Tell Yourself
by @philnorman · @willfarmer
Liner Notes
Got together last weekend with my good friend Will Farmer and this song began to emerge. We've fleshed out the lyric over the last few days. We've been in multiple bands together and I always enjoy our in-person co-writes. (Find our 2008 smash hit "Josephine's Waltz" on the ol' FAWM compilation CD volume 4 đ. Will is also featured on the version of "Your Love Is On My Mind" from vol. 3)
This started from a sweet electric guitar riff and a conversation about how sometimes good advice comes from unexpected places, and how to use self-help and therapy-speak in a rock-n-roll vernacular.
There's still a small chance a full-on demo with Will's awesome guitar and voice comes together by tomorrow night, but, until then, use your rock-n-roll imagination.
Lyrics
Thereâs your problem youâre running from something you don't even know what it is Spot the pattern kick the habit You picked up as a kid
When the fire starts burning Of course you back up from the flame I guess nobody ever told you You could stop burning things
All those things your mama told you Still coming from somebody else But now that youâre finally listening What are you gonna tell yourself
Get up early make some coffee Like a horse on a well-worn trail Do you notice where youâre going Or does the saddle fit too well
When the waterâs rising Of course you look for high ground But everybody acts surprised When you stop trying to drown
Everything the doctor told you...
Are your choices in otherâs voices Who is whispering in your ear Do those lessons serve you Or belong in your rear view mirror
When the time is right you will know what to do But you didnât hear that from me You gonna hear it from you
Anything this old world told you...
Comments
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Love the chorus (and its changing protagonists) -- lyrically, musically. The coffee/water verses are my favorites, but the whole thing works so well. I love the structure of the verses, too.
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So smartly written, and that chorus slaps. Love the sparse guitar, but it's got such a clear beat. Soulful vocals too. Tremendous.
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So glad I'm here to listen to some of these songs. Love the attitude you convey with your meaty, expressive vocals. It fits so well with the sentiment of the lyrics. The guitar sounds so smooth. I really like that you are playing partial chords and hang'n heavy on the lower strings. It sounds GREAT! Killer tune!
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"You gonna hear it from you" is the hope, not always achieved (!) Finally listening and thinking of choices: the beginning of wisdom. I like the guitar backing too.
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Yes, I think this deserves a fuller production. I'm having a little jam along as I listen. One of those songs which will kind of arrange themselves once you get on it. Fabulous lyrics once again.
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That little upwards riff is a hell of a hook. Excellent lyrics, not a line that's not pulling its weight. And plenty of chef's kiss vocal moments. Top work, fellas.
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That bluesy step down/up guitar riff is awesome. You can hang a whole song off that. Which you very much have. There's a very compelling smoky timbre to your vocal, you sound bad ass! "I guess nobody ever told you / You could stop burning things" is a brilliant line. Great collab writing here - could totally hear it with some heavier guitars, but it's pretty darn sweet in this form.
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I really like the bluesy vocal melody with this stripped-back riff and words. I love the repeated title line missing "self" the second time, so hip. "You didn't hear that from me / You gonna hear it from you" is the perfect wrap-up.
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Beautiful guitar and vocal stylings! I could listen to this again and again. I really resonated with the lyrics at âAre your choices in otherâs voices Who is whispering in your ear Do those lessons serve you Or belong in your rear view mirrorâ. A question we should all ask ourselves on occasion
Enjoyed listening to this very much đ
![[FAWM]](/static/img/ukulelecorn.svg)
Yes! Love this one. Great little walk around and rhythmic details on guitar line. Great lyric that leaves the details of the meaning up to the listener to interpret. đ€đ¶