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Description
This was written around 1970 when I was at university, playing in an acoustic band called “Marastique” on the northern beaches of Sydney. I’m not totally sure of the meaning behind the lyrics, but I think it was some “self-talk” about a relationship.
Written on my (then new) Maton 12 string acoustic, it was designed to fit the 4 voices, acoustic guitar, flute, congas, bass and electric guitar, which was our line up at the time. This version still has the Maton, but got decidedly rhythmic with the addition of bass, keys, drums, my Tele, the Seagull, and a tin whistle part. Ms Jig sings the high harmony in the outro. The drums are midi.
A little history regarding this song: it was going to be my big “coming out” as a singer, and due for it’s unveiling as our opening number when we were booked to open for Frank Zappa at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion in the early 70s. Nothing like a baptism of fire! Unfortunately, after a sound check, and less than an hour before we were due to play, it became obvious that there had been two agents involved in procuring the opening act, and we were cancelled. This, as you might imagine, was the end of the band unfortunately – and very nearly the end of the agent too, but that’s another story!
I resurrected the song again in 1975 with the Rusty Dusty Brothers, but just as we were getting it sorted out to add to our live set, my time with RDB came to a close also. It’s been in hiding ever since ☺!
So …. it is with some trepidation that I post “Simplify” for your listening pleasure.
Written on my (then new) Maton 12 string acoustic, it was designed to fit the 4 voices, acoustic guitar, flute, congas, bass and electric guitar, which was our line up at the time. This version still has the Maton, but got decidedly rhythmic with the addition of bass, keys, drums, my Tele, the Seagull, and a tin whistle part. Ms Jig sings the high harmony in the outro. The drums are midi.
A little history regarding this song: it was going to be my big “coming out” as a singer, and due for it’s unveiling as our opening number when we were booked to open for Frank Zappa at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion in the early 70s. Nothing like a baptism of fire! Unfortunately, after a sound check, and less than an hour before we were due to play, it became obvious that there had been two agents involved in procuring the opening act, and we were cancelled. This, as you might imagine, was the end of the band unfortunately – and very nearly the end of the agent too, but that’s another story!
I resurrected the song again in 1975 with the Rusty Dusty Brothers, but just as we were getting it sorted out to add to our live set, my time with RDB came to a close also. It’s been in hiding ever since ☺!
So …. it is with some trepidation that I post “Simplify” for your listening pleasure.
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Lyrics
Simplify (Copyright 2008 Neil Porter)
Simplify
Words give meaning to your thoughts
You've said it now
Say you've changed your mind again
No difference made
This can hardly be your problem
Take a look around you
Open up your eyes
See the world around you turn to dust
Even though you see it
Comes as no surprise
You put your faith in something
You can't trust
Simplify
Words give meaning to your thoughts
You've said it now
Say you've changed your mind again
No difference made
This can hardly be your problem
Hey hey hey
It's not really what it seems
It's a figment of your dreams
It's not your problem
Follow through
It's the least that you can do
It keeps their eyes from you
When you're among them
Simplify
Words give meaning to your thoughts
You've said it now
Say you've changed your mind again
No difference made
This can hardly be your problem
Simplify
Words give meaning to your thoughts
You've said it now
Say you've changed your mind again
No difference made
This can hardly be your problem
Take a look around you
Open up your eyes
See the world around you turn to dust
Even though you see it
Comes as no surprise
You put your faith in something
You can't trust
Simplify
Words give meaning to your thoughts
You've said it now
Say you've changed your mind again
No difference made
This can hardly be your problem
Hey hey hey
It's not really what it seems
It's a figment of your dreams
It's not your problem
Follow through
It's the least that you can do
It keeps their eyes from you
When you're among them
Simplify
Words give meaning to your thoughts
You've said it now
Say you've changed your mind again
No difference made
This can hardly be your problem
Ed Hannifin
Ed