Released March 19 '21
"Fly"
Amidst the din of this pandemic, looking back, there was this particular day when I forgot about all of that (or perhaps it was part of a day) and what emerged was a track that was inspired by nothing more than the desire to write a simple and uncolored pop song. Lyrically trite in places, I'll admit, but sitting in front of a well-heated tube amp -- and at nearly full tilt, I could call it a special vacation of sorts -- and I was inspired.
Back to basics... a pop song and blisteringly-overdriven hard-panned left & right guitars -- which later made way for a pedal-steel mid-section out of nowhere. So much fun -- and as these tracks started to layer together, it was just like any other (non-pandemic) day.
I also remember being so inspired to finish the song that I had the idea to try and record my own drumming, and while (in my head) it was working out... on tape I was pretty much left with an intro and half-verse worth of steady playing -- the rest was unusable. But as luck would have it, Chris Harris had his kit all mic'd up in his basement ready to go (as if he knew that I'd be calling). So I sent Chris a bass track and scratch guitar and vocals (I ultimately kept the scratch guitar and vocal tracks in the final mix, even with some tuning inconsistencies) and his drums were just what the song needed.
Here's to pop songs with no pandemic themes -- made simply, as evidence that things can return to normal again. So please turn it up while we all look forward to every day as a normal one -- together.
Maybe the next track will be made possible by the "vaccination jams." Until then... I will look forward to days like this, where songs materialize out of thin air for no apparent reason, and provide timeless enjoyment.
They fooled you once but now they’re blind
there’s a big picture in your mind
Perspective I can’t see as you’re mixing up your blues and greens
You watch as everyone gets lost
because the map is in your thoughts
Don’t leave me aft before this fifth becomes better half
You’re gonna’ fly
I know that look in your eye
Under the radar so I can’t see that you’re gone, you’re gone, you’re gone
I got my car back but you’re on the tarmac
Designing everything about your future without me
You find the will and find a way
you tell me everything’s okay
Don’t leave me stranded here alone
You’re gonna’ fly
I know that look in your eye
Under the radar so I can’t see that you’re gone, you’re gone, you’re gone
Just need a little more time
I can get us a ride
Don’t want to leave this behind but now you’re gone, you’re gone, you’re gone
She’s not really gone, out of sight but she’s still holding on
She’s not really gone, out of sight but she’s still holding on (I hope)
She’s leaving
You’re gonna’ fly
I know that look in your eye
Under the radar so I can’t see that you’re gone, you’re gone, you’re gone
Just need a little more time
I can get us a ride
Don’t want to leave this behind but now you’re gone, you’re gone, you’re gone
I found a postcard
you wrote it many years ago
Stuck in between the time before, and the world we didn’t know
Return to sender
Before you render my situation all alone
You’re gonna’ fly
I know that look in your eye
Under the radar so I can’t see that you’re gone, you’re gone, you’re gone
Just need a little more time
I can get us a ride
Don’t want to leave this behind but now you’re gone, you’re gone, you’re gone
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Release Date: March 19, 2021
Music and lyrics: Dave Charles
Vocals - Dave
Guitars - Dave
Bass - Dave
Pedal Steel - Dave
Drums - Chris Harris
Producer - Dave
Co-Engineer - Richard Kaye, Jeff Pucillo
Recorded at underdog studio, boston, ma, usa, (and drums in Chris Harris' basement) in the din of the pandemic (but with. hope on the horizon)
My attempt to play drums lasted about as long as this clip. Thanks to Chris Harris for playing on the final track.