Mixed Emotions

jiguma

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Description

I wrote the lyrics prior to our recent federal election - it's aimed at our political leaders, but they could be yours, or they could be other people altogether .... whatever fits.

I was tempted to add harmonies, and Alf (alfalpha) was threatening to do some surreal strings in there somewhere, but they will all come in a later incarnation of the tune. I actually quite like it like this - it's to the point and pretty simple as far as structure goes, but has a real "kick", both literally and metaphorically. The drums are midi btw.

Loud is good on this to get the effect of the simmering anger I was feeling.

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Lyrics

Mixed Emotions
© Neil Porter 2008

I’ve been thinking
I’ve been flying blind
I’ve got good intentions
With a true heart
And open mind
I’ve got wounds to heal

I’ve got bad things on my mind
That I just don’t understand
I’ve read through all the papers
And I’m holding out my hands

When you tell me
You’ve got big plans
I got mixed emotions
We’ve got dark times
We’ve got low morale
Need some magic moments

I’ve got bad things on my mind
That I just don’t understand
I’m reading all the papers
Is that blood there on your hands?

You’ve got big lies
You’ve got small minds
I wonder how you’re sleeping
Can you tell me,
Use that silver tongue
Why you brought us here?

I’ve got some bad things on my mind
That I just don’t understand
Is that blood there on the pavement?
Can I see blood there on your hands?

I’ve been hoping
You’ve got things on your mind
And you’ve got good intentions
Need a brave heart
And a steady hand
You’ve got some wounds to heal

I’ve got some bad things on my mind
That I just don’t understand
I’ve read through all the papers
And I’m holding out my hands

Song Stats

Hits: 5163
Comments: 51
Fans: 30
Plays: 1620
Downloads: 144
Votes: 11
Uploaded: Jan 17, 2008 - 04:01:37 AM
Last Updated: Jan 17, 2008 - 07:08:44 PM Last Played: Jan 02, 2019 - 08:19:20 PM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Hardware:

Fender Precision Bass, Fender Telcaster, Seagull S6 acoustic, Rode NT3 mic, Behringer UB802 mixer/preamp, iMac G4.

Software:

Logic Express, Ozone 3

Comments

caroline

caroline said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)

well...
with your distinctive voice and guitar, excellent but sad lyrics and alf on the case i have high (no change there) hopes for this piece! but... it's so grey and wet here in blighty that i have to leave you now and find something pink - surely it must be out there somewhere ... i know ... i'll go to my itunes and listen to 'jiguma blues' - byess for now xoxoxoxo and thank you

Check out my latest song called i'm a reunion maid MJRF 2010

jiguma

jiguma said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)

Caro ...
... it seems a long time since we chatted ... hours at least ;) Thanks for the comment - I hadn't realised that this wasn't really an uplifting song before we spoke. I've had a pretty down few months, and this just reflects that I guess. We did at least get rid of our government, and most wonderfully our Prime Minister Howard, who not only lost power, but also lost his own seat!
Sorry, I digress ... now ..... something pink. I'll work on it.
:) Neil

Check out my latest song called We End Up Being All The Same (42)

dajama

dajama said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)

Great song
that speaks to so much that's going on (everywhere I guess!). Great production and playing. Everything sounds terrific - from that first kick to that clean acoustic guitar sound to your outstanding vocal sound. Lead is nice, too - that's a nice effect you've got on there. The consistency of your sound and the quality of your songwriting is truly impressive. Pro stuff, dude. Very nicely done. Peace.

Check out my latest song called Across the Wire (MJRF)

jiguma	jiguma said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)
	Cheers David Glad you like the sound - it's purposely very "big" in the ears. Most tracks are first takes - I've redone each track a number of times, but always went back to these. Motto for this one: "When you're angry and you know it clap your hands!". Peace, Neil Check out my latest song called We End Up Being All The Same (42)

said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)

good stuff!
this reads beautifully, neil, and flows so nicely in the listen. wonderful instrumentation! the little sweet spot of anguished & tangled guitars in the solo was perfect. neat chord changes - you do those so well.
the way you bring it all together with the "bad guys" having wounds themselves is just great. i could listen to you sing all day - nobody sounds like you. excellent tension in the piece - be proud!
anne

jiguma	jiguma said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)
	Thanks for the kind words Anne It was one of those elections where you knew who you DIDN'T want to win, but the option wasn't quite as "right" as you'd like. The better guys won, but still some concerns. At least we signed Kyoto and our health system looks like getting some badly needed funds. Glad you enjoyed it. Neil Check out my latest song called We End Up Being All The Same (42)

jgurner

jgurner said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)

The Song Art Looks Painful...
The last set of verses "I've been hoping..." kind of sums up how I feel about our upcoming presidential election here in the U.S. At least one side is preaching hope and real change, but will it really happen? I'm hoping for change, but will it do any good...

Excellent as usual. The tone of the tune I think fits how a lot of people feel right now, at least where I am, about the state of affairs. You've really captured that mood.

I think it would be interesting to hear an alternative version with the strings and harmonies, but it works great as it is.

Enjoyed it, my friend.

Check out my latest song called Carol of the Bells

jiguma

jiguma said 4053 days ago (January 19th, 2008)

We've got low morale ..
.. kind of sums things up i guess. Increased housing rates for the young folks, increasing military involvements where most people don't want it, reduced "safety nets" for those having trouble (health, financial, housing etc) were all beginning to get everyone here down.

Our new government is already making some changes - planning a formal apology to our aboriginal peoples for some awful things we did during early settlement (and much more recently also). Signing Kyoto was also a positive step. We'll see what happens, but so far so good - things seem on the improve - hope your elections have a similar result.

Musically, thanks for the comment - it's a relatively simple song with just enough happening musically to keep the ears open ;)

Cheers Joseph, always enjoy your comments.
Neil

Check out my latest song called We End Up Being All The Same (42)

lengold	lengold said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)
	The first thing I noticed was the excellent production - everything sounds great. Lovely song Neil and extremely well arranged and played. Cheers Len Check out my latest song called Decent Girl

Feter	Feter said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)
	MIXED EMOTIONS Ahhh just another cool song from Neil ..you realy do great chords structures my friend. and as any song of yours ,you let the lyrics speaks through the music "Can I see blood there on your hands?" ..Kudos my friend jsut another gem !! Check out my latest song called Roll with it

peacepiano

peacepiano said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)

Mixer
When I saw the mixer, I knew I had to comment. Appliances make great graphics for music! They also make great metaphors for modern dilemmas like who to vote for when no one excited you. And as a bonus your song is excellent and very timely. I just checked and my state has joined the "super tuesday" pre-presidential election. Not sure who I will vote for, Not sure what their "plans" really amount to this year.

Thanks
Bill

Check out my latest song called Beat SoloMe-O

Ed_Moran	Ed_Moran said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)
	Another great Tune Neil A fine song. Great lyrics and playing. Production a little hot thru my speakers. I would give it more air ( if that makes sense). BTW how do you come up with so many great lyrics as you know I am lyrically challenged right now. Cheers Ed Check out my latest song called Cowboy (WIP)

jiguma

jiguma said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)

Hi Ed
Thanks for listening. The volume is loud, but not clipped as far as I could tell on my Sennheisers - maybe just a quirk of nature ;)

Lyrics ...... something worth writing about has to happen before I can write something. That might be seeing an article in a paper, something coming into mind from mt past or actually experiencing something directly (doesn't necessarily have to be significant though). These were written before Christmas, and I managed one other set of reasonable words on a song I'm still working on ... BUT ... there are 4 new ones (plus yours) where I just can't figure out what they're going to be about. It's a strange process .. there have been times where full sets of words were appearing every day. Now, nothing much at all. Hopefully this will change.

Cheers from Oz!
Neil

Check out my latest song called We End Up Being All The Same (42)

rtcooper	rtcooper said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)
	ONE WAY TICKET Hey, at least he did Kyoto. That's better than WE got (and we've got Noble Laureate Al Gore!). Good Tele sound. Great Production Values. BUT, Oh, Brother Politicians are Hopeless! (even Down there). Very Best Regards, Coop Check out my latest song called The Loon and the Hula Moon (mstr)

lavalamp	lavalamp said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)
	Good Neil, good intentions Nice full sound. Reminds me of a Petty song. Also, like the nice whispery voice. Guitars are also very nice. Good Neil, simply good. Dave Check out my latest song called The Shallow People

	said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)
	Gave me chills I hear ya on this one, heavy message heavy beat slammin bass and a beautiful guitar. This one is for the ipod thanks for another great song!!!!

sloparts

sloparts said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)

When I first listened I was thinking,
how does a guy from NSW, Australia know so much about politicians in the US. And the I realized you were not singing about us, you were singing about Australian politicians. It appears that the politicians are the same all over the globe. They listen to advisors, lobbyists, opinion poles, and crackpots, but they never listen to the people that sent them there in the first place. Except at election time, then they are out among the people listening and talking, and promising to act on all that they hear from the electorate. That is until right after they win the election. Then it's back to business as usual which is trying to figure out how to get more and more power under their control by taking more and more away from, you guessed it, us.

Great song with great production Joseph. Thanks for sharing it and you with all of us. Be well my Australian friend.

Ed

Check out my latest song called Quack's Blues

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)

Refinements and tweaks...
...to the ever-evolving jiguma sound...

On this one I am really enjoying the immediacy of the vocal. Present and dry without being overly in my face... Clear enough that one can pick up subtler twinges of emotion...

I like the guitar solo, too...

There's a sort of characteristic acoustic guitar picking pattern with accompanying bass pattern that sounds distinctly you...

Next time out, though, I expect a pop dance number...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Chime (Alone) (Inspired by Particle Dots)

jiguma	jiguma said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)
	Ed! How does blues/big band with screaming B3 sound? We can only dream ;) Thanks for the comment - I'm aware of the way the acoustic/bass interplay is developing and am trying to add some more variation. Now if I could only start getting some lyrics done :) Cheers from Down Under, Neil Check out my latest song called We End Up Being All The Same (42)

Vic Holman

Vic Holman said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)

yea
what has become of the world today? sure seems wide spread aas a growing disease of greed and power.

All the signature Jiguma sounds are here. All good!

The guitar solo was so good it should of been in there twice.

On a side note you have peaked my curiousity on Sennheiser 280 head phones. I have a pair of AKG 310's but they are getting old and have been discontinued. That must be a sign.

Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

jiguma

jiguma said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)

Hi Vic!
Yes, things are getting pretty much like our worst nightmares might have predicted years ago. I've just been reading Ben Elton's latest "novel" - quite light weight in parts but a fairly scathing attack on where we're heading - and we thought OUR worst nightmares were bad!

The Sennheiser HD280 Pro Headphones are good. I've replaced my not so old, but dying anyway Koss R80s with the 280s. Ed (ejh) recommended them to me, and they get great write-ups on Headroom ( http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-headphone-type/sealed-noise-canceling-type/sennheiser-hd-201.php ) where they are in their top 10.

I needed something able to cater for a larger headsize, but still comfortable - they sound really good, a lot better balanced than my Koss phones (and hopefully they'll last a lot longer too). I have seen them on the net for $99US - I bought mine on Australian eBay for 60% off recommended retail price.

They are a lot closer to the sound of my near field monitors in sound than you'd expect from phones.

I appreciate the solo comment. I was going to do another one at the fade, but thought "no, stuff it, let 'em play it all again" ;)

Cheers,
Neil

Check out my latest song called We End Up Being All The Same (42)

jiguma	jiguma said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)
	Ooops Try this link instead! http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-headphone-type/sealed-noise-canceling-type/sennheiser-hd-280-pro.php Check out my latest song called We End Up Being All The Same (42)

said 4053 days ago (January 18th, 2008)

Hey Vice about the 280s
(sorry Neil! had to jump in this here a bit :) )

I was using lightweight koss pro35A and spent about a month and a half researching headphones for monitor use. The Senns came out for and away on top. I bought mine used and can hear just a bit of use in them but it actually sounds pretty nice adding a bit of a warm effect from the 99% undetectable hum. So even on the degrade these things are sweet! Got mine for 40 bucks American on ebay.

As a side note, they pair pretty dang well with my Klipsch thx 2.1 computer speakers. Just enough difference to validate listening to the same mix downs on them both... but close enough to be fairly accurate across the board no matter the listening device.

Gah! Sorry to go on and on but I spent so much time researching this set up that I feel the need to share my "hard won" knowledge, LOL! Seriously though... great phones for the price you can get them at even if full retail.

Joe Brady	Joe Brady said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)
	You said it all Neil, There are some beautifully crafted chord changes here. I hope the wounds heal and you get your country back. Unlikely here with the politics of fear; but I hope. All the best, Joe Check out my latest song called Long Way From Denver

jiguma	jiguma said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)
	Thanks Joe At least we got rid of the loony right government we had before :) Cheers, Neil Check out my latest song called We End Up Being All The Same (42)

thetiler

thetiler said 4054 days ago (January 17th, 2008)

You sure have developed a
nice style. I can almost tell it's you with out even knowing who the artists is. That isn't always easy to do. Especially in the arpeggios of the chorus chord feel, and the trademark Jig singin.

Enjoy and it's good to have you here jig. A great addition to Mj for sure.
Hope with the addition to MJ 2 your obtain even more recognition of your find pop country, folk, alternative rock talents and more.

Thanks for sharing,

Check out my latest song called They Went Underground

said 4053 days ago (January 18th, 2008)

Did anyone say Dylanesque yet?
Or some such hybrid word?? Lol... I loved the social justice aspect, love all the instrumentation. My only two nit picks are the volume attacks on the guitar intros need just a bit of softening, feels a bit too punchy in the come on. The other isnt even a nit pick just a though... but Id love to hear you copy up your lead vocal track and run some different fx through it. At the moment Im thinking something grainy and dirty feeling.

I cant believe the depth of your talent sometimes, the way you channel your music is what I think many of us aspire to Neil. Sorry dont wanna gush and stuff... but my friend, Id pay a buck for that song on itunes with no second thoughts.

echoroom	echoroom said 4053 days ago (January 18th, 2008)
	It a Hit wow.. If I heard this on the radio, i'd buy it straight away. This really draws you in. Wonderful bass, and you're voice is rich and direct. A dreamy evocative lyric, which really speaks to the listener. this is a killer song Neil, really mature. steve Check out my latest song called Light Sleeper

ktb	ktb said 4053 days ago (January 18th, 2008)
	brave heart what a larger than life sound. the chorus progression/melody is outstanding. in my sweet sonic spot. Check out my latest song called Blackwater (by Tokai)

	said 4053 days ago (January 18th, 2008)
	Neil... Not much to add, except... you are one friggin' one man band. Guitars are luscious. The bass ain't bad ;) and your honest voice is coming through as convincingly plaintive, yet not overdone. The electric guitar solo was superb... I found myself wishing you continued it later as a background riff behind the vocal. Just a thought. best to you "down there."

Cameron

Cameron said 4053 days ago (January 18th, 2008)

i haven't heard a lot of your work...
...but this is excellent.

Especially the mix, and choice of sounds and how you put them together.

Your vocals are sustained in the low register, which suits the subject matter perfectly. It sort of comes off sounding tired and resigned, when in fact you are very passionate about the message. Great combination!

Check out my latest song called Trio for Horn, Violin & Piano

Jim Bouchard

Jim Bouchard said 4051 days ago (January 20th, 2008)

great song
great song, great lyrics, great performance. Still too loud for my taste. Too much compression. Looks sort of flat when I open it up in Peak and look at the sound wave, and I guess this is pretty much the way most modern music is mastered these days, but I wish there was more dynamics in it. The simmering anger might be better displayed with more dynamics.

Check out my latest song called Big Yawn (Apogee One mic demo)

jiguma	jiguma said 4051 days ago (January 20th, 2008)
	Thanks for the listen Jim I knew this was pretty full-on - it seemed like it suited the song, but maybe I'll have a listen to a quieter version and see how it sounds. Your comments are always appreciated (and mental notes made of changes to try). Thanks again! Neil Check out my latest song called We End Up Being All The Same (42)

Dj French Toast	Dj French Toast said 4051 days ago (January 20th, 2008)
	: ) Liked it alot . Good production and mixing sounds great . Stupid politics : ) Check out my latest song called Sweeter no doubt (Beat by Sweet 79)

Monkaton	Monkaton said 4051 days ago (January 20th, 2008)
	Harmony Vocal I would suggest a harmony vocal in the chorus. Overall production and performance is good. Lyrics are very good also as well as melody. Good song. Check out my latest song called Blue Tie

Monkaton	Monkaton said 4051 days ago (January 20th, 2008)
	Harmony Vocal I would suggest a harmony vocal in the chorus. Overall production and performance is good. Lyrics are very good as well as melody. Good song. Check out my latest song called Blue Tie

FEEL	FEEL said 4051 days ago (January 20th, 2008)
	Nice touch with the dark bass line. Really initiates the feeling to the composition. Quite appropriate to post at this time with similar occurrences here on my continent. I hope I choose the lesser of the evils. Think they really care or is it all about special interests. Thanks for sharing. Check out my latest song called A Second Life with Scott Carmicheal

Tadashi Togawa	Tadashi Togawa said 4050 days ago (January 21st, 2008)
	The bass line of the introduction is very impressive. The effect effectiveness. Check out my latest song called Mexican taste

dolby

dolby said 4050 days ago (January 21st, 2008)

Yeah...
...really enjoyed this.

As others have said, musically it's a pretty simple idea that just keeps circling around, brooding and tense. But the production is crystal clear and it keeps everything in check. I kept thinking that at any moment it was going to burst with a big explosion of drums but it's better for keeping the lid on it ultimately. You can tell you are almost singing the words through gritted teeth. Very tense all the way through. Politics can do that to a man. Glad you got your anger down on paper and in chords. Excellent.

Phil

Check out my latest song called The Only Ghost Who Cares

guitapick	guitapick said 4049 days ago (January 22nd, 2008)
	When I first... ...saw the artwork, I had to laugh. Thought it was going to be a satire... ...right...this hits like a sledgehammer... I'm right with you, brother...great tune... Check out my latest song called 'Cuz I Can

Ibstrat	Ibstrat said 4048 days ago (January 23rd, 2008)
	Great lyrics great guitar playing,excellent vocal.You always come up with interesting chord progressions which draws me in right away.You really have a unique sound and songwriting style-not an easy thing to come by! Check out my latest song called What the

bud	bud said 4047 days ago (January 24th, 2008)
	Great prduction Neil you just keep getting better. Guitar and vocals sound really good. Check out my latest song called mixer 2

stevel	stevel said 4047 days ago (January 25th, 2008)
	Emotional rescue Nice big sound on this....like the chord progression, it definitely has that Jiguma style imprinted on it. Good to hear you playing more lead guitar too Nice one Steve Check out my latest song called Out of Reach

timothy devine	timothy devine said 4045 days ago (January 26th, 2008)
	great recording Strong intro. I stopped reading the papers stopped watching the news and i am now living in my idealistic peace, but your words remind me of trouble we must hold hands around the world after all we are all from the same herd. strong tune well writen and performed excellent recording nice job Neil love your stuff Check out my latest song called Inside of You

alanfraser	alanfraser said 4036 days ago (February 5th, 2008)
	Great to hear your jams! I've been away too long and it's great to hear your music again. I'm also green envious of where you're living! Anyway, super-clean production; everything is beautifully distinct. Thank you! Check out my latest song called Too Much or Not Enough - Live at 20th Century

	said 4035 days ago (February 5th, 2008)
	Mix master Hove cool is this you are the best... I have not forget but it have been so many things around us here and we get our BROADBAND today I come to BYE your CD so fast I can I'll mean it's much to catch up with the music things.... Stay cool that's the rule. Take care --- Kenta

dirigent	dirigent said 4023 days ago (February 18th, 2008)
	Superb Very good bass and guitar work. Enjoyed :-) Check out my latest song called Flow My Tears

magnatone	magnatone said 3997 days ago (March 14th, 2008)
	Wonderful! I'm listening to some of your previous works, after re-hearing your most recent, and most recent collab, and being blown away by you all over again. I love your voice, wonderful guitar - it's great! Check out my latest song called Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen) and Variations

said 3992 days ago (March 19th, 2008)

Excellent.

Absolutely loved the way you sang your song. Your voice is really awsome- it sounds really clear and quite powerful.
Your guitar playing sounds really good too. There was nothing that I did not like about this.
it did sound sad- but then again some great songs are created out of a sad feeling and this is also one of them. Your also a very good song writer as well. Hope your feeling better now though. And thanks for sharing.

Peace Dee.

slumbering	slumbering said 3936 days ago (May 14th, 2008)
	Absolutely terrific! What else can i say? Another great song from you! You always have such a rich sound. :) Check out my latest song called Over the Sea

Macaudion

Macaudion said 3928 days ago (May 22nd, 2008)

Now it's coming to me
I missed all of these tunes when I was dealing w/ the loss of my dad. Something about this tune made me remember... (even though I hadn't heard it)

Your music just always goes straight to where it's supposed to be w/ me, Neil. Very close to my heart and nearest my soul. Maybr it's because you can tell by listening that, it's from these places within you that is the place from whence this stuff has come...

Love that short g'tar solo in this. That could have gone on forever! Great great writing. It's starting feel a bit ridiculous to keep saying that - but at the same time, it can't be said enough.

Thanks again, Neil!

Check out my latest song called Picture country living

Fan List

Artist Info

Name: Neil Porter
Location: Pambula Beach, Sapphire Coast NSW Australia

My old bio page looked pretty out of date, so it’s time for a new one: For the full story, see my interview in the MacJammer Blog "The Jiguma Is Up" by Tobin Mueller. I started to learn guitar when I was about 10 – but didn’t last lon... [see more]

Check out some of my other songs:

Genre Info

The terms alternative rock and alternative music[1] were coined in the early 1980s to describe punk rock-inspired music genres which didn't fit into the mainstream genres of the time. At times it was used as catch-all phrase for rock music from under

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