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You Are My Friend


by

Calchas

 Genre: Ballad

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Description
When I posted the original version of this tune I was blown away by the enthusiastic---and quite unexpected---response I got. Nevertheless, I’ve never been satisfied with how that first version turned out.

Over the past three days I’ve been making additions and corrections to the original files. I do believe the track is now worthy to stand in the company of it’s mates on the LUCID WAKING project.

I hope you like it!

Be well my FRIENDS!

PS: Since posting this I've further tweaked it. I sure wish we had an update feature here. I won't be re-posting this. But I hope to eventually have a CD available of this project (LUCID WAKING) for interested parties. The "finished" version of each song will appear on it.
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Lyrics
YOU ARE MY FRIEND

I.
When I first met you,
I was taken by surprise.
I recognized you
by the shining in your eyes.
Old fellow-traveller,
it’s been a long, long time...
You are my friend.

II.
Don’t want to know about
mistakes that you have made.
I made my fair share
as I stumbled on the way.
Let’s brush each other off,
and face the brand new day.
You are my friend.

CHORUS:
You are my friend;
through halls of time without an end.
You are my friend.
It all comes ‘round again,
and again...

III.
Two weary travellers,
just walkin’ down the road.
Each takes a turn,
at shouldering the load.
When it all comes down to dust,
I couldn’t ask for more.
You are my friend.

CHORUS:
You are my friend;
through halls of time without an end.
You are my friend.
It all comes ‘round again,
and again...
Song Stats
Hits: 567
Comments: 45
Fans: 28
Plays: 60
Downloads: 27
Votes:
Uploaded: Sep 01, 2009 - 04:21:07 PM
Last Updated: Oct 11, 2009 - 02:13:48 AM Last Played: Nov 24, 2009 - 07:29:03 AM
Song License
Creative Commons License:
NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Creative Commons

Song Actions
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Comments
MarkHolbrook said 85 days ago (September 1st, 2009)
Well I love this version too!
as well as the first! Nicely done MW!!! Very very nice... This is such a killer sweet song!
Check out my latest song called Never Say Goodbye - Bond Challenge
Calchas said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Thanks Mark!
Now that this tune is properly "finished," I can go on sabbatical with a clean conscience.

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
crissew said 85 days ago (September 1st, 2009)
I am betting
You are a moody blues fan. I can hear the influence in this song from the vocal to the melancholy melody. Great tune. Favd and dl
Calchas said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
A HUGE Moody Blues fan I am!
Only band I like more would have to be the Beatles. Good call man!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
awigze said 85 days ago (September 1st, 2009)
Be well
Great work -
Check out my latest song called We got to Jive in Blues by (Feter)
Calchas said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Thanks
for listening and commenting Andy!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Bob6stringer said 85 days ago (September 1st, 2009)
Mellotronic!
Sweet tune with or without the strings... sounds like a mellotron. I can here what crissew calls the moody influence, whether that was intentional or not. A really great wandering song that kind of serves as a bookend with your Desert Place. I like your voice here very much, MW. You have a very solid grasp on making a song interesting with tempo changes and breaks... and also your production here and elsewhere carry a solid balanced power from lows to the highs
Check out my latest song called Yours and Mine
Calchas said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Hi Bob!
I used a synth for the strings and the oboe. The bassoon w/flute in the mid-section is from my G-Force MTron software. Oh, and the MB influence IS intentional. I consider this tune the B-side---as it were---to NO SORROW, which also has a strong MB influence.

Glad you enjoyed the song. Thanks so much for the props!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Daugrin said 85 days ago (September 1st, 2009)
Friend
Well done.
You should get ready to go on vacation more often...

Daug
Check out my latest song called Daphne w/ Andy Wigzell
Calchas said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Thanks Daug!
RE vacations: Once a year seems to work well for me. Time away from the treadmill is very restorative.

I hope to return with a small cache of fresh new songs.

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Feter said 85 days ago (September 1st, 2009)
You Are My Friend
this is a very wonderful prog song ...I adore
the vocal work ..the orchestration ..this is
very much like a trip and it works fantastic
I would recommend another tone for the guitar
I felt its bit dry ... this is a very florish
song writing my friend ...Kudos ..thnx alot
for sharin !!!!!
Calchas said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Thank you Feter!
Glad you enjoyed the orchestration.

RE the guitar tone: Well, I don't know how to change it. When I mic my acoustic I have very few options.

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Calchas said 83 days ago (September 3rd, 2009)
Hey Feter...
I think you are right about the guitar tone. I have done a remix in which---among other things---I took the reverb off the main guitar and put a slight flange on it instead. I think it does sound better! When icomp is back online I'll post it there and drop you a line.

Be well brother!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
sschedra said 84 days ago (September 1st, 2009)
Micheal
Beautiful song with madrigal overtones. First time I am hearing your stuff. I am leaving on Sabbatical in about two weeks so I can appreciate. I hope you get the benefit of the relaxation and re-focus that such a time provides. I am so grateful for this common community.
Thank you,
Stephen
Check out my latest song called Love's Fingers Fall
Calchas said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Hello Stephen!
Nice to meet you! Glad you enjoyed the song. Hope you have a nice sabbatical too! See you when I get back...

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
abfkingsport said 84 days ago (September 1st, 2009)
ABFKingsport
What a great vocal job. Excellent tenor voice. The opening reminded me of a Corrosion Of Conformity song. I liked the mood change in the middle too. Very awesome guitar work as well. Lyrically, bitchen, dude. DL'ed thanks bro.
The King
Check out my latest song called Gold Digger
Calchas said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Thank you my liege!
I've never heard Corrosion Of Conformity. I'll have to check them out.

Also haven't heard the expression "bitchen" for many a moon. I do believe you have dated yourself! Ha ha...

I appreciate the kind comment.

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Vic Holman said 84 days ago (September 1st, 2009)
excellent
tweeking can go on for a life time. But it does seem to me persistence has paid off nicely Mike.

Since my interface that controls the monitors and headphones blew a gasket I probably am not even hearing the full depth of this. hopefully the replacement arrives tomorrow for another listen
Check out my latest song called November
Calchas said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Thanks Vicar!
Hope you can get the full effect when your phones are repaired. Of course, I have gone on to tweak this a tad more. Ha ha...I'll post the final mix at icomp when they're back online (soon).

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Relic67 said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
comes round again
very nice tune. I esp. liked the synthesizer/oboe sounds and the rhythm guitar part. heartfelt lyrics. enjoyed it!
Check out my latest song called Novis Libris
Calchas said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Many thanks Alec!
I especially enjoy the way the oboe sounds in this. I also really like the bassoon/flute setting used in the midsection, although I've had to tweak it further since posting this, in order to balance it with the guitar better. Oh well...

Glad you enjoyed it!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Reggie_Pole said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
It's worthy
Yes, you've captured something here. Your best vocal performance that I'm aware of. Beautiful instrumentation, good lyrics, and pro production. Very nicely done, Mr. Whale.
Check out my latest song called Examination Dream
Calchas said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Thanks Duane!
A lot of folks said they thought the vocal was perhaps my best when I posted the original mix. I don't know. I do think it works well for this style of song...

I appreciate the props!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Henke said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Well done, Friend
This does sound more polished and maybe more fit to the subject matter. Beautiful vocal performance and a very strong composition. Congratulations. Take care.

/Henke
Check out my latest song called Heading for Alpha Centauri (mj space race 2009)
Calchas said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Thank you Henrik!
Your continued support and friendship is much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed this enhanced version!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
DarkPlanet said 84 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
Not compared them yet
Still love it though, I can also see the MB connection has that aura about it, I hear a little Jethro Tull in there as well. VOx are smooth and light, just right. Lyrically I just love this as well, See ya soon friend! Done be gone too long now!
Check out my latest song called Roll Your Bones
Calchas said 83 days ago (September 3rd, 2009)
Thank you Tom!
I appreciate the kind words. You know I'll miss this place while I'm away. I don't plan on being gone longer than I have to...

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
guitapick said 83 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
~
Hell of a piece, Michael. Hell of a piece. Very moving.

Be well, my friend.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Calchas said 83 days ago (September 3rd, 2009)
Hi Bob!
Thanks for giving this a spin bro.

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
damiengh said 83 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
reminiscent
Wonderful piece. I really could imagine this as a missing tune from the Moody Blue's Days of Future Passed album.

Thanks for keeping those days alive for us, some of the best music of our times.
Check out my latest song called Tea and Scones
Calchas said 83 days ago (September 3rd, 2009)
Many thanks Damien!
Glad you enjoyed the tuneage.

And thanks also for the nice comment in the Forum.

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
thoddi said 83 days ago (September 3rd, 2009)
Very good
Your voice sounds fab when you sing like this. Great song, I like this version much.
Check out my latest song called Don't tell me what I can't w/KTB and Ingve
Calchas said 83 days ago (September 3rd, 2009)
Hi Thor!
Nice to see you around here again man...Glad you like the tune!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
Moviz said 83 days ago (September 3rd, 2009)
I was looking
for the other version for comparison, but see you must have deleted it. I know that I thought and said at the time that I prefer your singing on these types of number. This is a really good expression of you at your best with regards to vocal, arrangement and musicality; love the way you placed those instruments..... great production and lovely lyrics to boot. You certainly saved the best till last, before you take your break, excellent work Michael, best regards M
Check out my latest song called Come Back Billie
Calchas said 83 days ago (September 3rd, 2009)
No. I haven't deleted the original Maurice.
Third tune up from the bottom on my Profile Page.

I didn't mean to "save the best for last." But I was listening to the whole album the other day, and I realized that this tune in it's original form just didn't quite fit it in with the others. So I worked on it for a few days to make it more like it's brothers and sisters. Notably, more like NO SORROW, for which I originally conceived it as the "B-side."

I'm very happy with the tune now (although I've worked a few more imperfections out of the mix since posting. Ha ha...), and am glad folks seem to like this newer, more "finished" version.

Thanks for the nice comment my friend!

Be well!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
blaky smith said 82 days ago (September 4th, 2009)
Magistral
I like very much what you have made here Micheal, really an excellent piece on every way. Once again a pleasure to listen. Thank you so much...
Check out my latest song called Sur le sable (w Jiguma)
sheilad said 82 days ago (September 4th, 2009)
And you
are my friend too. No matter where you are or what life brings... you know where to find your friends! As you always say....
Be Well Friend!

Check out my latest song called Halloween Wandering/PickQuickRecords
debmac said 81 days ago (September 5th, 2009)
definitely a fav for all time!
Excellent music and and vocals...obviously heartfelt...what more can I say....will wait to hear your new tunes....on some other day....

take care
Deb
TERRAPLANE said 81 days ago (September 5th, 2009)
Moody Blues Vibe
Great composition with incredible heartfelt vocals. well done my friend. Thank you for sharing your gift of song,,, iPod for sure... Peace ∞ Terry
Check out my latest song called * The Greys * MJ Space Race 2009
PaulaMunk said 81 days ago (September 5th, 2009)
Oh Micheal,
You have the most lovely voice. I nearly fell out of my tree because I swooned when you hit that chorus, and oh, that ooh, oooh, oooh! Then, that fabulous guitar. Honey, I don't know how you aren't famous. Beautiful! Thanks.
Check out my latest song called The Conqueror Worm
Calchas said 75 days ago (September 10th, 2009)
Hey!
I'm content to be famous with you!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called IT'S NOT THE SAME
lengold said 79 days ago (September 7th, 2009)
Really nice to
hear this again Micheal - great job on the redo.
Cheers
Len


Check out my latest song called Dodgy Doughnut
egobandit said 78 days ago (September 7th, 2009)
Always enjoy
your approach to composing, hurry back soon ya hear! Some very cool keys and singing! BTW 2:15 and onwards sounds like some classic Genesis/ floyd mixture, then its back again a welcoming voice of concern . Tops!
Check out my latest song called when its love
MysteryLady said 76 days ago (September 10th, 2009)
You Are A Friend II
Beautiful and haunting--just loved it!
RoughRooster said 42 days ago (October 14th, 2009)
An
excellent song Michael, wonderful arrangement and this sounds great.
I love the middle section and your vocals are superb!
Very much enjoyed!
Check out my latest song called Stranger In Your Heart
Artist Info
artist photo
Name: Micheal Wark/Karmic Whale
send a note
Sabbatical shamatical! I’m finding that this hit-and-run approach is working well for me. ... [see more]

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Genre Info
A ballad is a story in a song, usually a narrative song or poem. It is a rhythmic saga of a past affair, which may be heroic, romantic or satirical, political (affected by the previous three types mentioned, refers to either glorifying the exploits o

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