The Songwriter Forum - songwriting reviews, tips and chat

Songwriter Forum => Feedback on Finished songs => Topic started by: montydog on February 07, 2019, 12:52:46 PM

Title: Walking Shadow
Post by: montydog on February 07, 2019, 12:52:46 PM
Hi everyone,

Another new one from me. This was inspired by the inscription on Salisbury Cathedral's sun dial which says "Life Is A Walking Shadow" which seems so apt on a sun dial and a great way to look at life, particularly for the older members among us. I hope you like it and feel moved to comment one way or the other.

M

https://soundcloud.com/alan-walker-4/walking-shadow

This life is just a walking shadow
Halting steps towards tomorrow
We'll never pass
This way again

You give your best, you beg, you borrow
All the lies you try to swallow
Are in the past
And on the wind

Burn your bridges one by one
Turn your face up to the sun
You never heard the starting gun
There's no more races to be run

All the roads beneath your feet
And all people in the street
Just dusted ghosts
Laid in the clay

Then one day you turn and listen
To all the words that you've written
But the sounds
Are far away

Burn your bridges one by one
Turn your face up to the sun
You never heard the starting gun
There's no more races to be run

In the distance crows are calling
Light is fading night is falling
Under the stars
You kneel and pray
For just another day of reason
Another month, one last season
A final time
Around the dial
Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: PaulAds on February 07, 2019, 01:21:49 PM
Some great lines in this...a final time around the dial in particular is a bobby dazzler as folks used to say around these parts. Sounds, playing and production all top notch once more. Its totally not my thing but lyrics this good really shouldn't go unnoticed.

No wonder those Russian guys wanted to visit the cathedral  :-X
Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: Skub on February 07, 2019, 03:53:05 PM
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,signifying nothing.

Old Willy had some lines.  :)

I'm a miserable soul at heart,so this appeals to me greatly Alan. I think as we age,we tend toward the reflective and often downright morose,but this trods the line between meditative and nihilistic just nicely.

Deep observations wrapped in comfy slippers.  8)
Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: pompeyjazz on February 07, 2019, 05:16:23 PM
That's an impressive sundial for sure Alan. Although of course sundials are fundamentally flawed in their design and particularly non-effective in this country where we lack our sunshine quotas. I suppose it was a good excuse for turning up late for furrowing the field back in the day.

I digress - Very well put together lyrics, contemplative and slightly sad. Your arrangements, playing and production are top class and topped off with your velvety voice. Nice geetar break  :)
Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: MonnoDB on February 07, 2019, 07:58:58 PM
Great lyrics, lovely vocal appropriately melancholic... playing and production top notch.. just lovely. I always like your songs @montydog (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=18653) - think this might me my favourite so far...
Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: Furry61 on February 08, 2019, 01:48:21 PM
Hi Alan, it's a pretty nice lyric and as always your vocal and the production is great. Hopefully you have a few miles left on the old clock and a few more trips around the sundial my friend. Geoff
Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: MichaelA on February 08, 2019, 06:25:40 PM
Quite a languid and melancholic number, where I particularly liked the slow reveal of the chorus which is a contrast to the easily memorised rhythm of the verse melody.

The backing track is just lovely with all its gentle subtleties.

The reference to the dial quite late into the song might be a bit confusing though, without having read your intro blurb, but hey. everything does not have to be taken so literally!

Nicely sung and reflectively delivered all round!
Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: CaliaMoko on February 09, 2019, 02:15:20 AM
The melancholy sound suits my mood these days. And I always enjoy the sound of your voice.
Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: kevysc on February 09, 2019, 11:04:13 AM
Lovely song, great melancholic feel. I particularly like the Hawaiian guitar backing, really wistful and evocative. Excellent production ( as usual) and strong lyrics. (Don't know if the Pink Floyd reference about "missing the starting gun" was deliberate, but caused to remind me one of my all time favorite songs about aging: "Time".)

Nice job,

Kevin



Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: rightly on February 09, 2019, 11:22:09 AM
lovely song
with a seemingly effortless delivery, the sign of a pro
I*ve to it a few times, very relate-able imagery

this forum is my go to site for good music.

Another top song. Well done Montydog!

Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: PaulyX on February 09, 2019, 11:31:16 PM
Great melancholy country vibe. I remember seeing Keith Richards talking about his old mate Gram Parsons, and how he had this thing he called ‘high lonesome’ in all his music. I thought this track had that: ‘high lonesome’. Brilliant slide guitars and vocal delivery, and powerful lyrics.
Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: diademgrove on February 10, 2019, 09:35:31 AM
Hi Alan,

not sure how you manage it, but this is way up there with your best.

Keith
Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: adamfarr on February 11, 2019, 12:28:00 PM
Great song concept - the final time around the dial is such a good line I think I'd have used it again at the end in a strong and memorable position!
I'm not a fan of slide guitars at all, but boy are they effective for creating a sad atmosphere!
Very nice work.
Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: MartynRich on February 11, 2019, 05:43:40 PM
I really like this Alan, it´s great to hear your stuff again. I can imagine some kind of country audience all raising their lighters at this one. The music and arrangement are exquisite as always and the lyrics are as thoughtful as they can be. The first three notes of the guitar solo made me jump but I reckon I had been lulled into a meditative state by then...that must be some special quality you have. Great stuff mate.
Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: crystalsuzy on February 14, 2019, 02:23:10 AM
This is definitely up there with your best Alan. It kind of lulls you into a reflective state of acceptance about our fate (dusted ghosts
laid in the clay), as we make our way around the never ending "sundial" of life  :) It's sad in a way, but that's life, and we enjoy it for what it is 8)
Pure poetry as always, beautifully sung and so well produced :) Loved every minute of it  :-*
Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: montydog on February 26, 2019, 12:28:09 PM
Hi everyone,

I've been out of action for a while. A short break in Prague ended up with getting the flu which has laid me up for a week. Still not feeling 100% but thought I'd better get back in the saddle.

Thank you for everyone's lovely comments.

This is definitely up there with your best Alan. It kind of lulls you into a reflective state of acceptance about our fate (dusted ghosts
laid in the clay), as we make our way around the never ending "sundial" of life  :) It's sad in a way, but that's life, and we enjoy it for what it is 8)
Pure poetry as always, beautifully sung and so well produced :) Loved every minute of it  :-*

@crystalsuzy (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=18947) : Thank you my very talented friend. Lovely comments.

I really like this Alan, it´s great to hear your stuff again. I can imagine some kind of country audience all raising their lighters at this one. The music and arrangement are exquisite as always and the lyrics are as thoughtful as they can be. The first three notes of the guitar solo made me jump but I reckon I had been lulled into a meditative state by then...that must be some special quality you have. Great stuff mate.

@MartynRich (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20533) : Thank you so much. What can I say?

Great song concept - the final time around the dial is such a good line I think I'd have used it again at the end in a strong and memorable position!
I'm not a fan of slide guitars at all, but boy are they effective for creating a sad atmosphere!
Very nice work.

@adamfarr (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20124) : You can't not slide guitar - it's not allowed! Pleased that you thought they were used effectively.

Hi Alan,

not sure how you manage it, but this is way up there with your best.

Keith

@diademgrove (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=19135) Hi Keith - may thanks. Not sure it's up with my best but I'll take any compliments I can get.

Great melancholy country vibe. I remember seeing Keith Richards talking about his old mate Gram Parsons, and how he had this thing he called ‘high lonesome’ in all his music. I thought this track had that: ‘high lonesome’. Brilliant slide guitars and vocal delivery, and powerful lyrics.

@PaulyX (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=21034) : Yep, high and lonesome is the target. Glad you got it.

lovely song
with a seemingly effortless delivery, the sign of a pro
I*ve to it a few times, very relate-able imagery

this forum is my go to site for good music.

Another top song. Well done Montydog!


@Rightly (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20219) - Well not so much effortless delivery as default setting delivery. Wish I could scream like Mick Hucknall!

Lovely song, great melancholic feel. I particularly like the Hawaiian guitar backing, really wistful and evocative. Excellent production ( as usual) and strong lyrics. (Don't know if the Pink Floyd reference about "missing the starting gun" was deliberate, but caused to remind me one of my all time favorite songs about aging: "Time".)

Nice job,

Kevin


@kevysc (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=19775) : Thanks for the lovely comments. Yep, "Time" by Pink Floyd was an inspiration for this.

The melancholy sound suits my mood these days. And I always enjoy the sound of your voice.

@CaliaMoko (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=19928) : Thanks Vicki. Means a lot coming from you.

Quite a languid and melancholic number, where I particularly liked the slow reveal of the chorus which is a contrast to the easily memorised rhythm of the verse melody.

The backing track is just lovely with all its gentle subtleties.

The reference to the dial quite late into the song might be a bit confusing though, without having read your intro blurb, but hey. everything does not have to be taken so literally!

Nicely sung and reflectively delivered all round!


@MichaelA (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=21274) : Many thanks - pleased that you liked it.

Hi Alan, it's a pretty nice lyric and as always your vocal and the production is great. Hopefully you have a few miles left on the old clock and a few more trips around the sundial my friend. Geoff

@Furry61 (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=22234) : Hi Geoff - Well lets hope so although with the flu this week I was having my doubts for a while there!

Great lyrics, lovely vocal appropriately melancholic... playing and production top notch.. just lovely. I always like your songs @montydog (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=18653) - think this might me my favourite so far...

@MonnoDB (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=19820) : Thank you - your comments are much appreciated.

That's an impressive sundial for sure Alan. Although of course sundials are fundamentally flawed in their design and particularly non-effective in this country where we lack our sunshine quotas. I suppose it was a good excuse for turning up late for furrowing the field back in the day.

I digress - Very well put together lyrics, contemplative and slightly sad. Your arrangements, playing and production are top class and topped off with your velvety voice. Nice geetar break  :)

@pompeyjazz (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20269) - Thank you for the lovely comments.

Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,signifying nothing.

Old Willy had some lines.  :)

I'm a miserable soul at heart,so this appeals to me greatly Alan. I think as we age,we tend toward the reflective and often downright morose,but this trods the line between meditative and nihilistic just nicely.

Deep observations wrapped in comfy slippers.  8)

@Skub (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20061) : Hi Davy. I hadn't realised it was Willy The Shake who wrote the original words. Your description of my music as "deep observations wrapped in comfy slippers" is perfect; made my day. Can I use that quote on my next CD?

Some great lines in this...a final time around the dial in particular is a bobby dazzler as folks used to say around these parts. Sounds, playing and production all top notch once more. Its totally not my thing but lyrics this good really shouldn't go unnoticed.

No wonder those Russian guys wanted to visit the cathedral  :-X

@PaulAds (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20253) : Thank you for your kind words - Just as a matter of interest, what is "your thing"?

So once again many thanks to all who commented. Not a single negative word. Must be a first!

M
Title: Re: Walking Shadow
Post by: shadowfax on March 14, 2019, 01:44:07 PM
Another beaut..your really good at what you do my friend...! :)