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Keywords:
icy (4), waters (3), folk (351), Irish (39), seaman (1), ocean (36), guitar (831), vocal (144), tears (32), sad (126), crashing (3), hands (9), sea (32), waves (19), husband (2), wife (13), kids (22), children (44), violin (58), pretend (3), salt (4), cry (17), cries (2), heart (101), desperate (4), wind (28), silent (6), lament (12), duet (23)
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Description:
Icy Waters
I had a very strong visual when I wrote this song and I tried my best to put it in a sonic framework that reflected the colours of the image that was floating in my head. The story is takes place off the coast of Ireland and is about husband, a wife, and their two sons. He’s a merchant seaman and has been lost at sea. Her heart is in so many pieces that every time she looks at her sons, or hears their voices, she is reminded of her love lost at sea. As he is drowning all he can think about is his beautiful wife and his two sons. This is the lament they sing to each other. Through time and space, always linking them together.
When I perform this song live I do it as a solo and it has such a strong impact on the audience that I hoped when it was done as a duet, it would become even more powerful. I leave that for you to decide.
I think Linda (onesweetworld) did a really sensitive and beautiful interpretation of the female vocal in this. Linda, thank you for putting up with my nit picky ways.
The violin in this song is very special and adds to the pathos and mood of the tune. I apologize for this lengthy discourse that follows, but it seems to me quite relevant. A few years ago a dear friend of mine passed away in the prime of his life. He was an extremely talented and gentle soul who not only played in the Portland symphony, but chamber music quartets and several different pop groups. We had the chance to work together in a singer/songwriter project that I was the musical director in. At one point he asked to hear some of my music and for what ever reason he really connected to it. He insisted when I record next that he play violin on whatever I needed him on. So there came that time. He played on a song called “Sending.” I had him lay down 6 takes. Each one was different and equally brilliant. For kicks I thought, let’s listen to all the tracks together with all the other instruments and vocals muted. So we sat and listened to 6 violin tracks playing around the ghost of a song. After the last notes died out we looked at each other in amazement. It was a stirring and moving piece without the meat of the song present! I promised him that I would make a mix of this for him and myself. I was lucky enough to get it to him before he died. A local classical radio station did a memorial of his life and interviewed me as well as many others. They played my original song, “Sending”, and then the version with just the 6 violins, which I had given the name “Endings”. So what does this have to do with this song? As I was tinkering away on this tune I wished that I could have Marty come in and play some magic violin... then I thought, wait, I think the “Sending” tune is in the same key. Not only was it in the same key but the tempo was nearly the same... I then painstakingly transferred all six tracks into “Icy Waters” and comped together a performance. My wonderful friend has helped me once again... Even in death his brilliance shines. Thank you Marty Jennings. You are missed every day, but today I am reminded of what a very special human being you were.
Lyrics:
Icy Waters
so many times I’ve heard your voice
coming from our little boys
it feeds my soul, a tattered sail
then the wind blows through and I lose my way
so many tears I have wrought
I salt the sea and all for not
you’re never coming back my dear
I keep pretending you’re very near
I cry to the wind from the sea
icy waters stole from me
my cries fall on silent seas
waves washing over me
the sea is stronger than my will
it fills my lungs and holds me still
I fall into the desperate deep
but my heart wont freeze and this love it can’t keep
I cry to the wind from the sea
icy waters don’t take me
my cries fall on silent seas
waves washing over me
waves washing over
all I can remember is your hands
your gentle hands, your strong hands
they hold and bind me close to you
in this way I’m never far away, never gone, gone, gone
I whisper to the wind from the sea
icy waters please take me
my tears fall on silent seas
waves crashing over me
icy waters over me
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I cry freely &mdash 01/31/08 - 12:20:06 PM
at the lyrical content, the moving music the pleading vocal performances and the tribute to Marty. Heavy stuff, beautifully rendered. [ Reply to This ]
Danka! &mdash 02/01/08 - 11:14:33 AM
water, water, everywhere... &mdash 01/31/08 - 12:45:12 PM
Such an icy tale, very well told, sung, performed. Goes straight to this romantic's heart, so its tough to find much to say about it. The only thing that I wished were slightly different, was that it seemed that the "climax" of the lyrics hinged on the line "but my heart won't freeze and this love it can't keep", and it was at that point that I wanted the male voice to "rise from the deep" with eternal vigor and state that line with a hint of defiance... but Linda's voice was still trailing off and other instruments ebbed and flowed over that line so that it was somewhat lost at sea. I absolutely adored both Linda's and your singing, but I would boost your vox at that point just a bit. The violin fit like a glove, and the story behind it adds to the touch of beauty... Marty lives on with your friendship and thoughtfulness. What a great production here! Thank you, I needed a good midday cry.
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
Close. &mdash 02/01/08 - 11:20:27 AM
I really appreciate how closely you listen to music. Your comments are always so rich in texture and suggestion.
It is a good idea about the vocal boost. I've spent a lot of time tracking and mixing this and I think at some point you just have to say - I'm done...!
I will take another listen and see if your suggestion holds water... (can you believe I just did that! So Henny Youngman of me. By the way if you don't know who that is, than I have just exposed either my giant width and breadth of knowledge, or my age... Who names their kid "Henny" anyway...!?) [ Reply to This ]
at the risk of dating myself &mdash 02/01/08 - 11:35:19 AM
(which is illegal in some States)... yes, I know who Henny Youngman *was* :-) A sad loss of laconic jocularity, and a violinist himself, I enjoy that style of humor.
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
"Take my life, I mean wife, please...!?" &mdash 02/01/08 - 12:18:56 PM
I have to admit, even though it was quite shumltzy, I laughed at his stuff. That's right, he was a violinist. But of course I knew that and it was woven into the fabric of my comment... (right - wanna buy an island!?) [ Reply to This ]
Just quality &mdash 01/31/08 - 01:08:21 PM
Not much to say, as this track speaks so well for itself. The production and performances are impeccable - Linda's vocal is one of the best I've heard from her.
So many great lines - I salt the sea, the sea is stronger than my will....
a gorgeous tribute guys. [ Reply to This ]
I dig that. &mdash 02/01/08 - 11:25:15 AM
You and I do the same thing when we hear a tune - "Check out this line, it's killing me..." I think we've both mentioned it before, but that always happens when I listen to Elvis Costello & Joe Jackson. Thanks for digging the tune and the lyrics.
"You hear guns in the night and you hope they’re not for you
’cause a dog eats a dog then he eats his master too
In the land of the free and the not so often brave
There’s both love or money now choose which you will save"
- Joe Jackson from the song Wild West on the album Big World
[ Reply to This ]
Amazing &mdash 01/31/08 - 01:11:48 PM
This song is just brilliant. The guitar work is incredible. The atmospheric background gives this song such an emotional feel and the vocals are amazing as well. The duet definitely strengthens the idea of the conversation between wife and husband that this song is about. The violin adds just the right touch to make this song so elegant and powerful. I all around love it and am amazed at the amount of talent everyone in this song exhibits. Great song! [ Reply to This ]
Much thanks. &mdash 02/01/08 - 11:27:26 AM
Thank you for such passionate response and compliments.
I had an inkling about this song, it's really heart warming to see the response it's getting.
[ Reply to This ]
This whole thing &mdash 01/31/08 - 02:01:15 PM
is so well thought out. The song, the voices and the mood......then captured with a professional sounding touch. Your voices fit together so well, sounds like it was meant to be. The magic in a great piece of music is it's ability to draw you in. I was drawn.
Excellent! [ Reply to This ]
Human beings are cool. &mdash 02/01/08 - 11:33:45 AM
Thank you.
I guess that is what it's all about for me, marrying mood, lyric, melody, with time, place, smells and tastes to hopefully come up with something that is compelling. I think the more specific you are as a writer, the more the piece can take on a universal theme. I believe that sometimes writers make the mistake when trying to write something for everybody. If it's something you find uniquely moving, there's probably someone else who thinks so as well. After all, we all are human. [ Reply to This ]
Icy Waters.... &mdash 01/31/08 - 02:51:03 PM
I'm glad you finally found "the voice' for this song, Steve.
It was fun to have a try at the vocals, myself, when "Icy Waters" was first realized well over a year ago...
Congratulations, Linda and Steve, on a beautiful collaboration.
The added violin is perfection.
[ Reply to This ]
Waiting. &mdash 02/01/08 - 11:38:59 AM
You are a good friend.
Thank you so much for your support.
I knew you'd like the violin...
Cheers!
(By the way the new tune is taking shape.... just you wait...) [ Reply to This ]
Icy Waters &mdash 01/31/08 - 03:10:12 PM
about the song ...truly its top notch folk sound
with first brand and totaly genuine writing the
lyrics impressmed me as your singing with Linda
soulful voice .the production and mixing just
perfect ..the sound effect behind all amazing ..!
true art from true musician ,realy moved by your
story and describtion .thank you so much for
sharing such pure art !! [ Reply to This ]
Big words... &mdash 02/01/08 - 11:49:56 AM
Wow thanks for the art comment, and all the rest.
I agree, Linda's voice sounds really beautiful.
Cheers! [ Reply to This ]
wow. &mdash 01/31/08 - 06:33:21 PM
Spike, you are a good friend to Marty.
Very cool lyrics, I love the defiance in the forth verse.
You nailed the Celtic sound. [ Reply to This ]
Danka! &mdash 02/01/08 - 11:51:45 AM
Marty was one in a million. Just glad to have him back fro a brief moment.
Thanks! [ Reply to This ]
That was... &mdash 01/31/08 - 07:36:00 PM
Dig. &mdash 02/01/08 - 11:53:30 AM
i loooooove it &mdash 01/31/08 - 08:29:24 PM
Steve,
I am in love with what you have done with this. I am so honored to be apart of this. I appreciate your perfectionist ways for I too am a perfectionist. You are such a talented musician. This was well worth the wait.
I love it. [ Reply to This ]
You rock! &mdash 02/01/08 - 11:58:48 AM
I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate you lending your voice to this. You were so willing to take direction and not offense, that goes such a long way with me. There are so many little gems in your performance and one of favorites is the bit you improvised at the end "icy water over me", kills me every time.
I'd love to work with you again!
Good luck with school!
Ciao! [ Reply to This ]
chills.... &mdash 01/31/08 - 08:48:32 PM
Biskup? &mdash 02/01/08 - 12:02:57 PM
Thanks Vic!
By the way, is you little avatar something by Tim Biskup? I love his stuff! [ Reply to This ]
nope &mdash 02/03/08 - 08:34:21 PM
the avatar is my own artwork. I don't get to do much art work as i use too. Even though I work in graphic design [ Reply to This ]
Marty Jennings &mdash 01/31/08 - 09:23:12 PM
Brilliant, yes. I can hear the passion in his playing. It's an other-worldy harmony between the fingers on the fretboard, the right hand on the bow, and the bow on the strings. And it takes a serious virtuoso to make a violin cry like this. Such a talent; I understand how he is missed.
What a profound piece you've written. It stirs that part of me that reminds me why I love music in the first place. It's soul-stirring.
Linda, your voice is really sparkling in this. I'll forever be in awe of you gals with 'perfect pipes'.
Thanks for the journey and for baring a little of your soul, I.Spike. [ Reply to This ]
Golden. &mdash 02/01/08 - 12:08:50 PM
Wow... That's why I listen to music too. I'm so glad that this song did some soul stirring for you.
Yeah, Marty... I miss him everyday. Such a good soul, excellent and empathetic musician. I'll have song about him on my upcoming album... it's a bit sad.
Just the other day I heard a brilliant song that reminded me of the same thing, why I love music. It was "Kite Song" by Patty Griffin. It hurt me it was so good.
Thanks again Miss C. Your comments are golden. [ Reply to This ]
I have &mdash 02/01/08 - 01:24:11 AM
to be very careful with this comment because they are going to be read for years to come. This song is one of the most powerful and intensely beautiful things I have ever heard and I feel honoured to be able to comment on it.
Cheers
Len
[ Reply to This ]
Special. &mdash 02/01/08 - 12:14:57 PM
Wow lengold, that is a really heavy thing to say. I really appreciate it!
I write songs because I can't help it, if I didn't, they'd probably have put me in a nice padded room with one of those lovely white wrap around dinner jackets...
With that said, it is a very special thing when your little sonic monster goes out into the world and moves people. I'm glad you are there to listen and hear. Thanks again! [ Reply to This ]
sweeeeet! &mdash 02/01/08 - 10:32:54 AM
somebody said icy....as in icy smooooooth!...linda and spike this is very nice!! [ Reply to This ]
7-11 &mdash 02/01/08 - 12:16:13 PM
wow... &mdash 02/02/08 - 12:25:58 PM
...I really don't know what to say...my hat's off to you, Linda, and (very much so) to your dear friend, Marty. Exceptional player and, I'm sure, a very good friend.
So sorry for the loss. To you and so many. So grateful for such a wonderful song and tribute. Thank you... [ Reply to This ]
Marty lives. &mdash 02/04/08 - 11:08:40 AM
Thanks Mr. Pick.
Marty was really a special human, but had a hard time living on a day to day basis. I have a song that I wrote about him, and the way we interacted with each other, that will be on my upcoming album this year called "The Fifth of July" - the sad day he passed away. [ Reply to This ]
I'm at a loss for words &mdash 02/02/08 - 09:28:11 PM
Thank you buckets! &mdash 02/04/08 - 01:02:00 PM
Icy Waters. &mdash 02/03/08 - 07:49:28 AM
If you read my posts i have had many tragedies in my life and this sums up another tragedy.
My husband and two children's father tragically drowned. In 1989. aged 32.
However, i conjure up a 'Beautuful Mermaid diving in and out the freezing icy water. With her beautiful fishtail. And long golden locks.
Constantly looking for the Sailer that promised to come back to her. Like so many fairy stories about Mermaids falling in love with Mortal Men.
I loved those stories as a child. Anyhow I will live in my dream world of fantasy for now.
A very powerful and poignant melody and song it was beautiful and very moving.
thank you. [ Reply to This ]
Wow...! &mdash 02/03/08 - 10:51:06 AM
Wow Dee.... I had no idea. I feel kind of sheepish for possibly reminding you of such a terrible thing.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know what's like to a certain degree...
Please, be well.
Thank you for your heart felt comment. [ Reply to This ]
Re: no worries. &mdash 02/03/08 - 02:52:53 PM
No please don't worry about this . I am not the only one and
thats what its all about. Putting feelings into words.
Be it art, music or poetry.
peace. [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 02/03/08 - 12:24:42 PM
Definitely one of the best produced and mixed songs I have heard in recent weeks. Spike's meticulousness and perfectionism can really be felt in every aspect of this song and there is no question that he succeeds in creating a very refined piece. Linda's vocal performance is the best element in this song, but anyone's voice is only as good as the material he/she sing. Overall, it is Spike's production skills that really make this song happen! Kudos to both of you. [ Reply to This ]
Polishing.... &mdash 02/04/08 - 11:15:56 AM
Thanks Leon. Sometime that "perfection" word scares me, because in the past I've polished things to the point where I've sucked all the life out of them. On the other side there's always the immortal words of Stewart Copeland - "There's only some much polishing you can to do to a turd, and then, well, it's still s a turd.." Rather a nasty graphic image, sorry about that, but I do worry about monkeying with a song too much. I kind of new from the beginning on this one that it was going to take not only a lot of work, but a lot of imagining before I was able to execute it the way I thought it should sound.
Thanks again! (Damn I'm wordy!) [ Reply to This ]
jeeeeeeeeez &mdash 02/03/08 - 06:37:53 PM
i am astounded at the richness of detail in all things from note one to the last. and NEVER would i have thought 2 voices in unison could sound so beautiful. they surely do - what a perfect pairing. you matched your tones, emotions, JEEZ! you both sing so beautifully. linda was the right vocal for this ambitious work executed so gorgeously. mr spike, i love your sense of vocal drama - your glorious voice does amazing things with it. i'd give you 2 the Oscar for Best Anguished. be proud.
anne [ Reply to This ]
Sweet you are. &mdash 02/04/08 - 11:19:45 AM
Best Anguished!? I love that! I'm rather drawn to the state of Melancholia (which I think is just East of South Dakota), because it seems to draw out all those interesting chords and melodies. I think it's much harder to write a happy song that's not full of cheese whiz...
Thanks for your more excellent compliments. It was really fun to work with Linda and the final tracks she gave me.
[ Reply to This ]
One of the best! &mdash 02/03/08 - 07:23:12 PM
We hear great tunes on MJ on a daily basis, but in terms of production, performance, attention to detail and quality writing, this is among the best I can remember. To top it off, it's a collab, which adds more to the final result.
The story of the violin track was almost as heart wrenching as the lyrics.
Seriously pro-level in all aspects. They don't get much better than this!
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Groovy! &mdash 02/04/08 - 11:22:12 AM
Thanks so much for your really kind words.
I'm so happy that this song seems to have a life of it's own... I was hoping people would really get it. It seems that in your case this is true.
Thanks again! [ Reply to This ]
Great intro into this tune &mdash 02/03/08 - 11:30:20 PM
Especially about the violinist. Wow!
A real tale to tell. Enjoy that haunting choir, the soberness especially 3/4 through is very nice. A very nice haunting violin, singing both female and male quite nice. Love the gypsy sound of this. Kind a haunting gypsy sound. Quite nice to listening indeed!
WaY tO Go !!!! Enjoyed this !! [ Reply to This ]
Danka! &mdash 02/04/08 - 11:30:22 AM
Thanks for noticing all the little details. Ya put them in their hoping they all lend to what the song is trying to say.
Big thanks! [ Reply to This ]
wow &mdash 02/04/08 - 07:40:56 AM
a work of art.......this song is art...the conception...the performance...the story....the emotion.....many bows!! [ Reply to This ]
Many thanks! &mdash 02/04/08 - 12:58:47 PM
Coming from you that means a lot!
I really appreciate it!
I really dig and respect your musicianship. [ Reply to This ]
Tasteful... &mdash 02/04/08 - 09:05:09 AM
and tasty, with a real theatrical feel.
Wonderful vocal interplay in this haunting tale, in which I can imagine Marty plays more than just a musical part.
You give him new life here.
Linda's vocals are crystalline, but warm... not icy at all.
A Lovely and loving work. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Danka! &mdash 02/04/08 - 01:00:37 PM
Joe, thank you for your very tasty comments.
I was really hoping that this piece would have an impact, and it seems from the responses that it just might have done that. [ Reply to This ]
Outstanding .. &mdash 02/04/08 - 02:48:29 PM
.. heavy, deep and appropriately chilling but delivered in a soulful and inspired calm acceptance... like those tears falling in silent seas... excellent lyrics.
Top notch mix, production and performances, very pro on all counts- all vocals are exquisite, fantastic song, collab (linda indeed doign an amazing job here .. blends perfectly) and heartfelt tribute to your friend.
Thanks for sharing. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks! &mdash 02/04/08 - 04:57:52 PM
I really appreciate all your kind words and your notice of detail.
CHeers! [ Reply to This ]
time frames &mdash 02/04/08 - 03:40:40 PM
If this is what nit-picking gets you - by all means, keep on picking : >
It's curious how time is manipulated in this song. The wife-mother seems to be singing in the present as she laments her drowned husband. That means he has died sometime in the past, yet he also sings about himself in the present as he flounders in the waves. Perhaps he is a reflection of her troubled mind - she knows he is probably lost and gone forever, yet she still holds out the hope he is miraculously alive, yet she can't help but endlessly re-imaging the scene of his drowning?
Whatever the interpretation - it's good writing, as you flip between the two distinct perspectives.
"Tears salting the sea" - great imagery!
If you want a nit-pick from me on the lyrics (and this is a minor interpretative thing), "my tears fall on silent seas/waves crashing over me" seems to be contradictory; that is, it seems like the crashing waves should be noisy and therefore drowning out his cries. But this is of no consequence: your piece, from conception to execution, is superb.
As is the wonderful contribution from Linda (one sweetworld). [ Reply to This ]
Digging. &mdash 02/04/08 - 04:04:13 PM
I love that you are really digging into the lyrics. Thank you.
Here's how I see this song. Time is not relative in this piece. She sings to him when he has not returned from the sea, he sings to her as he's drowning, or maybe more appropriately his spirit is singing this to her. The only time that is relevant is that when they sing this song to each other, it is at the same time - make sense? Kind of and not really.... I know....
The line: "my tears fall on silent seas/waves crashing over me" maybe would have worked better is I said "my tears fall in silent seas", because at this time he's actually underwater and his tears are mixing with the salt water as the waves are crashing above his head... [ Reply to This ]
What a beautiful work &mdash 02/04/08 - 08:28:44 PM
This is a magnificent story and a wonderful piece of music to tell the story to. It's also a fitting tribute to the soul of your friend Marty Jennings and of your friendship.
Your efforts to bring this stirring song and your friends work together have had, I'm sure, a very moving effect all who listen to the song and the music, and especially those who read the story of the of Marty.
I am touched by what you have done here. This is what music is for, to communicate the depth of feeling we humans share.
Thanks you
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Great thanks! &mdash 02/05/08 - 11:52:08 AM
Thank you for your very kind words.
It really means a lot to me when someone gets my music on such a deep level. [ Reply to This ]
Powerful and beautiful song &mdash 02/05/08 - 07:24:19 AM
This is a remarkable piece of music. The lyrics are very nicely done, and the vocal performances are top-notch. The instrumentation works very well, with the violin giving great pathos (and added depth having read the story behind your friend's performance) and the guitar sounding perfectly. This is moving, and very professionally produced. Kudos. Nice work. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Danka! &mdash 02/05/08 - 11:54:09 AM
Thank you!
Your detailed comments are really appreciated.
I fell like this song has a life of its own. [ Reply to This ]
speechless &mdash 02/07/08 - 07:14:46 AM
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