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He

by Emperor Gum

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about

Spintunes 13 Round 1: write a tribute to your favorite deceased celebrity.

I don't have favourite celebrities so it took me a while to figure out what I was going to do for this round. Ultimately I picked Roy Orbison because I adore his music and by all accounts he was a nice chap. It also gave me a clear blueprint for writing the song.

I did my best to write and produce a Roy Orbison tune that's starts as a ballad making copious references to his lyrics and then celebrates the man's musical finesse. I imitated the Nashville sound and Orbison's unusual operatic song structure, I even wrote an actual chorus which is a rarity for me.

I think this turned out alright, I definitely pulled off what I set out to do. My lead vocals on this sound different. Normally my voice sounds like I'm not trying that hard so I went all out with this. It sounds... different, progress I guess? Also I should have flex timed the five guitar parts but its hot and late so I can't be bothered.

lyrics

She said "let's talk", she wore a frown
A pearl necklace and her hair down
She said her piece, then turned her back and walked on

I went home, her things were gone
I went and put your record on
Tomorrow's romance ends just the same now that she's gone

It's over again, I'm hurtin' again, now she said we're through
When I have no one else, at least I have you

Ever since you wrote them, I've words that hold the truth
Ever since you sang them, there's an angel in my blues

They say be a man, show bravado if you can
Never let them see your pain
But you're the tender bard who set down your guard
To write songs against the grain

Others preen, you tell a tale
In three minutes, you bleed and wail
You stood still but they still laugh, weep and sway

Talent you had in spades, hidden behind your shades
You were gone much too soon
How could I ever mourn when you died 'fore I was born?
Well at least I can write you a tune

Ever since you wrote them, I've words that hold the truth
Ever since you sang them, there's an angel in my blues

Alone again, heartache again, crying overdue
When I have no one else, at least I have you

credits

released July 9, 2017

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Emperor Gum Cheltenham, UK

Classically influenced alternative rock music created in direct spite of pop conventions.

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