The Song Of This World

Ed Hannifin

Get Flash to see this player.

Description

Another set of BR-8 tracks, imported to GarageBand, where more guitar was added and where it was mixed...I find that the multiple conversions take something out of the final sound, so I look forward to someday posting something that starts and finishes in GB (or Logic Express), and hearing if that's better...

This was my attempt to write an encouraging song without pretending that life is not sometimes hard.

This is also my first song posting without the bolstering harmonies of my old partner Phyllis.

Anyway, hope you like it...

Leave a Comment

You must be registered and logged-in to comment.

Lyrics

The Song Of This World

The song of this world is not for the faint-hearted
The song of this world is not easily sung
The song of this world does not need to get started
The song of this world will not ever be done
Come on in, lend your voice
to the song of this world
You can mourn or rejoice
in the song of this world
You do not have much choice,
you might as well sing...

The song of this world is as jagged as lightning
The song of this world is as sweet as a kiss
The song of this world is both brave and foolhardy
A little piece of it goes something like this:
Come on in, lend your voice
to the song of this world
You can mourn or rejoice
in the song of this world
You do not have much choice,
you might as well sing...

It's not that you have to be joyful and glad
It's not that you cannot be downcast and sad
We all have to do what we can to survive
But while you are here you should know you're alive...

The song of this world is a coming together
The song of this world is a falling away
The song of this world is as hard as it can be
The song of this world will be sung anyway
Come on in, lend your voice
to the song of this world
You can mourn or rejoice
in the song of this world
You do not have much choice,
you might as well sing

you might as well sing

you might as well sing...

Song Stats

Hits: 4721
Comments: 98
Fans: 21
Plays: 792
Downloads: 195
Votes: 36
Uploaded: Aug 17, 2005 - 11:10:36 PM
Last Updated: Aug 17, 2005 - 08:36:15 PM Last Played: Mar 01, 2010 - 04:05:39 AM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Hardware:

Boss BR-8 digital recorder, featuring the infamous BR-8 snare...
AKG C1000s mic
Alvarez Yairi acoustic guitars
Ibanez bass
iMac G5

Software:

GarageBand 2

Comments

Cori Ander

Cori Ander said 1672 days ago (August 18th, 2005)

Oooohhh
So beautifully great! We are swaying on this friendly ocean
again. Soft winds are gently touching our cheeks, playing
with our hair. Scents of pure beauty are all around.

I don't want this to end.
Don't want to leave this place now I found it.
Play it from the beginning again!
Thank you ...

Let us stay here forever!

Where has this man been?
Where did he fetch this for us?
Could he have been in heaven?
Grateful anyway that he brought some of it back!

Play it from the beginning again!
Thank you ...
Let us stay here forever!

Check out my latest song called The Moss

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)

Oooohhh
Well. Wow. This is a pretty strong positive response. Thanks, Cori. I continue to
be bowled over by your enthusiastic support.

Can I say, also, that one of the things that I like about your approach to this site,
from what you've said in your comments, is that you listen deeply, and you
listen more than once? You seem to be usually listening while you write
comments. I think that's a good idea, and one I should do more consistently.

Thanks again for the quick listen and the supportive, positive reaction.

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

Cori Ander	Cori Ander said 1672 days ago (August 18th, 2005)
	and ... Yesterday I was about to write to you that your previous post, your song "Call Home The Day" is one that I come back and listen to repeatedly. (Think that is the song I have listened the most to of all tunes in my music collection the latest month). This is another one of the same breed! Check out my latest song called The Moss

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)
	and ... Curry, That is a pretty stunning compliment. I am flat out honored. I know how much of the site you cover, and I admire your taste, so that's a pretty special thing to hear. Thanks. Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

Epileptic Gibbon

Epileptic Gibbon said 1672 days ago (August 18th, 2005)

Nice sentiments…
…but I personally found the lyrics a little trite. Overall
an accomplished performance but this just doesn't
do it for me… sounds too much like a campfire song
for my liking. I think maybe that this does not have
enough rock in it for my own personal tastes in 'folk
rock' and although there's no accounting for taste,
that's all I have to go on. Of course I'm not 100% sure
which other genre it could go in… acoustic perhaps?

Check out my latest song called Fiddler Off the Roof w/Komrade K & Caroline

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)

Nice sentiments?Ķ
Well, EG, I'm sorry you don't care for it. I won't pretend it doesn't sting some
to have it thought 'trite', but I guess I can understand how it could come off
that way.

I had something of an epiphany about campfire songs some years back while
camping cross country...I heard some songs, some that I liked and some that
I hadn't previously liked, being sung around a campfire somewhere in the
American South, and I decided that it wouldn't be such a bad thing to have a
song that people related to that way, that people liked to sing together in that
sort of setting. I thought it would be neat to write one or two like that.

As to folk rock: your taste is your taste, and I understand that this one didn't
jazz you, but I think this fits as well in folk rock as anywhere. It's a "folk style"
song with bass and drums, and I think folk rock is where it belongs.

We'll see if some future post floats your boat a little better. I am trying to
learn drum programming skills in GB so that future posts have a harder edge,
but I'm not there yet. In any case, thank you very much for listening and for
commenting.

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

ziti	ziti said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)
	good choice one of your best..ed it does sound like a sing along, but i think that's the point, huh? hell...ya might as well sing production and performance are right on...another great post.... hi to thepeep z Check out my latest song called Fran Dagostino Band DEMO-Live

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)

good choice
ziti,

Thanks for the supportive feedback, and thanks for getting inside the intent
of the song. It IS a singalong sort of thing...and that's okay with me...that's a
piece of what this particular song is meant to do and be...

Glad you like the production and performance. I very seriously have you and
Cori in my head every time I do a guitar track, especially anything that is
trying to be melody/lead, and I hold my breath every time I post that you
guys aren't going to find the guitar work too lame...Another song/hurdle
passed...

Thanks for listening...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

ziti	ziti said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)
	dear ed i personally think the style of guitar playing you do is tremendously difficult. This style is one i've never ever mastered....that you consider my opinion important is a great compliment, but you should have no fear of criticism on this end. Only appreciation! z Check out my latest song called Fran Dagostino Band DEMO-Live

said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)

Well, such a beautifully...
done song and some divergent opinions. Hmmmm.
I think at first glance or listen one can think, "a bit
trite or light." But as I listened what I began to hear
wasn't trite. For all of us life has many different
songs, many experiences. Positive, negative, and
in between. Facing all of them, all that life presents
to us, learning from them, growing through them...
well, it ain't easy. Thus your line, "... not for the
faint-hearted.... not easily sung." It is much easier
ignoring the challenges and difficulties of marriage,
rasing children, pressures of work, past hurts from
childhood... the list goes on. Diving into those
things and the encumbant joys and sorrows... that
is singing the song of life.

You sing this with ease and an inviting voice...
"come on, join in and sing!" And your guitar
playing is great. In fact the beautiful sound you
are getting from your Alverez made me think for
a moment that you were strumming an Applause
guitar! : )

Jack

	said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)
	Well, such a beautifully... And by the way, I really like your song art. Nice likeness! Did you draw it? Jack --- Making melody with your heart...

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1671 days ago (August 19th, 2005)

Well, such a beautifully...
Almost forgot to reply to this...

The "song art" comes from my niece Julia's bat mitzvah earlier this summer.
There were two charicature artists at the party, and toward the end of the
night I asked one of them on a whim whether he could draw me with a guitar.
This is the result. I thought it was a pretty fair likeness, and decided to use it
if I could.

ARTWORK SCANNED, CONVERTED TO A MILLION FORMATS AND PUT ON A
CD-R BY ZITI!

Glad you like it!

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)

Well, such a beautifully...
Thanks for the comment, Jack. You seem to have gotten the thread of what I
was trying for in the song...And you picked up on some key lines, I think. The
idea was or is that life isn't always easy, it can be damned hard at times, but
it remains worth living for all that.

I'm glad that you find an ease in my singing. I don't always FEEL at ease
singing. Back in my days with my old band my partners tended to be much
more at ease singing melody, working out harmonies, and improvising
vocally. I more or less prayed constantly that God or the universe was guiding
toward being on pitch...

You know, with work and care, lots of lemon oil, a good humidifier, and
exquisite mic technique, the Alvarez line of guitars is fully capable of at least
approaching the resonance of the Applause guitar. I'm glad you could hear
the care I put into that, he said, searching in vain for the proper emoticon...

Thanks as always for your great comments.

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

stevel	stevel said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)
	nice one This kind of has a positive Donovan-ish feel to it...I guess you could argue that the lyrics are generalistic but I think they fit the music nicely enough. Your voice on this reminds me a bit of Dan Bejar (of the New Pornographers/ Destroyer) who I like a lot Steve Check out my latest song called Fare Thee Well

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)
	nice one Well, he said, admitting to his years, Donovan I recognize...I guess I'll have to investigate Dan Bejar and the New Pornographers... Thanks for listening and commenting, Steve. I do appreciate it, and I'm serious about investigating... Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)

Upbeat...like those old folk songs
Man, I was just listening to The Seekers and wishing
someone would do upbeat folk songs the way The Seekers
did (A World of Our Own, Building Bridges, I'll Never Find
Another You). You have done it, my friend! This is
beautiful, melodious, positive and uplifting.

My only suggestions for improving this are to layer in
more voices and reduce some of the repetition of the
word "song". Some synonyms for "song"? Maybe work in
chant, canticle, ode, sonnet, anthem, ballad, carol, hymn,
melody, ode, poem, harmony, rhythm, refrain or music.

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)

Upbeat...like those old folk songs
Richard, you had me right up to the synonyms...

I'm glad you find this melodious, 'cause I do try for melody, and I know you
have an ear for it. And I'm glad that folks are liking the positive vibe of the
song...

I remember "A World Of Our Own", but not a lot else of the Seekers...

Trying...to...remember...

I like the idea of layering in other voices, especially harmony voices, and I've
thought about a few other instruments, too.

I have to tell you, I don't see myself working in 'canticle' here... You'll have to
forgive me on that one...Thanks again for listening and commenting.

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1670 days ago (August 19th, 2005)
	Upbeat...like those old folk songs Richard, I think you forgot 'madrigal'... Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

	said 1670 days ago (August 19th, 2005)
	Upbeat...like those old folk songs I didn't mean for you to use all those synonyms...just slip in one or two to mix it up a tad. Oh well...bad idea, I guess. Remember Neil Diamond's Canta Libre? --- Sonority by Schletty: http://www.schletty.com/indwellings

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1669 days ago (August 20th, 2005)
	Upbeat...like those old folk songs Man, Richard, you cover a lot of musical ground. I have to admit that I don't know that one...Feel free to enlighten me, though... I think I'm going to have to keep a notebook, and really drive up my iTunes account... Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

said 1666 days ago (August 23rd, 2005)

Upbeat...like those old folk songs
I mention Cante Libre (Sing Freely) because in that song Neil Diamond sings
in both Spanish and English. I was thinking maybe you could slip into your
song a translation of the phrase "song of this world". ..into whatever dialect(s)
suit you.

Or not.

[No thesarus was consulted in the composition of this comment]

---
Sonority by Schletty: http://www.schletty.com/indwellings

snowdragon

snowdragon said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)

Guitars sounded great
with an early Lightfoot vibe that hooked me on the genre
a long time ago.

Yeah, the lyrics are kinda '50s optimistic lightweight but
so what? They feel like they're coming from a very real
place and fit the music nicely.

Although, I dare ya to try and work "canticle" in there. (We
really should take Rich's thesaurus away from him.)

Overall, a fine tune.

Check out my latest song called Wasted: Redux MJRF 2010

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1671 days ago (August 19th, 2005)

Guitars sounded great
Dragon, I'm glad you like the guitars. I myself AM an optimistic 50's era
lightweight, so there we are...it all works out...

It's funny to have you find some common ground with Lightfoot. Now that
you bring it up, I can hear it, but around here my wife and one of my good
friends have been the Lightfoot fans. I've just been listening to some of his
stuff recently, along with some Ian and Sylvia.

Thanks for the listen, and the comment,

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

jgurner	jgurner said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)
	...let's all sing together... Very cool. Reminds me of a lot of the folk tunes coming out of the 60s - peace, love and understanding. Great sentiments needed so much in the world today. Love the flowing guitar and the vocal effect. I'd gladly join hands with my fellow MacJammers around a virtual campfire and sing this. Check out my latest song called Scary Monsters (MJRF2010)

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1671 days ago (August 19th, 2005)

...let's all sing together...
I'm glad you like it, jgurner. I'm not averse to a little Sixties vibe, m'self.

If only I could figure out how to get a REAL backwards guitar effect doing
computer recording, I think I might never leave my little office/studio.

I am not kidding.

And yeah, I like life-affirming music, although I do try not to get too sappy
about it. But it does seem sometimes like the balance these days swings the
other way: 'dark' is de facto 'good', 'attitude' is by its very nature to be
desired...I haven't found that to be true in my life... In music or in life, it can
get to be a pose, just as anything done without balance or good sense can be
a pose...

Thanks for listening and commenting. I very much appreciate it.

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1671 days ago (August 19th, 2005)
	...let's all sing together... And I understand that there are plans afoot for a virtual campfire.... Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

White Hawks	White Hawks said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)
	woooow song of this world!!! Ed, this is very cool. Nice guitar and your vocal making this song even more cool. thanks for sharing. - Hawks Check out my latest song called Shepherds Out in the Field

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1671 days ago (August 19th, 2005)
	woooow Hawks, time and again your enthusiasm just makes my day...my week... I'm am very pleased that you think the song is cool, and triply pleased that you think the guitar and vocal increase its coolness quotient... I'm glad you stopped by for a listen! Always a pleasure to hear from you! Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

J.A.Stewart

J.A.Stewart said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)

Nice Folk Tune
Lots of things could be done to improve the production of
this song (that's almost always true), but at its core it's a very
nice folk tune and it's a nice, clean folk mix.

Counterpuntal instrumentation could be added to enhance
the musical texture of this piece, but that would most
certainly make it more of a folk/ROCK tune.

It does cry out for some harmonies and follows, because
there are some very interesting melodic opportunities for
them in this song. But that's a good thing. ;-)

Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1671 days ago (August 19th, 2005)

Nice Folk Tune
I agree with your remarks about production, Joe.

I actually had a version partially worked up with tambourine and electric
guitar and electric twelve string guitar...the limiting factors were:

1) I didn't have another voice to use, and I'm not actually very good at singing
harmony without lots of stern coaching...

2) As was pointed out on my first song, I'm still using the relatively weak
BR-8 drums, and they don't really "carry" a lot of weight of rock arrangement
on top, or so it seems to me...

Eventually I just stripped the track back to the acoustic guitars, bass, vocals
and drum machine...

I have GOT to get my GB drum chops up to snuff...it does open up more use
of electric instruments and effects...

And I think this is a song you could take in a lot of directions.

Thanks for listening, and for your thoughtful comment.

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

J.A.Stewart

J.A.Stewart said 1671 days ago (August 18th, 2005)

Nice Folk Tune 2...
Just so you don't get the wrong impression from my original
post, my observations were written after reading all the
preceding posts.

The tune is a good one; the lyrics are fine, too. Not all music
and lyrics have to break new ground to be effective.

I like the simplicity of this song. It's honest, heart-felt and
straightforward. It's sincere retro folk. :)

Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1671 days ago (August 19th, 2005)

Nice Folk Tune 2...
I'm not sure what "wrong impression" I could have gotten... I liked your
comments...

I'm pleased that you like the tune and lyrics, and I agree with you that not every
song has to break new ground...In the folk and folk rock worlds that's especially
true...

"Sincere retro folk" is a lovely term.... Thanks again for your thoughts...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

Tadashi Togawa	Tadashi Togawa said 1670 days ago (August 19th, 2005)
	Good music This is very good music. The guitar is a good sound. It is simple atmosphere. In the picture of the artwork, it is quite good. Check out my latest song called Mexican taste

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1670 days ago (August 19th, 2005)
	Good music Tadashi-san, I always appreciate your comments. I'm glad you like the guitar sound. I'm also pleased you like the artwork... Thanks as always for listening and responding.... Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

TobinMueller

TobinMueller said 1670 days ago (August 19th, 2005)

Swaying to the music
Wonderful swaying waltz folk tune. The layered acoustic
guitars embrace with warmth and folksy charm. This is a
sweet anthem. (In a very minor observation, I don't hear you
smiling behind your voice, and I missed that. And I thought
the layered guitars warranted layered harmonies in a few
sections, to add audio variations.) Nice instrumental break.
The world can use more songs like this, that's for sure!

Check out my latest song called Seafood Gumbo w/ AngelaHope

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1670 days ago (August 19th, 2005)

Swaying to the music
Tobin, thanks for listening again. Glad you like this folk waltz, and its layered
guitars.

I agree, and it seems a LOT of folks agree, about some layered harmony...as
noted, I don't feel able to do it all on my own, but I like the idea, and I believe
there's a move afoot to try it with multiple harmonies...I tend to like things
doubled, whether vocals or guitars...

If it worked for the Beatles...the Byrds...CSN...

Of course, lacking George Martin, I tend to overuse it to hide a multitude of
sins. But then again, sometimes it works...and DOES hide the sins...

You don't hear me smiling behind my voice...I've never heard that said that
way before...but I think you're right...I think I got SERIOUS...probably about
getting the vocal done, not about the song itself...but you're right, it comes
through...that's something for me to learn from and keep in mind...

Finally, I'm happy that you praised the instrumental break. With almost
everyone who commonly comments on my songs, I have a sense of what they
might listen for and what they might "catch" or criticize. I think of you as one
of the "go to" guys for musicality, and so to have you say something good
about the instrumental bit is very nice.

I'm very glad you took the time to listen, Tobin, and to comment. Thanks.

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

	said 1670 days ago (August 19th, 2005)
	beautiful Very good tune, I like the way you handle your voice and how you play the guitar. A soft melody that goes to my list of favorites.

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1670 days ago (August 19th, 2005)
	beautiful Thanks very much. I appreciate you taking the time to listen. Glad you enjoyed the voice and guitar. Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

thetiler	thetiler said 1670 days ago (August 19th, 2005)
	very nice indeed Love the quality of the recording. Nice stereo. You have a very pleasant to hear vocal. This is a joy to listen to. You are nice addition to the Macjams community! Terrific Check out my latest song called Wade In The Water Variations

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1670 days ago (August 19th, 2005)
	very nice indeed tiler, I'm glad you like the stereo....This was a bit of a bear for me to mix...I was experimenting with the GarageBand compressors, trying to keep it all in the iMac, and I had to struggle more than previously... Thanks for listening. Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

_nderscore	_nderscore said 1670 days ago (August 19th, 2005)
	enjoyable listen nice, well-rounded sound, great vocals & performance. i like the message Check out my latest song called glyd

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1670 days ago (August 19th, 2005)
	enjoyable listen Thanks, _nderscore. Glad it comes off well rounded, and glad you liked the vocals. I'm pleased you gave it a listen... Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

selters	selters said 1670 days ago (August 19th, 2005)
	greatgreat!!!\| This song is just great!!! I love the guitarplay, the lyrics, the vocals. everything. i have to listen to it over and over again! Check out my latest song called So Far (Out Of Reach)

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1670 days ago (August 19th, 2005)

greatgreat!!!|
selters, I'm glad you enjoyed it so much....I caught just the tail end of you
praising it on the Chat, and I appreciate that, and that you came and listened.
Seems like you liked the whole package...guitars, vocals, the works! Cool. I've
just checked out one of your tunes this afternoon, and I'll listen to more a bit
later. Thanks for the good thoughts!

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

Mystified	Mystified said 1669 days ago (August 20th, 2005)
	You got me to sing along.... ...in harmony, of course! One of those kinds of songs where EVERYONE can join in! Lovely song, wonderful sentiment :) Thank you ! Check out my latest song called Winter's Breath (MJRF 2010)

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1669 days ago (August 20th, 2005)

You got me to sing along....
Well, if you're ALREADY singing along...in HARMONY...talk to Richard and
Dadai...

Glad to hear it though, Mysti...the song IS sort of constructed that way...I did
want it to stick in people's heads and be the kind of thing that folks would sing
while doing the dishes...And if it's succeeding on the level where you as a singer
appreciate it, that's real good in my book...

Thanks for listening and commenting, Mysti...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

thepeep	thepeep said 1669 days ago (August 20th, 2005)
	Hello, Dad... ...this is really funny, and I really like your song. I think your song is such a good one...as well as the other songs that you've written...And I'm also going to list myself as one of your fans! Sincerely, Your son, thepeep I love you, ejh! Check out my latest song called Like Horse-Feet To My Ears

Peter Greenstone	Peter Greenstone said 1669 days ago (August 20th, 2005)
	Anotehr sweet one Really nice, Ed. Sounds great even after the conversion. Uplifting lyrics and beautiful, sweet melody. The song pulls me in and makes me want to sing along and do that swaying thing. Other than a little fidgeting noise at the end it sounds ready for air, not that it's anything more than a detail nit. Much enjoyed. Check out my latest song called From Nothing

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1668 days ago (August 21st, 2005)

Anotehr sweet one
Thank you, Peter! I'm glad you like it...I'm sitting here imagining you doing
"that
swaying thing"...

As you know, I like and admire your songwriting, so I'm pleased and
encouraged
when you like my lyrics and melody...

I'll have to give a listen again and pick up whatever the fidgety noise is...It
may be buried in bounced tracks (i.e. nothing to be done about it anymore),
but maybe not...I'll check...

Thanks for listening and commenting...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

	Lex Talionis said 1669 days ago (August 21st, 2005)
	beautiful i love the enfoldment of everything in this. it's really beautiful, and so what about the campfire stuff--if one is out in the woods for a week without their MJ/GB or iTunes, one would really "get" this, I think--but that's experiential unless you can imagine. Hey, "imagine"--if you play that one on guitar it's campfirey--not bad company! guitars sound jangley and crisp.

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1668 days ago (August 21st, 2005)

beautiful
Thank you, Lex. I'm glad you like and "get" the song...

I'm pleased the guitars come across "jangly and crisp"; I do tend to try for
that "jingle jangle" sound, though maybe a little less here than on some of my
other ones...I actually electric twelve-string OFF this one...

I agree with what you wrote about being off in the woods...I had that
experience some years ago, camping cross country; I heard some gatherings
of friends and families singing those songs that everybody knows around
campfires...it felt warm and real to me, where previously I might have sneered
a bit...the experience totally changed my outlook on song...

I agree with you about 'Imagine', too--that's a song that I HAVE sung around
a campfire, and at the "dawn mass" my old high school used to offer in
springtime...

Thank you for a thoughtful listen and comment...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

thoddi	thoddi said 1668 days ago (August 21st, 2005)
	You might as well sing If we didnt know bad, we wouldn't know good. This is how the mechanisms are and, have to be, so...you might as well sing:) Nice song Ejh. Thoddi Check out my latest song called Walk on out of here

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1668 days ago (August 21st, 2005)
	You might as well sing Thanks, thoddi, you seem to get the sense of the tune...and sum it up quite nicely...I appreciate your thoughtful listening and commenting... Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

	said 1668 days ago (August 21st, 2005)
	might as well sing that is true Edge, this is a nice mellow and depressing song, I had to take my tablets after listening :) Cool flow and all the sounds fit nicely. Nice song there. Cheers

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1668 days ago (August 21st, 2005)
	might as well sing "A nice mellow and depressing song"....there's another great phrase for ya... Thanks, katchoolik...glad you like the flow and the sounds..., and thanks as always for listening and taking the time to comment. I appreciate it. Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

jiguma

jiguma said 1668 days ago (August 21st, 2005)

Please excuse my tardiness!
Somehow missed this Ed. Nice song - especially like the
full guitar sound you get. I guess I'm not one for deep
and meaningful lyrics, but if I ever need some, I know
where to ask!
I have often resorted to harmonies to fill songs out, and to
my surprise it's not as hard as it sounds - I suspect you
will find the same. This song would definitely benefit
from some subtle harmonies - just shut the door, start
recording and think like David Crosby (works for me!).
Nice one,
Neil

Check out my latest song called PBGB/jiguma Radio Interview

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1668 days ago (August 21st, 2005)

Please excuse my tardiness!
Glad you stopped by, jiguma!

I'm getting a lot of praise for the guitar sound, which is pleasing to me...I
sometimes think I overdo it...

It's funny, y'know, even though I know you're joking...I don't think of these
lyrics as deep and meaningful...I don't think they're completely lightweight,
either...I think they're somewhere in the middle...but that's in my twisted
cosmos...

And speaking of twisted cosmos, you say, "think like David Crosby" like that's
an EASY thing...whether we're talking harmony singing or writing or rhythm
guitar, Crosby is not easily imitated...

But I get the thrust of your comment, and so, yeah, I'll get brave and lock the
doors and try a few harmonies...I agree that this is a glaring omission in this
song...it would be the better for them, without question...

Thanks again for stopping by and taking the time to listen and comment.

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

jiguma	jiguma said 1666 days ago (August 23rd, 2005)
	Please excuse my tardiness! Hi Ed, I think you confused where I was joking - the Crosby bit was the joke, he is a freak of nature (and I mean that in the nicest possible way!) in the harmony department. I really look forward to hearing how you go with the harmonies. Cheers, Neil Check out my latest song called PBGB/jiguma Radio Interview

Macaudion

Macaudion said 1666 days ago (August 23rd, 2005)

Excellence and Beauty...
Ed,

It's a nice thing, to not be surprised at the beauty of a
paticular person's evidence of existence. The lyrics and
melody here are so hearfelt and beautiful and it's what I
have come to look for and appreciate in your music.

The lyrics and melody in this tune is all of the above...,
and, in ways infinite to my knowing... - Herein lies the
beauty of life...

Excellence and beauty has landed upon us again - You are
the ideal steward of such...

Dion

Check out my latest song called 123 iGetU

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1666 days ago (August 23rd, 2005)

Excellence and Beauty...
Dion,

As always, I appreciate your appreciation...you seem to possess the gift of
being unafraid to speak from your heart...So I am always touched by your
responses to whatever I'm trying to do...

Glad that you find some 'excellence and beauty' in there...and mostly glad
that you came around to listen, and liked it...

Good to hear from you again....

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

	bzmaru24 said 1666 days ago (August 23rd, 2005)
	nice nice song. love the lyrics. hope to hear more songs from you.

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1662 days ago (August 27th, 2005)
	nice Glad you like the song, and the lyrics...More songs are in the planning and recording stages.... Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

mulletsrock	mulletsrock said 1663 days ago (August 26th, 2005)
	Looking for a passionate messnger Very solid mainstream folk. But there is something dull about the performance. Folk needs a certain passion, conviction, when it is about large concepts. Everything is here but the passion, in the vocal line especially. Check out my latest song called Frankenfun II (with iGStudio, Tobin, Suz...)

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1660 days ago (August 29th, 2005)

Looking for a passionate messnger
Well, I'm glad you find it solid, and sorry you find the vocal dull and lacking in
passion...

I have to wonder whether you are mistaking a lack of chops for a lack of
passion... in other words, whether my limitations as a singer are what you're
hearing here, rather than my emotional state or commitment to the tune...
Because I certainly wish I could sing it BETTER...

I do think I bring SOME passion to the tune, but maybe that doesn't come
through...

In any case, I appreciate that you gave a good listen and took the time to
comment thoughtfully and honestly...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

Bubowski

Bubowski said 1660 days ago (August 29th, 2005)

Really Great - Reminds me of the Strawbs
Don't know if you've ever listened to the Strawbs, a british folk/prog band from the 70s and 80s, but this sounds a lot like them (which is a good thing). Nice melody, playing, and singing! Great as is, but it would be fun to add some piano and woodwind parts and fill out the arrangement! Good going! A new favorite!

Check out my latest song called Song of Mbira (Updated)

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1660 days ago (August 29th, 2005)

Really Great - Reminds me of the Strawbs
Thanks for commenting, Bubowski. As you may know, I have enjoyed and
downloaded a number of your pieces....Sakura and Nocturne and some other
songs...

I know ABOUT the Strawbs but I've never heard them. I've certainly done my
share of listening to Sandy Denny, Fotheringay, Fairport Convention, Richard
Thompson, and others of that crowd. Somehow, though, I've never had a
Strawbs album in my hands...

There seem to be several people moved to mess around with the arrangement
to this tune, both vocally and instrumentally. I agree that more can be done
with it than I can do. If you ever want to give it a try, just let me know. You
seem to know what you're doing in the software instruments and general
arranging/orchestrating areas....

Glad you liked it, more than anything. Thanks for listening and commenting...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

screaming.org	screaming.org said 1658 days ago (August 31st, 2005)
	... I haven't listened to folk since I was in junior high school (my mom had a Peter, Paul & Mary album that had some comedy tracks on it and I learned, through that, to appreciate some of their more straight stuff.) That said, I really like what you've done here. Check out my latest song called Bleed (alley-oop)

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1657 days ago (September 1st, 2005)

...
You know, I KNOW that PP&M album...

Gotta branch out into comedy... I actually met Paul Stookey once, years ago...
He was one of the folksingers of the Sixties whose voice I most enjoyed...

The first four PP&M albums are actually touchstones for how to do a great
folk production with three voices, two guitars and a bass... In The Wind is
actually an amazing album to listen to with headphones on... the vocal
arrangements and instrumental arrangements...and remember, these folks
did these live-in-the-studio with a three-track or four-track recorder...

So being compared to THOSE guys is a great compliment, even if the
comparison is tangential...

Thanks for listening and commenting...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

perceptualvortex	perceptualvortex said 1650 days ago (September 8th, 2005)
	Wow Great writing, playing, singing and production. I don't listen to a lot of folk music, but this is truly superlative. The words are cutting right to the heart rather than floating on the surface. This is really catchy and rich sounding. Right on! Check out my latest song called Ultimatum (w Vac)

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1650 days ago (September 9th, 2005)
	Wow Thanks, mr. vortex, that's just what I would've wanted to hear. It really makes my day that you think it's a good production. I'm glad you took the time to listen and to comment... Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

ginz111	ginz111 said 1647 days ago (September 11th, 2005)
	Great track! Really nice well put together track. Awesome vocals! I really enjoyed it. Carl Check out my latest song called Mysterious Subject

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1647 days ago (September 12th, 2005)
	Great track! ginz, I'm glad you like the track, and I'm particularly glad you like the vocals. I'm pleased you took the time to listen and comment. Thanks. Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

Doadars Uncle	Doadars Uncle said 1637 days ago (September 21st, 2005)
	Great Music Wonderful advice! I am awakened by the percussion of dumpsters at four in the mourning. I open with my groaning solo. Tap-shhh- thump, the window is closed. Decrescendo into dreams. Songs of life are in our hearts! Check out my latest song called Growler

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1637 days ago (September 21st, 2005)
	Great Music Great comment! I'm glad you got inside the song that way... I really enjoyed this little image... Thanks for listening and leaving some thoughts... Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

aclarke

aclarke said 1632 days ago (September 26th, 2005)

You know
My family and I had a potentially devasting, life altering experience a
couple of years ago and at that time I decided to adopt a different
philosophy. Basically- don't be controlled or consumed by things you
cannot control (and there isn't really much we do control)... that's the
short version. "You might as well sing". A much clearer and concise
message.

This is so good. So natural. And so elagantly pure! This song is a
wonderful gift to this community. Thank you, Ed! Sincerely!

Check out my latest song called Little Tiki Bar (Russo Mix)

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1632 days ago (September 27th, 2005)
	You know Thanks, Adam. I appreciate you telling me this. Thanks for listening and leaving such a moving comment. Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

beatrix	beatrix said 1618 days ago (October 10th, 2005)
	You can mourn or rejoice.. I love the words of this song .. and the tune .. and your voice .. and the guitar .. and and .. I rejoice, of course!! (pass the marshmallows and let's sing some more!:) ~b

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1618 days ago (October 10th, 2005)
	You can mourn or rejoice.. beatrix!! Missed you on this one! I'm glad you got over too listen! Thanks for your comment. I'm very pleased that you liked it... See ya round the campfire! Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

selters	selters said 1600 days ago (October 29th, 2005)
	still listening a lot to this! I thave commented on this before off course, just had to tell that I still listen to it a lot! Its such a great song! Check out my latest song called So Far (Out Of Reach)

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1598 days ago (October 30th, 2005)
	still listening a lot to this! Thanks, selters. That makes my day...It's very thoughtful of you to take the time to let me know. I appreciate it. Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

selters	selters said 1598 days ago (October 30th, 2005)
	ahh After been listening to this a lot for a long time, i just wanted to stop by and once again tell you what a great song this is. Check out my latest song called So Far (Out Of Reach)

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1553 days ago (December 14th, 2005)
	ahh Thanks yet again, selters.... Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

Dena	Dena said 1554 days ago (December 14th, 2005)
	Beautiful! Your truly are an expert at creating a lovely "landscape of guitar sounds." Your vocals are very strong and you're an excellent songwriter. You create a wonderful atmosphere with your music - thanks for sharing it! Check out my latest song called Out West

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1553 days ago (December 14th, 2005)

Beautiful!
Your truly are an expert at creating a lovely "landscape of guitar
sounds."
Your vocals are very strong and you're an excellent songwriter.
You create a wonderful atmosphere with your music - thanks for
sharing it!

Dena, I'm getting the feeling that you and I are both fans of layered acoustic
and electric guitars... It really is something that I love to do...

Having heard your first MacJams tune last night, I'm thrilled that you think
I'm turning out good vocals and songs...

Thank you for listening to so many of my songs....Please keep listening!...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

screamalexz	screamalexz said 1545 days ago (December 23rd, 2005)
	nice i like your voice. a nice accoustic song. everything fits well for the song. it's a unique way to look at things in the lyrics. Check out my latest song called Mistress of the Moon

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 1540 days ago (December 27th, 2005)
	nice Thanks, Chance. I'm glad you took the time to listen. Prob'ly not your usual style of thing, so I'm impressed you gave it a chance, and pleased you found somethign to like. I'm glad you liked the lyrics and the voice, and that it hangs together for you. Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

Joanna

Joanna said 1532 days ago (January 5th, 2006)

Kum bah ya
This is a wonderful campfire folk song. It just evokes that universal
feeling of shared experience. It would be a lot of fun if you could get a
bunch of voices to sing the chorus with you, to mimic that "everyone
singing" feel. Make it a Macjam project! I'm sure you'd get bunches of
volunteers. It would be fun! No dreaded harmonies needed (although I
occasionally harmonize, I fear it) because group songs tend to follow
the melody.

Not that I think you need to redo this. These are just the thoughts
spinning through my head as I listened and sang along.

Check out my latest song called Sailor Boy

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1530 days ago (January 6th, 2006)

Kum bah ya
Oh, Joanna...

Check out Joe Hollywood's remake of this song...I think there's a bit of chorus
there for ya...

Also, tiler did an instrumental version/variation that's pretty neat...

There were RUMORS of a Dadai version at one point, and there is also a long-
promised version that will feature the mellotron, which I would LOVE to
hear...

I did try to have this tune be sort of "Kumbaya-with-a-little-edge-to-it"....

Thank you for giving this a listen...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

Nolan	Nolan said 1504 days ago (February 2nd, 2006)
	I adore your songwriting I love how perfecty you capture the feelings you do in your songs. They stand alone as great songs. I know you could really entertain with just an acoustic guitar sitting around a campfire. Mind you, the arrangement and sound you've got here is fantastic. Check out my latest song called Fine

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1502 days ago (February 3rd, 2006)

I adore your songwriting
Thanks, Nolan! You are determinedly making my day today!

Funny thing is, I did want this song to be accessible, easily playable... AND I
don't think I remember how to play it... I play for people so rarely these days,
that I have to keep going back to my lead sheets to remember chords and
lyrics...

Continued thanks for your attentive listens and thoughtful comments.

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

	said 985 days ago (July 5th, 2007)
	: ) What a GREAT SONG.... :) heard it before Great to hear it again ! LOve Your Music EJH. sigh... : )Fits good to the coming event 7.7.07 Event LiveEarth Concert !!!! 8 ) ThankYou Love it !

stacey	stacey said 716 days ago (March 30th, 2008)
	I might as well sing... ...along with this song. Bravo my man! Check out my latest song called tick tock

Bob6stringer	Bob6stringer said 701 days ago (April 14th, 2008)
	Pure acoustic heart One Mr. A.J. Stewart's "Hollywood Remix" led me to check out the original. I can't compliment one without the other, so thank you for a great song. Also, glad to finally meet you through your tunes. Check out my latest song called The Devil Beat Me to Her

saymme	saymme said 517 days ago (October 15th, 2008)
	How great to hear this again .... !! You always have the greatest Lyrics & i really love Your Music...this was such a treat to hear again today - DL & FAVED !!! Finally got my songs on cds but have no stereo now so i need to go here hahahaa : ) ! This is an uplifting song to me - ThankYou Again .

MarkHolbrook	MarkHolbrook said 279 days ago (June 10th, 2009)
	Classic sound Stellar tune... Your conversions from BR-8 are so clean and if you feel sound is lost well I have to disagree because this is as clean and full as it gets! Lyrics are amazing and really touch a chord inside. This is a classic progression but in this song it sounds so fresh, so new... Unbelievably great Ed! Check out my latest song called Never Say Goodbye - Bond Challenge

Bob6stringer

Bob6stringer said 119 days ago (November 17th, 2009)

I hope all MJ-ers compare this with J.A.'s!
Ed, THANK YOU for inspiring J.A. Stewart to add those harmonies. He couldn't have done that without such a ... tuneful tune. Great set of bones on this piece. I called J.A.'s version (http://www.macjams.com/song/13267) a piece of "pure mellow joy." That came from you. I "heart you" ... literally, favorite artist o'mine.

Check out my latest song called The Devil Beat Me to Her

Fan List

Artist Info

Name: Ed Hannifin

Psychotherapist and long-time guitarist and songwriter ... [see more]

Check out some of my other songs:

Genre Info

Folk-rock is a musical genre, combining elements of folk music and rock music. In the original and narrowest sense, the term referred to a genre that arose in the United States and Canada around the mid-1960s. The sound was epitomized by tight vocal

More songs in Folk-Rock:

Chat

bud	57
CrazeeFlootGrrl	7
dave_b	9
Demeter7	2
Einarus	59
richard13	16
SCJohnson59	0