I wrote this for the latest songwriting challenge. It took about two hours to write and the recording process was a nightmare. Probably about 5 hours in total at that time. It was the first time that I had written/produced something that I absolutely hated. Luckily, I've been on annual leave this week so rather than have my peace of mind in tatters, I have paid this considerable attention. It continued to be a writer/producer's nightmare and just wouldn't behave for me. It's tempting to say that if it now works, it does so because of production only. Writers however. don't work that way. I have subtly changed lyrics in one section and vocal melody for the chorus too. It's crying out for a second vocal but I am just happy at the moment to get this over the finished line. I adore some parts and others are ok but I think this is now more representative of how I write and am now happy to add it to my collection of songs.
"My mother cried to Johnny Ray." - A song for my Mam Margaret. Her life has been so pure and true!
https://soundcloud.com/pvasey1Home
The shoes I'm standing in have seen so many towns.
They've walked a million streets. embracing ups and downs.
I long for home.
I long for home.
My thoughts return to summer days when I was still a boy.
My mother cried to Johhny Ray, the kids played with their toys.
I long for home.
I long for home.
Starting out was easy. 'Aint' it always?
Drinking led to fighting, led to lies.
What dreams may come were all undone.
The moon rose in the sky.
The shoes I'm standing in have seen so many towns.
They've witnessed fireworks, the lovers hiding frowns.
I long for home.
I long for home.
The tourists at The Berlin wall still haunt me from afar.
The present keeps the past at bay, it holds the door ajar.
I long for home
I long for home
Starting out was easy. 'Aint' it always?
Drinking led to fighting, led to lies.
What dreams may come were all undone.
The moon rose in the sky.
If I could turn the clocks back for a day
or hop into a time machine, I'd say
I long for home.
I long for home.
Written by Paul Vasey August 2020
https://soundcloud.com/pvasey1