From The Safety Of My Sofa (DWL w/ Rebsie & Luna Trick)

Rebsie

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Description

A song from DWL's Celebrity Torture project, co-written with Graeme Hobbs.

Dick is taking a little break from MacJams at the moment, but we're still working on stuff behind the scenes and he kindly gave me this one to post. Also features the delightful cello of Luna Trick.

Dick: vocals and acoustic guitar
Daniel: cello
Rebsie: backing vocals
(lyrics by Graeme Hobbs)

From Dick:
It's only taken 6 months for this song to surface. I tried all sorts of styles and in the end settled on a simple acoustic version. It makes a change from the multi-layered madness I normally get involved in.

The Mary mentioned is Mary Whitehouse, a campaigner in the 60s against sex and violence on TV.

The vocals and guitar are one take and I've left them like that.

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Lyrics

lyrics © Graeme Hobbs

I like high adventure
Violence without the pain
What's all this senseless killing
Doing to my brain

Firearm erotica
Glamorous and slick
So blinded by this love affair
I can't see it's sick

I don't care that I'm addicted
Just needing more and more
Death sex and destruction
To get the buzz I got before

From the safety of my sofa
I watch the world go by
I live my life by proxy
I never even wonder why

Just getting up to go to bed
Is hard enough for me

I'm happy as I'm drowning
In this tidal wave of shit
So maybe Mary was right
It'll happen bit by bit

Sodom and Gemorrah
Rebuilding this society
Everything you ever wanted
And no responsibility

The sacred cow of freedom
Look and see the damage done
The things lost and that we're losing
For the worthless things we've won

From the safety of my sofa
I watch the world go by
I live my life by proxy
I never even wonder why

Just getting up to go to bed
Is hard enough for me

As I worship my false idols
With my laziness and greed
The new gods of the media
Will satisfy my every need

The moral of this story
The age old allegory
I'm a captive of this prison
I only think that I am free

From the safety of my sofa
I watch the world go by
I live my life by proxy
I never even wonder why

Just getting up to go to bed
Is hard enough for me

Song Stats

Hits: 992
Comments: 69
Fans: 38
Plays: 112
Downloads: 55
Votes: 12
Uploaded: Mar 26, 2009 - 07:17:26 AM
Last Updated: Mar 26, 2009 - 07:00:21 PM Last Played: Nov 18, 2009 - 09:39:26 AM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Keywords:

Celebrity Torture (1), fantasy violence (1)

Hardware:

K. Yairi acoustic guitar (Dick), 19th century Czech cello (Daniel)

Software:

GarageBand

Comments

blindsidedpoets	blindsidedpoets said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	From The Safety Of My Sofa Great sound. Warm and natural. Great Harmony, great melody! Beautiful guitar work as well! My crappy speakers at work don't do the cello justice, but I'm sure it is beautiful just like the rest of the tune. Check out my latest song called Sorry (Bracelet of Hope Version)

Rebsie	Rebsie said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	Much obliged, thank you. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

davisamerica	davisamerica said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	why isn't this any better ?? cos it is one perfect tune. Dick ... wonderful tune and performance. Rebsie ... well you are lovely as ever indeed. Daniel ... I stand amazed at your attention to details and brilliant work on the cello. I am extremely buzzed to "fav" first ... yes ... download. What a wonderful track guys ! Check out my latest song called No Son(egobandit band)

Rebsie	Rebsie said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	Thank you Jack ... your support is always warmly appreciated and I will pass on your kind words to Dick. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

davisamerica	davisamerica said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	btw .... is a copy of the lyrics too much to ask ? Check out my latest song called No Son(egobandit band)

Rebsie	Rebsie said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	Since you asked so nicely. :) Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

Outtaorbit	Outtaorbit said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	Reminds me of one of my favorite artists John Prine..... nicely done...good morning world..... Check out my latest song called Sea Shell Blues and Alannah

Rebsie	Rebsie said 240 days ago (March 31st, 2009)
	Thank you Patrick! Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

sloparts

sloparts said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)

You never disappoint
Every time I listen to one of your songs I'm always surprised and enlightened by them. You have a knack for expressing either emotions or a certain sensibility in the lyrics that give pause to stop and think, or to absorb some truth I hadn't thought about. Even you occasional whims of fancy are delightful creations that entertain and make you think.

This is another fine example of that genius you possess for put thoughts and emotions into song.

A great collab by all Dick. Graeme, Daniel, Redsie, and you have done a wonderful job here, Kudos to all of you,

Ed

Check out my latest song called Just a little Something

Rebsie	Rebsie said 240 days ago (March 31st, 2009)
	You are a sweetheart Ed ... I've passed on your kind comment to Dick. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

magnatone	magnatone said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	Safety of my Sofa WOWZA!! what a gorgeous, wonderful song! Dick's writing just blows me away, and the vocals with Dick and Rebsie in here are perfecto! Daniel's cello adds a sublime touch to an already sublime piece of music. i just LOVE THIS!!! Check out my latest song called Symphonic Smackdown

Rebsie	Rebsie said 240 days ago (March 31st, 2009)
	Always happy to see your smile on a songpage Karen, thank you from all of us. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

guygrooves	guygrooves said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	Beautiful.... Simply beautiful. Great job everybody. Peace Guy Check out my latest song called Last Day Here

Rebsie	Rebsie said 240 days ago (March 31st, 2009)
	Very pleased you like it Guy. Thank you. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

lavalamp	lavalamp said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	Nice one Strange production, but I think it's in a good way. Rebsie, you compliment DWL voice well. Tidal wave of sh!t- interesting line. Overall, I like this tune very much. Dave Check out my latest song called Googolplex Times Zero

Rebsie	Rebsie said 240 days ago (March 31st, 2009)
	Thankees Dave. We like strange production. :) Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

Peter Bauckham	Peter Bauckham said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	Well... it's all turned out rather well - The combination of the vocals and cello is excellent. Nicely balanced mix overall - sounds a bit 'pumpy' (if that makes sense)! Great lyrics. Peter Check out my latest song called All The Same (CBGB) (Last Chance Challenge)

Rebsie	Rebsie said 240 days ago (March 31st, 2009)
	Very glad you enjoyed it Peter. I wish I could write lyrics like Graeme does. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

DAN SERINO	DAN SERINO said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	Very Lennonist Love this Song sounds like it could be on Rubber Soul (beatles). Good Lyrics Arraingment Vocals, Sounds Like you have found your Voice here. Thanks Check out my latest song called Morning Prayer

Rebsie	Rebsie said 240 days ago (March 31st, 2009)
	Thank you Dan. I'm a big fan of Dick's singing voice and I think he did a great job here. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

jiguma	jiguma said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	I love the way you mix great lyrics with such sweet melodies Dick (et al). The cello adds an extra dimension to an already lovely tune. Rebsie, your bgv is the icing on the cake. Great post. N Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Rebsie	Rebsie said 240 days ago (March 31st, 2009)
	I always think powerfully bitter lyrics have more impact when they're coupled with sweet melodies. As you say, that's something Dick and Graeme have turned into a fine art. Thanks from me and Daniel too. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

dantimmermans	dantimmermans said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	the vocals... remind me of roger waters. this is really a lovely song and, as mentioned above, the backups work so well because they soften the rougher lead line very nicely. the cello is gorgeous and very nicely mixed, not too soft and not too prominent. great work all! Check out my latest song called From The Fire (Alt)

Rebsie	Rebsie said 240 days ago (March 31st, 2009)
	Thank you! I think Dick put quite a bit of work into the mix so he'll be pleased you like the balance of it. Big thanks from all of us. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

Epileptic Gibbon

Epileptic Gibbon said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)

Is this a dagger I see before me
A terrific melody and a lovely warm sound to the whole affair, though the lyrics are almost a bitter fly in the ointment... not bad, just strangely melancholic given the charming nature of the tune and performances. Who does this remind me of? Gordon Giltrap meets Pink Floyd meets The Beatles perhaps.

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

Epileptic Gibbon	Epileptic Gibbon said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	And BTW, before I forget... Great work by all involved. I meant to say that before but forgot. Check out my latest song called Fiddler Off the Roof w/Komrade K & Caroline

Rebsie	Rebsie said 240 days ago (March 31st, 2009)
	Well as I was saying to Neil above, I think the juxtaposition of dark lyrics and pretty tunes is a very powerful device... much used in English folk song too of course. Glad you enjoyed. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

Feter	Feter said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	From The Safety Of My Sofa This is so awesome ..Dick's vocal so emotional and true , the harmony work is just right with your vocal Rebsie ...as the cello gave this song all the feel of warmth ...this is just so cool ..thnx alot for sharin !!!! Check out my latest song called A Night With Feter feat'(Roxylee sloparts crissew johnwhitehead and Yamin AL Yamani )

Rebsie	Rebsie said 240 days ago (March 31st, 2009)
	Many thanks Feter for sharing your kindness and support. We appreciate it. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)
	great to hear a composition from Dick it's been too long. excellent composition. Dick's guitar and playing and vocals are tops. Rebsie, your vocals compliment Dicks vocals so well. Of course Daniels work is so pro. Check out my latest song called November

Rebsie	Rebsie said 240 days ago (March 31st, 2009)
	Indeed Vic, I've missed having Dick around on the site and hope he won't be away from us for too long. His playing and singing are still on top form. Thanks from us all. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

paul f. page

paul f. page said 245 days ago (March 26th, 2009)

This is such a comfortable...
...folk-style song. The lyrics just trip off the tongue with such finesse and such a smooth feeling. I absolute love the restraint you've exercised in this number: guitar work is perfect and it's simple; vocal lead by Dick is just sweet, very much unlike other postings that are more rock 'n' roll...this one just whispers along with clarity and a very pretty sound; backup vocal = perfect enhancement to the solo and beautifully sung; cello = a brilliant piece of harmonic understanding that lies quietly behind the whole recorded ensemble. I don't download a lot of tunes. This one is a notable exception. Congratulations to all.
Peace.
Paul

Check out my latest song called Double Etude

Rebsie	Rebsie said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	Our grateful thanks for such a detailed and thoughtful comment, Paul, and a download is a lovely compliment. Despite Dick's credentials as a rock god I think he has a fine gift for the gentle and understated. And Daniel ... well, he is super-gifted and always knows the right thing to enhance any track. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

dirigent	dirigent said 244 days ago (March 27th, 2009)
	Superb song I'm really glad I discovered this wonderful gem. Enchanting arrangement mith magic vocals - elaborated in a gorgeous way. Choice lyrics. Outstanding work!!! Check out my latest song called Autumn

Rebsie	Rebsie said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	Thank you, it's always a pleasure to get a comment from you. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

kingbee	kingbee said 244 days ago (March 27th, 2009)
	Sofa so good Sorry about that pun. Great arrangement..and fantastic lyrics. Mellow..and poignant. Great song Check out my latest song called Dr.Thunderball-Bond theme challenge

Rebsie	Rebsie said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	Puns are fine by me. Thanks for stopping by ... you know I'm a fan of your stuff. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

MarkHolbrook	MarkHolbrook said 244 days ago (March 27th, 2009)
	Wow Anything with the Reb, DWL etc in it... gotta be great! Check out my latest song called Never Say Goodbye - Bond Challenge

Rebsie	Rebsie said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	Cheers Mark! We do our best. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

abfkingsport	abfkingsport said 244 days ago (March 27th, 2009)
	ABFkingsport A lyrical genius. Very cool. Love the cello in the background and the vocals are spot on. Marking it as a fav. The King Check out my latest song called Gold Digger

Rebsie	Rebsie said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	Thank you. I agree Graeme has a very special gift with lyrics. Cheers from all of us for taking the time to listen. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

T_Being_esq	T_Being_esq said 244 days ago (March 27th, 2009)
	Safety Of My Sofa Simplicity is best. The song makes it's point gently, unlike most of its subject does. Gong, Davied Allen meets folk. Check out my latest song called I have Been Away (LIOLI, Late Entry)

Rebsie	Rebsie said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	It may be a cliche by now, but Less is definitely More. Thanks for stopping by Martin, it's appreciated. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

Henke	Henke said 243 days ago (March 28th, 2009)
	An avatar of this age Cool production of this song which is like an emblem of our times. Now, what can we do to break loose?! Thanks! /Henke Check out my latest song called Heading for Alpha Centauri (mj space race 2009)

Rebsie	Rebsie said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	Thanks for your support. Indeed sometimes when I see the obnoxious junk that passes for entertainment, I wonder if I'm living on the same planet as everybody else. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

lengold	lengold said 243 days ago (March 28th, 2009)
	So nice to hear such a genuine sounding song. Wonderful lyrics that are complimented and encased by all of your contributions. All just sounds so perfect. Cheers Len Check out my latest song called Dodgy Doughnut

Rebsie	Rebsie said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	Grateful thanks Len. My grandparents used to live just up the road from Mary Whitehouse in Colchester in the 1970s. Me and my brother used to make V-signs out of the car window as we went past. Little dears that we were. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

Andy-bm	Andy-bm said 243 days ago (March 28th, 2009)
	This is great Rebsie, love the subtle backgrounds. Very nice. Gotta get on my sofa now. //Andy

Rebsie	Rebsie said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	Very pleased to see you here Andy, thank you! Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

Jim Bouchard

Jim Bouchard said 243 days ago (March 28th, 2009)

great!
I like this song a lot and the arrangement is pretty awesome.
I think it sounds like there's a bit too much reverb. It's got a funny resonance that makes the sound sort of fuzzy but I think if it was a bit drier it would be a bit clearer. You've got such nice whispery vocals that I don't think they are served well by the echoey setting. But what do I know? Nobody else mentioned that, so it's probably just me.

I read something lately that said that when you're mixing something the last thing you do is back the reverb off a couple dB because it's easy to add a little too much while you're mixing and not even hear it.

All that said, I love the song and only wish I could put something this good together!

Check out my latest song called Weather or Not w/awigze

Rebsie

Rebsie said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)

Many thanks Jim. Feedback on mixes is always welcome, especially from someone with your level of production skill and judgement.

I usually find that reverb sounds different after exporting to iTunes, which is always a little frustrating. I get it sounding just how I want it in GarageBand, and then when I play it in iTunes it has a new found "lavatorial" ambience. So I often do what you suggest ... nudge the reverb back a notch or two just before sending it to iTunes.

Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

SmokeyVW	SmokeyVW said 234 days ago (April 6th, 2009)
	lavatorial lavatorial - what a great word! i didn't notice too much reverb, but i'm listening on headphones at the moment. Check out my latest song called One For Me

kristyjo

kristyjo said 243 days ago (March 28th, 2009)

Thoughtful lyrics
that describe so well the modern life. I like the folky voicings with the touch of cello. The singing is great, and I really like the restrained way the harmony bits are placed. Because the lyrics are so compelling, I personally think the reverb could be turned down a bit. I was trying to 'listen through' the echoes to catch the words. Similarly, the guitar chords were a bit blurry. Still, that nice cello sound cut through, and grounded the chords. Great collaborative product all around.

Check out my latest song called What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Rebsie	Rebsie said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	Many thanks Kristine. Your thoughts on the reverb are welcome, and yes you're right that the lyrics need to be clear enough to be the focal point. Thanks for taking the time for a thoughtful comment. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

Calchas	Calchas said 243 days ago (March 28th, 2009)
	Beautiful... ...and delightfully bizarre. A fine collab. Langford and Hobbe's wrote some interesting lyrics. I've always dug Dick's singing vocal style. Dick and Rebsie play off each other well as per usual. Also really enjoyed Daniel's cello work. It added some nice sonic texturing. Be well friends! Check out my latest song called It's Not The Same

Rebsie	Rebsie said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	Delightfully bizarre ... is a very big compliment in my book. Thank you Micheal! Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

mowguy3	mowguy3 said 242 days ago (March 29th, 2009)
	Another great get togeather by you guys. Everything is perfect, just perfect. Thank you. Russ Check out my latest song called A Different Shade Of Moonlight

Rebsie	Rebsie said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	Much appreciated Russ, we're very glad you enjoyed our efforts. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

Day-Dreamer	Day-Dreamer said 242 days ago (March 29th, 2009)
	Enjoyed Very sweet enjoyed. poor Dick sounds depressed like he really means what he is singing so it fits the song. I hope you feel better soon I mean it ! Check out my latest song called IT'S OVER (V2)

LunaTrick	LunaTrick said 240 days ago (March 31st, 2009)
	Great to come back... ... and find this wonderful song posted. Thanks to all for the find comments. I 'm so thrilled to work with these two! I really like Dick's vocal delivery - and you all know by now that I'm a big Rebs fan!!! Mahalo! Check out my latest song called Luna Gypsy Heart II (Eternal Firelight)

Rebsie	Rebsie said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	Hurrah! Welcome back. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

Willywagga	Willywagga said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	Layer of an Onion Really like this, voices work well together, cello is superb. Profanities are beautiful. Lyrics are spot on, is this song about me. FABULOUS STUFF. The initial acoustic tone suggested the Incredible String Band, but on further listening this is in some way more wry and cynical. Best thing I've heard here for a while. Check out my latest song called The Jes on Sea Road

Willywagga	Willywagga said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	Oh and... I love the line 'Just getting up to go to bed' and how it's sung. Check out my latest song called The Jes on Sea Road

FEEL	FEEL said 239 days ago (April 1st, 2009)
	I love cello and it blends so well. Great acoustic and vocals. Kudos to all involved. Check out my latest song called Pigs Fly

kassia	kassia said 238 days ago (April 2nd, 2009)
	wow this is amazing. wonderful warm acoustic guitar sounds. i love dick's vocals and rebsie's supporting is perfect. there's such a lovely softness to this piece. lilting, flowing. daniel's cello additions are gorgeous. beautiful. just beautiful. Check out my latest song called Deep Majesty

stevel	stevel said 237 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)
	Excellent song Very good collab...interesting lyrics and lovely musicianship Cheers Steve Check out my latest song called Electricity

Char

Char said 237 days ago (April 3rd, 2009)

I so appreciate
the backstory. I am a fan of all of you. Dick could sell maps to salmon with that gentle delivery. And yet here he is making a profound social statement.
I know Rebsie is a bit of a crusader herself and so the resolve is there in both your voices. Love the guitar and the cello. Do some more. (The art work reminds me of Janet Fish's Photo Realism Prints. I met her ages ago. Good choice.) Thank you, one and all.

Check out my latest song called Break Away (Mark Holbrook & Awigze)

Dj French Toast	Dj French Toast said 236 days ago (April 4th, 2009)
	Really Beautiful indeed ...cool lyrics :) Check out my latest song called Its The French Toast(Colab W/WillBill808)

SmokeyVW	SmokeyVW said 234 days ago (April 6th, 2009)
	so true the lyrics resonate for me - such strange times we live, we have it all, yet we've lost it all. how strange. the gentle tone is alluring - all aspects of this are great, but especially the cello(?) nicely done! thanks Check out my latest song called One For Me

Artist Info

Name: Rebsie Fairholm

NEW ALBUM "SEVEN STAR GREEN" NOW AVAILABLE! I'm a singer and musician (12-string guitar, celtic harp, etc) rooted in British traditional music and veering off into the psychedelic, dark, experimental and unusual. I'm very blessed to have... [see more]

Check out some of my other songs:

Genre Info

More songs in Acoustic Rock:

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