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Boiled Sweets (MJ coffee) with Rebsie


by

DWL

 Genre: Acoustic

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Description
This is an acoustic version of the first song I posted on MJ.

I thought it would nice to try this as a duet so I roped Rebsie in at the last moment. I'm not sure the mix of voices is right. I think we got the assistant soundman.

It's a true story.

One guitar, 2 voices

Boiled Sweets and Pencils Cheap - © 2006 Dick Langford / Tom Franz

Another long haul visit
Another place crossed off the list
Another post card to be posted
Another history missed
The children ask for money
And this is our reply
Boiled sweets to rot their teeth
Don't look them in the eye

It's Thursday must be Cairo, and tomorrow it's the Nile but
Boiled sweets and pencils cheap will always raise a smile

Alcohol can cover up a multitude of sins
You might as well be getting drunk
As the beer is all thrown in
Outside the hotel's tended lawns
There's poverty and dirt
The people smell, they'll steal your watch
At least this is what we've heard

It's Thursday must be Cairo, and tomorrow it's the Nile but
Boiled sweets and pencils cheap will always raise a smile

I've seen the Pyramids the Sphinx was rather small
Why look at dusty tombs with writing on the wall?
The kids are everywhere with no shoes on their feet
Wanting money, wanting food, we give them boiled sweets

My God it's getting hot here
And it's hard to understand
Why anyone would make their home
In such an unforgiving land
The hotel room's got air-con
A TV and a phone
If you don't look out the window
You could almost be at home

It's Thursday must be Cairo, and tomorrow it's the Nile but
Boiled sweets and pencils cheap are sure to raise a smile

Pyramid image copyrighted by Historylink101.com & found at Egyptian Picture Gallery.
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Song Stats
Hits: 1203
Comments: 50
Fans: 28
Plays: 85
Downloads: 56
Votes:
Uploaded: Jun 04, 2008 - 03:14:14 PM
Last Updated: Jun 04, 2008 - 04:19:15 PM Last Played: Aug 24, 2009 - 08:34:33 PM
Song License
Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Creative Commons

Song Actions
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Hardware:
K. Yairi acoustic
Software:
GB4
Comments
kingbee said 522 days ago (June 4th, 2008)
great
Loved the lyrics especially.
Very moving and thought provoking.
thank you
Check out my latest song called Dr.Thunderball-Bond theme challenge
DWL said 522 days ago (June 4th, 2008)
Thanks!
It was one of those songs where the first verse comes quickly then it takes 6 months to write the rest :-)

I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

Cheers

Dick
Check out my latest song called Superstar Shangri-La
magnatone said 522 days ago (June 4th, 2008)
Bowled Sweets
Dick, Rebsie - this is wonderful!!! So glad Dick, that you had the idea to re-do this as an acoustic version for the coffeehouse challenge. What a gem! Thanks
Check out my latest song called Symphonic Smackdown
DWL said 522 days ago (June 4th, 2008)
It started as an acoustic song
so it seemed perfect for this sort of performance.

Thanks for listening.

Cheers

Dick


Check out my latest song called Superstar Shangri-La
Feter said 522 days ago (June 4th, 2008)
Boiled Sweets
o my ... what a heartfelt thoughtfull song ..
another gem From Dick and Rebsie trasure !!
I m enjoyin this so so much ...Dick;s voice
so charistiristic (is this a word ?) and rebsie
the emotional and flavoured sweet one..what a
duet thanks alot for sharing it !!!!!
Rebsie said 520 days ago (June 6th, 2008)
Thanks Feter
I like 'charistiristic' ... it's a cross between charismatic and characteristic, which is a very apt description of Dick's voice. Thanks for all your nice words.
Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)
Roxylee said 522 days ago (June 4th, 2008)
love the harmony
a wonderful collab! So clear and played and sung so well! A great coffeehouse addition.:-)
Check out my latest song called Sweet Grace
Rebsie said 516 days ago (June 10th, 2008)

Thanks Roxylee, compliments about harmonies are a great thing to have from someone with skills like yours.
Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)
Ibstrat said 522 days ago (June 4th, 2008)
Brilliant
song.Just amazing lyric writing.Maybe it took you 6 months but I couldn't write anything that good in 6 years, not to mention singing like that.I haven't heard the original but the two vocals on here sound great to me.

Check out my latest song called Blues in Bm
said 522 days ago (June 4th, 2008)
Great!
Wonderful fingerpickin, amazing vocal performance by both. Just another gem... I always love your acoustic work and always looking forward to hear it from you, so please more... please! This is an unforgettable masterpiece.

Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi
Rebsie said 515 days ago (June 11th, 2008)

Thanks Yeman! There certainly will be more ... I've lost count of how many songs we have on the go at the moment.
Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)
said 522 days ago (June 4th, 2008)
Worthy!
Very lovely collab.

Although I feel the "Western attitudes" stereo-typing is wearing a tad thin...I mean, how many Westerners REALLY think that way nowadays? Indeed, how many REALLY ever did?

Also, there have ever been and still are plenty of non-Westerners in countries like Egypt with attitudes towards their own which are just as bad and occasionally far worse; and this is no merely recent phenomenon.

The problem in my view has more to do with the lack of compassion in the hearts of so many individuals the world over throughout human history.

Neither the cause nor the cure will be found in an appeal to this or that cultural ideology.

This isn't a rebuke my friends. Just another perspective. I think your song is lovely and it's message vital! I'm PROUD to be connected to other folks who care!

We all must really learn to co-exist, and to do that we all must learn to care for one another.

Be well you two!
said 521 days ago (June 5th, 2008)
Hmmmnnn...
Upon reflection I think it would have been better had I communicated certain parts of my comment to you in private Dick. Please forgive my lack of tact friend.
DWL said 520 days ago (June 6th, 2008)
Micheal
I appreciate your considered comments and opinion and I hope we've resolved this amicably in private!

Thanks for taking the time to think :-)

Cheers

Dick
Check out my latest song called Superstar Shangri-La
Peter Bauckham said 522 days ago (June 4th, 2008)
Nice song
works really well as an acoustic duet - thought the lyrics were really good. Great introduction and atmosphere.

Peter
Check out my latest song called All The Same (CBGB) (Last Chance Challenge)
DWL said 520 days ago (June 6th, 2008)
Thanks Pete!
Much appreciated

Cheers

Dick
Check out my latest song called Superstar Shangri-La
woofer3 said 521 days ago (June 5th, 2008)
Boiled sweets.
There are many things I like about this Dick and I'd say the first is the writing which is worthy of being on Elvis Costello's - King of America ,-one of my favourite albums. This song has great parts which all fit together perfectly and this is always something I look for. You have taken an idea and developed it well. It's one thing having a good idea but that is not enough if you don't know how to sculpt it. Also the message here is clear and precise, and the performance is polished and convincing. A song that had to be.

John.
Check out my latest song called coalhouse blues
DWL said 520 days ago (June 6th, 2008)
Insightful
comments John. I very much appreciate the thought you gave to them and thanks for the comments on the song.

Cheers

Dick
Check out my latest song called Superstar Shangri-La
Moviz said 521 days ago (June 5th, 2008)
What
wonderful meaningful lyrics describing the pathetic attitude of some Westerners who should know better perfectly. Great song and performances by you both, cheers M
Check out my latest song called A Soldiers Dream (Remix/record)
DWL said 520 days ago (June 6th, 2008)
There's
a lot wrong in this world and despite writing these sort of songs I still think there's every reason to keep on finding the positives :-)

Thanks Maurice

Cheers

Dick
Check out my latest song called Superstar Shangri-La
said 521 days ago (June 5th, 2008)
Bolied Sweets
Very nice song. i have also now Submitted a Poem I wrote in 1985 called Crime of Silence. Uplugged. LOL. Loved this Dick you sound brilliant as well.
Well done you guys

Peace Dee x
DWL said 520 days ago (June 6th, 2008)
Thanks Dee!
That was a great poem as well.

Cheers

Dick
Check out my latest song called Superstar Shangri-La
richardhowardjones said 521 days ago (June 5th, 2008)
Well done, indeed
Great collab, folks. A story worth telling, too.
I'll raise a coffee AND a smile, you don't even have to hand me a pencil.
Check out my latest song called GOTTA GO
DWL said 520 days ago (June 6th, 2008)
Pencils have all gone ....
we made a funeral pyre for Western humility :-)

Thanks Richard

Much appreciated

Cheers

Dick
Check out my latest song called Superstar Shangri-La
drakonis said 521 days ago (June 5th, 2008)
Gorgeous & poignant
Wow, you really hit the "detached tourist" story hard here... excellent lyrics & storytelling, superb singing and guitar-work... this is reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel. Very very well done! Rebsie's intro is perfect... I would add about one more second of space between the intro and the song.
ttfn,
Drakonis
Check out my latest song called Temporal Tantrum (Sister Savage Mix)
DWL said 520 days ago (June 6th, 2008)
Thanks Drak!
Thanks for the comments and your support!

Cheers

Dick
Check out my latest song called Superstar Shangri-La
guitapick said 521 days ago (June 5th, 2008)
"Assistant soundman..."
No way...this sounds just right.

And what a wonderful song. Great lyrics.

Best to both of you...loved it.
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Rebsie said 515 days ago (June 11th, 2008)

Yeah, as assistant soundmen go, he's pretty good. :)

Thanks Bob, we always appreciate your support.
Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)
guygrooves said 521 days ago (June 5th, 2008)
the soundman did fine
The vocals are up on top where they should be and they sound sweet. Great job you two. Great song and performance.
Check out my latest song called Last Day Here
Vic Holman said 521 days ago (June 5th, 2008)
great tune
really nice finger picking on the guitar. It's a known fact that the 2 of you singing compliment each other very well.

Not to forget, cool lyrics with a observing story.

Nice job by both of you.
Check out my latest song called One Step Over The Line
SJB said 520 days ago (June 6th, 2008)
boiled sweets
Dick and Rebsie, this is a superb post! The guitar picking sounds fantastic and could have come straight off an early Ralph Mctell album. The vocals are perfect and bring home the message in this great song. Thanks for posting I really enjoyed this and will download it.
Steve
Check out my latest song called Short tune
Rebsie said 516 days ago (June 10th, 2008)

Thanks Steve, glad you enjoyed it. I concur about Dick's guitar skill, he has an amazingly precise and rhythmic style of playing which is a joy to work with.
Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)
lengold said 520 days ago (June 6th, 2008)
This is a beautifully
written song and performed so well by you both. The collaboration really works.
I can actually also imagine this as quite a rock number.
Cheers
Len


Check out my latest song called Dodgy Doughnut
paul f. page said 520 days ago (June 6th, 2008)
Kind of ...
...a folk-style song with the comfortable feel of those '60's gems. Nicely performed, Dick and Rebsie. And the perspective your lyrics presents is one that provokes some thoughtful introspection vis a vis one's perception of the "world out there" and how much different it is from "the world in here." I enjoyed this very much indeed.
Peace.
Paul
Check out my latest song called Double Etude
dajama said 519 days ago (June 7th, 2008)
This is a wonderful song
The lyrics are thought-provoking and very well crafted. Lovely performance as well. The guitar sounds great, and the voices work very well together in my opinion. The last verse in particular is brilliant in its perceptiveness and observation. Very nicely done. Kudos. Peace.
Check out my latest song called Across the Wire (MJRF)
Rebsie said 515 days ago (June 11th, 2008)

Thank you. We've been meaning to do a duet for a while to see how well our voices blend, so it's good to have some positive feedback on it. Very glad you enjoyed the song.
Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)
caroline said 519 days ago (June 7th, 2008)
beautiful -
the voices, the playing, the tune, the lyrics - could've stood rebsie a titchy bit higher in the mix - thank you so much - love it xoxox
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ceilidh said 519 days ago (June 7th, 2008)
very touching....
a wonderful song guys. entirely and utterly everything. the biggest compliments.
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Rebsie said 515 days ago (June 11th, 2008)

We always appreciate your comments Pavlina, thanks very much for listening.
Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)
bud said 519 days ago (June 7th, 2008)
Wonderful
poignant - true - sad - and well done.
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Rebsie said 515 days ago (June 11th, 2008)

Can't ask for more than that. Thanks Bud!
Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)
Nick_Flash said 519 days ago (June 7th, 2008)
what
a great song! Excellent playing and singing.
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screamalexz said 518 days ago (June 8th, 2008)
...
beautiful singing. the lyrics are great. nice song really pretty.
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Rebsie said 515 days ago (June 11th, 2008)

Cheers Chance, we appreciate you giving it a listen. :)
Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)
VicDiesel said 516 days ago (June 10th, 2008)
My smile is drooping.
Sweet music, bitter lyrics. A simple performance that serves the message well. Good story, well told, and great singing from both of you.


Check out my latest song called Pipe Spring at Dusk
damiengh said 515 days ago (June 11th, 2008)
back
Nice one. Felt I was back in the coffee houses of old, where meaningful messages, political rant songs ruled the day and there was no such thing as American Idol.

Thanks for the sendback.

Check out my latest song called Tea and Scones
paddler said 509 days ago (June 17th, 2008)
Great Harmonies
Your voices work perfectly together..compliments to the soundman.Although the lyrics are quite sad - it still reminds me of a song I might sing on a boat on a river somwhere on a lazy drugged up sunday afternoon when I've just escaped from every responsibility I'm failing at in life.Mellow - Cheers - Rich
Check out my latest song called Tiger Flame (Halloween Challenge)
Jarvoid said 507 days ago (June 19th, 2008)
...
pleasant little ditty ,I can relate to it in as much as people that I work with who go to these places come back and moan about the indigenous population because they don't conform to thei required stereotype....or that sometimes they do .....good song .

Jarvoid
Check out my latest song called Witches in Texas-'Hallowe'en Challenge 2009'
Bob Rodgers said 499 days ago (June 27th, 2008)
This
is a wonderful song with great lyrics!

Lovely duet, the vocals and guitar sound superb!

I very much enjoyed this and a great performance!

Thanks!
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Lennon714 said 494 days ago (July 2nd, 2008)
wow
VERY well done. When I'm listening to MJ songs at work and I stop what I'm doing I know I've come across something good. Great performance, wonderful lyrics. Thanks for this!
Check out my latest song called Anarchy, Inc.
Artist Info
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Name: dick langford
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Been playing guitar for longer than I care to remember (or so said the witch) Never very interested in music at school (what would I have done with a good teacher?) so it was surprise to find I had a little talent. My latest project is a rock op... [see more]

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