"London Fog" new lyric

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hardtwistmusic

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« on: July 15, 2017, 08:35:25 PM »
Now, I know little or nothing about London.  Spent a total of 4 hours there in the seventies getting on, and off planes.  Never left the airport, and it was sunny and nice for 2 of those 4 hours.  

BUT. . . complaining about the weather seems to be a "London thing."  So  --  since the topic of the rain and fog there fit my lyrical rhythm. . . I decided to go a "complaining about the weather in London" direction.  

Here is the lyric.  

LONDON FOG

Never been in London  –   when it wasn’t rainin.
Really doesn’t matter that much,
Not cryin about it  –   I’m just explainin.
Temporarily stuck here.  –   Stuck in London again….  
I’ll get outta here someday  –   but I don’t know when.

I flew into Heathrow   –  a couple weeks ago.  
Didn’t think I’d be staying  –   didn’t really know.  
I blew all my money  –  on a pretty little tramp named Jo.  
Now I’ll be on riding a railroad car  –  if I get the gumption to go.  

Bein Stuck here in London.     –   Is probly what I deserve.  
Drizzlin rain and London Fog   –   rubbing my last nerve.  
This wine that I’m drinkin    –   is nobody’s “private reserve.”
Can’t afford another bottle   –   better try to conserve.

Sometimes the sun shines here,   –   But it doesn’t last.
When it isn’t raining  –   it’s still overcast.  
And this cold, grey drizzle   –  gets old real fast.  
Rainy days in the forecast.  –  Just like the rain in the past.

Never been to London  – when it didn’t rain.  
Try to keep a stiff upper lip  –  not supposed to complain.
But this cold grey fog here   –  is driving me insane.  
If I had the wherewithal  –   I’d be headed for Spain.  

Bein Stuck here in London.     –   Is probly what I deserve.  
Drizzlin rain and London Fog   –   rubbing my last nerve.  
This wine that I’m drinkin    –   is nobody’s “private reserve.”
Can’t afford another bottle now,  –   better try to conserve.

I know what you’re thinking  –   “What’s holding me here.  
All that keeps me from leaving   –  is my natural fear.  
If I had the courage,  –  I’d be selling my gear.
Get enough money for an east south - bound train – and a nice cold beer.  

Bein Stuck here in London  –   has gotten under my skin.  
Only serves to remind me of   –   the mess that my life’s in.  
Not all that different from  –  every other place that I’ve been.  
Gotta make a decision soon   –   to start sinkin or swim.  

Bein Stuck here in London.     –   Is probly what I deserve.  
Drizzlin rain and London Fog   –   rubbing my last nerve.  
This wine that I’m drinkin    –   is nobody’s “private reserve.”
Can’t afford another bottle   –   better try to conserve.
« Last Edit: July 25, 2017, 06:06:15 AM by hardtwistmusic »
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Verlon Gates  -  60 plus years old.

diademgrove

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« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2017, 10:43:24 PM »
Hi Verlon,

this put a smile on my face. A great set of lyrics, even better when sung in an American accent.

Just a few facts about London.

There isn't much East of London, most of the country is West or North. London fog more or less disappeared with smokeless fuel. The majority of the rain comes from the US in the West. By the time it gets to London a lot of it has fallen on Wales and the West Country, which is why a US accent singing the song will sound much better.

I hope you're going to put this to music.

Keith

hardtwistmusic

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« Reply #2 on: July 16, 2017, 04:17:51 AM »
I was thinking of Spain and France to the east.  With the chunnel, one can hitch-hike out of England (I think) to the continent.  Or, presumably catch a train through the chunnel.  

My perception is that England is less of an "Island" in the modern world than it used to be in terms of needing a boat to get off it.

Soooo interesting that the fog was a factor of the pollutants from the fuel, and not a product of a swampy environment.  There is ALWAYS something new to learn isn't there?  

Thank you so much for your input and information.  And the whole lyric was sparked by the very first line of the vocal melody from "Free Man In Paris" by Joni Mitchell.  Tiny modification of that very first line, then it goes a different direction.  The lyric follows the musical direction.   So, yeah, there will be a fairly easy write on the music.  
« Last Edit: July 16, 2017, 09:24:09 AM by hardtwistmusic »
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diademgrove

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« Reply #3 on: July 16, 2017, 07:21:02 PM »
I was thinking of Spain and France to the east.  With the chunnel, one can hitch-hike out of England (I think) to the continent.  Or, presumably catch a train through the chunnel.  

My perception is that England is less of an "Island" in the modern world than it used to be in terms of needing a boat to get off it.

Soooo interesting that the fog was a factor of the pollutants from the fuel, and not a product of a swampy environment.  There is ALWAYS something new to learn isn't there?  

Thank you so much for your input and information.  And the whole lyric was sparked by the very first line of the vocal melody from "Free Man In Paris" by Joni Mitchell.  Tiny modification of that very first line, then it goes a different direction.  The lyric follows the musical direction.   So, yeah, there will be a fairly easy write on the music.  

Hi Verlon,

I think Spain is south west of London. France is more south than east. The Netherlands is East but you'd travel south on train to France and then east across Europe to get there. Its still a fgreat set of lyrics though.

Keith

Paulski

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« Reply #4 on: July 17, 2017, 04:42:31 PM »
Hi Verlon

I think Keith has invented a new word that best describes this lyric - fgreat.
Meaning "F"-ing Great  ;D
You made me feel for this guy - without it sounding like he is whining...

Paul

diademgrove

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« Reply #5 on: July 17, 2017, 05:00:24 PM »
Hi Verlon

I think Keith has invented a new word that best describes this lyric - fgreat.
Meaning "F"-ing Great  ;D
You made me feel for this guy - without it sounding like he is whining...

Paul

Hi Paul,

if you hadn't mentioned it and I'd noticed I'd have been tempted to edit it. Not any more. I like it :)

Keith

hardtwistmusic

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« Reply #6 on: July 17, 2017, 08:22:07 PM »
Hi Verlon

I think Keith has invented a new word that best describes this lyric - fgreat.
Meaning "F"-ing Great  ;D
You made me feel for this guy - without it sounding like he is whining...

Paul

Interesting perspective ---  and keep in mind that I believe that the listener's perspective is every bit as important and "right" as the writers is. 

I thought he WAS whining.  ;o)
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Verlon Gates  -  60 plus years old.

Jenna

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« Reply #7 on: July 28, 2017, 07:30:29 AM »
Verlon, can we rub elbows so some of that talent rubs off on me, just a little? This is such a nice, tight set of lyrics. Do you have music for it? I'd love to hear it put to music.

hardtwistmusic

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« Reply #8 on: July 28, 2017, 10:02:09 PM »
Verlon, can we rub elbows so some of that talent rubs off on me, just a little? This is such a nice, tight set of lyrics. Do you have music for it? I'd love to hear it put to music.

One of the greatest things about this forum is that it cuts a month off my "acceptance time" when I write a song.  After I write a song (or lyric) I have to set it aside for a month or so because it takes at least that long to get any "distance" and objectivity so that I can tell if it's any good. 

With the other perspectives available, I can cut that time down.  I'm often surprised that people think a lyric or song is good.  I'm often surprised when they do not think it's good.  They/you provide "instant objectivity."

Thank you. 
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Vintage54

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« Reply #9 on: July 29, 2017, 07:36:47 PM »

   Hi Verlon,
      Works for me, coming from a yank, it's pretty darn good. You're very consistent with your quality of writing, in fact, i was checking out another forum the other day. Didn't take me long to realise that the classier writers are on this one, and this is classy.

                           Vintage54

hardtwistmusic

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« Reply #10 on: July 31, 2017, 04:03:31 AM »
Vintage:  Thank you for the review and the encouragement.
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Verlon Gates  -  60 plus years old.