FAWM: "Death The Leveler (James Shirley

Death The Leveler (James Shirley - 1659)

Liner Notes

To get started this year this is a musical adaption of one of my favorite poems. Not exactly a cheery number given the subject matter. Death come for you all, high or low, rich or poor.

I always find that these poems with their internal rhythm and musicality make great lyrics. I recently did a full adaptation of The Ballad of Reading Gaol by Oscar Wilde, a poem long enough to be an entire album.

No matter how important things seem to be now they will be dust tomorrow.

Did this poem in school back in the day, always loved its bleak sobering message.

https://open.spotify.com/album/58nuqGIhftt2Cr1Ghe8x3Z?si=GbDDIix2RxKqSjbU0OrGcA

#poetry #indierock

Lyrics

The glories of our blood and state Are shadows, not substantial things; There is no armour against Fate; Death lays his icy hand on kings: Sceptre and Crown Must tumble down, And in the dust be equal made With the poor crookèd scythe and spade.

Some men with swords may reap the field, And plant fresh laurels where they kill: But their strong nerves at last must yield; They tame but one another still: Early or late They stoop to fate, And must give up their murmuring breath When they, pale captives, creep to death.

The garlands wither on your brow, Then boast no more your mighty deeds! Upon Death’s purple altar now See where the victor-victim bleeds. Your heads must come To the cold tomb: Only the actions of the just Smell sweet and blossom in their dust.

Comments

@lamerabbit 1d

So very good. As an idea, as performance (really good vocals!), as in production!

@daveyboy103 1d

Thanks, love this poem, did it in school way back when. Sobering message

@jorh 1d

A touch of class here - it’s full of atmosphere and feels timeless. I like how the vocals grow in the verses from spoken to sung. The sax sounds awesome too

@lmaerz 2d

So chill, I wish the outro would last way longer :)

@daveyboy103 1d

Thanks, bit of an accidental cut off there I'n afraid. I will look to fix that

@mctown 2d

Nice groove. A whispery vocal... Yes, it takes you forward into the day. Nice one, Daveyboy

@daveyboy103 2d

Thanks, wise words from 400 years ago. Everything passes

@bandybum 2d

The arrival of the bass brought an immediate smile. The sax too. Deep, rich voice with some real contrasting power in some sections of the track. Reminds me of Scott Walker somehow. Some sweet chord changes. Moody words. Unusual but very pleasing vibe. Nice work, brother

@daveyboy103 2d

Almost 400 years old but still work as modern lyrics. Thanks for the kind words

@mikeb 2d

You've taken 350+ year-old words and made them feel very current with the production which keeps things more uplifted than the subject would normally bring.

@daveyboy103 2d

I love that juxtaposition, i love the wisdom in these words . Thanks for the kind words

@tamsnumber4 2d

Love the choices you have made in the production and vocals. I think the vocal dynamics really keep the emotion and story moving. Love this!

@joe_zambra 2d

Who knew such old words would work so well in a musical modern idiom

@cindyrella 2d

Wow, I am impressed! Such powerful words and awesome feel! Yes!

@daveyboy103 2d

377 year old wise words. Time just rolls over us

@billwhite51 2d

what a range. from dramatic reading to high melodic wails. i love the dynamics as you use the expanse of your vocals to support and build the lyrics. lyrical poetry is what a songwriter should aim for, and you have often reached it in your own work and you more than do justice to this poem.

@coolparadisoMod 2d

i think i saw in a forum you were going to do this! They are fine lines to play with! Never heard you sound so like Bowie before. Very well done youve picked the rise and fall so well!