Friends Of Bill
Liner Notes
For the past few years, I’ve been chasing a Steely Dan-inspired approach—something sharp, intricate, and satisfying to play. Somehow, I had an unusually productive stretch, so I could take my time with this one.
It started with the drum groove. I wanted a chromatic progression, mostly because I like a challenge. Finding strong melodies in a chromatic framework isn’t easy, but that tension makes the release of the chorus even more rewarding.
Lyrically, the song took a few detours before landing in what turned out to be a fairly autobiographical narrative.
Do I have another one in me? We’ll see... #pop #rock #jazz #guitar #vocals #harmonies
Lyrics
Verse 1 Since 01 he’s been off the sauce Left the school of hard knocks Entered the rooms where they trade their numbers Gave him the book with the first one hundred
Now twenty years he’s been raw doggin’ life Picks up the phone when he’s feeling tight Somehow believed a miracle could happen Saw no promotion and felt the attraction
Chorus So many phrases they crammed in his head Take what you need and leave the rest He had to make it, one day at a time Take the suggestions, or try living dry
Verse 2 He’s got to laugh when it’s “Sober October” It’s been years since he was a smoker Early on they said, “Stick with the winners” Now he’s far from a beginner
Stopped hanging out at the barber shop Hates it when someone cross talks He still struggles with giving up his will But he loves the Friends of Bill
Comments
![[avatar]](https://fawm-avatars.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/fawm2023/26112.png){kind=avatar}
I’m a friend of Bill myself. Cool bop. Awesome use of the slogans and other AA jargon. Made me smile. Great harmonies. Love the horns.
![[avatar]](https://fawm-avatars.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/fawm2024/0e551798-e42d-453a-b420-02f477972723.png){kind=avatar}
amazing chorus, and what cool complex chord changes! very interesting to listen to. nice work.
![[avatar]](https://fawm-avatars.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/fawm2024/dba16fe5-68f0-409f-8ffe-fff9e80d47e4.png){kind=avatar}
This is super ambitious, and you nailed it! There’s something about the chromaticism in the verses that feels unsteady in a narratively appropriate way, like someone trying to navigate life without their crutch for the first time. That chorus is pure Steely Dan goodness. Really nicely done!
![[avatar]](https://fawm-avatars.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/fawm2025/d71d09f8-cbed-4154-a8eb-9375ca3b8889.png){kind=avatar}
wow, this is really well done! love the whole steely dan vibe in the music and arrangement, and the lyric is compelling and a great window into that world (I've known some folks in the 12 step world so I know some of the phrases...) love how the chorus really brings it all together- great chord choices and jazzy arrangement and playing... not easy to pull off that sound!
![[FAWM]](/static/img/demoduck.svg)
Omg the steely Dan influence is spot on. Holy wow!