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Two Steps Back


by

Calchas

 Genre: Rock

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Description
Whoa! here I am back at MacJams!

Isn’t life strange?

See lyrics for semi-coherent explanation. Ha ha...
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Lyrics
TWO STEPS BACK

I.
I spent most of my life and times,
a-searchin’ for the Light;
tryin’ to avoid those dead-end paths,
strewn to the left and to the right.

This life’s a jungle,
and I ain’t nobody’s fool;
but it’s no easy task
to slice through all the bull.

Down life’s road I’m driving,
struggling to stay awake;
looking for a place
I can pull over and stay.

Sometimes I misread
the signs along the way.
I have to double back,
---start all over again.

Bridge:
Forgive me, please;
if I seem proud or rude.

But ol’ Diogenes’
got nothin’ on this dude!

After all that’s happened,
I’m no worse for all the wear.

I’ve made my peace
with this burden I must bear...
Oh yeah!

II.
Every waking hour I’m searchin’,
just looking for that clue;
circling the wagons,
in this merry dance that I do.

It might seem strange to you,
but I really have no choice.
I am committed
to obey my inner voice.

Maps and torch in hand
I set off into the day.
(Just what path YOU should take
isn’t my place to say...)

Others seem to progress,
must be something I lack.
I take one step forward,
then I take two steps back!
Song Stats
Hits: 933
Comments: 82
Fans: 39
Plays: 88
Downloads: 45
Votes:
Uploaded: Mar 25, 2009 - 03:53:32 PM
Last Updated: Apr 03, 2009 - 01:32:29 PM Last Played: Jul 18, 2009 - 10:15:45 PM
Song License
Creative Commons License:
NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Creative Commons

Song Actions
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Hardware:
Snowball Blue Mic
Epiphone Dot Studio Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar
Cort Electric Bass
Software:
Logic Express 7
Ozone 3
Drums On Demand
Comments
blindsidedpoets said 244 days ago (March 25th, 2009)
TWO STEPS BACK
Feels very 70's, I love that type of rock. Guitar is tight, drums are quite nice too.
Check out my latest song called Sorry (Bracelet of Hope Version)
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Thanks
I'm an old guy and just can't seem to escape the 70's. It's a rut, but a damn good one I'll wager...

I've heard good things about you guys and plan to check your stuff out in the next few days.

Nice to meet you!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
blindsidedpoets said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
TWO STEPS BACK
OK, OK, Got it, it's been bugging me. Santana, that's who was swimming around my head when I heard this. Again, very nice tune!
Check out my latest song called Sorry (Bracelet of Hope Version)
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Good call!
Carlos Santana, Martin Barre, Eric Clapton and J. Hendrix are my main influences.
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
anomalous said 244 days ago (March 25th, 2009)
i
like it! sounds very 70's to me too ( or what i believe to be a 70's sound, i wasnt around for much of it!)
really like the delay on the intro.


Check out my latest song called Fire
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Hello anomalous!
Glad you enjoyed the tuneage friend. Nice to see all the new blood here at MJ!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Feter said 244 days ago (March 25th, 2009)
TWO STEPS BACK
Fly on Fly on ....dats the stuff I like ...I can see
the solid recording ..wow ..what a great sound this Dot geta
has ...loved the bass as well ...your vocal wail as ever !!
a top notch progressive rockin track my friend ...head bangin ......fly on fly on ...this is all the groove ...kudos ...thnx alot for sharin such rockin classic !!!!
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Hello bro!
I got the Dot to try and keep up with Vic.(Impossible, I know! Ha ha...) I'm sure glad I did. It's my favorite instrument. Glad you finally got to hear this one.

I'm workin' on another one with kind of a classic Moody Blues sound. Hopefully I'll be finished with it within the next week and a half or so.

Anyway, thanks for the nice review.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Skean said 244 days ago (March 25th, 2009)
Awesome
Ya know I love the 70's and you're so good at it... Nice first comeback post..D,Ld.
Check out my latest song called Let's Go Trippy
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Hi Kenta!
Glad you like it my friend. Say hi to Linda for me OK bro?

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Vic Holman said 243 days ago (March 25th, 2009)
nice entry for a return Mike
well, of course I did get the chance to hear this before and it is great to hear it again on this site. You didn't mellow out on your sabbatical. :-)
Check out my latest song called November
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Vicar!
This is the final mix. I think you heard at least two earlier ones.

It DID turn out to be a sabbatical, didn't it? Oh well...two steps back AGAIN!!!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
mike_d said 243 days ago (March 25th, 2009)
Hey!
Nice to have ya back bro- the tune sounds fantastic!
Check out my latest song called Broken (Ft. spitlogic & Kingbee)
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Hey yourself!
So, it's mike_d now, eh? Our lil' Mojo is all growed up! lol

Good to hear from you my Goodwilly brother. Glad you enjoyed the tune.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Dadai.2 said 243 days ago (March 25th, 2009)
great stuff from...
Calchas the philosophic-jammer of MJ. My pleasure to hear your music Mike. Your talents have grown and blossomed these last few years... pro level writing, performing, and production. Kudos mate.

Jack
Check out my latest song called The Riverside (with Ed sloparts sitting in)
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Thanks Jack...
Truth to tell...I wouldn't have made anywhere near the progress I have were it not for this site and all the great folks here. I owe MJ a great debt. I think I'll pay it by sticking around and trying to give everyone my very best.

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Char said 243 days ago (March 25th, 2009)
Oh yeah,
now, that's our Micheal, with all the passion and all the angst. Way to outfit a song with your unique style. Thanks.
Check out my latest song called Break Away (Mark Holbrook & Awigze)
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
My dear Char...
It's great to be in touch again.

Thanks for the kind words.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
guygrooves said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Wow!!!
This awesome Mike. Sounds like you have a better grip on Ozone than you profess to ;) You have always had a great ear. Great job on all fronts bro. Keep rockin.
Peace
Guy
Check out my latest song called Last Day Here
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Thanks Guy...
Well, re Ozone...I'm still actually sticking to the presets mainly. I just haven't had the time to go deep into the software. I've barely had any time to record since I left!

Thank you for the nice review and the encouraging word.

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Nick_Flash said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
great sound
excellent tone on the guitars. I just started using the snowball mic myself - works pretty good. I like how your vocal tone jumps around for emphasis, reminds me of someone but I jut can't put my finger on it right now.
Nice sound man.
Check out my latest song called Wake Up
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Hi'ya Nick!
The Snowball takes some getting used to. I had to learn to not sing directly into it, but alongside it instead. It has a nice sound (even though it looks like old "Star Wars" paraphenalia!).

RE my vocal tone. The truth is I tend to record tunes that are slightly beyond my range. Some of that emphasis is just an old guy straining and nearly busting his gut trying to deliver a line.

Thanks for listening friend!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
racerat said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
China Grove
Shades of Chicago-ish. Nice arrangement. Trippy lead. Cool slap back rhythm guitar. Rock it!--P
Check out my latest song called Frank's Song
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Hello Philip!
RE "China Grove." I've always loved that tune. Especially that rhythm guitar delay. It was inevitable that I would eventually attempt something like it. GOOD CALL!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
mowguy3 said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Two Steps Back
Nice track, nice tight production and some skilled playing and serious vocals. Your lyrics are sharp and thought prevoking. I am a old guy as well and like the fact this has a 70's ring to it. Good stuff. Thanks.
Be well, Russ
Check out my latest song called A Different Shade Of Moonlight
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
oldguy3, lol...
Hey Russ, thanks for listening and for the nice review. Glad you liked my little comeback number.

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Daugrin said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Two Steps Back
Congrats, vintage northern california vibe 71-73 done up very neatly. With that said, Jorma's guitar techniques were emmulated too successfully, pitch corrrection software might repair that flaw, unless that was your goal, if it was you are a genius and I withdraw my suggestion. Interesting too is that the outro is in tune, as opposed to the above, if this was done on purpose my hat is off!

Daugrin
Check out my latest song called Daphne w/ Andy Wigzell
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Hi Daugrin...
Keep your hat ON my friend.

I've been told before that I play lead a tad on the sharp side. It's these old "shell-shocked" ears of mine I guess.

Also: GOOD CALL! Jorma K. is certainly one of my influences.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
PS:
Jefferson Airplane was the first band I ever loved.

Then I discovered Jethro Tull, and it all went to hell from there. Ha ha...
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Daugrin said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Pitch correction
The" Jorma problem" has been successfullly resolved in the past with a steady course of forced slide guitar and/or telecaster style lead technique. If you are satisfied with your intonation ignore my remarks, and please accept my apology. Anyone with ears is affected negatively by the challange to listening your playing brings. Inapproriate application of pitch outside the tonal center is bad taste. Try to emmulate the pitch wheel stylings of synth players. Jeff Beck, Roy Buchannan, Danny Gatton and Reverend Billy Gibbons are examples of listening to open your ears to this most important aspect of a modern trickbag. Micro tonal tools will make your playing more vocal.
Sorry, I went too far there.

Daugrin



Check out my latest song called Daphne w/ Andy Wigzell
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
PS #2:
No "genius" here I'm afraid.

I am the everlasting cosmic green-horn!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
lengold said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Great rocking
song Micheal - superb performance and very impressive production.
Cheers
Len

Check out my latest song called Dodgy Doughnut
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Thanks Lennie!
I appreciate the kind review. Good to be back in the saddle don'tcha know...

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
lavalamp said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
A little Late
Wow man, what an intro. Really hooks the listener in. The drums are stellar.

Awesome vocal delivery.

It is truly great to have you back.

This is one of the best I've heard in a while.

Dave
Check out my latest song called Googolplex Times Zero
lavalamp said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
2?
Only 2 downloads? Make that 3!
Check out my latest song called Googolplex Times Zero
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Thank you David!
Although this tune is structurally simpler than a lot of my stuff tends to be, it was great fun to play and record because of the energy/intensity it evoked.

RE the vocals: You are too kind. I strain to hit the high notes during the choruses...Makes me cringe a little.

Glad you enjoyed it my friend.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Calchas said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
RE 2?
Well david, I guess note everybody lives in the 70's! lol
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
jiguma said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Nice one Mike
I get the Santana, Doobie Bros references, but can also hear your Tull leanings in there. Cool all round post.

Welcome back to the fold. It sounds like you've been practicing your production chops while you've been away. I've also moved more towards simpler structures, and am enjoying the change - sounds like you are too.

Cheers from Oz,
N
Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)
Calchas said 242 days ago (March 27th, 2009)
Hi Neil
Good to be back mate!

Glad you like it. I enjoyed going simple this time. But my next one will be a tad more complex. I guess I like the variety.

Thanks for the thumbs up!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
MarkHolbrook said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Love the
lead on this. Killer great! Guitars work very nice!
Check out my latest song called Never Say Goodbye - Bond Challenge
MarkHolbrook said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Hit the button too fast
Nice to see you back!
Check out my latest song called Never Say Goodbye - Bond Challenge
Calchas said 242 days ago (March 27th, 2009)
Hello Mark!
Thank you for the encouraging words. This was a lot of fun to play. Glad you enjoyed it my friend!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
thoddi said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Hi Mike
Good to have you back.

Sure a lot of energy pumping from this new tune. Very cool guitars, both rhythm and that creative lead embroidering the contours of the song. I like your words... "I am committed to obey my inner voice." I think we all need to pay more attention to that.
Check out my latest song called Don't tell me what I can't w/KTB and Ingve
Calchas said 242 days ago (March 27th, 2009)
The Mighty Thor!
Thank you for giving this one a spin friend. Nice to be back here. I've been missing the community and the music a lot. But that inner voice of mine wanted me to sort out some stuff. Afterwards it was kind enough to direct me back here. So all's well that ends well I guess!

Take care!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Rocha Malhada said 243 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
this is why
we like you around here, pal!

. - Harold
Check out my latest song called Kanun Oud Rock (LIOLI9)
Calchas said 242 days ago (March 27th, 2009)
Hi'ya Harold!
Thank you for the warm welcome ol' buddy!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Morning Light said 242 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Wonderful!
To have you back my friend! Cool rockin' and lyrics:) Thanks for sharing this :)
Check out my latest song called Morning Rose
Calchas said 242 days ago (March 27th, 2009)
Hi Linda!
Nice to be here among old friends again. Glad you enjoyed the tuneage!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
gail60 said 242 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
Welcome back
Always good to hear from you. This is a nice welcome home song to share with us. Great job as always and I look forward to more. Lead from your heart and you will do fine. Remember, you're a good guy, hang in there!! :)
Check out my latest song called Sweet September
Calchas said 242 days ago (March 27th, 2009)
Thanks Gail...
..for the welcome home AND the sage advice as well.

Take care friend!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Doug Somers said 242 days ago (March 27th, 2009)
Great rocker
Lead with big heart with deep lyrics. The Santana-esque solos are a capping of the overall solid production.

Sorry to be late to the party - when I came by the first time to hear your work it wasn't approved yet.

So nice to have you back in the fold Michael.

Take care,
Doug
Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)
Calchas said 240 days ago (March 29th, 2009)
Hi Doug!
Glad to see you returned to MJ while I was away.

Don't care if you're late friend, as long as you show up.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
egobandit said 241 days ago (March 28th, 2009)
yep!
They don,t make em like this no longer! excellent glad your back!
Check out my latest song called when its love
Calchas said 240 days ago (March 29th, 2009)
Hi Tim!
I see you got the "1" dropped from your moniker.

Glad you like the tune friend.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
peacepiano said 240 days ago (March 28th, 2009)
Welcome Back
Mike, Strong return. Lots of emotional power in the vocals. Love the guitars and rhythm section. Great stuff!

Thanks
Bill
Check out my latest song called I Should Have Known
Calchas said 240 days ago (March 29th, 2009)
Hey Bill...
Thanks for listening and commenting man.

Emotional power? Well...I believe that if one is going to confess one's idiosyncrasies one should do it with feeling. Ha ha...

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
sheilad said 240 days ago (March 28th, 2009)
Sometimes I misread
the signs along the way... I hear ya! Welcome back and thanks for the addition to my Ipod...glad you took two steps back here!
Check out my latest song called Halloween Wandering/PickQuickRecords
Calchas said 240 days ago (March 29th, 2009)
Thanks Sheilad!
Hey! You really GET this piece! Truth to tell though, I'd have taken ten steps back to return here...

Yep, more unholy racket for the ol' ipod. Ha ha...
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
tokai said 240 days ago (March 29th, 2009)
Great rocking tune bro
nice to see you back with a bite, Love the opening and your guitar work on this.
Cheers mate.
Check out my latest song called maizuru/Bud/Char
Calchas said 240 days ago (March 29th, 2009)
Thanks Steve!
Right then. If anyone says "Bite me Calchas" I'll just play this tune for them! lol

Glad you enjoyed the guitar work herein. It's always gratifying when I'm able to impress someone who can actually play! (You're too generous...)

Take care friend!


Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
sloparts said 239 days ago (March 30th, 2009)
Killer intro Mike
Love the lyrics and the arrangement. The recording is the best I've heard, as is the production on this take Micheal.

great song, great vocal, and some stellar playing all around. It just doesn't get any better than this one my friend.

Kudos, Micheal and welcome back. Be well and be cool,

Ed
Check out my latest song called Just a little Something
Calchas said 229 days ago (April 9th, 2009)
Thanks so much Ed...
You, Vic and Roxylee were a great help to me in nailing this mix. MJers rule!!!

I appreciate the nice comment bro.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Joe Brady said 238 days ago (March 30th, 2009)
This is definitely a step forward,
Wow, great job mixing in the drums, really great sound. Your guitar sounds great and I think this is the best vocal I've heard you do; great chops on this one. Welcome back, dude.
Joe
Check out my latest song called The Refugee Blues by Feter with Jiguma
Calchas said 235 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
Hey Joe (Heh-heh...)
Many thanks for the welcome home friend, and for checking out my first new post. It's good to be home again.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Andy-bm said 237 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
Rock out!
Your tunes grab me, man. Love your voice.

Thanks for posting this one.

//Andy
Calchas said 235 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
Thanks Andy!
Although as re vocals, I personally think you got the better end of the deal!

Glad you enjoyed this one.

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Trillian said 235 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
Marvelous Song!
Missed you friend. : ) I love the music, and your vocals are really clear and strong. And as usual your lyrics are provocative and truthful. I have to laugh because I got Diogenes mixed up with the guy who searched the darkness with a lantern looking for just one honest man. : ) So glad you're back.
Calchas said 235 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
Diogenes!
But that's exactly the man I was referring to!

Anyway, it's great to be back my friend. Glad you liked my "come back" rocker!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
maxjsl37 said 234 days ago (April 4th, 2009)
Talented
Very talented guitarist. Elements of Carlos Santana in your playing. Great song.
Check out my latest song called National Bastard
Calchas said 234 days ago (April 4th, 2009)
Thanks John...
"Talented" may be too strong a term. I really don't know what I'm doing technically. I play what I hear in my head the very best I am able. Sometimes I get lucky!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
kassia said 231 days ago (April 6th, 2009)
two steps back
this is great! and welcome back! sorry i'm late to get here. i love your vocals on this - they fit the feel of the tune perfectly. great energy and flow to this. awesome guitar work. cool tune!
Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty
Calchas said 230 days ago (April 8th, 2009)
Hi Shay!
Better late than never friend...

Thanks for the thumbs up on my (occasionally somewhat strained) vocals. It's much appreciated.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
DeathArrow said 230 days ago (April 8th, 2009)
lalala
i like the guitar riff, which is very cool !!
and the singing is just fantastic !!
you know the way of putting up a song !!
it never gets boring !! soo good.
the only thing i would also change: the drums are too quiet again. turn them up loudly !! hahah :D

cheery and excited about the next song, Luke
Check out my latest song called Summer Day
Calchas said 230 days ago (April 8th, 2009)
Ha ha...
Glad I didn't bore you Luke!

RE the drums: I must be getting old, as they sound loud enough to me...

Thanks for the nice comments man.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
DeathArrow said 229 days ago (April 9th, 2009)
lalalaa
so i have a crush on drums..so when you listen to my EP which is coming out "soon", you will find the drums very pushy..very pushy ..i think just in modern records the drums are too quiet because of all the limiting and compressing and this is what we all remember that we "like" the drums like that so we try to make them also as quiet as in these records...i just don't get it why cause it doesn't sound good and also the punch of the whole song has gone...so i would recommend to all of you macjammers to turn up your drums..it sounds waaaay better..!!

cheers, Luke
Check out my latest song called Summer Day
Diviner said 225 days ago (April 13th, 2009)
Very nice
Love the blusey rock, and yes it does have a 70's vibe but there is nothing wrong with that, damn good decade for some good rock. Very nice sound and well produced. Nice one.
Check out my latest song called Space Program (Space Race 2009)
Calchas said 222 days ago (April 16th, 2009)
Thank you Keith!
I appreciate the thumbs up from a master of production like yourself!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
DarkPlanet said 219 days ago (April 19th, 2009)
Cool Riffs & Lines
Your guitar work is just magnificent to my ears, just what I like

great energy, clean sound, well conceived song, really enjoyed it!

You rock my friend!
Check out my latest song called Roll Your Bones
Calchas said 219 days ago (April 19th, 2009)
Tommy boy!
Is it really you? I'm glad you've decided to stick around bro!

Hey, thanks for the nice review. Glad you enjoyed this.

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
Bob6stringer said 188 days ago (May 19th, 2009)
Glad you stepped back.
Very glad to hear you again. I'm not god at keeping up with the barrage of tuneage that keeps coming, but I'll try to keep current with you every chance I get. Of all I could say about the wild panning on the snare and those deep, wartery chorused guitars, the most important factor here is the extreme confidence if your vocal delivery - proud, maybe. But not rude!
Check out my latest song called Yours and Mine
Relic67 said 179 days ago (May 29th, 2009)
rockin'
This one is ready for the stadiums dude. Great anthemic rock song!
All the ingredients are right there.
Really enjoyed it!



Check out my latest song called Novis Libris
Artist Info
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Name: Micheal Wark/Karmic Whale
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Sabbatical shamatical! I’m finding that this hit-and-run approach is working well for me. ... [see more]

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