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Keywords:
piano (571), Gail60 (1), ballad (126)
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Description:
I owe so many thanks to Gail60 for this I don't know where or how to begin. When I first learned of her and some of her piano pieces, in particular "Don't tell me you're sorry" I knew that she had serious talent. If you haven't checked out her stuff look at:
http://www.macjams.com/artist/gail60
Her music is not for everyone but it is deep, soulful and performed exquisitely. She doesn't even have the benefit of cool software and performs her stuff direct to a sampler. In effect her performances are just short of live.
I've always had a soft spot for female vocals. Something about the female voice is just wonderful to listen to and Gail is right there at the top of my favorite female vocalists. It is a shame that she can't sing and play professionally. Like most of us, she has another life, family, etc. I guess if I was rich I'd find away to let her play, sing, and compose for her living.
I knew right away I wanted her to sing something we could work together on. But as you read on (if you will) you'll find that for me composing is hard. Often I find myself trapped in endless loops of songs I've heard. Coming up with new and fresh material is difficult.
But I knew I wanted to find out if Gail and I could do something one day together. So I sat down with my guitar and etched out these words, this basic melody and I managed to do it in about 15 minutes. It is not top rate composition by any means. It was simple but to the point.
I figured this would be a trial effort. Gail and I would ping-pong it back and forth and end up with something fun, or not. I imagined it with guitar, piano, vocals, bass, maybe even strings. So I recorded a very rough version, quickly with me singing and playing a simple guitar part.
I packaged it up in an email with the words and chords below and told Gail... This is an experiment... Lets have fun with it and see what we can do. She told me she was very busy and I said, "Hey Gail... if it takes months then it takes months... just when you have the time and more importantly when you want to!"
After I had sent her the song I was actually embarrassed as my performance was so bad. I could imagine her crinkling her nose and grimacing as she listed to my weak vocals and lousy guitar work, but I promised myself that I'd get past all that and just let it all hang out and see what happened.
A few days went by and DavisAmerica (awesome artist to say the least) posted "1am with Gail60" for the Woodstock festival and after listening to that I felt even worse. DavisAmerica is another serious heavyweight with major talent and he took Gail and massaged her into a wonderful and fun piece. I sat back and thought... wow... I'm seriously outclassed here in a big way! I considered asking Gail to delete the song and forget it... I'd try again with something better.
But I kept reminding myself that I was not into music these days for the votes, the recognition or anything at all like that. I'm into it for the pure pleasure of the sound and exercising what little creativity I have. So I let it ride. Part of me expected her to let it drop, another part didn't know what to expect.
Just a few days after DavisAmerica and "1am with Gail60" was posted my mailbox was suddenly filled with a message from Gail60. She had attached an mp3 and and the subject read: "First try Mediocrity". In the text she said:
"I hope you will still be speaking to me after you listen to this."
Unfortunately work was busy and I couldn't listen right then. I was dying to... but some of you know how it goes... I finally got back to it later in the afternoon. I put my headphones on and clicked play and sat dumbfounded as Gail's amazing voice and piano had taken my lousy little creation in a direction I never could have imagined. I laughed when I read the words in her email again... The acronym ROTFLMAO comes to mind!
I know that on MacJams there is some serious talent and many can and will find faults with this song and performance. However none of you but Gail and I know how it started and how rough and really terrible the first rendition was. In my humble opinion, Gail came up to bat as a pinch hitter after I messed myself up on my first swing and hobbled off to the dugout. She proceeded to then knock the ball right out of the park.
I've listened to this a number of times trying to think of what I could add to it and frankly... I can't think of a thing! If anything Gail took what I imagined as a ping-pong effort and simply eliminated the weak artist and took him out the equation. There is nothing I could nor want to add to this gem.
So I hope after this long read that you will still give the song a listen. Gail did an amazing job on it and I'm very touched she took the time and made the effort on such a feeble little song. It just proves to me that any song, no matter how simple or stupid can be made into something wonderful when the right artist is behind it.
The subject of this song was something that has haunted me all my life, something my father predicted many years ago...
At one point in my youth I was frustrated that I could not kick, run, throw or for matter do anything better than everyone else. Oh I was good but never great and my father sat me down and said to me: "Kid you are a generalist... You'll be good at many things but not great at any one."
And his words have rung true in everything I've done.
Lyrics:
Mediocrity
MRH 2008
G Em
Since I was very small
Am C D
There have been things I can't do at all
G Em
Even though I tried my best
Am C D
I wasn't half as good as all the rest
C G
And it often made me wonder
Em Am D
Would I always be this way?
C G
Mediocrity as my brother
Em Am D C
Guiding my soul through each day
At 15 father said
life as a generalist will be led
And everything that you do
Must be good enough only for you
And it often made me wonder
Would I always be this way?
Mediocrity as my limiter
Keeping my soul at bay
As the years came to pass
My life was predicted from my past.
Every word he said was true
There nothing special I can do.
And it often made me wonder
Would I always be this way?
Mediocrity as my keeper
Limiting each and every day.
Now my life is mostly through
I've found his words to me were quite untrue.
There is one thing that I do
Maybe better than the most of you.
And it often makes me wonder
Will I always be this way?
Mediocrity as my purpose
Setting the pace for me each day
I finally see it clear
Mediocrity is why I am here
It lets me focus on my life
Not being hung up on achievement hype
You see I never have to worry
if I still am at the top.
Never been there before
Mediocrity is my door stop.
C G
My life is still open
Bm C
To being what I can
C G
But I'm really very happy
D C
Mediocre is what I am
Hardware:
Gail60 keyboard & voice
Software:
None
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Mediocrity &mdash 03/22/08 - 04:29:54 PM
woooooo ...sweet Amarillo Gail ..this is so magical
the theme so awesome and sure the singin so angelic
as always...i love it ..I love it !!! [ Reply to This ]
generally speaking... &mdash 03/22/08 - 06:02:35 PM
Mediocrity or being well rounded as a person? Kind of a fine line, isn't it? For the record, there is nothing mediocre about this words, music or Gail's wonderful performance.
It's a beautiful song... well past mediocre into superb. Well done! [ Reply to This ]
Mediocrity &mdash 03/22/08 - 06:13:25 PM
If this is a song ABOUT mediocrity, one won't find a wit of it IN the song! This is superb - the piano, the vocals, the lyrics, the whole package. What a great collab between two incredibly talented people at MJ. Thanks to both of you, and special thanks to you Mark for having the courage to send the music to Gail in the first place. Good things come to those who wait! This is sensational. Congrats to you both. [ Reply to This ]
Awesome &mdash 03/22/08 - 06:35:53 PM
Awesome in many ways... It's so beautiful the piano the vocals simply LOVE it.
Thanks. [ Reply to This ]
omg...Mark! &mdash 03/22/08 - 06:49:25 PM
I cannot believe you posted this song as it is. You flatter me way too much. I sincerely appreciate your very kind words, but I must say, you cut yourself way too short. No offense to your father, but you are far from being mediocre. You are very talented as a writer and performer. I told you that I was honored that you even asked me to be a part of this and I meant it. Thank you for the opportunity to partake in this. Thanks for writing the sweet "book" :) describing the creation of the song. You made me cry.
I am so aware that there are many notes I messed up on in this song and I hear every single one of them.... LOL, you know what? It is what it is. I am still grateful that you had the faith in me to pull it off. I would have loved your additions of guitar and strings and even singing.... Maybe next time? Thanks again Mark!! [ Reply to This ]
well mark now &mdash 03/22/08 - 06:58:04 PM
you know the secret brother ... find a heart song .. one that speaks to you..any that do are "good tunes" .. and find someone to help you find the vision ..... you had a good tune and cast it well ... gail is amazing ... but she will tell you as i do ... the tune has to be there ... this one was and KUDOS to you both ... a wonderful tune .... a wonderful performance .... a great listen!! Hats off to you two ... mark u r cool ! [ Reply to This ]
Thank you all... &mdash 03/22/08 - 07:16:58 PM
But as DavisAmerica said in his page on 1am with Gail...
"It was all you kid" and that goes to Gail.
A fine fine job done and while she complains of wrong notes... somehow they fit this song! Thanks again Gail it was my pleasure to post this and tell the story of the song.
But just remember... you, Gail brought it to life with your amazing voice and wonderful piano.
The comments about mediocrity versus well rounded I think are all based on your frame of mind at the time.
Watching the superbowl, I feel rather mediocre seeing that I played ball in school but wouldn't even have a chance in the big league. But then when fiddling with computers (which I typically am better than most, but again not the best) I do feel well rounded! [ Reply to This ]
lol mark &mdash 03/22/08 - 08:03:08 PM
relax .... with ur talents u r the best ... am a dad and i know .... peace man! [ Reply to This ]
This is a great &mdash 03/22/08 - 09:15:41 PM
song.Both of you are way too modest.I think you should write a whole musical around this! [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful song &mdash 03/22/08 - 09:40:07 PM
hello terry &mdash 03/22/08 - 11:06:34 PM
ok mark &mdash 03/22/08 - 11:13:29 PM
An amazing collaboration Mark. &mdash 03/22/08 - 11:31:36 PM
Gail is one in a million, although I doubt that she would agree with that statement, she's much to modest. An her rendition of your song is absolutely stunning.
Would she have done this song if you hadn't sent her the raw material for her to work with? No, of course not because these are your thoughts and your feelings, written down on paper and in music.
So what she did was read between the lines of the lyrics, and interpret the emotion in them into a song that flows with those feelings and emotions.
Gail to you I say Bravo for your insight into this song, and for using your extraordinary gifts to bring it forth like you did. This is such a wonderful song.
To you Mark goes a Bravo as well for finding a way to put these feeling into words that make sense and convey the raw emotions they portray. And also for recognizing that Gail was the right person to share this with so it could be brought to the world in such a beautiful way.
Kudos to you both, and thank you both as well for sharing your gifts with us.
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Generalist? &mdash 03/23/08 - 10:10:12 AM
Hmm .. &mdash 03/23/08 - 10:55:02 AM
.. decathalon springs to mind .. I mean .. why not be the best at being an all-rounder? Why strive to be considered 'the best' at all? It is all subjective, relative etc.
I like the concept - an old now defunct band I liked called the Tansads used to do a song called "eye of the average" .. which I was reminded of as it echoed your sentiment in part.
Like most Scots, I perform at 'my best' as an underdog .. and if I can retain my healthy defeatist attitude.. your never disappointed ..lol.
Great lyrics, song, vocal and piano performances from Gail. Would have been interesting to hear the previous version too. Well done you two. [ Reply to This ]
hmmm... &mdash 03/23/08 - 01:12:10 PM
"...life as a generalist will be led
And everything that you do
Must be good enough only for you"
I'm not sure what that means. Maybe you can explain it? Me, I always attempt to do the best I can. Maybe "the best I can" is mediocre by most standards, but is it that the real standard is only to be in how you judge yourself, how you invest yourself in whatever activity you undertake?
But that's just a line that stuck out for me, as a whole the song really quite lovely. I can't believe Gail thought this was just a first try, it's really quite an incredible performance. Maybe by setting the bar low, by setting up an expectation of mediocrity, made surpassing it seem all the more effortless, LOL, but this is really pretty incredible.
Just as my usual nit-picking, I think the vocal is a little roomy sounding and I would have preferred a more intimate sound to it, but that's just me, I suppose, it really doesn't diminish the song much. It sort of sounds like a rehearsal room performance, which on second thought might be appropriate. [ Reply to This ]
Incredible &mdash 03/23/08 - 04:13:43 PM
Nice job both of you. Gail with the vocals and piano; they are amazing. And Mark, I must say, the lyrics are amazing and your composition is very impressive. While you say it may not be complicated, it doesn't have to to be heartfelt and a great composition in general.
Amazing job here; great collab! [ Reply to This ]
It's not &mdash 03/23/08 - 07:32:33 PM
fair being able to sing AND play so beautifully, but I don't begrudge you at all, as it brings us all such pleasure. Lovely song too with great soulfull lyriics, Love it as I love all that you post Gail, regards M [ Reply to This ]
Thank you all! &mdash 03/24/08 - 07:19:46 AM
I think Gail is a little embarrassed at all the comments but she really can sing and play! Yes its really not fair!!! So have so much in one package! Wow!
Ok I guess the measure of a song is how does it effect the listeners? It seems that my lyrics have invoked a few questions... I think that's good... not sure...
There was one question about this passage:
"...life as a generalist will be led
And everything that you do
Must be good enough only for you"
What does it mean? Simply put a "generalist" describes a person such as myself that can do many things well, but not one thing really great.
This passage was the way my father tried to ease my frustration. He was trying to tell me, do things to your own satisfaction. Don't go about trying to prove yourself to the world, just be true to yourself.
I hope that answers it. And thanks so much everyone for the wonderful comments. [ Reply to This ]
I just &mdash 03/24/08 - 09:06:21 AM
had to add that humility is a thing to be admired and that's another thing that Gail has plenty of.... just love her voice and playing, M [ Reply to This ]
very nice &mdash 03/24/08 - 07:21:48 AM
it's a great song, i don't even find it to be rough or lacking. the ending part of the description caught me because that sounds like me,. i'm decent at everything but not great at anything. i think it's beautiful and wouldn't change a thing i have to listen to it again because i was reading the description thru the first time. [ Reply to This ]
sweet roberta flack gail &mdash 03/24/08 - 07:33:00 AM
wow what a vocal resemblance.....beautiful comes to mind....the lyrics are so philosophical ...just a wonderful song...many many bows...!!!!! [ Reply to This ]
I rarely vote... &mdash 03/24/08 - 07:33:27 AM
...but this needs to be heard, and I see others feel the same...
Nothing to say other than this is absolutely wonderful. If this is mediocrity, then please, please, please continue putting it out there...
Love Gail's work on this, too...great tune, people... [ Reply to This ]
Awww... &mdash 03/24/08 - 08:12:26 AM
the hymn of everyone. Now this is a heartwarming song... simple, sweet, poignant. Liked the lyrics, liked the piano work, and liked Gail's voice. Nothing's particularly amazing here, but definitely a little better than mediocre... (and I'm lying through my teeth!) Sheesh Mark! This is really wonderful! The melody is strong enough to hold up as simple voice and piano and sounds great... Gail's piano work and voice performance really do send this over the top, excellent work you two! The lyrics are thought-provoking, and I have mixed feelings about the message, but definitely like the way you mull over the words and look at it in different ways as you grow, nicely done.
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 03/24/08 - 08:26:16 AM
Beautiful &mdash 03/24/08 - 01:26:53 PM
Not mediocre, by any means &mdash 03/24/08 - 01:33:24 PM
Mark: You have done a great thing here by sketching a meaningful song and drawing out Gail who has etched it in ivory and atmosphere. [ Reply to This ]
delicate &mdash 03/24/08 - 03:29:33 PM
and warm piano tone.....nice reverb as well....well done....peace.... Ian [ Reply to This ]
Wonderful track &mdash 03/24/08 - 05:46:09 PM
This is a great song - beautifully performed and beautifully written. The sentiment of the lyrics is thoughtful, thought-provoking, and very well expressed. And the performance just gives it such resonance. This is a great example of the power of collaboration - two musical minds sparking off each other to generate something special. This is great stuff. Kudos to both of you. I sincerely hope you work together again. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
What a voice &mdash 03/24/08 - 10:03:12 PM
Terrific lyrics , the deliver of the words by such a wonderful R. Flack sound.
So nice to hear! [ Reply to This ]
Lovely .... &mdash 03/24/08 - 10:08:46 PM
.... I enjoy listening to songs which are sometimes just accompanied by a piano or a guitar - without all the fuss and pomp of a lot of instruments ... it allows Gails sweet lilty voice to be a focal point - I agree with Jim above that the vocal track could have been mixed a little richer to give it that LIVE warm vibrancy which would have given it more highlight. [ Reply to This ]
great / way to go &mdash 03/24/08 - 10:27:55 PM
I understand how you feel. I read your description and i have a tune i need someone else to help with also. I have reached out and continue to be haunted by a tune Alannah posted a ways back called "Forbidden"
i keep thinking of who to ask to get it done.
anyway it is so cool that you got what you wanted from gail and we all get to hear it too.
Nice work Gail and great song Mark
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks so much! &mdash 03/24/08 - 10:36:41 PM
Everyone...
But I still say, Gail is the one who brought it to life!
Perhaps I wrote done my words and hummed a little melody but Gail took it to the level and this was her "First try"!!!
I'm tempted to ask her to do a re-take so I can mix the vocals and piano in Logic. This was and is her almost "live" take into her sampler.
Thanks for the comments all! Really! [ Reply to This ]
this is such a sweet and lovely conversation... &mdash 03/24/08 - 10:55:27 PM
between voice and piano.
I love musical dialogues such as this. Sincere, comfortable, warm, inviting.
The philosophy of mediocrity--as if trying to convince oneself that it's ok to be whoever you are at that particular moment.
And why not?
A lovely collaboration. Thank you both for sharing.
Beautiful!! :) [ Reply to This ]
Moving &mdash 03/25/08 - 08:24:47 AM
This song had real meaning for me. Seems like was said above: ballad for the masses! Many of us are "mediocre" not everyone can be a super star.
Gail is amazing. I'm going to have to and listen to her stuff now. [ Reply to This ]
All I can say is WOW &mdash 03/25/08 - 09:41:09 AM
lovely &mdash 03/26/08 - 08:51:50 AM
beautiful effortless singing and sweet n classy piano.
so very nicely done!
anne [ Reply to This ]
What cool subject! &mdash 03/26/08 - 11:17:34 AM
Hey, thanks! Now I feel better about not being a genius at anything, just middle of the road at things I really strive to do well. This is a great collab, and I'm so glad you had the courage to ask Gail to sing and play your composition. You two make a great team. :-) [ Reply to This ]
Nice touch. &mdash 03/26/08 - 11:39:45 AM
The feel to this piece is wonderful. It's genuine, which is a difficult thing to do with such an emotional, personal subject. The arrangement lends itself well to the minimalism that mediocrity, or humility as I'd call it, tends to bring. Nicely done.
-greg [ Reply to This ]
The Pursuit of Perfection &mdash 03/26/08 - 10:16:11 PM
I think this captures just about everything in sound and spirit of collaboration, which can take a generalist's gift and polish them to perfection. - Cheers! [ Reply to This ]
Mediocrity &mdash 03/27/08 - 11:36:00 AM
Hi Mark
Wow this was indeed very beautiful and so wonderful to listen too
Gail was just wonderful. Mark you did an excellent job too.
You two really fit so perfect together- just like a hand in a glove.
I simply enjoyed this outstanding song. Thank you so much Mark
your also a great guy too . Do you know that. ? lol Thank you so much ....
for sharing these lovely songs.
Peace Dee [ Reply to This ]
Fab. &mdash 03/27/08 - 03:38:41 PM
Great vocal, reminiscent of... errrh I forget, but ethereal and totally in tune. Good job. [ Reply to This ]
Wonderful &mdash 03/28/08 - 08:44:30 AM
Excellent collab - &mdash 03/28/08 - 08:55:28 AM
and a very gracious choice you made. Beautiful writing and Gail's performance is priceless. [ Reply to This ]
Infiltrates. &mdash 03/29/08 - 07:38:49 AM
WOW &mdash 03/29/08 - 12:47:27 PM
Does not begin to describe the feelings about this song. Roberta Flack had a way of making "the very hard" seem so easy I feel this about your song. Mediocrity has taking on a new meaning... Great song you guys and thanks for sharing.
Moses [ Reply to This ]
An ironic twit &mdash 03/29/08 - 01:13:11 PM
Gorgeous! &mdash 03/29/08 - 03:00:56 PM
Tender and &mdash 04/01/08 - 10:57:57 AM
thought provoking and philisophical, a meditative work indeed. Nice job. [ Reply to This ]
How on earth did I miss this???? &mdash 04/14/08 - 03:51:32 PM
It is amazingly beautiful - a very beautiful song - beautifully performed.
Guess what I think it's beautiful. Sorry I'm so late.
Downloaded. Thanks.
Cheers
Len
[ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 04/22/08 - 08:27:03 PM
Nearly like This Mortal Coil (i.e. my favourite)
Congratulations.
colin [ Reply to This ]
Great song &mdash 04/30/08 - 12:30:33 AM
...and my fave of hers so far. You did well to leave well alone. BTW - just moved to CO and liking it.
[ Reply to This ]
Everything &mdash 05/10/08 - 08:37:10 AM
I could have said has been. From my heart I will say what a wonderful song in every way.
Thank you so much, Russ [ Reply to This ]
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the theme so awesome and sure the singin so angelic
as always...i love it ..I love it !!!
[ Reply to This ]