Who's Online
Invisible Members: 9 Visitors: 69
Past 7 Days
Song Uploads: 176
Song Votes: 319
Song Comments: 3452
Forum Posts: 830
New Members: 91
Participation Points: 12437.85
|
Get Flash to see this player.
Having playback trouble, try the Quicktime player:
  
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial
|
|
|
|
|
Description:
I'm working on some songs to pass on a little advice and wisdom to my grandchildren... WHENEVER they may be. My son recently got engaged to a terrific young lady, so it may not be too far... Down The Road. ;)
I thought as I began working on this one that a bare-bones version might fit into the coffeehouse.
Lyrics:
Down The Road
Music and Lyrics © 2008 By J.A. Stewart
— ALL RIGHTS RESERVED —
Take any road that you want to — follow your dreams where they may lead
Explore the highways and the byways ‘round the bend
Take time along the way to find a long-lost friend
It’s not a race, so set a pace for journey’s end...
Down The Road, Down The Road
Make any plans that you want to — It’s always good to have some goals
Work hard to get there, but remember what I say
There’s always detours and dead-ends along the way
Don’t get discouraged, you must play them as they lay...
On The Road, Down The Road
(Instrumental Break)
Take all the time you feel you need to — Give it your all and do your best
Find something that you love and give it all you’ve got
You’ll find in giving you get more back than you thought
With any luck at all, you’ll learn you’ve gained a lot...
From The Road, Down The Road
Make all the time that you can then — To share with those you hold most dear
Find true love you can trust and give your heart away
Treat them as treasure, each and every single day
If you can do that, then I know you’ll be okay...
Down The Road, Down The Road
|
Down The Road ( &mdash 06/29/08 - 09:18:49 PM
its rich enough to be filled ...very passionate and
true my friend ...great singin lyircs ..way to go
thnx alot for sharin this gem !!! [ Reply to This ]
Re: Down The Road... &mdash 06/30/08 - 11:17:11 AM
Thank you, Feter. I'm happy you enjoyed it. I know both you and Yeman have been down more than a few roads yourselves. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Joe.... &mdash 06/29/08 - 09:29:10 PM
and I am not talking coffee. Joe, I played this song now so my wife could listen. We both love this...sweet wisdom for the long view for the little ones that have (or will have) their whole lives ahead of them. Great coffee house song. You got the goods in so many ways.
cheers [ Reply to This ]
Re: Joe... &mdash 06/30/08 - 11:22:03 AM
Thank you, Jack. I really appreciate your kind comments and pleased that you and your wife like my song. Whatever *goods* I have were picked up during my long journey down This Road. I've learned to enjoy the ride. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Fantastic Lyrics Joe &mdash 06/29/08 - 09:47:51 PM
and your vocal is as rich as the song is my friend. Great playing, great singing, and a wonderful message in the song. Doesn't get any better than this. Has that old time 60s coffee house feel to the whole song Joe. Excellent work.
Thanks for sharing it with us,
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Re: Fantastic Lyrics... &mdash 06/30/08 - 11:30:45 AM
Thanks, Ed. Us old-timers, who actually played and listened in those shabby little coffeehouses got to hear a lot of great material in an intimate setting. This performance is a little shaky, since I just started working on singing the melody, but perhaps that gives it a more honest, coffeehouse feel. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
The Road &mdash 06/29/08 - 10:19:04 PM
Sweet tune. I like this a lot. Very nice acoustic sound, lovely guitar and vocals. A wonderful message and a beautiful gift for those you love. Thank you for sharing this! [ Reply to This ]
Re: The Road... &mdash 06/30/08 - 11:37:30 AM
I'm very glad you stopped in for an espresso and left with a cup o' Joe, Shay. Thank you for listening and commenting. I'm happy you enjoyed it. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
10s &mdash 06/30/08 - 01:46:02 AM
An amazing piece for the MJ Coffeehouse. Excellent on all levels, such a warm rich vocals and such a great country/folk fingerpickin'. This is a great track to add to the MJ Coffeehouse collection, you deserve the 10s here!
Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi [ Reply to This ]
Re: 10s... &mdash 06/30/08 - 11:44:11 AM
You're a sharp listener, Yeman... you picked up on the little country/crossover feel in the tune. Back in the day, when folk music was transitioning into folk-rock, there were a lot of country influences. I guess some of them sunk in.
Thanks for the listen and the comments, my young friend. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
my first song of the day... &mdash 06/30/08 - 02:31:40 AM
and very enjoyable it was too - i looove that deep voice and the clean guitar - thank you xoxo [ Reply to This ]
Re: my first song... &mdash 06/30/08 - 11:49:48 AM
(In my best Barry White voice): Ohh, baby... you know how much I LOVE to love you, baby. LOL
Thanks, dear Caroline. I hope it helped make you feel all pink and fluffy. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
It's so true &mdash 06/30/08 - 08:10:49 AM
Oh I love this piece what a beautiful song, it filed my heart with hope.
Playing as sung like a king as you was sent by God.
Thanks for sharing sure I download it :)
Take care & God Bless
--
Kenta [ Reply to This ]
Re: It's so true... &mdash 06/30/08 - 11:55:29 AM
Ah, Kenta... given the detour you've run into recently with your Morning Light on the (bureaucratic) Road, I hope it does give you hope. Here's hoping you soon find yourself back on the superhighway of Love. ;)
Thanks, buddy.
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
It sure do &mdash 07/01/08 - 05:26:13 AM
Oh yes my friend it sure do give me hope... I've listen on this over and over again and it be just that good my heart need... A real hit one's again thanks for the download. A song I come to listen on many times :)
Take care
---
Kenta [ Reply to This ]
Just wonderful &mdash 06/30/08 - 08:12:36 AM
Re: Just wonderful... &mdash 06/30/08 - 11:56:56 AM
This just popped up &mdash 07/09/08 - 12:33:04 PM
in my iTunes playlist while I was working away...
It is really spectacular. A heartfelt and wonderful song. You sing to amazingly well and I love the guitar work.
5 stars in iTunes for this one!!!
Thanks [ Reply to This ]
Re: This just popped up... &mdash 07/09/08 - 01:11:52 PM
Thanks again, Mark.
I'm very flattered that you enjoy this song that much. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Perfect &mdash 06/30/08 - 09:42:35 AM
Joe, this is wonderful. I'm downloading it for my daughters, so the grandkids can get to hear it. Great lyrics, playing, and vocals. [ Reply to This ]
Re: Perfect... &mdash 06/30/08 - 12:10:29 PM
Thanks, Roxylee... I'm flattered you shared this with your family. I think we'd all like to spare our children some of the damage we incurred on the road, but short of that, perhaps a musical road map will help. I certainly hope so. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Nice changes &mdash 06/30/08 - 07:05:17 PM
This is a nice set of changes, which though they are fairly straightforward and in keeping with standard folkie-type progressions, have some little twists in there to keep it interesting throughout. It'd be nice to jam along to this on a second guitar. I would have preferred just one guitar strumming as the rhythm seems a little halting like the double-tracked guitars are not quite in sync, and a little less of a booming sound in general, but I'm sure that's just my personal bias. It reminds me of a Barry Macguire (sp?). I wrote a song called Down The Road, too, so I had to comment on this one. I had it posted on MacJams but deleted it. Maybe I will re-post it sometime and everyone will think I am stealing the title from you! [ Reply to This ]
Re: Nice changes... &mdash 06/30/08 - 09:18:49 PM
Thanks, Jim. Yeah, it's hard to find a *Road* title that hasn't already been used, so since you had pulled yours, I snatched it up. LOL
Barry McGuire? Was I growling? LOL Actually, when it started coming out, the song reminded me of something Glenn Yarbrough might have done.
I can relate to your observations... this was only my second pass at the tune and I played the two guitar tracks with slightly different feels. Still not sold on either of them. It's probably a tad slower than I'd really like it, too, but as I said... I'd just started working with it the day I posted it. I'm still experimenting while recording acoustic guitar, since it's been decades that I did it last. I like a little bit of the booming sound, but I think I may have tipped the scales a bit at the end.
When I get more comfortable with this song, I'll produce a fuller arrangement and pay more attention to the fine points. This was just an impromptu performance for the coffeehouse. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
nice one &mdash 06/30/08 - 08:18:18 PM
this is great. love your philosophy; mine is similar, but I record so that I have something with which to bore my grandchildren to death. This is a great folk tune, good job. everything sounds nice too, nice acoustic sound. [ Reply to This ]
Re: nice one... &mdash 06/30/08 - 09:24:04 PM
Thank you, Michael. Well, if the grandkids are anything like my son, it will take about 30 years down the road until they realize... "Oh! now I get it. Maybe grandpa wasn't such a moron after all." LOL
And I'm quite sure your grandkids won't be bored at all. You do good work. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Down the Road &mdash 06/30/08 - 09:13:53 PM
Good,smooth flowing lyrics. Nice melody, and sung very well. Guitar was very enjoyable. I like your style. Clearly, a fave. Thanks for this. Terry [ Reply to This ]
Re: Down the Road... &mdash 06/30/08 - 09:25:54 PM
Thank you, Terry... for listening and for your kind comments. I'm glad you enjoyed it. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
I like bare-bones &mdash 07/01/08 - 01:19:47 AM
Great acoustic sound and playing. The vocals and guitar sound like they are occupying different spaces sonically, but that's just a small nit-pick on this otherwise great piece of performance and lyricism! Thanks for sharing! [ Reply to This ]
Re: I like bare-bones... &mdash 07/01/08 - 11:15:19 AM
Thanks, Adam. While many coffeehouse participants went to great lengths to imaginatively recreate the coffeehouse ambiance (and some were very good, indeed), the lyrics of this song were my main concern. So I mixed it with that in mind. But I will point out that the mix is not dissimilar to the one we used to have for an acoustic/electric group I performed with many years ago. We were a strong harmony-oriented group and preferred to strongly isolate our vocals in the middle. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
~ &mdash 07/01/08 - 01:00:00 PM
Re: - -... &mdash 07/01/08 - 03:10:20 PM
excellent &mdash 07/01/08 - 06:50:28 PM
Philosophical lyrics and a nice melody to accompany them. Your voice always sounds so good .. warm and round... and you play a mean guitar too, much enjoyed, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
Re: excellent... &mdash 07/01/08 - 11:14:50 PM
Thank you, Maurice. I try my best to coax what I can out of these old pipes and I'm rather enjoying the challenge of playing the less-forgiving acoustic guitar after decades away from it. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Fine Lyrics &mdash 07/01/08 - 07:47:47 PM
A good story to tell too more than just your children, other children as well. Like mine for instance, they won't listen to me, maybe they''ll listen to you. Thanks for sharing. Very special. [ Reply to This ]
Re: Fine Lyrics... &mdash 07/01/08 - 11:19:39 PM
Haha... I hear you, John. As I've told younger couples raising kids: : "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink... and you can lead kids to the truth, but you can't make them think."
Thank you for your comments, John and... good luck with your kids. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Down The Road &mdash 07/01/08 - 10:33:47 PM
Simply gorgous music and your singing is really nice.
great lyrics as well. Love the guitar You Rock.
Peace Dee. [ Reply to This ]
Re: Down The Road... &mdash 07/01/08 - 11:21:57 PM
Ah! &mdash 07/02/08 - 12:43:32 AM
I am so glad that I am aware of your musical creations, Joe. Your music always makes me smile. It's great to bask in an artisan's craft.
I love the lyrics to this, because I am one of those fatalists kinda preoccupied with the universal "why are we here?" bullshit, and it makes my head spin. And of course, this song answers it so simply, and beautifully. We are here to see what comes next, "Down The Road."
Thanks man!
Stacey [ Reply to This ]
Re: Ah!... &mdash 07/02/08 - 12:12:06 PM
Thanks, Stacey. I love to make people smile... laugh... and even think sometimes. What I have discovered as I've made my way "down the road," is that the greatest profundity is to be found in the simplest things. There is grand eloquence --- and delicious irony --- within that metaphysical scheme.
"Why are we here?" is largely up to us to decide. What we do with this opportunity *while* we are here is what defines us as individuals... and what answers the original question.
Best of luck with your film nomination... you are one very talented lady. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Love your voice! &mdash 07/02/08 - 06:25:07 AM
Been doing a little catching up on MJs and was lovely to hear one of your songs..
This has such a warm quality to the whole song.. Love it!
Great lyrics too..
Slimmie [ Reply to This ]
Re: Love your voice!... &mdash 07/02/08 - 12:18:39 PM
'Elllo, Slimmie Dear... I'm so glad you happened to catch up with me, while you're in the catch-up mode. Thanks for the compliments... and for always being such a dear person. I wish you nothing but the best. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
wonderful song &mdash 07/02/08 - 10:18:31 PM
Love your singing and performance here. Great lyrics and just a perfect song throughout Joe. What a wonderful gift for your family and friends to be able to share for years and years to come from a terrific, talented man with much wisdom to share. Thank you so much for sharing with us!! [ Reply to This ]
Re: wonderful song... &mdash 07/03/08 - 09:43:48 AM
Thank you for your generous comments, Gail.
I won't be leaving any Bill Gates-type money to my son or grandkids, but what assets I do have are theirs. I was lucky enough to have two parents who gave me all their love and who encouraged me to think for myself. Those are gifts that sustain me to this very day.
I can only hope that I can continue that tradition by passing on that treasure to those who follow me. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
How? &mdash 07/03/08 - 08:48:56 AM
How did you do that, J. A., on your artist page, to make one of your songs start playing automatically? Very cool.
And I just now 'got it' -- "I'm due to enter the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame." Because you live down the street, and you're going to 'enter' it! Ha! Funny.
Your guitar work is strong, polished, and very enjoyable. You're not just a strummer, you've got some real substance to your playing.
Your vocals are right in tune, and sound great. Your style reminds me of Gordon Lightfoot.
Best wishes to your son and his fiance. What a blessed time of life, to be young and in love. Good for him (and for you!).
John
[ Reply to This ]
Re: How?... &mdash 07/03/08 - 10:20:01 AM
I sent you a message on the player, John.
Yes, I've *lobbied* The R&R Hall of Fame & Museum to buy souvenirs for out-of-town friends, but have never actually entered the museum and taken the tour.
I have been lucky enough during my various careers in journalism, music and advertising to meet and talk with some of the most famous people in the world.
Probably because of that, seeing discarded clothing and other paraphernalia of theirs holds no real allure for me. But my lady loves museums and has already taken an abbreviated tour there and wants to see more, so, yes, I will most likely be *entering* the Museum this year. LOL
Thank you for your kind comments about the song and your best wishes. Both are most appreciated. ;)
--- Joe
[ Reply to This ]
sweet &mdash 07/05/08 - 09:07:13 AM
Fine songcraft, Joe. Your voice is strong and resonant and the backing guitars are excellent. The whole recording (as yours always do) sounds very pro and polished. Like the lyrics a lot. [ Reply to This ]
Re: Sweet... &mdash 07/05/08 - 10:41:02 AM
Thanks for your kind comments, ktb. I was somewhat hesitant to post such a *naked* version of a tune I've just started working on, but I figured it would add some air of authenticity to it as a Coffeehouse performance.
The whole thing was very much an impromptu performance. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
I don't know how I missed this... &mdash 07/10/08 - 11:28:58 PM
at the coffee house, but I am glad I ultimately found it. Great playing and singin Joe. You have a awesome voice so deep and rich. I am a fan now.
I don't know if anyone has told you that the link you use that says "check out my latest" under your forum posts leads nowhere. This song title is there but when you click on it, it says it can't find the server. [ Reply to This ]
Re: I don't know how... &mdash 07/11/08 - 12:15:02 AM
Thank you, Guy. I'm glad you found it and enjoyed it. I liked your latest song, as well.
And thanks to you, I've repaired my "Latest" signature link. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Excellent song &mdash 07/13/08 - 01:32:03 PM
Love the sentiment of this, very nicely expressed - wisdom communicated in a sweet, loving way. The melody sounds good to me, and the guitar sounds great. A lovely performance, and a terrific song. I bed the future grandchildren will be boasting about having the coolest grandpa on the block! Nicely done. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Re: Excellent song... &mdash 07/13/08 - 10:30:07 PM
Thanks, David.
What I'm really looking forward to is the grandkids asking their Dad why he's such an idiot, while Grandad is so smart. If my son has learned anything from me at all, he'll reply, "Because I didn't listen enough to MY father." ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Hee hee &mdash 07/14/08 - 06:46:16 AM
Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from Mark Twain: "When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years" Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Follow your dreams &mdash 07/21/08 - 06:44:06 PM
Re: Follow your dreams... &mdash 07/22/08 - 07:31:44 PM
|
|
Friends
iLounge - All things iPod, iTunes and beyond
|
Dish Network - the dish
network limited time bonus offers - get all three
|
|
true my friend ...great singin lyircs ..way to go
thnx alot for sharin this gem !!!
[ Reply to This ]