Red Shift
by @majordanby
Liner Notes
I watched an astronomy documentary and I wrote down a couple of lines to write a song with. Red shifting is how we measure the distance of galaxies, and how we know that they are racing away from us. I thought it made for a nice analogy. Karl gave me the opening line, and a few lines for the second half so it made it much easier to finish. (Thanks Karl).
I have discovered this new picking style which sounds like it’s in a quirky time signature. It makes it difficult to play and sing at the same time I can tell you!
I thought I’d not add anything to this as it sounded so nice after getting the guitar and vocal down and didn’t want to mess it up!
Lyrics
Count the stars, count them all, Hang them up on your wall, Notice how they blink and fade, As they red shift away, And how the starlight bends and plays, Like the lights are lost in phase, Count the stars, count them all, Hang them up on your wall.
Your nights are so long, Your days red shift away, Your nights grow so long, Your days red shift away, But only curious minds, Yes, only curious minds ever notice.
Fragile as the night is long, It goes on and on, There’s a light that splits in two, Beauty radiates from you, Lonely like a violin, Tender as a lullaby, Half remembered late at night, And so softly spoken.
Comments
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Stunning - the picking pattern is a perfect complement to your voice. I really love the melodic journey in each verse - how the melody swoops up in the second half, and do you also move from minor to major? It's so great.
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@eas3637 Thanks for your lovely feedback. Yes, it does travel into the major in the chorus, although I have to admit to know realising I had done it until you pointed it out. 😂
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Wonderful fingerplaying! Yes, the high notes on the guitar give the 4/4 time a different feel. A very poetic lyric.
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Definitely agree that the picking gives it a fun time signature feel. Perfect for discussing the wonders of space. I could see this song in a movie when a character has to consider some choices or is reflecting on a relationship of sorts. Great job!
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What a lovely melody for these chords; absolutely gorgeous. Although the focus is the songwriting, that's a wonderful vocal performance, which really sells it. The rising and falling chords for the "only curious minds" are beautiful, and set up the return to the familiar chords excellently. Very nice indeed.
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Yeah definitely a good choice to leave it simple. Your guitar playing and vocals are beautiful. I really love your new picking! It definitely catches the attention. What a lovely song and the source of inspiration is perfect!
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The picking style might be hard but it serves the song so well. Wonderful song and performance.
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So poetic. Love the combination of specific and expansive concepts here. Beautiful vocals and guitar work.
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Excellent idea for a song lyric and you make the most of it. And what a gorgeous delivery, just lovely.
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Gorgeous guitar and vocal melodies! I really love the tone of your voice, very mesmerizing. Wonderful production and lyrically brilliant!! The way you sing "long" in the chorus WOW, truly can't get enough of this!
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Really lovely lyrics, with a simple and beautiful melody. I love how you used Red Shifting in more personal contexts. Really evocative. Love your voice as always!
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Vulnerable,delicate and beautiful. I am grateful för taking part of art like this. Thanks 🙏
![[FAWM]](/static/img/ukulelecorn.svg)
That's a terrific lyric - excellent progression from stanza to stanza. Nicely performed. I came back to hear this one again.