[Unclenny]

This song was born from a realization of how folks at the extremes of opinion seem to be able to command the most attention sometimes in these odd political times. It feels as if this phenomenon is taking us in a dangerous direction, at least here in the States.....and that has been on my mind.

The song had a tough birth as I wanted to establish some tension in the instrumentation and I struggled with dialing that tension back to make the song at least listenable. 

The Middle Way
https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14125891

V1
Did we see this coming
Did we fear the day
When all things would change
Did you hear the drumming
Did you see the way
That the saints and the sinners
Have seized the day

V2
Did you see them running
Did they speak both ways
Did they call you the strange one
When it's said and done
Who will stay
Between the saints and the sinners
In the unturned stones
There's a middle way

Chorus
Where in the world is all this going
How in the world will all this end
Are we growing the seeds we've sown
Where in the world is all this going
And are we willing to change things

V3
Did you see their guns
Did you hear their praise
Did it make you feel strange
And did it make you wonder
About another way

V4
Well there's a new way coming
And it's clear as day
That all things will change
So when you hear that drumming
Stop and pray
That the saints and the sinners
Will find the middle way

Chorus

[MichaelA]

Hi Lenny, the way you eloquently put across your subject matter made me reflective and quite sad. But this melodic lament is a good antidote to all the craziness of the weird extremism that seems very popular these days - and ‘are we willing to change’ is an open ended question alright, but I am not personally optimistic about the answer right now.

So you sound very sage like here, as an observer whose seen a bit of life but can’t quite fathom what’s going on in this mad world. The instrumentation and the melody make up a fabulous texture on which to place your poetry.

I think this one flowed really well, in almost no time it had gone and so was effortless listening.

Good luck with the election 

[Jamie]

@Unclenny

Hi, a world weary cry for sense and civility. It's possible that ship has sailed. The World hasn't  been this unstable since the Cuba missile crisis. Love your voice on this and the acoustic guitar style you have is quite unique, (I think I've said this before). There were some quite classical chord structures in there too. My only nit was that there was a keyboard sound which sounded inauthentic to my ear. Sounded somewhere between a piano, an electric piano and a clav.
Good song!

Cheers

Jamie

[Unclenny]

@MichaelA .......thanks for listening and for giving this some thought. We'll just have to see how we all do in the coming years. And thanks for your best wishes on our coming election. All will be well.

@Jamie ............perhaps you're right about the ship having sailed. I think there's still time for change. That keyboard sound came from my 90's era rack synth. It's a patch called "Dense Mist" and it is definitely about as inauthentic as it gets.  I stuck it in there to shake things up a bit in my quest for some subtle dissonance as it has a kind of a percussive attack. I'm glad you picked up on that. Thanks for listening.

[digger72]

Hi Unclenny,

Cool song.
Interesting subject matter.
I think we do have to worry how things are going, and perhaps what else is to come.
Lots of "liberties" we've taken for granted seem to be disappearing or changing. Curfews; neighbours encouraged to report neighbours; people's movements being monitored; Police and potentially the army on the streets restricting people; Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill which leaves the door open for all manner of crimes.
I'm not one for conspiracies, but I do like reading history, and these paths have been well trodden before and have led to some very dark episodes.

Worrying times indeed.

Digger

[Unclenny]

Hey @digger72 .......Thanks for giving this one a listen and for letting the message spark some contemplation.

[PeteS]

Got to say @Unclenny I really liked this.  The lyrics are thought provoking although I think you might be right about that ship!

I liked the way the chorus built so well on what came before.  Instrumentally there was a lot going on, maybe a little too much in some places.  A bit medieval meets Mike Oldfield plus the Klav! I found myself listening to the different parts each time I played it through but as I said, I really liked it.

Great work!

[MonnoDB]

Well I really like this - the arrangement and mix are is spot on. It really has that tension you speak of (I really feel it as a listener) and the message is clear and real and thought provoking. This song also draws out strong emotions.. in me anyway...

A wonderful piece of work @Unclenny !

[Unclenny]

@PeteS ....glad you liked this one. I really appreciate the listen.

@MonnoDB ........I'm pleased that the tension in this mix landed right with you, Karen, and that the emotion resonated with you as well. Thanks for listening.

[moraamarolaloba]

Hola @Unclenny

I hope you are well!!!
I enjoyed your song, with its music and arrangement it gives calm though lyrics are heavy, something I am sure others understand too, it's the same every where? Yes but it's not a surprise, just a cycle of the wheel.

Stay safe

Mora

[rightly]

I liked it
it's lean, a nice opener for an album.

[Unclenny]

@moraamarolaloba .....thank you for listening to this one. All is well here. Hope the same for you and for Marcus.

@rightly .....thank you for listening as well. I think you're right about this being a good opener.