The Song I Didn't Write

[claire]

Thanks, guys - yes, Perry had an original version of the song on his website and wasn't happy with the lyrics so he asked if I'd be interested in rewriting them. We also rewrote another of his songs that was originally called "Don't Love Me" (now "If You Love Me"). Both songs are on his website now in their current versions. He has a gift for melody and it was a lot of fun for me to write to existing tracks, which I've never done before. It's a whole different experience when you have to fit the words to existing music - I've written songs with lyrics first and music second, or lyrics and music coming together at the same time, but I'd never tried working with tracks first and lyrics second. It was cool.Claire

[heinsite]

damn, just wrote a few words, and got chopped off/timed out.anyway, claire you always find the right person to write wth, and your work on broadjam is just damned splendid...now, HELLO PERRY, if you're out there, nice to "hear" you again. i remember this tune....i have NOTHING neg to say except one thing: the intro to the chorus after the verse is too quick IMHO, and comes upon me anyway, as too quick and could/maybe should be just a bit longer in comin'--i'd be just a bit more patient with getting to the chorus.other than that, great job by all!!the best,warren

[cameron]

Claire,Your lyrics here are perfect! You guys have set the standard here as far as I'm concerned.It would be interesting to see the original lyrics just to show what a rewrite can do for a song.Cam

[claire]

The original lyrics were an entirely different story line and I think Perry would probably be the one to have to post them, since they weren't my lyrics to start with. I'll ask him if he wants to do that, but it would be up to him.Claire

[cameron]

OK, I was thinking "The Song I Didn't Write" was his original title too, but I guess the first time I heard this song (one or two months ago) it must have been your lyrics then too. I think Perry has had enough of the forum after he got pummeled a time or two by some of our more outspoken members... not for his songwriting abilities of course. Cam

[wignelson]

Sorry to see you having posting problems, Claire.Try this:http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... eam=trueIn the future, just copy and paste this link and replace the six numbers with the song ID numbers you want.HTHBy the way, great lyrics. Wig

[momof4]

i think you've made this song jump up to a whole new level, Claire! there's no arguing that Perry's great with melodies, and there's no arguing that you're quite the lyricist, so it seems to me that this is a match made in heaven! congrats!erin

[wignelson]

The vibe I get from the chorus melody is the Dixie Chicks, "Don't Want to Make Nice."Anybody else hear that?Wig

[claire]

Thanks for all the input. I should have explained, as far as the lyrics go, the finished lyric product was a collaborative effort between Perry and me. Although the finished lyric is very different from the original, there were many emails back and forth between us before we agreed on the lyric as it stands.Claire

[perrysmith]

Hey, ya'all--Yeah, I decided it was a good idea to take a forum "time out" for a while -- thought maybe the threat to capture me at the Road Rally and wrap me in duct tape might be a good indicator that my posting here was not a productive endeavor---lol. But I am here with a commitment to not go down certain paths with certain posters and I am sure all will be well I did want to come in and say what a pleasure it has been to work with Claire. As many of you know, she is a brilliant lyricist who has worked very hard over many years to hone her craft and is truly on the verge of some great success with several of her songs. She very generously agreed to complete a lyric overhaul on a couple of my songs and we are already throwing around ideas for our next joint endeavor.I entrusted her with this song (The Song I Didn't Write) because it had received significant praise from industry professionals and was considered "close". I thought that Claire had what it would take to move the song from "close" to "right on target." I was not disappointed in the result. Claire has a way of saying things that brings the sought-after emotion to the forefront. I think that is demonstrated in this song.I don't think any of us should ever be afraid to rewrite even our best songs and to willingly hand over the songs to someone who has strengths where we have weaknesses. What is it they say? 50% of something is better than 100% of nothing.We have already received some exciting feedback on this song and I am hopeful it has a future. Thanks to those who listened and provided thoughts. It's good to "see" you guys again and if you will be at the Road Rally, I will be there for most of it (I am in Orange County, so it is a quick drive for me) and would love to hook up with you assuming I am not lying in a corner wrapped in tape Cameron asked to see the original version of "The Song" to see what a rewrite could do for a song, so I am posting it here along with the new version for comparison.By the way, the song can also be heard at www.perrysmith.comPerryBEFORE The Song I Didn't Write(Perry Smith)After my show at Jack’s downtownI saw her message on my phoneSaid in June she’s getting marriedWanted me to be the first to knowShe used to say I was the one for herI’d laugh and say we’ll seeWhen I played my songs she would sayWill you write a song for meTo me she’ll always be(Chorus)The race I didn’t run, the fight I didn’t fightThe things I didn’t do cause I was so afraid to tryI guess if nothing else, after tonightShe’ll no longer be the song I didn’t write(Verse)In the chapel on East EvergreenShe looked beautiful in whiteHe slipped that ring on her fingerAnd she slipped out of my lifeTo me she’ll always be(Repeat Chorus)(Bridge)She was right there in front of meBut I was too blind to seeIf I could only turn back timeShe wouldn’t have to be(Chorus Twice) Tomorrow night at Jack’s downtownI’m gonna sing this song for herAFTERTHE SONG I DIDN'T WRITE(Claire Ulanoff/Perry Smith)I had a string of broken dreamsAnd a second hand guitarShe said she fell in love with meFor my restless poet's heartI used to play my songs for herWove my past in melodiesShe'd close her eyes, drift away and say"Wish you'd write a song for me"To me she'll always be...(Chorus)The race I didn't run, the fight I didn't fightI didn't follow through 'cause I was so afraid to tryShould've found the words while she was in my lifeBut she'll always be the song I didn't write(Verse) I thought if I gave everythingI might end up all aloneGuess my fears made a fool of me'Cause I'm here and now she's goneTo me she'll always be...(Repeat Chorus)(Bridge)She didn't want a perfect manShe only wanted meIf I could do it all againI swear she wouldn't be…(Repeat Chorus Twice)I had a string of broken dreamsAnd a second hand guitar