Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
F
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
F
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
https://fredgrittner.bandcamp.com/track/seemed-like-a-good-thing-at-the-time
Seemed Like a Good Thing at the Time

How my life got messed up
Without me even trying
Can’t use my old excuse
It’s bitter and it’s dying
There’s a truth in every teardrop
A lie in every smile
We’re making our grand entrance
Or going out in style

Chorus
I got plenty to answer for
It’s all on my dime
Seemed like
Seemed like
A good thing at the time
Seemed like
Seemed like
A good thing at the time

Lived out of a suitcase
Bad food and sad motels
Tried so hard to sell myself
Had nothing much to tell
Saw a big thing coming
A long-awaited prize
Knew that it was hopeless
Still I tried it on for size

Chorus

These clouds are cast iron
Weighing down my chest
Can’t summon up the courage
To face the acid test
No time for condemnation
I’m only scraping by
The spark deep within me
Said its first and last goodbye

Chorus


How my life got messed up
Without me even trying
Can’t use my old excuse
It’s bitter and it’s dying
There’s a truth in every teardrop
A lie in every smile
We’re making our grand entrance
Or going out in style

Chorus
I got plenty to answer for
It’s all on my dime
Seemed like
Seemed like
A good thing at the time
Seemed like
Seemed like
A good thing at the time

Lived out of a suitcase
Bad food and sad motels
Tried so hard to sell myself
Had nothing much to tell
Saw a big thing coming
A long-awaited prize
Knew that it was hopeless
Still I tried it on for size

Chorus

These clouds are cast iron
Weighing down my chest
Can’t summon up the courage
To face the acid test
No time for condemnation
I’m only scraping by
The spark deep within me
Said its first and last goodbye

Chorus


Fred Grittner
2020 iMac, Sonoma, Logic Pro
https://52tracksblog.com
https://fredgrittner.bandcamp.com
User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,911
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,911
Hi, Fred. Love this kind of heartfelt song. A smash of a singer-songwriter composition. A very relatable story and you present it so well.

"Saw a big thing coming
A long-awaited prize
Knew that it was hopeless
Still I tried it on for size"

Seemed Like a Good Thing at the Time, and made somethig special out of it.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 11
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,961
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,961
Nice song! All the instruments sound natural and support the song quite well. The organ and vocal harmonies were nice touches. Really enjoyed it!


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
StudioCat DAW dual screen
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,122
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,122
Nicely written, Fred.
I think the chorus lacks a bit of oomph as the song has the same rhythm all through. Try turning up the backing vocal there.
Perhaps it needs a held electric guitar chord there too.
Maybe it won't work but it's worth a try as it's a good song.

Vic

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,968
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,968
A beautiful story, and of course I love your vocals.
The song itself could have a bit more dynamic and rhythmic variation, but it's already pretty good as it is now.


Making bits and bytes sound good...

Goldmania Bella - A One-Man Girlband with no fans
Listen on Spotify
Watch on YouTube
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 588
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 588
Fred, this is a great hook and you wrote it so well! The production was simple but in a good way because it meshes well with the theme.

Dewey

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,966
D
Expert
Offline
Expert
D
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,966
Fgrittner,

Nicely done. Really like your vocals in this . . . fits the tune and sits well in the mix. Nice hook in that chorus as well. Smooth and engaging 70’s type songwriter tune . . . well done!

All my best to you,

Deej

User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
F
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
F
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
Originally Posted by vicarn
Nicely written, Fred.
I think the chorus lacks a bit of oomph as the song has the same rhythm all through. Try turning up the backing vocal there.
Perhaps it needs a held electric guitar chord there too.
Maybe it won't work but it's worth a try as it's a good song.

Vic

Thanks for your suggestions, Vic. This is just the kind of feedback from this forum that is helpful. I will work on the chorus.

Fred


Fred Grittner
2020 iMac, Sonoma, Logic Pro
https://52tracksblog.com
https://fredgrittner.bandcamp.com
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,230
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,230
Love the singer/songwriter vibe.

Others have mentioned that the chorus could use a bit more punch. I agree, but also think the feel matches the resignation of the lyrics.

I thought this lyric felt a bit out off:

   I got plenty to answer for/It’s all on my dime

I think you're saying that you've had to pay for your mistakes, but it feels like it could be stronger with something less oblique, like:

   I got plenty to answer for/You'll have to get in line

Anyway, nice song. smile


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
F
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
F
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
Originally Posted by dcuny
Love the singer/songwriter vibe.

Others have mentioned that the chorus could use a bit more punch. I agree, but also think the feel matches the resignation of the lyrics.

I thought this lyric felt a bit out off:

   I got plenty to answer for/It’s all on my dime

I think you're saying that you've had to pay for your mistakes, but it feels like it could be stronger with something less oblique, like:

   I got plenty to answer for/You'll have to get in line

Anyway, nice song. smile

David, I appreciate your comment but the lyric works for me.


Fred Grittner
2020 iMac, Sonoma, Logic Pro
https://52tracksblog.com
https://fredgrittner.bandcamp.com
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
F
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
F
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
Thanks, Marty.


Fred Grittner
2020 iMac, Sonoma, Logic Pro
https://52tracksblog.com
https://fredgrittner.bandcamp.com
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
F
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
F
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
Originally Posted by DC Ron
Nice song! All the instruments sound natural and support the song quite well. The organ and vocal harmonies were nice touches. Really enjoyed it!

Thanks.


Fred Grittner
2020 iMac, Sonoma, Logic Pro
https://52tracksblog.com
https://fredgrittner.bandcamp.com
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,230
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,230
Originally Posted by fgrittner
David, I appreciate your comment but the lyric works for me.
Ha! And I appreciate the tact you used in your response. laugh

It's a bit like me suggesting to a painter that perhaps the color they've painted the sky should be slightly more purple, knowing full well that the painter knew exactly what they were doing when they mixed their colors.


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,646
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,646
There's no BIAB related info so can't/won't comment on the performances other than vocals.
Nice arrangement though.
gentle, sad vocal works well and gently treated.
Lyrically I though it was a little odd that excuses were eschewed but one was offered anyway.
"Can’t use my old excuse It’s bitter and it’s dying...Seemed like A good thing at the time."
Lots of comments - lots of positivity and enjoyment.
May be time to reciprocate.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,833
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,833
“How my life got messed up
Without me even trying
Can’t use my old excuse
It’s bitter and it’s dying
There’s a truth in every teardrop
A lie in every smile
We’re making our grand entrance
Or going out in style”

That verse in itself is a great lyric.

This has a very pleasing sound from the smooth vocals to the smooth band.
The track choices (BiaB?) and the mix well support the sad and laid back vibe.

Well done and we enjoyed it!

J&B


You can listen to our catalog on Apple Music or Spotify by searching on Janice Merritt
Our Videos are here on our website
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
F
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
F
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
Originally Posted by Janice & Bud
“How my life got messed up
Without me even trying
Can’t use my old excuse
It’s bitter and it’s dying
There’s a truth in every teardrop
A lie in every smile
We’re making our grand entrance
Or going out in style”

That verse in itself is a great lyric.

This has a very pleasing sound from the smooth vocals to the smooth band.
The track choices (BiaB?) and the mix well support the sad and laid back vibe.

Well done and we enjoyed it!

J&B

Thanks, J & B. I forgot to post the RTs and RD. I will do that tomorrow.


Fred Grittner
2020 iMac, Sonoma, Logic Pro
https://52tracksblog.com
https://fredgrittner.bandcamp.com
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,004
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,004
Fred. What a great song.

Super vocal and outstanding lyrics.

Love that B3!

"I got plenty to answer for
It’s all on my dime"
What great lines, they are so true!

Great mix.

I wouldn't change a thing!


Unclear if the pianist is a total beginner or a professional jazz player?

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
F
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
F
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
Originally Posted by MarioD
Fred. What a great song.

Super vocal and outstanding lyrics.

Love that B3!

"I got plenty to answer for
It’s all on my dime"
What great lines, they are so true!

Great mix.

I wouldn't change a thing!

Thanks, Mario! That chorus line just appeared out of nowhere and I knew it was a great hook. I appreciate, as always,
your comments.


Fred Grittner
2020 iMac, Sonoma, Logic Pro
https://52tracksblog.com
https://fredgrittner.bandcamp.com
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
F
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
F
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
Originally Posted by Janice & Bud
“How my life got messed up
Without me even trying
Can’t use my old excuse
It’s bitter and it’s dying
There’s a truth in every teardrop
A lie in every smile
We’re making our grand entrance
Or going out in style”

That verse in itself is a great lyric.

This has a very pleasing sound from the smooth vocals to the smooth band.
The track choices (BiaB?) and the mix well support the sad and laid back vibe.

Well done and we enjoyed it!

J&B

Here are the tracks:


RealTracks in song: ~702:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Spirited Ev 065
RealTracks in style: ~368:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Ev 065
RealTracks in song: ~702:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Spirited Ev 065
RealTracks in song: 1037:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm NorthernRockBallad Ev 065
RealTracks in song: 1190:Bass, Electric, ModernRnBRock Ev 065
RealTracks in song: 3527:Vocals, Background GospelCool3-part Sw16 075
RealTracks in song: 2692:Organ, Rhythm ModernPopSlowMike Ev 075
RealDrums in Style: NashvilleEven16^5-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride


Fred Grittner
2020 iMac, Sonoma, Logic Pro
https://52tracksblog.com
https://fredgrittner.bandcamp.com
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
F
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
F
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,077
Originally Posted by Deej56
Fgrittner,

Nicely done. Really like your vocals in this . . . fits the tune and sits well in the mix. Nice hook in that chorus as well. Smooth and engaging 70’s type songwriter tune . . . well done!

All my best to you,

Deej

Thanks!


Fred Grittner
2020 iMac, Sonoma, Logic Pro
https://52tracksblog.com
https://fredgrittner.bandcamp.com
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows® Today!

If you’ve already purchased Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®, great news—a new update is now available! This update introduces a handy new feature: a vertical cursor in the Tracks window that shows the current location across all tracks, and more.

Discover everything included in this free update and download it now at https://www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1124

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Boot Camp: The AI Lyrics Generator

With Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows®, we've introduced an exciting new feature: the AI Lyrics Generator! In this video, Tobin guides you step-by-step on how to make the most of this new tool.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Boot Camp: The AI Lyrics Generator video.

Check out the forum post for more information.

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using VST3 Plugins

Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows® now includes support for VST3 plugins, bringing even more creative possibilities to your music production. Join Simon as he guides you through the process in this easy-to-follow demonstration!

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using VST3 Plugins

Join the conversation on our forum.

Video: Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows: Using The BB Stem Splitter!

In this video, Tobin provides a crash course on using the new BB Stem Splitter feature included in Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows®. During this process he also uses the Audio Chord Wizard (ACW) and the new Equalize Tempo feature.

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using the BB Stem Splitter

Check out the forum post for some optional Tips & Tricks!

Congrats to Misha (Rustyspoon)…downloaded/installed a full Audiophile 2025!

Breaking News!

We’re thrilled to announce that Rustyspoon has made PG history as the very first person to successfully complete the download and install of the full Band-in-a-Box 2025 Windows Audiophile Edition (with FLAC files)—a whopping 610GB of data!

A big shoutout to Rustyspoon for stepping up to be our test "elf!"

Thank you for your support, Rustyspoon!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows Videos

With the launch of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows, we're adding new videos to our YouTube channel. We'll also share them here once they are published so you can easily find all the Band-in-a-Box® 2025 and new Add-on videos in one place!

Whether it's a summary of the new features, demonstrations of the 202 new RealTracks, new XPro Styles PAK 8, or Xtra Styles PAKs 18, information on the 2025 49-PAK, or detailed tutorials for other Band-in-a-Box® 2025 features, we have you covered!

Reference this forum post for One-Stop Shopping of our Band-in-a-Box® 2025 Videos - we will be updating this post as more videos are added!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until December 31, 2024! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK
with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Windows 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.

If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!

Forum Statistics
Forums65
Topics83,528
Posts758,864
Members39,144
Most Online3,932
Nov 19th, 2024
Newest Members
Hao, SteveJB, kheiropi, bunsenstraat, easonlee
39,144 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 171
Noel96 143
musocity 141
MarioD 133
Jim Fogle 123
DC Ron 122
Today's Birthdays
De vrolijke muziekant
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5