If I Ruled The Universe

Vic Holman

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Description

this first started out as more guitar heavy. mostly distorted guitars. when I started playing around with it and added 3 synth tracks, I realized the distorted guitars didn't add anything. So out they went. Though I did add clean guitars to the choruses. I always find it interesting how a song can change from what it was originally intended to be.

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Lyrics

If I Ruled The Universe

you don't seem to happy
everything is soiled
put your sunglasses on
hide a way from the world

the radio says we're doing fine

if I could rule the universe
I will turn it on it's head
if I could break all the rules
and start all over again

could you live your dream
and share it with the world
shed some light on misery
watch it fade away

the radio says we're doing fine

if I could rule the universe
I will turn it on it's head
if I could break all the rules
and start all over again

the world is full of kings
counting all their gold
what is the price to pay
to purify the soul

the radio says we're doing fine

if I could rule the universe
I will turn it on it's head
if I could break all the rules
and start all over again

if I ruled the universe
if I ruled
if I ruled
if I ruled the universe

Song Stats

Hits: 4153
Comments: 66
Fans: 30
Plays: 122
Downloads: 115

Uploaded: Jan 12, 2009 - 03:19:41 PM
Last Updated: Jan 12, 2009 - 03:19:41 PM Last Played: Nov 13, 2018 - 05:11:11 AM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Hardware:

iMac, Presonus Firebox, Gibson SG, Ibanez SA, Digitech GNX2, Ibanez Tube Screamer, Schecter 5 string bass, a old beat up slide, condenser mike.

Software:

Logic Pro

Comments

Feter	Feter said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	If I Ruled The Universe this is cool ...interestin lyrics ...the guitars as always so brilliant from the wizard of the guitars ... the chords sequence just so 60s and classy ...great job my friend ...thnx alot for sharin !!! Check out my latest song called Roll with it

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	Thanks Feter I found when i kept adding synths, that i was taking out more guitar parts or replacing a different sound and style. the chord progression is pretty simple. but that gives you more room to build off from. Thanks again Feter Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

SmokeyVW	SmokeyVW said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	i hear ya man, i hear ya - strange times we are in thanks Check out my latest song called Farther

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	Thanks Bill strange times indeed. most of this world needs a good spanking. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

DWL	DWL said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	Splendid lyrics Splendid song. Wonderful progressions and twists and turns of the melody. Your production just seems to get better and this is no exception. Lovely changes in texture as well. Yes it is interesting how songs start out and where they finish up. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Cucamonga

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	thanks Dick originally it almost was sounding like a early Beatle number. by adding synths it really changed y approach on this. the lyrics started out as improvised. i had them written out and recorded the vocals in under a half an hour. usually it takes me days to even think about what to write about. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

Bob Rodgers	Bob Rodgers said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	A wonderful song with an excellent production. Every song you post sounds great, I love the lyrics and the guitars sound superb, great arrangement too. Fantastic work Vic! Bob Check out my latest song called The Lonely Man

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	Thanks Bob I think more time went into the production work on this then the actual playing. I kept changing my mind on where it was heading. This is almost a total turn around from what I originally started with. now if i can just keep my hands off it and let it sit as is. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

magnatone	magnatone said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	If I Ruled This is great Vic! I love these lyrics and the song grabbed me from beginning to end. I always look forward to your music and this one reminds me why! Check out my latest song called Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen) and Variations

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	Thanks Karen no harassment charges please. :-) usually it takes me days to even think of lyrics. I started ad libbing vocals to get a feel for the song. one thing led to another... done. that's the hardest part. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

davisamerica	davisamerica said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	wish u did ... but u do rule ... and this cool Check out my latest song called ok char2(Vic and Flatrock mix)

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	Thanks Jack how's 4 day weekends for starters? thanks again! Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

Skean	Skean said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	Yes Bro I agree the world is a mess... I wish you ruled the world then we all had a better world to live in. And as always your production/mixing rules... Cheers Check out my latest song called Film in many acts

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	Thanks Kenta I wonder how much it would pay. and hats, everyone should wear a hat. :-) Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

Skean	Skean said 3617 days ago (January 14th, 2009)
	Hats of 2 u hahaha... Do we need a leader... Right now I need one more whisky... Cheers Check out my latest song called Film in many acts

Outtaorbit	Outtaorbit said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	very well done this rocks...great lyrics.... when can you start? Check out my latest song called My Last Great Depression

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	Thanks Patrick I can't start until I get my intergalactic green card. Odd, that would then label me as an alien. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

blaky smith	blaky smith said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	Start all over again Oh yes, once again a nice job Vic, great sounds, pro-production, excellent tune... Your style, your guitar playing (all your guitars) and this voice ! Sure that I could recognize you among all the best artists of the planet... Thanks, I take this one (as the others) ! Check out my latest song called Un jour de décembre

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	Thanks Marc thanks for the kind words. i just plug in and play and hope for the best. ;-) Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

musichead	musichead said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	just a pair up If i had to pair this song with something...it would be the early Who with a modern twist and sound..The chord changes are very cool. And the feel is top notch! Nice SG sound!! Check out my latest song called slow exit

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3618 days ago (January 13th, 2009)
	thanks dude i always have been a strat guy for decades. always wanted SG. I kick myself for not getting one years ago. they sure are comfortable and pretty easy to play Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

yrp	yrp said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	This one has a fantastic chorus! There are times I really don´t believe choruses and I favor variation instead. But I keep coming back to them. This is one of the reasons. Your guitar work, even restrained, seems limitless in its creativity. Great job! Check out my latest song called North (with Sonny Jim)

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3618 days ago (January 13th, 2009)
	chorus i always had the notion that choruses should be big with tamer verses. I think it's the valley and mountain effect that can make a song feel active. then again sometimes i think no chorus but it has become a hard habit for me to break Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

lavalamp	lavalamp said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	You know what ...I could hear Blondie doing this song. It sort of has a 80's pop/punk mood on it. Lyrics sound un-Vic-ly negative. But, that's a cool change up. Dave Check out my latest song called The Shallow People

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3618 days ago (January 13th, 2009)
	Thanks Dave oh yeah Blondie, I can hear that. She was so hot way back when. I knew a gal who kinda modeled herself after her back then as well. she was hot too! Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

LunaTrick	LunaTrick said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	Nice one Vic... Great vocals... love the guitar tones throughout! Check out my latest song called Luna Gypsy Heart II (Eternal Firelight)

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3618 days ago (January 13th, 2009)
	Thanks Daniel since this song kept evolving on me, I had to keep changing to guitar tracks to fit it better. where it started as more distorted tracks most of them ended up being more clean. the guitars behind the solo was about all that was left Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)

This has got a touch of Ray Davies in there...
...although Ray probably would've kept the distorted guitars...Or Dave would've and they'd've fought about it...

I think this is one of your stronger and more definite melodies, and it really helps pin everything down, including a really strong solo.

I am troubled, however, to think that you DON'T rule the universe. That blows my whole theory...

Ed

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

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3618 days ago (January 13th, 2009)
	Thanks Ed we kept razorblades and sharp pencils away from Dave so he wouldn't tear into the speakers. Bill (The Tiller) has made a few references to Ray. I can kinda see that. Supposably the Kinks may be trying to make a record. But my universe ain't that big to nudge my way in. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

Joe Brady	Joe Brady said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	Hey Vic, Great sound; if you could rule the universe as well as you do a mixing board, we'd be alright. Really nice sound and hooky melody, very pleasant on the ears. This universe? The more I learn, the more it drives me nuts. Joe Check out my latest song called Long Way From Denver

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3618 days ago (January 13th, 2009)
	Thanks Joe the universe is a big place and it's all in chaos one way or another. It's probably no wonder that I have been watching more nature programs this past year. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

ktb	ktb said 3619 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	a good spankin indeed I agree sometimes the tune drives itself when you start substituting tracks. In this case a very cool result. Check out my latest song called Blackwater (by Tokai)

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3618 days ago (January 13th, 2009)
	ch-ch-changes that is the one thing i probably enjoy most in creating a song. those audio surprises that come about when you are not sure if it's working and start doing the "what ifs" Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

that80sboy	that80sboy said 3618 days ago (January 13th, 2009)
	yes yes yes! this is like the guitars from the cocteau twins and the cars crashed into each other...very very cool tune! Check out my latest song called stargazer

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3617 days ago (January 14th, 2009)
	Thanks yes chimey and muted clean guitars. seems you don't hear that much anymore. thanks for the listen and your new song is awesome. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

lengold	lengold said 3618 days ago (January 13th, 2009)
	Really love the chord changes in the chorus. Great song and I agree with others about the excellent production. Cheers Len Check out my latest song called Decent Girl

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3617 days ago (January 14th, 2009)
	Thanks Len I probably redid the chorus 4 or five different times. When I added synths the distorted guitars got lost. the chord progression on the chorus kind of remind me of a early Beatle type of thing. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

tempie

tempie said 3618 days ago (January 13th, 2009)

i'm unsettled
I like the contrast between the pop elements here in the verse and the more prog rock chorus with its off kilter chord progression. Makes for an unsettling listen - unsettling in a good way. Dig that "radio says we're doing fine line". Plus those killer synth chords prior to the verse - sounds like some kind of death ray/electric piano.

Check out my latest song called The Double Helix

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3617 days ago (January 14th, 2009)
	the universe is unsettled I don't think Keannu Reeves can save it either. I thought the radio line was a good way to say that some think everything is fine. that synth you noticed is killer in sound. But you can only play a fifth with it. full chords don;t seen to sound good. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

Moviz	Moviz said 3618 days ago (January 13th, 2009)
	There's a lot to be said about what's going on in this world at this time, let alone the Universe.... You've said some of it in this song and with a great sound to boot. Guitars sound great and I love the rhythm and arrangement, good stuff, cheers M Check out my latest song called We'll Meet Again

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3617 days ago (January 14th, 2009)
	Thanks Maurice sure was a different world when I was growing up. Maybe the planet has gotten too small. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

dajama

dajama said 3618 days ago (January 13th, 2009)

Nice stuff
I really like the chorus on this - really great hook. The lyrics are very nicely done, and I think the sound is terrific. What really blows me away is the solo - great stuff, and a lovely driving beat under it. It really is amazing how a song can go from something very clear in your head to something completely different. Coming at this for the first time, it's hard to imagine it any other way than it is. Very cool. Nicely done. Peace.

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

Vic Holman

Vic Holman said 3617 days ago (January 14th, 2009)

Thanks David
usually I have songs all figured out without changes. I think the song itself was challenging me to deviate from where it started.

Usually I work out a solo in advance to recording. On this one I hit record to get a sound level. I started out it out just like this, got half way through and stopped and thought yeah that's it. So one more take and it was done.

Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

michael2	michael2 said 3618 days ago (January 13th, 2009)
	whoa what do you mean "if i ruled?" you are the savior of garage psych rock here at MJ. everything is terrific, awesome melody, gtrs kick butt. really great track vic. i'm gpnna steal your line about an intergalactic green card (from the comments). keep em coming playboy, i eat it up. Check out my latest song called Jazz Glitch Dub Experiment

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3617 days ago (January 14th, 2009)
	Thanks Michael go for it. If you don't use the line, I know I will. :-) Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

egobandit	egobandit said 3618 days ago (January 13th, 2009)
	what the I tought i left you a comment.. some intense git hits going on in the background.. look can I count my gold without some one writing a song about it.. oh wait i dont rule the universe silly me. Check out my latest song called you never mattered

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3617 days ago (January 14th, 2009)
	Hey Tim counting gold huh. hey you're a golden idol in my book. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

Lennon714	Lennon714 said 3617 days ago (January 14th, 2009)
	Fireball The solo and the backing tracks behind it really, really shine. Well done! Check out my latest song called The Robots of Coconino County

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3617 days ago (January 14th, 2009)
	Thanks Eric After the chorus I new the solo had to rock even harder. that part came about pretty fast, the rhythm tracks and solo. Thanks Again Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

DarkPlanet	DarkPlanet said 3617 days ago (January 14th, 2009)
	Fine tunage Great lyrics, hidden optimism and idealism...that SG sounds rich and the vocals compliment it well, a satisfying song from the great MJ rock tunesmith Check out my latest song called Summer Glaze (With cchaplin)

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3616 days ago (January 16th, 2009)
	Hey Tom Right, it really is an optimistic look of a change. I had always been a strat guy, but an SG sure goes a long way. light and comfortable to play plus diverse tones. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

Trillian	Trillian said 3616 days ago (January 15th, 2009)
	Time moves only in one direction.... There are no "do overs" - just gotta give yourself permission to start again from where you are now, have faith that the universe is unfolding as it should, and "Be the change you wish to see in the world." : )

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3616 days ago (January 16th, 2009)
	how true starting over begins at day one. But sometimes just to change the past would be cool as well. And my Time machine is broken, wouldn't ya know. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

Trillian

Trillian said 3615 days ago (January 16th, 2009)

A Time Machine would be way too tempting for me...
I've learned a lot of valuable life lessons lately - not all of them pleasant. If I could change them, I'd be sorely tempted to do so. :) I'm reminded of Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken." Today was one of those very bad days where some less than wise choices I made some time ago "came home to roost." It is evening now, and although today was very difficult, I managed to survive it and see the things I had to deal with as growing experiences for my betterment as a human soul. Why do bad things come in threes? : ) Do good things come in threes also? I'm due for some good karma if I learn the lessons of today. : )

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3613 days ago (January 18th, 2009)
	bad days true no one likes them. Luckily the can go to the past. True, sometimes we learn and hope not to repeat them. But often we do. Now that's a good point about bad things happening in threes. But I have yet to hear good things happening in threes. There should be a rule about that. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

rsorensen	rsorensen said 3612 days ago (January 19th, 2009)
	awesome vic the title alone is worth admission, but the song itself is great on so many levels. I love the carefree vocal in this and that slide. The music has all the VH stamps I love. This is so epic! Great job man, great job. One of your very best. Check out my latest song called Again

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3612 days ago (January 19th, 2009)
	Thanks Ridd this one kept evolving on me. so it created it's own universe. seems i use slides quite a bit. but i always harmonize them, something about the sound of them. and i just bought a new one a few days ago. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

BossHook	BossHook said 3612 days ago (January 19th, 2009)
	I always love your wall of guitars that little ascension progression in the chorus is killer. Check out my latest song called The Unraveling of Mary Alice Frances Parker Brown

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3612 days ago (January 19th, 2009)
	the wall mostly i do that because I don't want to stop playing on the song. :-) Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

jiguma	jiguma said 3612 days ago (January 19th, 2009)
	Classic Brit-Pop sound well, the radio would know! But maybe not as much as the TV ;) Cool post Vic. Neil Check out my latest song called We End Up Being All The Same (42)

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3612 days ago (January 19th, 2009)
	Thanks Neil I was run over by the British Invasion, several times. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

Moses	Moses said 3611 days ago (January 20th, 2009)
	If I Ruled the Universe... I could listen to this song any time I wanted. Oh wait! I can already do that, sweet! I dug the guitars and overall mix of this tune. Chorus had a really fresh and interesting chord progression. Cool stuff Vic! Check out my latest song called The Grinch

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3607 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	thanks moses you can rule the universe now. I had my fun. thanks again Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

FEEL	FEEL said 3607 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	Always interesting and unpredictable. Great composition and the way it falls into the lead is splendid. European sound with an American touch. Some fine ear candy. Check out my latest song called A Second Life with Scott Carmicheal

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 3607 days ago (January 24th, 2009)
	thanks John i had to redo some tracks all over in order to find the right ingredients to sweeten it up. Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks

kipak said 3595 days ago (February 6th, 2009)

Hi
Really like this one. Very catchy hook and great arrangement. I especially like the offsetting guitars. My only critique would be perhaps to make the vocals less eclectic and sing this one a bit more straight forward. There is already alot of interesting stuff musically here and a more straight on vocal might tie it together more. Really more a matter of taste I think as I can see also how this vocal style fits with the song.

Check out my latest song called Into the wind

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Artist Info

Name: Vic Holman
Location: spokane washington usa

My alter ego band "Horses Undecided" albums are available at all music outlets. itunes, amazon, google play, spotify, etc. I've also been fortunate to collaborate with Bud Streets of Dehli Everyday And a few get ... [see more]

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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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