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Erika [w/Roxylee/Gail60/davisamerica] by davisamerica2 [Email]
Genre: Ballad

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SONG STATS:
Hits: 779
Comments: 57
Votes: 5
Plays: 95
Last Played: Nov 30, 2008 - 07:59:26 AM
Downloads: 18
Fans: 23
Uploaded: Jul 22, 2008 - 10:28:02 PM
Last Updated: Jul 23, 2008 - 05:49:01 PM
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Description:
Song about little people who hide your kitchen spoons in the dirt. You'll recognize the beautiful harmony and piano work of our dear and talented friends, Roxy and Gail, to whom I am much indebted to for their generous contributions to a song that has always been special to me. And of course Jack, (THE davisamerica) who added the whimsical colorings with his sitar, harp,and tuba.....yes, tuba.

Lyrics:
Erika

Happy face in the garden
She’s wearing socks full of holes
With rocks in her pockets
And dirt on her nose
Get right up those stairs Erika
Don’t forget to brush your hair Erika

Strawberry lips
And rosy cheeks
Corn silk hair
Blue eyes that won’t sleep
Get right into bed Erika
Lay down that pretty head Erika

Dream of when you’re older
When you meet that soldier
Who lifts you to your pony and leads you
To castles in the clouds
Where you can see for miles
All the birds, you’ve given names
They’re so happy that you came
To fly with them down to the trees
Your little fingers in the breeze

Dream of only sweet things
The beauty that you’ve seen
Like the sunshine on the rainfall and the colors
That spill into your eyes
You waltz across the sky
And dance among the clouds
Your little heart has been aroused
And you sing to them, your many friends
All the creatures of the wind

It’s morning in the garden
Little girls comb their hair
And watch from their windows
Little birds in the chilly air
Be sure to dress warm Erika
Don’t wear those socks that are torn Erika
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Erika &mdash 07/23/08 - 12:22:33 AM
A song with all the magic around what can be but
a classic gem ..but realy its not fair ..Roxy and
Gail?? wow ..but why not its Terry's !! ..the
signature on the vocals and the tune says Terry's
the kind of songs you dont want to end ..just
go on and on ...I realy love it ..such a gem
thnx alot for the sitar and tuba Jack ..touch of
a master ..Deepest Bow to all !!!!

[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Feter &mdash 07/24/08 - 09:45:14 PM
Really glad you liked this. Yeah, I had the Dream Team on this, and they did a beautiful job. Appreciate the kind comments. Terry

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Erika &mdash 07/23/08 - 12:30:45 AM
Very pretty song. Nice lyrics.

Thank you for sharing.

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Glad you enjoyed this Dee &mdash 07/24/08 - 09:47:28 PM
Thanks for tuning in, and for the comments. Terry

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Sweetnes &mdash 07/23/08 - 06:47:40 AM
What a sweet song this is feeling my heart with joy.
Thank you every one who have been involved.


Take care
---
Kenta

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Thanks Kenta &mdash 07/24/08 - 09:50:46 PM
Glad to touch your heart, yours and your "rock mate's." Terry

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This to me &mdash 07/23/08 - 08:02:58 AM
is what music all about! Wonderful lyrics, loving message, put to amazing music!

Terry, Gail, Roxy and Jack... Did I forget anyone!? This is wonderful. The vocal harmonies so right and well tight.

Jack on tuba... heh heh... Never seen a picture of him and I'm sure his tuba was the electrical kind but still that is a funny mental image... not sure why.

The song also takes some wonderful interesting changes and twists. I keep waiting for the next segment wondering where you have taken me.

This one is solid across the board my friends! Beautiful!

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Yes Mark, &mdash 07/24/08 - 09:57:19 PM
this is what music's all about. It all comes from the heart. Really glad it grabbed you. I have seen Jack, and yes, the tuba thing is funny, and what's funnier, it seems to work. If I tried to think like him, I'd explode. His creativity is unfettered.

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: - ] &mdash 07/23/08 - 08:04:50 AM
Terry my brother ... I know how personal and dear this tune is to you and I was honored you let me play along. As always your voice and enchanting lyrics are an "all day" listen. Excellent song crafting and performance. Roxy still has such a magical fit with your voice and is a perfect fit ... not to mention just a ball to work with. Gail's work and approach were a gift.
So .. all things considered ... man ... I get to work with the likes of you all the time now ... how cool is that! Thanks for the ride my brother ... was a beauty! And such a beautiful daughter .. she so looks like her mom.

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Thanks Jack &mdash 07/24/08 - 10:09:45 PM
Yeah, my Punkin is like her mom. She took over, and now she keeps me in line. And yes, I love singing with Roxy. She hides my flaws. And my severely limited musicianship was saved by Gail's brilliant piano. Can't thank these ladies enough.

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Erika &mdash 07/23/08 - 08:21:36 AM
is beloved by her daddy. Lucky little girl to have songs written for her. Thanks for sharing.

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Thank you Char... &mdash 07/24/08 - 10:15:28 PM
Yes, when can't think of anything to sing about, look at your children. Terry

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Terry... &mdash 07/23/08 - 08:27:54 AM
I keep playing this song and I just love it. First, I love your voice. And the lyrics and musicianship by you, Jack, and Gail. It all goes together perfectly. Thank you for asking me to sing on this very special song. It was a gift to me. I just have one question: Did Erika marry the soldier?:-)

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Erika &mdash 07/24/08 - 12:18:41 AM
No soldier; she married an aspiring screenwriter/poet/historian who works for a nonprofit: me :)

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No soldier? &mdash 07/24/08 - 10:32:52 PM
Who was that masked man? they ask. What a surprise! Still thinking about CD covers?

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Thank you Roxy &mdash 07/24/08 - 10:26:41 PM
Surprise, surprise! It's the soldier! He has another name, but I'll let him unmask himself. Roxy, when I told Erika I was having others play on her song, she was apprehensive. She just wanted to hear her Daddy. But, when she heard this version, she was thrilled and loved your voices. We both thank you Roxy. Terry

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What can a father say... &mdash 07/23/08 - 11:23:02 AM
This is gorgeously written... and sweetly arranged and performed. Although there are some minor nits and suggestions (Terry's voice rolled off the high freq. too much, so many of the trailing "S" sounds are lost on the lyrics, "Dirt on her no.."? and I'd love to hear at the very end of the song, you whisper "my sweet Erika")... love the orchestration and the tell-tale signature almost circus-atmosphere here and there that adds a child-like playfulness, coupled with the terrifying darkness that we parents must try to protect them from and teach them about, while they play in the clouds. Roxylee and Gail add beautiful soft chorus touches to this, nice!

ttfn,
Drakonis

[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Eduard &mdash 07/24/08 - 11:00:38 PM
Really glad you enjoyed this. These are good technical tips you've offered, and will keep them in mind in a future re-do. Your insight to my song is gratifying concerning "playfulness," and "protection." I probably could have avoided some of the "terror" had I known the "protection" thing wasn't entirely on my shoulders. Thanks again. Terry

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Lovely! &mdash 07/23/08 - 02:25:38 PM
This piece is a real gem! I LOVE the vocal melody.

You sing and harmonize well Terry...like a gentle sonic breeze.

Having Gail and Roxylee join in on some of those harmonies was an inspired choice.

Oh, and I love that photo! What a little SNOWFLAKE she must be!

Thanks for the beauty friend!

Be well!

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So glad you stopped by Michael &mdash 07/24/08 - 11:26:48 PM
Yes, that little snowflake is still in my heart, but today she is a snowball. A snowball with a deadly aim. Ha! Just kidding. She remains my little snowflake. Thanks for tuning in Michael, and I'm glad you enjoyed the vocals. That's Roxy on harmonies. Gail provided the warm piano touches. Can't thank these two enough. Terry


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Terry &mdash 07/23/08 - 10:20:03 PM
I am honored that you even asked me to add the piano parts to this. I love this song and the love that it entales between a daddy and his daughter. You are very talented and enjoyed your singing so much. Roxylee's harmonies were dead on and always awesome to hear as well. Jack's additions were great too! Thanks again for including me on this love song. The pleasure was all mine!

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So glad you were happy with the final Gail. &mdash 07/24/08 - 11:37:55 PM
I thought I sent you a sample for suggestions, but later found my e-mail wasn't received. Many thanks for your help here. I knew it lacked something, and I thought of you. Terry

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I love it!! &mdash 07/24/08 - 12:28:36 AM
Daddy, you made my day again. My song sounds so great. Thanks to everyone who helped develop it. It is still a gift every time hear it.

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Hey girl. &mdash 07/24/08 - 11:51:08 PM
You can't imagine the shock of seeing you here! My Punkin's a MacJammer! And I was worried I raised you wrong. Check out these people, girl. You'll be amazed at the talent. Lots of stuff you can steal, and not have to pay a dime for. It's great! Daddy

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Daddy! &mdash 07/24/08 - 12:35:48 AM
I love my song! This song is the on the soundtrack of my childhood. It means so much to hear it again, especially with the new development. Thanks to everyone who contributed. Daddy, you made my day again! This song has always been such a gift.

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Hey girl. &mdash 07/24/08 - 11:55:28 PM
You can't imagine......... Haven't we done this before?

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You captured &mdash 07/24/08 - 04:04:07 AM
a childhood atmosphere so well,loved it. A great effort by all my hat is off. It left me with a tear in my eye. Just so very nice.
Thanks and be well,Russ

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Thanks Russ, &mdash 07/25/08 - 12:02:50 AM
And you be well too. Sometimes life gets a little rough. It's nice to have these things to fall back on. Terry

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Erika &mdash 07/24/08 - 10:33:46 AM
This is such a great song.

I'll never forget you singing it at Kevin's wedding and everyone looking around like, "Wait a minute...who's Erika?"

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Crescentius? Do I know him? &mdash 07/25/08 - 12:17:02 AM
I was dumbfounded too. But Kevin and Sharon loved it, and now they finally get a copy for their wedding memorabilia. What's it been? Four years now?

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Man... &mdash 07/24/08 - 11:11:20 AM
...I just love kids so, so much...

What a great song...thanks so much...all of you...

[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Bob. &mdash 07/25/08 - 12:32:05 AM
Yes our love for kids is universal. They give us hope. Hope that someone will come behind us and correct our mistakes. And very often, they do. Thanks for listening. Terry

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It's why... &mdash 07/24/08 - 12:15:37 PM
we call them *bundles of joy*.

Lovely sentimental capture of the hopes and dreams we have for them as they start to unbundle in this world.

Very interesting melody and complementary performances from the crew that make this song even more precious. ;)


--- Joe

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Bundles of joy. &mdash 07/25/08 - 12:45:00 AM
Hey, thanks Joe. And I'm happy to report that the hopes and dreams that I had so many years ago are fulfilled today. I can only praise God for this. Thanks for listening

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Lovely &mdash 07/24/08 - 05:08:34 PM
song and lovely words too.... this sounds magical with the wonderful concert party backing harmonies and all. I have a song on a similar theme I'm working on, but after this I'll leave it a bit longer I think before posting LOL. Burl Ives would have been proud of this song, coz you don't half have that Ives tone in your voice. Beautiful, cheers M

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Thanks Maurice &mdash 07/25/08 - 01:05:16 AM
Love your songs, and so now I'm naturally intrigued. Don't leave us hanging too long. Burl Ives? I would love to hear his rendition on this. Sometimes I think my drivers license photo looks like him, and ever time I'm pulled over, they ask for my autograph. I don't know! Terry

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For starters .. &mdash 07/24/08 - 06:56:51 PM
.. fantastic words - reminds me of my own daughter so many years ago. I really love the vocals here as well .. and the instrumentation's not too shabby either.

There's something about the mix that sounds "not right" a certain lack of balance - I suspect its that the acoustic seems to be taking up the closest to centre of the sound stage and the lead vocal is off to the left.

Feel free to ignore this, but I'd be doubling the acoustic (a slight delay on one side) and pan it to about 20 left and right. I'd move the main vocal closer to the middle (to make it the focus) and put harmonies either side of it (at about 7). The piano and sitar (?) could move closer in and on opposite sides.

Just my thoughts - it's a lovely tune.

Neil




[ Reply to This ]
Hey Neil &mdash 07/25/08 - 09:26:31 AM
I do see shortcomings in this mix, and your critique touches on some of the points I question. I appreciate your help. Thanks for the listen and the comments. Terry

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Great &mdash 07/24/08 - 07:00:03 PM
The guitar is played with feelings... In my ears.... And what good voices... Sitting here and relaxing... This song is so much peaceful... Thanks for giving this great peace in time.... Great...

[ Reply to This ]
Thanks for tuning in Jakob &mdash 07/25/08 - 09:32:38 AM
Glad you liked the guitar and voices. Wish I could have this crew around every time I played it. Thanks for the kind words. Terry

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What a &mdash 07/27/08 - 10:19:53 AM
gorgeous song. I love the way it twists and turns. Everybody's part fits like a glove.
Cheers
Len



[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Len &mdash 08/01/08 - 07:40:38 PM
Everyone added tremendously, and I was very fortunate to tap into their talents. Thanks for tuning in.

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Erika &mdash 07/27/08 - 10:24:00 AM
wonderful multi-collab. This song goes straight to the heart and digs in for along stay. I'm catching up after being away on vacation, so glad I found this one. thanks to all of you!

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Good to hear from you Karen &mdash 08/01/08 - 07:43:08 PM
Hope you enjoyed your vacation. Glad this touched your heart. Terry

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I picture my daughter when I hear this &mdash 07/28/08 - 12:11:54 PM
Except she doesn't have much hair yet. Writing and vocal remind me of Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam). Good One

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Not much hair yet? &mdash 08/01/08 - 07:46:00 PM
Boy, are you in for a ride! It's great! Cat Stevens, huh? Quite a compliment. Thanks. Terry

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nicely done &mdash 07/28/08 - 10:26:33 PM
terry... sweet tune

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Thanks Pat, &mdash 08/01/08 - 07:51:16 PM
Glad you tuned in. Thanks for the comments. And come on up whenever you get the chance. Terry. Lots of catchin' up to do.

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I just... &mdash 07/29/08 - 11:19:06 AM
...had to listen to this beautiful song. (My grand daughter's name is Erica!)... What wonderful lyrics that you have put so beautifully to music. I love this little tune and the oh-so-descriptive text that you provided for it. And a collaboration yet? Very very nicely done and congratulations to all of you. This is a very special song not just because of the composers and topic, but also because it speaks to so many things that many of experience with children and grandchildren that make the theme universal. Wonderful work, you guys. I am so happy I heard this.
Peace.
Paul

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Thanks Paul. &mdash 08/01/08 - 08:07:31 PM
Really glad you listened and liked it. For the tunesmith, children are a mother lode of inspiration, and it truly is a universal theme. My friends were great on this because yeah, they've got children too, and I thank them all for their wonderful contributions. Thanks, Paul, for your kind comments. Terry

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Great song Terry &mdash 08/04/08 - 11:45:58 AM
I am a sucker for a ballad, especially the children.

This sounded lovely, beautiful harmonies and how well the sitar and tuba fitted! Would never had thought of that.

Robert

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Thanks Robert &mdash 08/08/08 - 10:08:37 PM
I would have never thought o that either. I just let Jack loose on it. Thanks for tuning in, and for the kind comments. Terry

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Thanks Robert &mdash 08/08/08 - 10:09:07 PM
I would have never thought o that either. I just let Jack loose on it. Thanks for tuning in, and for the kind comments. Terry

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This was &mdash 10/03/08 - 09:29:12 AM
very nice, I had feeling of Simon and Garfunkel with this. Maybe more Garfunkel than Simon. But then there are shades of even Berl I'ves.
But of course what really comes through is all nice and sweet singing and playing. Terrific lyrics !

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Thanks Bill &mdash 10/18/08 - 06:47:26 PM
It's quite a compliment to have my name mentioned with these artists. Thanks. And I'm glad you enjoyed the lyrics. Sorry about answering so late. I've been neglecting my site lately. Terry

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. &mdash 10/17/08 - 07:52:20 PM
...Best song today/tonite I'm speechless -
TX
DL
FAVED - !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Am I glad to hear this & what a beautiful picture : ) : ) GoodNite ThankYou All C U tomorrow : ) have a great weekend
Bless You
lena

[ Reply to This ]
Thank for stopping by Lena &mdash 10/18/08 - 06:38:53 PM
I'm glad you liked it, and I appreciate the kind words. Terry

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