Crystal Land by Scott Carmichael
Genre: Folk-Rock
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Description:
What’s this song about?... I’m always explaining songs out ahead... I think I’d rather see how it hits you without any leading on my part...
Lyrics:
He rose early as the sun light made it’s way across the skyfrom his window he would make his morning plan
but west across the valley some reflection caught his eye
with a blinding hint of diamonds in that land
how do I get there look how the streets all shine so bright
when do I get there look at the city bathed in light
I must get there if I can
I’ll die if I don’t reach that crystal land
So he tip-toed out the back door in his finest sunday clothes
with his heart set on the city trimmed in chrome
he didn’t tell his father because daddy would say no
when he closed the door he left his childhood home
how do I get there look how the streets all shine so bright
when do I get there look at the city bathed in light
I must get there if I can
I’ll die if I don’t reach that crystal land
I have seen this in the half light of a thousand misty dawns
how the glimmer plays on lingering hope and frost
can vision still be trusted thru the eyes of our desire
we wager worlds and pray there is no cost
how do I get there look how the streets all shine so bright
when do I get there look at the city bathed in light
I’ll never get there
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composerclark
Woo hoo!
composerclark
I can make a more thoughtful comment.
Any day there's a new Scott Carmichael song at MacJams is a great day. It's always a thrill to hear your songs.
You sing and play so beautifully, and the production is always so tastefully done -- never overdone; very transparent, just right. Very cool guitar solo, too!
Okay, you want guesses as to what it's about? It seems like it could be about different things, depending on how you look at it... like, it could be about a kid with stars in his eyes, leaving home in hopes of making it big in the "city bathed in light." Fame and glory, and a posse too. Who wouldn't want a posse? But, as we all know, fame and glory often come at the expense of one's soul ("we wager worlds and pray there is no cost").
Or the city bathed in light could be a metaphor for heaven!
No matter what it's about, it's beautiful and poetic.
Scott Carmichael
thanx Clark
It's nothing too deep really... you got it... I just was hoping that people wouldn't assume this guy's singing about heaven... it's about waisting our time chasing illusions... I always appreciate hearing from you... it's one of the reasons I stay at MJ
damiengh
This one is built. Solid craftsmanship.
This was such a pleasure to listen to. That voice, complimented with excellent guitar ornamentation, and such a sweet bold build up and a sensitive guitar tapping resolution.
We wait for these kind of musical beauties on MacJams, but are never surprised to find them.
Scott Carmichael
built is an apt word...this one felt alittle more like work toward the end... I had a hard time finalizing... and I'm still not sure about the mix... somehow it doesn't sound the same here as in the studio...
I appreciate your time and comments
thanx again; Scott
Ed Hannifin
...Michael Hedges/David Crosby vibe...Hedges more in the guitar, Crosby in the lyric...
'We wager worlds and pray there is no cost' is a truly great line.
Funny bit of lyric, in that it COULD go secular, and be about desire, and desire for just about anything...or it could be sacred and be about the desire for whatever one conceives to be salvation...
And it COULD be about desire as a good thing, and it could be about desire as folly...
To these eyes and ears the lyric doesn't nail down the possibilities...
I'll be interested to see what the 'real' meanng turns out to be...
Ed
Scott Carmichael
I love how you always seem to gravitate to the lyric... me too... it;s always the first place I look..
I was really hoping this would come across secular.. and even maybe reflect where our country finds itself now... but the song is about chasing illusions... spending ourselves on what is not even there...it's funny I love Michael hedges playing... but my favorite stuff of his is the album that he sings on... and when he presented a song... is virtuosity never got in the way of the song..
smart stuff
Scott Carmichael
his virtuosity
ktb
is what I'm thinking. Thats what listening does for me. The recording/mix/production is perhaps one of the finest I've heard here. I was listening the second time with cans and its just so sweetly balanced. The guitar work is flippin me out. The nuance in the percussive dynamics you coach from the acoustic rock. The build is fab, I say its the title track to a new album. Stronger still Scott, you are constantly raising the bar.
Scott Carmichael
I'm never sure... i was ready to pull this and remix... it sounds different everywhere I hear it... frustrating really... it doesn't sound the same here as in the studio... but i just listened on cans.. and that's much closer...
"raising the bar" thanx for that John.. I the rythems in the guitar work kind of propelled everything else framing it... that's where I started
the song is really about the futility of chasing illusions... running after what isn't even there...
sometimes whole financial structures can crumble in the process... hmmmmm
Feter
Spiritual takes ..reminds me of D Crosby classics ...
very wonderful ..remarkable vocal work ..perfect
harmony ..the arrangment help tp let the song be
so tastey ...(hmm seems to many enjoyed their chance
to be firsties last night :-)) ..thnx alot for the gem !!!
Scott Carmichael
I get that alot.. I guess I'm a real product of the time I came up in,,, I never mean to cop the CSNY vibe... but it so so well suited to what I do naturally....
thanx you....
Moviz
Fantastic playing and performance as a whole and a great song too.... you'll get there alright and so will we all, M
Scott Carmichael
I appreciate your time & listen... not there yet for sure...
futzpucker
Professor Ross said it perfectly. Your music is always a wonderful gift to the community. I was very pleased to hear that you went back into the studio and finished a new song, even if it felt like work (inspiration vs., or rather combined with, perspiration). You handle every element with grace and immense skill - the format, the lyric, the arrangement, the performance, the flow, the vocal... I love all of these facets of all of your songs.
I know you would allow the listeners to find their own meaning, even though your intention here was specific. I see this young man as having been given a taste of life beyond the day-to-day control of the ego, experiencing a higher level of consciousness. Once that has been tasted there is no turning back. "How do I get there... I'll never get there" fits this perfectly, as the one who does get there has shed his previous identity, and is no longer who he was.
Thank you for another gem, Scott. Please continue to use your formidable gifts and bring us more of what only you can create - your own wonderful, deeply personal music.
Scott Carmichael
My studio has been dormant for the longest period that i can remember... when i fisrt turned on the computer, i just sat and stared at it... i know the process is long and sometimes frustrating.. and i just wasn't sure if i had anything.... it took awhile to gain momentum...
as for "allowing listeners"... my favorite stuff is always mysterious, and leaves me wondering... so i never want to spell it out completely...
I like your take on this very much
your friend Scott
drakonis
Doesn't matter what genres I like or don't .... I always enjoy your guitar work, singing, songwriting, and lyrics. And your mixes are always crisp and clean, wonderful work here. Sheesh, the harmonies are CSN-ish, gorgeous.
We all are drawn down the path of life by desires of one sort or another... and now as a parent, I hope I have instilled some ability to discriminate and "choose wisely" into my children. My old best friend from 6th grade has grown up to be one of those who "will never get there", no matter what his salary... it is very sad to watch him, now out of work again, huge debts, spinning out of control.
Thank you for the great music and warning.
ttfn,
Drakonis
Scott Carmichael
I think you are seeing under the hood a bit here... thats very much what i was getting at.. the things we trade in the pursuit, don't measure up to what we loose....
thanx for the nod
scott
Char
on a significant piece of artistry. I think I'd pay to hear you singing in the shower. Thoughtful lyrics, dynamic playing and absolutely captivating voice. Enjoyed it. Thank you.
Scott Carmichael
I would have to insist that you cover your eye... for your own sake
Char
Just one? Hmmm. Okay!
Scott Carmichael
oooops... that won't realy help much will it?... well if you keep one open it's at your own risk
kristyjo
I really like like the way you use your voice. Very open, yet truthful - as you can tell, I can't define it very well, but it is compelling to listen to. Not to mention your excellent guitar work, and your production. Always a treat to listen to your music!
Scott Carmichael
thanx my friend... i doubt I'll ever travel and sing again... I didn't respond to your chat note... my wife pulled up with groceries, and duty called.... it can be frustrating right... words are all we have to discibe emotions and thoughts.. i wonder what the vocabulary is like in heaven?
thanx again
Scott
Scott Carmichael
in heaven they spell right
describe
kristyjo
in heaven it doesn't matter whether you spell correctly or not ;)
kristyjo
Don't worry about the chat. Helping your wife with unloading groceries is one of the highest callings of a husband, and doing it immediately, without complaint is the mark of excellence, in my book.
magnatone
This is gorgeous Scott - your voice is just dazzling to listen to! Wonderful lyrics, instrumentation - just FABULOUS!!
Scott Carmichael
I'm replying from the road... sorry I'm late... my father is taken sick... I appreciate your comment... your a generous soul... I hope to be more present in the future...
Scott
jiguma
playing and singing in the JT style Scott. Lovely in all areas - love the bass in the softer moments. Nifty lead work and acoustics sound clear and clean. Sounds great.
Neil
Scott Carmichael
Every mix feels like a wrestling match... I'd love to get you mixing this stuff... as if there's enough time for even our own music... right?
thanx Neil... good man
peacepiano
Not sure how to put in words what the song makes me think about, but it sure made be forget the time. One of the most engaging listens I have had in a while. Didn't even realize the song was a little long until I started playing it the third time. Great stuff!
Thanks
Bill
Scott Carmichael
I was going to mention in the forward... that this is a bit long... I'd certainly have to get out the scalpal if this was going to have a commercial target...
but 3 listens is an honor.. really
Scott
Roxylee
Scott, you've outdone yourself-again. Amazing good. I wish the radio stations played this. What tuning did you use? I love the chords. Hey, I love everything about this song!
Scott Carmichael
thanx my friend... sorry I haven't been around... a time of testing... this is actually a straight tuning... I'm using open inversions up the neck, and taking advantage of harmonic taps that are available in the key...
it's easier than it sounds
J.A.Stewart
driving through the desert at night and catching your first glimpse of Las Vegas in the distance. From that vantage point, it could very well be seen as the Crystal Land. And it is... a grand illusion.
However, I'm not sure I would be so fatalistic on this subject. It is, indeed, The Journey --- not the destination --- that rewards us most. Sometimes our apparent destinations prove to be illuminative stopovers... before we know where we really need to be. ;)
Anyways, this is a wonderfully crafted and played song, chock full of lovely musical elements. It's always a pleasure to hear your work. ;)
--- Joe
Scott Carmichael
I will agree that in the journey all the real life stuff happens... and as we learn(and that's what te journey is) we adjust accordingly... the song emerged out of one of those moments... observing what the light did accross the way as day was breaking... the first reflection off a window was a magnificent illusion... I just followed from there...
thanx Joe... always a pleasure
dolby
...songwriting, as ever Scott - and great to have a new tune from you.
The 'how do I get there' refrain is compelling and addictive by the end - and for some reason I find it a little haunting as well. The build of the production works very well (although for my tastes I'd prefer it without the guitar solo - one kind of expects the big GS there, so it might be interesting if it went off in another direction at that point to surprise the audience!). That said the solo is beautifully played of course. As others have said there's a very CSN, hippy vibe to the overall soundscape, and I always enjoy what you do with harmonies on the vocals. There's a fragility in your voice here as well - interesting - at first I wasn't sure, but a couple of plays in it actually adds to the emotion of the song - like Neil Young, I suppose!
Great to have you back! Now, don't take so long next time :-))
Cheers,
Phil
Scott Carmichael
thanx for the listen & comments Phil... the more I listen the more I'm inclined to want to take the edit scalpal to the guitar solo... It is sort of a default possition to take as a producer... time for a tamborine solo...
thanx again my friend
chipan
this sounds like it could have been part of a larger work like a rock opera or an album at least. Your singing, playing and songwriting are all top notch. Oh and your production quality too. Basically you're an amazing musician!
chip
Scott Carmichael
As far as a larger work is concerned... I'm lucky to get anything done... I work in spurts these days... It's cool that it has that vibe in your ears though... tyhanx for the comments and nod to the performance
that was appreciated here
Scott
You're back and vengeance is yours! Ha ha...
Absolutely beautiful Scott!
I agree with the D. Crosby comparison.
Onward, inward and upward my brother!
Be well!
Scott Carmichael
I'm actually not back... I'm answering this from Indiana... on a PC... yuck... eeeewwwww.... my Father is very sick, and we keep going back and forth... this and other factors have limited my playtime...
I keep ducking in and running out... just a season...
thanx my friend... I'll get there
Still good to have a post from you Scott. Sorry to hear about your father. I pray you find the strength you need to deal with whatever comes up.
Take care!
Ibstrat
I am blown away by your incredible talent.Do you do the vocal harmony by ear or write it out? Great guitar work!
Scott Carmichael
A nod to my guitar work from a player like you is significant to say the least... that feels good.... thanx... I kind of hear the stuff in my head, and just sing it... truth is I can't read, so I wouldn't know how to write it... my bad.... I always try to stay open to anything spontanious... and as an exersize, sometimes I'll go an odd direction, just to see what may be down that path...
thanx again
your friend Scott
guitapick
...your chord changes. They don't follow the "set" pattern, but, rather, move in new directions that vary so nicely.
Lots of tasty stuff in here. Then the lyrics and vocal delivery. A veritable banquet. So...I'll just leave it at: I love this tune, Scott.
Scott Carmichael
I always like writing that... please note that it's always written with a cockney accent... completely lost in the typing...
there's a few folks that i want to satisfy with a post... your song sense... and the attributes that you value make you one of them... your ears are already in that place that I'm trying to reach... does that make any sense?
I know what I ment... I just drove 12 hours
tired friend Scott
rsorensen
just a great song in every way. outstanding
davisamerica
.... no really ... :-] Scott you are just the best !
Cori Ander
Hi Scott,
I'm a bit late here. Nevertheless I love your song as much as all the others have expressed they do.
To me the song is soul medicine. As so many of your other songs it has kind of a cool relaxed surface and at the same time lot of inner enegry. It is power in there. Your songs doesn't fight shy of difficulties, at the same time it carries the essence of peace.
Or to put it in simpler words: I just love it!
Good song. Liked it a lot.
Mckenzie
this is incredible. I can't believe i missed this first time around. Oh well got here in the end. I have absolutely no critique to give with this one. I just loved all of it, the guitar, the vocals, everything. Thanks a lot for this.
Mz
TEXASFEEL
Vertical Horizon/James Taylor/CS&N. Definitely radio worthy. And lyrically I find it a personal decision that has to be made to reach what has enticed you achieve.
Bubowski
Impeccable songwriting, production, recording. This is amazing. So glad Feter listed this on his top selections for 2008.
My latest: Galaxy Band 8 - http://www.macjams.com/song/48043
Studioplayer
Nice guitar playing. Sounds beautiful. Shades of CS&N. Nice tune. I like the build towards the end.
Dave
i believe the beauty of music is to say something within the realms of melody and words. in todays supersaturated world of over and understating that median is seldom tight-roped. well done.
J-Roe
I've only heard you play small pieces of this. This is great! Everything is placed so perfectly! The chord change on the word 'crystal' is my favorite! And I love how the song takes off at "we wager worlds and pray there is no cost". What a powerful line!
Great job Scott!
Scott Carmichael
wow! your flag says your from mexico.... thanx my friend ... I don't beleive there is much in my bag of trix that you haven't heard...
we'll keep the fire warm for you
Boundless
fabulous song, Scott. Such fine playing and vocals. I'll keep working my way down your songs. It's delightful. If ever you'd like my touch on one of your songs - anytime. Not that you lack fine guitar playing here...
Thanks !