Only Human
by @paul_pedersen · @lyricslinger
Liner Notes
It's not a proper FAWM unless I can partner with Simon Wright for a song or so. Here's the first of I don't know how many for 2025. I just did a count and, across a few FAWMs and 5090s, Simon and I now have eleven songs, enough for an album.
Simon: Wow, 11 songs, I think that must make you the person I've done most songs with, Paul! This is another great translation of my lyrics. I love hearing the little musical flourishes that you've included, such as the sound of heartbeats towards the end
Lyrics
Invincible warrior No worries, not a worrier First twenty years, no sorrow yet No tears, no years laced with regret
Inscrutable warrior No worries, not a worrier No disasters where loved ones died No planes falling from the sky
And yet the years still take their toll They take with no drum roll It's not the big dramatic things that kill ya It's the little things that linger And you'll know you're only human When your heart stops beating
The chat up line stuck in your throat A chance that sailed, you missed that boat A sprained ankle, a busted heel From star athlete to lame fifth wheel
The job you crave but never sought That perfect house you never bought The one night stand you left at that Because you feared love would fall flat
And yet the years still take their toll They take with no drum roll It's not the big dramatic things that kill ya It's the little things that linger And you'll know you're only human You'll know you're only human Cut yourself some slack When your heart stops beating
Comments
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Oh jeez it is the little things - these lines just really resonated with me: “It's not the big dramatic things that kill ya It's the little things that linger And you'll know you're only human You'll know you're only human Cut yourself some slack”
I struggle so much with the inner critic, and I feel like I carry so many little things with me the older I get. Off to cut myself some slack now…
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Only the lucky have such a sorrow-free start to their lives! And those that do are like the warriors in the Boxer Rebellion, convinced that bullets can’t hurt them. much like the teenagers that step into traffic while staring at their phone! Wonderful, touching song about what we learn by living somewhat longer.
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Beautiful lyrics about exactly how it is like. Wonderful personal and close interpretation that went straight to my heart. 🙏
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Oh! such a clear setting for such clear words about the human condition! the pause at the end of the verse is particularly fine, and the last, when the beat stops, and pauses, and pauses. My goodness that is moving!
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Aw guys! What a gorgeous song, I really love your chorus, it's beautiful and through these lyrics you've reminded me to be a little kinder to myself, the human condition is one of pain and love. Great collab, great song!
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Another perfect collaboration by Two Of My Favorites. ELEVEN now! Keep 'em coming, guys. They are consistently wonderful--and I'm really getting a kick out of the arrangement!
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This is a great collab guys! The lyrics tell a story - and particularly love the like about its not the dramatic things that kill ya it the little things that linger. Really well delivered in the vocal as well Paul. Great track
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Such a lovely chord progression. I really like the melody also - cool pause after "heart"! These lyrics really hit me "It's not the big dramatic things that kill ya It's the little things that linger And you'll know you're only human". Oh wow what a perfect ending also. Great collab!
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Plenty of human experience right here, and a nice musical setting. Clever ending too.
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The acoustic guitar progression sounds so nice. Personally I would like the guitar more forward in the mix. The piano is a nice touch. Lyrically, the chorus is the highlight for me, especially the third and fourth line. Those lines say so much...