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Keywords:
Young (4), Days (2), Skylarks (2), sing (11), harmony (53), summer (62), smells (2), songs (5)
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Description:
This was a poem I wrote in the 80's as a response to one of those "Have your Poems Published' adverts in the local press. I entered this and it was published, but they omit to tell you that you have to buy the book that contains your poem LOL.. silly me, but lesson learned. I always liked the poem though, because it was about when I was young just after the 2nd world war, when people were finding peace and happiness again after so many years of misery and rations etc. This is poem about the 40's, when I was about 10/11 yrs old, and my Dad came out of the Navy (I'd never seen him till then) and we moved to a new house. People were indeed very friendly then and they would stand or sit on their doorsteps chatting to each other (no TV's then in the UK); and in the evening a family of brothers all adult and their father (no mother), would start to play accordian and sing, in harmony as people gathered round and joined in at the garden gate. Everyone was poor and some didn't even have a cot for the baby, so they used a drawer in the built-in unit at the side of the fire instead. Anyway, I digress... I wrote this poem in my fifties thinking I was old and not much longer to live.... but here I still am, putting music to it and singing LOL. So I hope it takes you back musically to those times and that you like it..... nostalgic though it is.
Lyrics:
Of Summers Gone.
Where are the summer days that blazed when I was just a boy?
We’d go for walks down country lanes, oh, life was such a joy.
In fields of grass that smelled so sweet, we’d while the day away,
While Skylarks twittered high above, and trees would gently sway.
........................
The heavy scent of Hawthorn blossom filled the summer air,
And home we’d stroll at eventide, we hadn’t got a care.
People were so friendly then, the war had not long gone,
A peaceful feeling everywhere, the summers Oh! So long.
Bridge
Every door was left ajar, and on those sultry nights,
Groups would gather down the street to sing or say what’s right.
In perfect harmony it seemed, they’d sing with all their might,
As everyone would take a turn sing into the night.
.................
Tired and drunk with happiness, we’d wander to our beds,
The mem’ries of the day just spent, still swimming in our heads.
Now, just recalling as I have, those days when I was young,
I can hear the songs, still smell the smells that on those summers hung.
Repeat last verse.
Now, just recalling as I have, those days when I was young,
I can hear the songs, still smell the smells that on those summers hung.
On those summers hung.
Maurice Vizard.
Hardware:
Mac Intel 10.4, M-audio 49e, acoustic guitar, m-audio fast track, sennheizzer mic'.
Software:
GB
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Lovely &mdash 02/09/08 - 03:27:03 PM
Very nice done and I remember hove it was before very calm and peaceful.... But I can tell you me and my wife live on a very peaceful place here in Sweden.... She love it and so do I.
Peace bro.
----
Kenta [ Reply to This ]
Thank you &mdash 02/09/08 - 03:32:32 PM
Kenta and ML I'm glad you liked this song. I envy you living in a nice peaceful place like that and so pleased you both found such happiness there, regards M [ Reply to This ]
Of Summers Gone. &mdash 02/09/08 - 04:01:33 PM
Oh how very delightful !
A lovely swirling effect too.. And very soft delicate voice .
I can just visualise a nice grandfather with his grandson or daughter on his knee singing about his younger days.
Excellent Loved it all Brought a tear to my eye too. lol
I swooned. with pure Joy. Thank you for sharing such happy memories
of yours with us.
Dee .
[ Reply to This ]
Hi Dee &mdash 02/09/08 - 06:13:46 PM
That's a lovely comment you've left and I thank you for listening to this. It's very flattering if I brought a tear to your eye with all this melancholy LOL. I'll have to be getting round to listen your songs too, regards M [ Reply to This ]
A wonderful poem Maurice &mdash 02/09/08 - 04:21:23 PM
and a lovely song to boot. Well sung and play my friend and the ending is beautiful on it's own. And they say the English aren't a romantic people. Bah humbug on them that say it.
Thanks for sharing this one Maurice, it's lovely
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Ed... &mdash 02/09/08 - 06:19:07 PM
Is that what they're saying about us Brits? LOL I never knew that. It must be the stiff upper lip and all that. No, we are romantic we just don't show it LOL. Though I do. Glad you liked this and my rendition too, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
Of Summers Gone &mdash 02/09/08 - 04:32:09 PM
its surely took me back to the unknown happy old world
with your warmth of your singing .the setting itself
is one of the best yet to listen ..total peace here .
thnx alot my friend for sharin such gem ..! [ Reply to This ]
Glad you ..... &mdash 02/09/08 - 06:21:39 PM
enjoyed this Feter and got the sentiments I intended. Thanks once again my friend for listening and the comment, regards M [ Reply to This ]
Wonderful &mdash 02/09/08 - 04:36:07 PM
Thanks &mdash 02/09/08 - 06:31:24 PM
for those comments Dave, I appreciate you calling in here. I must stress though that they weren't all happy days of course, as people were poor after and because of the war, but the end of the war released a lot of tension in people and that's what brought the sensation of happiness. There was a lot of love between people then, as there usually is in times of strife, because they have empathy with how each other feels. Nice that you liked this, regards M [ Reply to This ]
In my mind... &mdash 02/09/08 - 05:28:13 PM
...I see a 2 or 3 minute silent film of a family in the late 40's-early 50's ... bits and pieces of the fabric of their lives taken at different times maybe over the course of several years ... flickering with poor edits and many smiling faces from many generations...and your wistful, melancholic lyric and melody filling the cracks between the frames. What wonderful memories to capture, Maurice, and you have done it flawlessly. Just beautiful in every way. Thank you for sharing your own memories with us.
Peace.
Paul [ Reply to This ]
That picture &mdash 02/09/08 - 06:53:16 PM
you have Paul is pretty spot on with the times I'm speaking/singing of. Thank you for those nice positive comments and I'm so pleased that you liked this song and my description, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
Nostalgia &mdash 02/09/08 - 08:16:57 PM
Beautifully done. You even capture the "sound" of older recordings some how. There is nothing inferior about the sound, in fact the vocal recording is remarkable. Its just that you captured the character that older recordings gave to the vocals. Good Stuff
Thanks
Bill [ Reply to This ]
Hi Bill, &mdash 02/10/08 - 04:00:38 AM
I'm glad you liked the recording as I had wondered if it was balanced right. Thanks for all those comments, regards M [ Reply to This ]
You &mdash 02/09/08 - 09:46:34 PM
really got to me when you sang those high notes.Beautiful poem and great music.You say you no longer perform in public-it's their loss! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 02/10/08 - 04:06:20 AM
Mark for your support in my songs, I really appreciate that and glad you like the poem. Maybe we should start up as a duo LOL and 'do' the clubs, regards M [ Reply to This ]
Precious, precious song... &mdash 02/09/08 - 09:55:04 PM
what a moment of musical reflection. Moviz, this captured me... sentimental it is... sentimental I am a sucker for. And you do it so well here... you sell it! No doubt about it, this hits the heart strings. Kudos.
Jack [ Reply to This ]
Jack &mdash 02/10/08 - 04:16:21 AM
It touches me also that other people are touched by nostalgia in that way. I was asked by my nephew the other day to read this poem out loud while he (at the age of 30) criticized it and I couldn't do it LOL. His mother read it out instead... so I certainly wouldn't be able to sing it in public. Maybe too many memories get the better of me. Thank you for your very welcome comments, regards M [ Reply to This ]
Well you took me back! &mdash 02/10/08 - 12:27:17 AM
What a wonderful reflection of a time that I certainly can relate to. I love the "Every door left ajar" line.........a time of trust that, unfortunately some
of the younger generation of today, may never know. Great performance also Moviz.
thanks for taking me back [ Reply to This ]
So Glad.. &mdash 02/10/08 - 04:27:06 AM
you enjoyed the backward trip Droop.... I'm just glad there's someone else as old as me here LOL. Seriously though, people could leave there door ajar without fear at that time as crime was rare.... on the other hand, nobody had anything worth stealing LOL. Thanks so much for dropping in and taking the time, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
A very &mdash 02/10/08 - 06:10:46 AM
beautiful and heartfelt song Maurice. Love the accordian and your high notes are superb.
Cheers
Len
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 02/10/08 - 06:25:58 AM
for that Len, and as for the high notes... I'm just scared of falling off the chair these days, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
I love it &mdash 02/10/08 - 07:07:21 AM
So sweet and again melancholic. Choice of instruments and execution is perfect for me. Your voice shines on this track (those highs!). Nice glissando-like ending
Mmmm, I looked somewhere....I came here
Love, Jb [ Reply to This ]
I like &mdash 02/10/08 - 07:20:41 AM
that last statement LOL. made me smile.... and clever too. Glad you liked my melancholy song as well, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
Nostalgia &mdash 02/10/08 - 08:34:24 AM
This songs indeed brings back memories of childhood adventures and mysteries of a Summer's night. Thank you for sharing your poem with us. I love how you phase it out at the end- it's just like how you feel when waking up from a dream and you try to keep it, but the thoughts are suddenly so diffused, you can't hold on to them. Perfect. :-) [ Reply to This ]
Indeed Roxie &mdash 02/10/08 - 08:47:27 AM
I tried to get a feeling of long ago and of memories dwindling down the pan as it were (if that's not too crude a simile). Thank you for calling in to listen and comment, regards M [ Reply to This ]
A &mdash 02/10/08 - 08:44:58 AM
lovely poem Maurice and so well sung, I loved the high notes, a beautiful sound and so well played, very much enjoyed! Thanks! [ Reply to This ]
Glad you ..... &mdash 02/10/08 - 08:50:00 AM
liked it all Bob and thanks for your comment and 'fave', much appreciated, regards M [ Reply to This ]
off my beaten path &mdash 02/10/08 - 09:15:49 AM
Thanks &mdash 02/10/08 - 11:01:00 AM
for dropping by and listening Mark and for kind your words, but I don't have a certain path as I flit about genre-wise with my songs, like ducking and diving LOL, they're mostly all different, regards M [ Reply to This ]
Gentle... &mdash 02/10/08 - 04:38:42 PM
You sing with effusive emotions, Mo. Your voice and passionate singing evokes thoughts of a gentle stroll by a breezy meadow. This is great poem that you have given a musical dimension to.
The vocals can need some equalizing and volume adjustments though. It sounds like it is clipping and somewhat too "bassy", making your words sound muffled. Lowering the volume may also make the background music less overpowered.
Overall, a very pleasant listen. With a little tweaking can even be greater. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 02/10/08 - 05:13:14 PM
for calling in Leon and for your encouraging comments, though I did have a private note from someone saying that my vocal was too harsh LOL, so what am I to do ? LOL. I know there is a variance in the volume, that needs correcting too. Again I thank you for calling in and being so constructive, since you always seem to have that side of it sewn up on your recordings, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
the hardest part &mdash 02/10/08 - 10:57:02 PM
I don't think that person could have meant your voice is harsh but probably just the way it was equalized and mixed with the background music. Sometimes, even the gentlest voice can come out "harsh" if the volume and equalizing is not right. I am not an expert at this either and I meet a new challenge in that area with every new song I make. When I listen back at some of my earlier songs I could almost cringe at how badly I mixed when I was still learning to use GB. That final mixing is often the hardest part to tweak since it is often the make-or-break part of the production and it is never the same with every song. [ Reply to This ]
It certainly &mdash 02/11/08 - 03:43:12 AM
is the hardest part. It gets to the stage with the equalizer that when you've tried a good few settings your ears tend to go numb and you can't seem to get what you want exactly. You're right on all counts I must say Leon and every song is different. I too cringe at some of mine, but yours all sound fine to me. It must be great for those pop stars who have it all done for them LOL, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
Of Summers Gone &mdash 02/10/08 - 07:37:39 PM
Hi ya M,
A fine tribute to days gone by and the times that were so much more innocent & charming!!! Great melody for such thoughtful lyrics as well!!!!!!! You have Class my friend.... you have CLASS!!!!!!
Respectfully,
Wade [ Reply to This ]
Hi Wade &mdash 02/11/08 - 03:45:40 AM
Thanks again for listening to this and for taking the time to comment. I'm glad you liked this one too, regards M [ Reply to This ]
Nostalgic indeed! &mdash 02/11/08 - 07:18:34 AM
Nice to hear some positive memories :-)
Beautifully performed and wonderfully understated.
I grew up in the 50s and 60s and the age of perceived innocence and wartime cameraderie was already disappearing. Fields were being swallowed by houses and even then reality was starting to intrude on childhood with the constant warnings about not speaking to strangers.
Funny stuff this life business :-)
Cheers
Dick
[ Reply to This ]
Glad you ..... &mdash 02/11/08 - 10:46:04 AM
liked this Dick. You're right there with your recollections of the fifties. I was in my teens then and a whole new thing was happening at that time after the 40's , which really, due to the war had been an extension of the 30's inasmuch as there wasn't a any great move forward in fashion or gadjets for the home. Things had seemed to stand still, with a kind of innocence that ended with the new freedom of the fifties. Thanks again for listening Dick, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
wow Maurice &mdash 02/11/08 - 01:50:07 PM
i am so sorry i missed this .... deep apologies.... here now .. a melancholy beauty... it is very much you but little bits of randy newman .... and the production quality so well fits this tune .. and the ending is magic! Moviz you are just too cool. Kudos Maurice! [ Reply to This ]
oh yeah..! &mdash 02/11/08 - 01:51:13 PM
No need &mdash 02/11/08 - 02:18:27 PM
for apologies Jack, you made it just in time LOL and I'm pleased you liked the melancholy. The Randy Newman comment is OK too, so thanks for all that... and I'm glad you liked the pic too... took me a while to sort out the type, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
Nice one Maurice &mdash 02/11/08 - 07:06:37 PM
I listened to this when I first saw it, and enjoyed it then - thought I'd already faved and left a comment. Must be getting old :)
Great words - as Jack said - I'm also a "sucker for sentimental".
I agree with Leon that your vocals could have been better recorded/mixed - it's a really steep learning curve getting them right. To me it sounds like you need to drop the volume right back on the vocals, filter a bit off the bottom end and remix them up to the point where you can still hear the music clearly without the vocals overpowering it - but so the vocals are still clear and a part of the mix.
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Well Neil &mdash 02/12/08 - 11:16:05 AM
I thought I was getting old when I wrote this poem.... and I was.... but look at me now LOL. You're only a chicken yet. Thanks so much for you comment and PM in which I've explained some things. I appreciate your constructive comments and take them on board.... and I'm glad you're a sentimentalist too... it shows we've got a heart, regards M [ Reply to This ]
Superb! &mdash 02/11/08 - 09:29:14 PM
I've been inactive for awhile but coming back and hearing this seems like the warmest of welcome backs! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks H &mdash 02/12/08 - 11:08:02 AM
Glad I was able to welcome you back with something you like..... nice welcome comment you left too, so thanks again, regards M [ Reply to This ]
great style &mdash 02/11/08 - 10:55:32 PM
What I love about your style it that your songs seem to always have a calming effect on me. This sounds like it could be a scene in a movie where the characters are reminiscing to younger years.
Nice post M. [ Reply to This ]
Hiya Nick &mdash 02/12/08 - 11:20:41 AM
Nice to see you here. I'm pleased that you find my songs calming, that's a good thing.... as long as you don't fall asleep LOL. I know what you mean about the movie scene too and that's a very pleasing comment for me, Thanks again for calling in, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
Very sincere &mdash 02/12/08 - 03:50:42 PM
This should have been sung in Italian. No but really, very sweet poem. Like your stuff.
Dave [ Reply to This ]
Italian???? LOL &mdash 02/13/08 - 09:20:50 AM
Mama Mia! What are you trying to say? LOL, Thanks for the smile Dave and glad you liked this, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
Nostalgia !!! &mdash 02/12/08 - 06:03:54 PM
This reminds me of a 1930-40's ballad almost like something heard in a Vintage Disney movie.
You have a great sense of tenderness in your melody and lyrics
I think the vocal sound quality is perfect for this type of song, hearing this in a digitally perfect enviornment would ruin it, its what make you music yours...
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks again Tom &mdash 02/12/08 - 06:22:44 PM
for your input and for taking the time to drop in. The 30's and 40's are the eras the song was about so nice that you got that feel, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 02/12/08 - 06:08:49 PM
This song is really beautiful... Played and sung with feelings... Thumbs up for this... You're good... [ Reply to This ]
Hi Jakob &mdash 02/12/08 - 06:32:06 PM
Nice to meet you and I'm pleased that you liked this song and my interpretation. Thank you for taking the time to listen, regards M [ Reply to This ]
very nice Mo, &mdash 02/12/08 - 07:20:09 PM
Thanks Pablaotone &mdash 02/13/08 - 09:24:12 AM
movis &mdash 02/12/08 - 08:22:18 PM
That is one of the best descriptions I've read at MJ. Moviz one of the reasons and it's an important one, is that your music seems so personal. The warmth, the personal touch!!!! Your a very special artist, giving more than just notes but the blessed warmth of yesteryear. Love the kind of happy trails feel then the almost Mantovani feel at the end.
Really enjoyed this, maybe my fav of yours.
Way to go and thanks for sharing with that personal touch that too often is missed by artists. [ Reply to This ]
~ &mdash 02/13/08 - 07:47:23 AM
Like it was 2 weeks ago...
I'm at least thankful that it's still in my heart and mind to remember and relive...
like it was all just 2 weeks ago...
Well done, M... [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Bob, &mdash 02/13/08 - 09:35:10 AM
for your comment glad you enjoyed this and you're right, it does seem like only two weeks ago... it really does, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
When an &mdash 02/13/08 - 09:30:08 AM
artist such as yourself likes my stuff, I can't help but be thrilled Bill and I thank you for your support always. I suppose my work is personal... this one certainly is... and the 'Mantovani' type ending representing the years as they peel away.... as they do LOL..... and gaining momentum to boot. Thanks again Bill, regards M [ Reply to This ]
Large &mdash 02/14/08 - 10:27:16 AM
Really liked this one. The picture you wrote and brought out with your voice, was large with the sincerity of a lad whose innocence enables him to feel all that is beautiful around him without the harsh realities of life, that he has yet to experience. We all would love to remember these times through those eyes. You get to relive this one again and again by reading your own poem. Thanks for sharing the memories of this young lad who has turned into a rather pleasant man. [ Reply to This ]
Damiengh &mdash 02/14/08 - 01:06:56 PM
Your words are really so nice that I'm stuck for words, except to say that I'm really pleased and flattered that my poem/song brought out those feelings in you. I'm so pleased that you liked this and I thank you for listening and for those very kind words, regards M [ Reply to This ]
This is terrific, Maurice &mdash 02/16/08 - 12:58:10 PM
Nothing wrong with a dose of nostalgia! Your vocal on this is really good - very affecting and expressive. You paint a very sweet and evocative picture with your words, and your obvious strength of feeling shines through. Very cool. Nicely done, my friend. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Much appreciated &mdash 02/16/08 - 02:51:03 PM
Of Summers Gone &mdash 02/18/08 - 06:59:58 PM
this is really really lovely Moviz. Your voice here is haunting and soft at the same time. I like the voice echo at the end, and everything about the end actually. Thanks! [ Reply to This ]
So glad.. &mdash 02/19/08 - 11:05:48 AM
you found time to drop in and listen to this Magnatone.... and pleased too that you found the 'haunting' vocal pleasing LOL, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
Of Summers gone &mdash 02/20/08 - 01:33:37 AM
I'm floating away, what wonderful dreamy song. Beautiful and full of atmosphere :-) [ Reply to This ]
Thank you &mdash 02/20/08 - 04:07:52 AM
Andreas.... don't float too far though.... we need to hear far more from you. Glad you liked this, regards M [ Reply to This ]
A shot of authentic melancholy. &mdash 02/20/08 - 08:0 | |
Peace bro.
----
Kenta
[ Reply to This ]