...
any chance I'll get to see you in March???????
and there was much questioning from New Jersey...
Scott [ Reply to This ]
. &mdash 12/21/07 - 07:54:54 AM
Hmmm... &mdash 12/20/07 - 04:32:43 AM
...matters of faith? Always a tough one. Coming from the 'faithless' side of the fence I've always thought live and let live, but please don't bring your ideas into my living room via the TV set. Funny how these guys are always 'asking' for money, wouldn't it be better if you had to phone the number so they could give you some???? Oh, I don't know....it's easy for me to be angry, but I'm glad you're angry too....
As for the song, it got me thinking about all those albums I've bought where on first listen there's one song which isn't immediate, or the melody is a little 'difficult', but a few listens later it has become your favourite track. I think this is that one! It's beautifully played and the mix is fabulous - and once you get the melody you realise how well written it is. And I love the harmonies.....
Great stuff, really top notch!
Merry Cristmas to you :-) [ Reply to This ]
I like that &mdash 12/20/07 - 11:31:04 AM
Thanx Phil... I remember some of my fav Yes albums took some listens for me to digest and understand... and were eventually some of the most satisfying...
so this is a very appreciated comment..
to think that there may be layers for a listener to have to get through
nice
thanx again; Scott [ Reply to This ]
Great &mdash 12/20/07 - 06:35:14 AM
Irrespective of the message that your lyrics convey, your music always strikes me as being filled with tremendous warmth and generosity. Something about the way you play guitar, the warm sound you produce, and the quality of your voice; it all adds up to a really beautiful combination, no matter what you're singing about.
Regarding the message, you have struck a nerve here that a lot of people can respond to, Christians and non-Christians alike. A question that Christians like to ask is WWJD (what would Jesus do?), and it seems unlikely that he'd be the head of his own corporation, preaching theatrically on TV every week from an obscenely opulent venue like the Crystal Cathedral, and guilting people into contributing money beyond their means to fund his opulent lifestyle.
But what do I know?
Great song! [ Reply to This ]
What do you know? &mdash 12/20/07 - 09:19:16 PM
it seems quite a bit... on the WWJD... people who have no faith, and only observe the life of Jesus from a distance, can see right through this... It puzzles me and I wonder what is really at play here... i conclude that people are just lazy... someone said they are desperate... but i don't think so... with desperation usually comes a spiritual awareness... I'm glad you came by... I hope things are well in your neck of the woods... I am always so grateful for a word from you... you rank up there with my mom on the biggest supporter list
thanx my friend; Scott [ Reply to This ]
WTF? &mdash 12/20/07 - 07:30:16 AM
I didnt get a notification for this, then saw it at the top of the ratings picks!? Great track Scott, with some awesome lines.... washing feet, the 'where do we stand' anaolgies, all delivered with gruff passion.
This to me isn't a song about religion per se, but about those who abuse religion .... the 'where will he find us when he comes agin' is a great ending.
All vigor and attack.... a great track... welcome back (Jack!).
LOL
steve [ Reply to This ]
Hi Steve &mdash 12/20/07 - 09:24:41 PM
I know that we've both been away quite a bit, for various reasons... i hope your wrist is feeling better???? It's always good to hear fom you... I picked up a "cask strength", just to see what you were talking about... and now I understand the full scope of the commpliment..
thanx for your time Steve
greatly appreciated
Scott [ Reply to This ]
cask strength... &mdash 12/21/07 - 01:50:28 PM
.. you know you've drunk that one when you've had a few glasses!
btw, your vocal delivery in the chorus especially is really great.
steve [ Reply to This ]
sounds like &mdash 12/20/07 - 08:00:29 AM
u've touched a nerve.......u sing my thoughts on the matter perfectly......i send my money to st. jude children's hospital,etc.....if only the money and energy was spent on humanity i wonder what kind of world it would be.......great singing scott and ziti is so soulful here.....many many bows.... [ Reply to This ]
the kind of Heart &mdash 12/20/07 - 09:31:18 PM
that is reflected in your music... is the kind of heart that I would expect to put money in places like St. Judes...
I've often thought, If you could absolutley count on every man on this earth to put his brother in front of himself...there would be no crime, no jails, no police, no military, no court systems, and all of these resourses that we pour into our frailties and failures... would be available to take care of every person with dignity...
It would take more than Solomon's wisdom
thanx... I always love a visit from you [ Reply to This ]
eloquent &mdash 12/20/07 - 09:20:13 AM
and right on. You articulated one of my great peeves in a wonderful and powerful way. When my Aunt started to lose it some years back, these guys preyed on her, taking her remaining savings and laughing all the way to the bank. Great song writing.
Fran's solo is fantastic. [ Reply to This ]
John thank you &mdash 12/20/07 - 09:36:51 PM
Frantastic solo... new word... I must come by and see what you've been up to... it always feels great to get a nod from a talent like you John....
thanx again Scott [ Reply to This ]
wow scott wow &mdash 12/20/07 - 09:55:04 AM
this is so powerful..kinda ironic tied with what you and ziti and i were discussing the other day. this is just wonderful as i expect from you always. the lyrics are solid, your voice is perfect and the tune and production excellent. this is pure magic. thanks for this gem man [ Reply to This ]
and almost for got &mdash 12/20/07 - 09:57:21 AM
thank you Jack &mdash 12/20/07 - 09:42:52 PM
It's about giving while expecting nothing in return... nothing!... funny how some of these guys set the hook... If we give 100 dollars, God has to give you 1000 dollars... what kind of motive is that.. I've found Him to be more than gracious and generous, and smart enough not to be manipulated... come on!
He's GOD folks...
I wasn't very far into this before I knew that I was going to call on Z... i wish I could pick stocks that well...
thanx again Jack.. keep me posted
Scott [ Reply to This ]
I second, third and fourth &mdash 12/20/07 - 12:34:25 PM
Most all of the previous comments. I hate getting in the day after...... Oh well. I very much share your opinion of the subject matter and like wise am usually a bit quiet on voicing said thoughts. But that isn't the point, I always love your music from the drive to the artistry and very professional execution. This has got to be one of your best. I wasn't sure what to expect when I read that Fran was going to be in on it because I love his style and tone. ( BTW great great solo) Beautiful work gentlemen , just beautiful. Merry Christmas all. [ Reply to This ]
I agree &mdash 12/21/07 - 07:57:19 AM
Although Fran has an impressive body of work... I'm really touched by how seriously he took this... He didn't just throw some licks on.. but instead it sounds as if he emersed himself in the pain and angst, and then took the time to discribe it to us in detail... He added such weight, I was concerned it would come across as trite or irrelevent... "one of his best" I agree, and that's saying something...
I don't think you came late either... it's been posted for less than 24 hrs when you arrived... I'm happy to hear from you, and I appreciate your time...
thanx; Scott [ Reply to This ]
how proud I am &mdash 12/20/07 - 04:21:21 PM
to be on this recording. I love Scott's work...his guitar playing, his vocals, his production have always shocked me into trying harder on my own stuff, figuring if he can do it, so can I...well, i have stopped trying to match his quality, cuz i cant, so when he asked me if I wanted to play on a track i said w00t.
It was a total bonus that the songs subject matter is so resonant. I, too, watched my mother squander a lot of money on Jim and Tammy Fae. I also saw the pain and sadness in her face when they were shown to be total frauds. I think she felt spiritually raped. Thankfully, her faith was strong enough so that she died at peace with her God.
But a lot of people loose their faith. I am blessed with enough faith to keep me perpetually confused. I envy those who can find true peace with their God.
To have a truly Christian fellow such as Scott, write these powerful words so elequently, and express outrage with such a sense of beauty, is remarkable. This is truly a song of faith. A call to action to ALL men of the cloth in any faith, to truly start doing God's work. Delivered by a man of true faith.
My initial idea, was to have the voice of the preacher be represented with a wah wah much like the muted trumpet teacher voice in the charlie brown tv shows. I think my first version i sent to scott, had some squwacking....but the solo evolved as more of a prayer on it's own....scott mentioned that the solo was a single take...actually the very opening statement, shortly before the wah wah starts was recorded first....i broke a string so i had to stop....the second 7/8th of the solo is one take. Single takes just are better....it's the whole story.
When I heard the song for the first time, i said to scott, ummmm...there is like 25 minutes of blank space at the end....he said, he would probably fade it or something....that he posted it in it's entirety is quite a nice honor, and I am grateful. I hope you enjoy it as a song within a song.
One great piece of songwriting and recording. I am very proud to be part of it.
z [ Reply to This ]
Fran my Friend &mdash 12/21/07 - 08:17:27 AM
much to say.. I've been enjoying you ever since I set up my ichat... "enough faith to keep me perpetually confused" hoot... that was a LOL moment... and humble thanx for the wonderful words... I hope someday to live up to them...
I know what you mean about others here at MJ spurring us on to raise our level... it's had the same effect on me... I listen and I realise... "wow we can do better"... this has had a noticeable effect on my studio time..
now, as for your instrument... every so often some people pick up a sax, and it's just brass and reed... but they speak a languge through it that words would never capture... and they completely transend the brass and reed, and I look and ask "how'd they do that"...
well you transend wood and steel here... I thought about writing this to you personally so we wouldn't come across as the mutual but-kiss society... but I will put it here instead... you've found the language that took the heart of this song, and propelled it along on it's trajectory...
finially, I can put my electric guitars away now.. I only ever get them out when I'm recording... one more thing... when I'm done mixing a song, I need to get away from it, I can't listen for awhile... but on this tune, I can listen... I just have to skip to the end... seriously. [ Reply to This ]
ooops &mdash 12/20/07 - 04:49:04 PM
Really &mdash 12/21/07 - 09:43:29 AM
Heartfelt &mdash 12/20/07 - 07:53:26 PM
thanx Tom &mdash 12/21/07 - 08:26:19 AM
Amazing &mdash 12/20/07 - 08:13:57 PM
sound and terrific production. This has a clean, rich sound that just blew me away. Your vocal is excellent, and the words are tremendous. You hit the nail on the head for me (I especially like the "Christian you bear his name" line) and this song just struck home for me big time. The guitar is outstanding and reminded me of Jeff Beck's work on Roger Water's Amused to Death album. Great work. This is one of the best songs I have heard (anywhere) in a long time. Kudos. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
wow David &mdash 12/21/07 - 08:35:10 AM
thanx for that... from now on you're writting my reviews :) Fran certainly took this to another level... "one of the best songs I have heard (anywhere) in a long time"... that's quite a mouthful, and I really appreciate hearing it...
peace your way too
thanx; Scott [ Reply to This ]
Really amazing &mdash 12/20/07 - 08:42:42 PM
I would really like to be able to write something eloquent, thought provoking and deep. You know, to match the quality of this truly wonderful creation. I'd like to say something about how money and greed can corrupt even those that may have started out with the purest of intentions. How these peddlers of faith have lost all contact with spirituality and so on, etc.
You say it so well I don't feel the need to try.
Scott, I commend you and Fran for creating this extremely spiritual and inspired work of art and sharing it with us all.
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D
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