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Song For a Friend by J.A.Stewart [Email]

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SONG STATS:
Hits: 504
Comments: 28
Votes: 8
Plays: 75
Last Played: Dec 02, 2008 - 10:44:04 AM
Downloads: 22
Fans: 16
Uploaded: Aug 30, 2008 - 02:54:07 PM
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2008 - 02:54:07 PM
Fan List
Keywords:
battered wife (1), spousal abuse (1), bittersweet (5), hope (91), love (983)
Description:
I met a woman many years ago who was the literal “poster girl” for spousal abuse at her local police station. She bravely allowed her pictures to be used to encourage battered wives to seek help — before it’s too late. After hearing her story and seeing the pictures, I sat down at the piano and wrote this bittersweet song for her.

I thought I'd post this rough, initial pass at an orchestral arrangement here.

Lyrics:
Song For A Friend
Music and Lyrics © 2008 By J.A. Stewart
— ALL RIGHTS RESERVED —


Day breaks and she awakes, she puts on some hotcakes
And makes up her face, tryin’ to hold back the years
But she can’t hold her tears and pretend ---
That she’ll ever be young once again ----

She comes and she goes, she loves to chase rainbows
And fly on the Wind to the Moon and the Stars
Where she loses her scars, yes they mend ---
Least they do in this Song For A Friend -----

Life’s been so hard on this woman, this child
Tried oh so hard to be loved all the while
Oh, how she cried --- ‘Cause love was denied

But you know that this song never ends
Like the love that I have for my friend.

Hardware:
Yamaha PSR530 keyboard; MOTU 828mkII FW interface; AT4050/CM5 mic; My old pipes.

Software:
Logic Pro 8
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Beautiful, tragic... &mdash 08/30/08 - 03:11:21 PM
This song is very touching, haunting, and heartbreaking. Your delivery of the poignant lyrics evokes great empathy, Joe. You have the other elements working for you very effectively as well - the changes, the melody, the orchestration, the ritardando... They all work together to meet the message of the song.

This is a wonderful tribute to a woman who needs to be rescued, to reclaim her life, and to start again from where she then finds herself.

These kinds of stories, as you mentioned, never end - thank God for the blessing that your love for her never ends.

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Re: Beautiful, tragic... &mdash 09/02/08 - 10:26:10 AM
Thank you, Patrick. I lost touch with this woman many years ago, but she was eventually remarried (to a much more reasonable and gentle man) and seemed to be on track for a better life. I certainly hope so. I have come into contact with many others who were not so fortunate. ;)


--- Joe

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I look for your songs... &mdash 08/30/08 - 03:29:25 PM
and this one is worth waiting for. Wow... JA, an inspired song you have recorded. The gems that slip through unnoticed by the mainstream music men... their loss, also the wider audiences' loss, and...

Our gain.

Thanks,
Jack/Dadai

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Re: I look for... &mdash 09/02/08 - 10:30:56 AM
Thanks, Jack. Not exactly a song you can dance to, it was never meant for the mainstream. LOL

Just a moment in my life that touched me and inspired this message for someone who deserved more than she got. ;)


--- Joe

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Such a &mdash 08/30/08 - 05:11:45 PM
touching song with a deserving subject as the theme. The emotion in the way you performed this was excellent (as always) too and with your always professional treatment of the accompaniment. Great tune and lyrics, with a very original theme, Lovely stuff. Regards M

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Re: Such a... &mdash 09/02/08 - 10:50:42 AM
Although the sentiment is old, it endures, so it was easy to perform it with feeling and conviction, Maurice. Thank you for your comments.


--- Joe

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Very nice Joe &mdash 08/30/08 - 05:43:19 PM
A lovely sad song for a lovely sad woman. I cannot understand the mind that wants to hurt, I never have. But still they are out there and still we have not found out why.

As for you song and your friend, I wishes them both joy and peace and understanding, but most of all I wish them love.

Be well and be cool my friend,

Ed

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Re: Very nice... &mdash 09/02/08 - 11:27:44 AM
Well, Ed, there's a lot of frustration and anger out there. Mix in some alcohol and a failure to accept responsibility for yourself and you have a recipe for violence of one sort or another. It IS very sad how many women have suffered this fate. ;)


--- Joe

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Song For a Friend &mdash 08/31/08 - 04:26:02 AM
what a thoughtful emotional song my friend !!? ...
very remarkable singing indeed ..so true so honest
loved the orchestration ..one of your best my friend !
the move behind your piano and voice just amazing ..
just a top notch song ..thnx alot for sharin !!!!

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Re: Song For... &mdash 09/02/08 - 11:33:16 AM
Thank you, Feter. Truth and honesty are what such dark subjects require... and what I attempted to provide here. The piano style is one I was not at all accustomed to when I first sat down to write this song, so it was truly inspired by the lady's story. ;)


--- Joe

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Powerful &mdash 08/31/08 - 01:50:58 PM
This is a powerful song, sung with real emotion and passion. The lyrics are very well-crafted, and filled with lovely lines. You have created a wonderful song here about a troubling subject. Nicely done, my friend. Kudos. Peace.

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Re: Powerful... &mdash 09/02/08 - 11:36:34 AM
Thanks, David. Yes, the emotion and passion are very real. I was very moved by the experience and I do believe it helped my friend to realize she was special --- as we all are --- and not just someone's punching bag. ;)


--- Joe

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The knack for empathy &mdash 09/02/08 - 10:52:47 PM
Yeman told me about this song. He said it touched him. Touches me, too. Sensitive in its conception and masterful in its presentation. Thank you, J.A.

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Re; The knack... &mdash 09/03/08 - 11:02:22 AM
Thank you, Richard. Our young friend, Yeman, is a remarkable emerging soul and it pleases me that this song touched both he and you. Please send my regards to him and tell him I miss his presence here.

BTW... best of luck in your song writing studies. I salute you for the effort. ;)


--- Joe

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Besides &mdash 09/03/08 - 11:38:05 AM
the great lyrics that's some fantastic keyboard playing and singing.The chord progression is really interesting- the modulation from Bb to Db and back is masterful,worthy of McCartney or Elton John.

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Re: Besides... &mdash 09/04/08 - 10:45:44 PM
Thanks, Mark. Ironically, the pinched nerve that made it impossible for me to play guitar forced me to turn back to the keyboards --- which I could play. That helped me regain some of my rusty old skills on the keys. To be compared with the *Sirs* is quite a compliment. Thank you. ;)


--- Joe

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This was &mdash 09/03/08 - 12:09:02 PM
a gift of love to all of us who have been used and abused by those who selfishly deny love. Thank you.

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Re: This was... &mdash 09/04/08 - 11:06:03 PM
It was meant as a gift, Char. Through the years it has become clear to me how many people it applies to. I am pleased to be able to share it with all of them.

Thank you.


--- Joe

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Hey Joe... &mdash 09/12/08 - 05:53:05 PM
...I'm so sorry I didn't hear this sooner. This is an unbelievably great tune. I was riveted to my seat from first note to last. The song, itself, is so moving. Lyrics and music. Then the playing/singing/instrumentation fill it out so well. Lastly: the production's first rate.

I don't vote often. But this gets straight 10s from me. Top of professional quality. I'm completely blown away.

What a tune, Joe. Bravo, man! Bravo!

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Re: Hey Joe... &mdash 09/13/08 - 12:51:54 AM
Thank you very much, Bob. Creating a song or music that resonates so strongly with others is perhaps the greatest reward a songwriter can hope for. I am both flattered and humbled by your reaction. Thank you.


--- Joe

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I love the &mdash 09/12/08 - 06:15:19 PM
way you sing this beautifully written and heartfelt song. Impeccable playing and production too.
Cheers
Len



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Re: I love the... &mdash 09/13/08 - 01:17:00 AM
Thanks for your kind comments, Len. I am pleased you liked my song. ;)


--- Joe

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hotcakes &mdash 10/24/08 - 12:18:18 PM
and heartaches, touching song and great singing ...the poetry is fantastic!



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Re: hotcakes &mdash 10/25/08 - 09:59:09 AM
Thank you, ego for the listen and your appreciation. ;)


--- Joe

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Faved.. &mdash 11/10/08 - 12:33:27 AM
but never got back for the comment. I'm so sorry!

This is wonderful. The vocals to me shine clearly through on this Joe!

The music is beautiful but your vocals as Patrick said, such a great delivery. The lyrics are wonderful too.

Simply beautiful and perfect sir!

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Re: Faved... &mdash 11/10/08 - 09:26:47 AM
Better late than never, Mark. I appreciate the effort.

Thank you for your kind comments. ;)


--- Joe

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How did I miss this? &mdash 11/23/08 - 10:42:20 PM
Hi there! I have found myself with an hour or two to spare today (rare) and decided to spend it exploring my favorite macjams artists. Of course, you are at the top of my list.

This is such a great song. God, I love your voice. You emote my friend. You emote!

Thanks for sharing this with us. I hope she's doing well.

Are you in law enforcement?

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Re: How did I miss this?... &mdash 11/24/08 - 02:11:40 AM
Thanks, Stacey. It's nice to be at the top of someone's list --- other than the FBI or the IRS. ;)

ME in law enforcement??? Who in their right mind would put a gun in my hands? LOL

No, the woman in question showed me the (horrible) pictures the police took and posted at their station house, as a cautionary warning to other victims of spousal abuse, who are reluctant to file charges.


--- Joe

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