FAWM: "Barefoot in the Wash"

Barefoot in the Wash

Liner Notes

FAWM 2026 / Song 1 Instrument: tenor ukulele tuned low GCEA

I wanted to write a song first thing, as FAWM started 7am EST today, but I don't have tiiiiiiime this morning! So I dug back through my most recent songwriting notebook and found a lyrical draft that had no melody, then put that together. It's a little folky, maybe?

Pardon my rough morning voice. I am not warmed up even a little bit.

See all my originals here: https://tinyurl.com/seligsongs

#ukulele #singersongwriter #personwithukulele #girlwithukulele #acousticonetake #fuc #uke #acoustic #midemfoke #americanasati

Lyrics

Barefoot in the Wash

Once I had the blackest coat I stood outside of time Inside that inky wool The dark personified But neither night nor day I’d always been that way

Here, all the lies we tell ourselves Shine like berries in the brush And when -- the truth deadfalls It’s up to us, it’s up to us I’m barefoot in the wash

Once I was a breath of air A glimmer in an eye I had no shape or voice I could not sing or cry And yet I rose at dawn I put my body on

I only go away to come back home I only go away to come back home I only go away to come back home

Here, all the lies we tell ourselves Shine like berries in the brush And when -- the truth deadfalls It’s up to us, it’s up to us I’m barefoot in the wash

Feel the static fuzz of rain That falls across the roof We’ve only just looked up But, oh, I love you May we know second chance Maybe a second dance

Here, all the lies we tell ourselves Shine like berries in the brush And when -- the truth deadfalls It’s up to us, it’s up to us I’m barefoot in the wash

I only go away to come back home I only go away to come back home I only go away to come back home

Comments

@kinnycloud 9h

wow this is so pretty 🥹 it’s so melancholic but cozy. i love how it feels like an intimate performance too, accompanied only by ur ukelele and sweet voice. ty for sharing !!

@newukenewyork 2h

Thank you for listening! I’m a fan of intimate performances, as that’s the easiest way for me to get a demo done.

@willow1 10h

Powerful poetry! This is beautiful and super unique.

@audrey 23h

What a gorgeous chorus melody, and you sing beautifully. Such a soothing melody throughout too. I also really like your ukulele accompaniment of arpeggiated chords. This is such a lovely song. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

@newukenewyork 21h

Thank you so much, Audrey. I'm glad you liked the picking accompaniment as well!

@crisp1 1d

Wonderful song! The vocals are spot-on, no roughness in my ears. Love the lyrics and the uke, too.

@newukenewyork 1d

Thank you very much for listening and for the kind comment!

@williamjames 1d

When the truth deadfalls is a magnificent line! I loved the morning voice, somehow seems to hold more emotion. I am a real fan of these lyrics! Musically very folk. Very good opening.

@newukenewyork 1d

Thank you so much for stopping by! I may have made up the idea of using "deadfall" as a verb, but I like it!

@pabrizzer 1d

this is a delightful listen - well written and delivered

@newukenewyork 1d

Thank you for taking the time!

@ickabodsane 1d

I really love your voice, so clear. It holds me gently as I listen.

@newukenewyork 1d

Thank you so much. :)

@janeg 1d

You have always been good but this song is beyond what I remember from other FAWMs. You have really been working on your craft, both songwriting and performance. A master work!

@newukenewyork 1d

Thank you so much for this, Jane. I appreciate it. I do keep working on it. Thanks for the encouragement!

@mal70 1d

Great song! I put my body on!! Love that line 🙂

@newukenewyork 1d

Thanks so much for letting me know that one spoke to you. 😁

@tawny249 1d

Oh wow. This is a gorgeous melody that pairs so well with the lyrics. What a cool chorus, I love how the rhythm of the words changes in unexpected ways on the first listen. But it completely works. There are a ton of wonderful lines, most of which other people already pointed out. You sound amazing even in the morning.

@newukenewyork 1d

Many thanks! I appreciate you listening.

@csecooney 1d

Oh, I love this! "And yet I rose at dawn I put my body on." What a sweet, melancholy, rainfall of a melody!

@newukenewyork 1d

Thank you so much. 🥰

@phylo 1d

‘I only go away to come back home,’ landed hard with me. Your un-warmed, early-morning voice makes it feel raw in the best way. Quiet, haunting, and completely captivating. The words and phrasing are right up there with Joni Mitchell, IMHO!

@newukenewyork 1d

Ah, thank you! High praise, I am honored. I am working on liking my own voice. It’s a work in progress and I’ll try to take in the kind words.

@frozenlonesome 1d

Sounds lovely to me and not even a tiny rough. So glad to see you back and I look forward to hearing your new songs!

@newukenewyork 1d

Thank you very much. I so appreciate you listening.

@catmisgivings 1d

I love the way this melody soars though the air!

@newukenewyork 1d

Thank you!

@andygetch 1d

Such a beautiful melody and I love how the theme is so universal. Well sung and played, I feel like the vox are perfect for the feeling I get from the lyric.

@newukenewyork 1d

Thanks for the kind and that will comment. I’m glad that it felt universal. Sometimes I have a hard time telling what other people will be able to relate to and what they won’t.

@erbaer 1d

This suggests many layers to me... the humble entwined with the profound. Your voice carries such warmth! It's like looking over the edge of the abyss with someone holding your hand.

@newukenewyork 1d

I love this, thank you! What a thoughtful and kind comment to receive.

@gwenthered 1d

First song I listen to this year and I'm already emotional. This is stunning. I absolutely love these lyrics and your voice. More please. :)

@newukenewyork 1d

Ah, I am always honored when my song is something someone can emotionally connect to. Thanks for letting me know.

@ghob 1d

Beautiful! Great to hear you again!

@newukenewyork 1d

Thanks so much for the listen!

@atam94 1d

ooh, tenor uke!! Gosh, this is so soothing... Your voice and soft ukulele picking are so beautiful and reassuring that things will be okay :)

@newukenewyork 1d

Thank you. It felt right and I’m glad it came across as soothing.

@kosch 1d

I always enjoy your songs - Voice is quite warm on this end of the playback... the line "And yet I rose at dawn I put my body on" is a wonderful visual. As always, the uke sounds fabulous

@newukenewyork 1d

Thank you very much! I just had to start off with my most played instrument!

@john_p 1d

This was a wonderful way to wake up. Enjoying your song and lovely voice, while I have my first cup of coffee.

@newukenewyork 1d

I’m honored, thank you!

@leah0k 2d

I’m sorry, did you mean to say “Pardon me for not warming up this morning and still having an absolutely PERFECT VOICE”!? Because if so, then I accept. “I rose at dawn to put my body on” These lyrics are fantastic. Love it all.

@newukenewyork 1d

Too kind, thank you. I’m glad to know that you like that line.

@taruamethyst 2d

This is very beautiful also I love the lyrics and I don’t think your voice is rough or anything

@newukenewyork 1d

Thank you very much for listening and leaving me a comment! I appreciate you taking the time.

@billwhite51 2d

all the lies we tell ourselves Shine like berries in the brush

that is the best line i have heard all morning.

very pretty song with a lovely ukelele accompaniment to your lyrical melodies and melodic lyrics.

@newukenewyork 1d

Thank you so very much. That’s one of those lines that I don’t know quite where it came from, but I like it, too.

@kc_ 2d

WoW.... truly took me away on the song... all of it so beautiful... love the lyrics and of course your performance - Write - On!

@newukenewyork 1d

Thanks so much for being my first commenter of FAWM! I appreciate the encouragement.

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