The Counting House

[wignelson]

This song has a few warts, but there is enough here to demonstrate the elements.As with most of my work, this may remain an orphan because aside from film/TV, there is little use for this kind of song.I write these kinds of tunes because I've been a lyricist for too long to just write about breaking up relationships or whoopee, don't her boobs look nice. (Not that there's anything wrong with that )But I think you're getting the idea that I write in extremely narrow genres that set a mood that may or may not ever be called for in the commercial world of music.Still, people like to cue one up and travel down the road with some of my music in the background, so I probably won't quit writing anytime soon.Hope you can get something out of this one, Wighttp://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php? ... =67764“The Counting House”By Wig Nelson c. 2007 The queen is in the counting house – the princesses can’t sleep. They hear the counting very loud – and pray the gold to reap. Can she buy her way to heaven? Has she lied her way to hell? Shall she ever be forgiven? I can only wish her well? The princesses are bargaining their heels are digging deep. They're soon to lose the only thing they’re better off to keep. Can they buy their way to freedom? Have they lied their way to hell? Will the queen be there to lead them in another mother’s spell? The jingle jangle echoes as the hungry babies cry. The counting drowning out the sound of mother’s milk run dry. Will she need a soul to borrow or another lie to tell? Will she ever feel the sorrow of the ones who served her well? The queen is building a barricades – a legacy of lies. Hoping to elude them as the evil arrow flies. Can she buy her way to heaven? Has she lied her way to hell? Shall she ever be forgiven? I can only wish her well. The princesses are circling above the queen below. They may not leave her anything to pay the boatman’s toll? Can they buy their way to freedom? Have tied their fate to hell? Will the queen be there to feed them? I can only wish them well. The queen has neatly counted out and soon will lock away – The coffers of her counting house to count another day. Can she buy her way to Heaven? Has she lied her way to hell? Shall she ever be forgiven? I can only wish her well.

[billg]

Hey Wig, I like these kind of lyrics a lot. I don't think it would be impossible to see an opp for this . . . the hard part (like I already mentioned) is just figuring out what others would compare it too. If you could get the vocals a little bit more out front (maybe some compression) this would be broadcast quality IMO. I like the guitar work A LOT. There really isn't a hook so it would never fly for an artist pitch but I think could work well for a moody tv/film placement. You just have to figure out how to pitch it . . . you know, figure out the "alas". Sometimes that's the hardest damn part.

[wignelson]

Oct 8, 2008, 7:54am, billg wrote:Hey Wig, I like these kind of lyrics a lot. I don't think it would be impossible to see an opp for this . . . the hard part (like I already mentioned) is just figuring out what others would compare it too. If you could get the vocals a little bit more out front (maybe some compression) this would be broadcast quality IMO. I like the guitar work A LOT. There really isn't a hook so it would never fly for an artist pitch but I think could work well for a moody tv/film placement. You just have to figure out how to pitch it . . . you know, figure out the "alas". Sometimes that's the hardest damn part.Thanks a lot, Bill,Really glad you like the lyrics. That's usually the icing on the cake for me, and coming from another lyricist, that makes my day.Yeah, the eternal question: Where the heck does this belong?Anything short of the garbage can is fine with me. Wig

[geo]

Wig .... this is a classic metal ballad.... with excellent lyrics!!! I know that's a million miles away from what you do but as I'm listening the whole things unfolding in my head.... and it's awesome!!! OBTW this is more the style I was referring to in the other post... great song!!!Peace, Geo

[geo]

Sent you a PM.... I'm on listen 6 now.... this could really work as a slow alt rock song with the vocal delivery as well...I dig this....Geo

[zoom]

Oct 8, 2008, 7:17am, wignelson wrote:I write these kinds of tunes because I've been a lyricist for too long to just write about breaking up relationships or whoopee, don't her boobs look nice. (Not that there's anything wrong with that )But I think you're getting the idea that I write in extremely narrow genres that set a mood that may or may not ever be called for in the commercial world of music.Ummm... is that all pop music lyricists write about?Writing the troubadour way about princesses (and putting it all in 'ye olde world' style) and clipper ships, etc will definitely pull you into a narrow genre... actually, I think it drags you there and chains you to a wall! I think especially writing in the third person will limit your options, as you've done here as well.This is a good piece Wig -- no question. And you're right in that this type of song has limited commercial opportunities outside of film/tv placements. It doesn't mean it's a bad song... just means that it's a square peg in a room of round holes (in the world of Taxi anyway).While today's writing styles definitely concentrate on personal relationships... I think the big thing to pull out of that is "personal." To resonate with people, examining our own interactions with each other and the world is part of the job as a songwriter. You've done it yourself in "Out of My Life" -- which I think could probably be redone into whatever genre you want (if you want). However, until it's redone as a current sounding demo, it probably won't see as many opportunities either... as lyrics alone only get you half way there.As a lyricist, I wouldn't expect you to write just about break ups and boobs. There's a lot more to life than that.When trying to pull people into your music (and for your success at Taxi IMO), telling personal views of issues, events, people and the world that tell a story and connect with others on an emotional level is what it's all about. Funny, sad, angry, frazzled, emotionally barren.... whatever! And that doesn't sound all that limiting to me.Plus, writing more songs like this might pull you out of your folk funk a bit and stretch you more artistically. Something to think about anyway.I hope this all reads the right way after I post this... I'm not trying to pick a fight. I'm just posting my two cents on how you don't have to feel like you need to limit your writing for success here at Taxi. I hope it helps you... but take 'em or leave 'em.Again, this is a good piece. Pull up your vocals like Bill said, and it's solid for film/tv

[wignelson]

Can anyone suggest a Film/TV listing that I could submit this one to?Any help would be greatly appreciated. So far I've struck out submitting to the right listing.The screeners liked the music, sometimes giving me 8's and mostly 9's, but said I was off the mark.I'll bring the vocals up as was suggested, and maybe add some harmony from a friend. (The same one who did the guitar leads)Thanks in advance, Wig

[wta]

Nice whistle track, great use of higher register. I play Burke, Susato and Syn Irish whistles from soprano E all the way down to bass C so let me know if you ever need any help... Great feel and instrumentation. Bill nailed the vox issue and I'd love to hear some high harmonies, maybe some ooooh and ahhhhh and such. Very trippy feel almost a laster Led Zep ala. wta

[jay10music]

WIG......WOW........ I don't know about a few warts.... This piece sounds like a.... A TUMOR OF GREATNESS... Love the guitar work...Great....And nice mix of sounds........SUPERB.... Nice Lyrics also...GREAT JOB..... Very Cool Vibe....Jay..

[wignelson]

Thanks, Jay. Really glad you like the tune.