Who's Online Now
10 members (couchgrouch, Fdemetrio, VNORTH2, Gary E. Andrews, Perry Neal Crawford, Sunset Poet, Guy E. Trepanier, bennash, Bill Draper, David Gill), 4,251 guests, and 265 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Register Today!
Welcome to the Just Plain Folks forums! You are currently viewing our forums as a Guest which gives you limited access to most of our discussions and to other features.

By joining our free community you will have access to post and respond to topics, communicate privately with our users (PM), respond to polls, upload content, and access many other features. Registration is fast, simple, and absolutely free; so please join our community today!
ShoutChat
Comment Guidelines: Do post respectful and insightful comments. Don't flame, hate, spam.
What's Going On
Does Billy Joel belong in top 10?
by Fdemetrio - 03/28/24 11:10 PM
It Is Done
by Sunset Poet - 03/28/24 07:44 PM
Music Industry Summit, Athens Ohio
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/28/24 06:14 PM
Can you save me from me
by VNORTH2 - 03/28/24 03:11 PM
As human as yo
by ckiphen - 03/28/24 09:55 AM
Fox News Reports Stunning Archeological Discovery.
by couchgrouch - 03/27/24 08:02 PM
Wasting My Time
by David Gill - 03/27/24 07:42 AM
Song available
by JAPOV - 03/26/24 03:38 PM
YELLIN AT CLOUDS
by David Gill - 03/26/24 03:20 PM
"Reliving" the great Lou Rawls!
by Brian Austin Whitney - 03/26/24 01:49 PM
::: The Best In My Life :::
by Bill Draper - 03/26/24 01:32 PM
The show must go on
by ckiphen - 03/26/24 09:06 AM
NYC Motel 1972
by rpirone - 03/26/24 12:43 AM
usic Industry Summitt
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/25/24 11:32 PM
The Rant Arena
by JAPOV - 03/25/24 07:39 PM
Song available
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/25/24 11:55 AM
Song available
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/25/24 11:55 AM
Lancaster Festival, Lancaster, Ohio
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/25/24 10:51 AM
Wasting my time
by Rob B. - 03/25/24 03:45 AM
Tom Waits.. What's he building
by Fdemetrio - 03/25/24 12:09 AM
Rick Beato, bad lyrics
by Fdemetrio - 03/24/24 11:23 PM
Inspirational Videos Post Them Here
by Sunset Poet - 03/24/24 11:27 AM
Used to take a Genius to Mix
by Fdemetrio - 03/23/24 11:00 AM
"Broken Places"
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/22/24 07:45 PM
All You Are Is A Lie
by Sunset Poet - 03/22/24 06:55 PM
Pour Choices
by Gavin Sinclair - 03/22/24 05:29 PM
Billy's 30 year overdue song.
by Fdemetrio - 03/22/24 01:30 PM
Make my dreams come true
by ckiphen - 03/22/24 10:51 AM
Top Posters
Calvin 19,857
Travis david 12,264
Kevin Emmrich 10,941
Jean Bullock 10,330
Kaley Willow 10,240
Two Singers 9,649
Joice Marie 9,186
Mackie H. 9,003
glynda 8,683
Mike Dunbar 8,574
Tricia Baker 8,318
couchgrouch 8,160
Colin Ward 7,911
Corey 7,357
Vicarn 6,916
Mark Kaufman 6,589
ben willis 6,114
Lynn Orloff 5,788
Louis 5,725
Linda Sings 5,608
KimberlyinNC 5,210
Fdemetrio 4,990
Neil Cotton 4,909
Derek Hines 4,893
DonnaMarilyn 4,670
Blake Hill 4,528
Bob Cushing 4,389
Roy Cooper 4,271
Bill Osofsky 4,199
Tom Shea 4,195
Cindy Miller 4,178
TamsNumber4 4,171
MFB III 4,143
Sunset Poet 4,126
nightengale 4,096
E Swartz 3,985
JAPOV 3,973
beechnut79 3,878
Caroline 3,865
Kolstad 3,845
Dan Sullivan 3,710
Dottie 3,427
joewatt 3,411
Bill Cooper 3,279
John Hoffman 3,199
Skip Johnson 3,027
Pam Hurley 3,007
Terry G 3,005
Nigel Quin 2,891
PopTodd 2,890
Harriet Ames 2,870
MidniteBob 2,761
Nelson 2,616
Tom Tracy 2,558
Jerry Jakala 2,524
Al Alvarez 2,499
Eric Thome 2,448
Hummingbird 2,401
Stan Loh 2,263
Sam Wilson 2,246
Wendy D 2,235
Judy Hollier 2,232
Erica Ellis 2,202
maccharles 2,134
TrumanCoyote 2,096
Marty Helly 2,041
DukeWill 2,002
floyd jane 1,985
Clint Anglin 1,904
cindyrella 1,888
David Wright 1,866
Clairejeanne 1,851
Cindy LaRosa 1,824
Ronald Boyt 1,675
Iggy 1,652
Noel Downs 1,633
Rick Heenan 1,608
Cal 1,574
GocartMoz 1,559
Jack Swain 1,554
Pete Larsen 1,537
Ann Tygart 1,529
Tom Breshers 1,487
RogerS 1,481
Tom Franz 1,473
Chuck Crowe 1,441
Ralph Blight 1,440
Rick Norton 1,429
Kenneth Cade 1,429
bholt 1,411
Letha Allen 1,409
in2piano 1,404
Stan Simons 1,402
Deej56 1,385
mattbanx 1,384
Jen Shaner 1,373
Charlie Wong 1,347
KevinP 1,324
Vondelle 1,316
Tom W. 1,313
Jan Petter 1,301
scottandrew 1,294
lane1777 1,280
Gerry 1,280
DakLander 1,265
IronKnee 1,262
PeteG 1,242
Ian Ferrin 1,235
Glen King 1,214
VNORTH2 1,212
IdeaGuy 1,209
AaronAuthier 1,177
summeoyo 1,174
Diane Ewing 1,162
ckiphen 1,120
joro 1,082
BobbyJoe 1,075
S.DEE 1,040
yann 1,037
9ne 1,035
David Gill 1,032
Tony A 1,016
argo 986
peaden 984
90 dB 964
Wolvman 960
Jak Kelly 912
krtinberg 890
Drifter 886
Petra 883
RJC 845
Brenda152 840
Nadia 829
ant 798
Juan 797
TKO 784
Dayson 781
frahmes 781
bennash 763
teletwang 762
Andy K 750
Andy Kemp 749
tbryson 737
Jackie444 731
Irwin 720
3daveyO3 704
Dixie 701
Joy Boy 695
Pat Hardy 692
Knute 686
Lee Arten 678
Moosesong 668
Katziis 652
R.T.MOORE 638
quality 637
CG King 622
douglas 621
R&M 614
Mel 614
NaomiSue 601
Shandy 590
Ria 587
TAMERA64 583
qbaum 570
nitepiano 566
pRISCILLA 556
Tink2 553
musica 539
deanbell 528
RobertK 527
BonzaiWag 523
Roderic 522
BB Wilbur 513
goodfolks 499
Zeek 487
Stu 486
Steve P. 481
KathyW 462
allenb 459
MaxG 458
Philjo 454
fanito 448
trush48 448
dmk 442
Rob L 439
arealrush 437
DGR 436
avweek 435
Stephen D 433
Emmy 431
marquez 422
kit 419
Softkrome 417
kyrksongs 415
RRon 408
Laura G. 407
VNORTH 407
Debra 407
eb 406
cuebald 399
EdPerrone 399
Dannyk1 395
Hobart 395
Davyboy49 393
Smile 389
GJShades 387
Alek 386
Ezt 384
tone 380
Marla 380
Ann_F 379
iggyiggy 378
coalminer 377
java 374
ddreuter 371
spidey 371
sweetsong 370
danny 367
Rob B. 364
Jim Ryan 360
papaG 353
Z - man 350
JamesDF5 348
John K 348
Jaden 344
TheBaz 340
Steggy 339
leif 339
tonedeaf 336
rickwork 334
Eddie Ray 332
Johnboy 328
Bob Lever 328
Helicon1 327
lucian 326
Muskie 321
kc 319
Z. Mulls 318
ptondreau 313
ONOFFON 312
Chris B. 310
trush 304
ed323 297
Ellen M 294
markus-ky 293
lizzorn 291
nicnac49 290
Char 286
ktunes 285
Top Likes Received
JAPOV 86
VNORTH2 45
bennash 38
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#1165909 06/25/20 08:03 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
"Spread Your Wings & Fly" SOUNDCLOUD

Spread Your Wings & Fly
(c)2010 Steve Altonian

Mama’ pulls a letter from a locket box, yellow, faded, & worn
Slips it to Tessie suitcase by the door
Grandma’ gave this to me long ago when I was ‘bout your age
Words of love & wisdom I saved just for today

Spread your wings & fly
Now’s your time to shine
Precious doves don’t belong on the ground
Don’t be afraid of heights
Spread your wings & fly

Choose a man who will treat you right find you one who will wait
Remember what the Bible says & don’t ever lose your faith
When you raise up a family teach your children what’s right
The greatest gift you can give them is giving of your time

Spread your wings & fly
Now’s your time to shine
Precious doves don’t belong on the ground
Don’t be afraid of heights
Spread your wings & fly

A little girl & her Mama’ laughing in the rain
Tessie guards an heirloom she’ll share with her one day

Spread your wings & fly
Now’s your time to shine
Precious doves don’t belong on the ground
Don’t be afraid of heights

Spread your wings & fly
Soar where eagles cry
Keep dreams & a song in your heart
Let them be your guide
Don’t be afraid of heights
Now’s your time to shine
Spread your wings & fly
Spread your wings & fly
Spread your wings & fly


Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"

http://www.stevealtonian.com
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
Top 30 Poster
Offline
Top 30 Poster
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
Hi Steve:

A really nice write about an age-old event most mothers and daughters will share... when the time is right. Your vocal and the backing were "spot-on" to my ears. Well done. Send more soon... and best of luck with "Spread Your Wings and Fly!"

----Dave

Joined: May 2020
Posts: 123
S
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
S
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 123
Nice country song, good lyrics and hook. A little sentimental but that's ok!

Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,559
Top 200 Poster
Offline
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,559
Steve,

Very pro. Radio ready and radio friendly. This is not my kind of tune, but I see and respect the talent. My tastes have never been the masses test. This has huge appeal in a very large market. It is ready, as is, imo. Very good write and recording. Bravo!

Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,916
Likes: 9
Top 40 Poster
Offline
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,916
Likes: 9
A good old country song with a message.
The only thing that had me wondering was "Slips it to Tessie suitcase by the door".

Nice one.

Vic


It's never too late? Yes it is, so do it now.

If, given time, a monkey can write the complete works of Shakespeare maybe there's hope for me.

http://store.cdbaby.com/cd/vicarnold2

http://www.soundclick.com/vicarnold

http://soundcloud.com/vic-arnold

Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 1
D
Top 200 Poster
Offline
Top 200 Poster
D
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 1
Steve,

A nice, radio-friendly country song. Really sweet vocal, nice build into that chorus musically, and pretty harmonies. One question on the production: In the first chorus, is that an electric guitar solo playing? I ask because when you get into the second chorus, it sounds like the fiddle, which is a nice addition in that second verse. Anyway, it struck me as different and I’m not sure it’s my ears or something else (most likely me). But I like the solo backing in the second verse a tad more. Really nit thing, though, most likely of no consequence.

Really impressive outing here, Steve. Good luck with it!

All my best,

Deej

Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Dave Rice
Hi Steve:

A really nice write about an age-old event most mothers and daughters will share... when the time is right. Your vocal and the backing were "spot-on" to my ears. Well done. Send more soon... and best of luck with "Spread Your Wings and Fly!"

----Dave


Thanks...Figuring our the best way to tell this story was the initial challenge. At first it was Father to daughter and then somewhere the idea came in to use 4 generations of ladies.


Originally Posted by Songbird52
Nice country song, good lyrics and hook. A little sentimental but that's ok!


Yes, It is a song that is sentimental and idealistic. I think I can get away with it a little more than normal because of the of the topic. Anytime your children venture out on their own there are gonna be emotions and sentiment involved for all...

Thanks for commenting.


Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"

http://www.stevealtonian.com
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Vicarn
A good old country song with a message.
The only thing that had me wondering was "Slips it to Tessie suitcase by the door".

Vic


Hey Vic,

Thanks for the listen & the good comments.

"Slips" definition #2 in the Dictionary: "go or move quietly or quickly, without attracting notice"...

Mama' passes the letter quickly & quietly to Tessie, "slipping" the letter into her hand, without fanfare...

Instinctively I guess I wanted a more descriptive word than simply "gives", or "hands", or "passes" it to Tessie...






Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"

http://www.stevealtonian.com
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,916
Likes: 9
Top 40 Poster
Offline
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,916
Likes: 9
Hi Steve.
I understand "slips it to Tessie".
It was the "suitcase by the door" coming straight after that.
I thought there may have been a connecting word missing like "slips it to tessie with her suitcase by the door" but then it could have been an American phrase i hadn't come across before. I get it now though, thanks.

Vic


It's never too late? Yes it is, so do it now.

If, given time, a monkey can write the complete works of Shakespeare maybe there's hope for me.

http://store.cdbaby.com/cd/vicarnold2

http://www.soundclick.com/vicarnold

http://soundcloud.com/vic-arnold

Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Vicarn
Hi Steve.
I understand "slips it to Tessie".
It was the "suitcase by the door" coming straight after that.
I thought there may have been a connecting word missing like "slips it to tessie with her suitcase by the door" but then it could have been an American phrase i hadn't come across before. I get it now though, thanks.

Vic


Hi Vic,

TAMPA STAN had EVERYTHING to do with those lines. He critiqued a tune of mine years ago, & it was a spot on crit...What happened is I remembered what TAMPA STAN had told me about trimming the fat at beginnings of a line. Most of the times those words like "With, "the", but" will not be clearly heard anyway by the listener. TAMPA STAN was right, trim the fat when you can. I wrote EXACTLY as you said, but TAMPA STANS words kept reverberating in my head...Trim the unnecessary fat at the beginning of lines. As long as the meaning is there, don't get tongue tied, & be ergonomic with your words when you can. Even if I said Her suitcase by the door, that line may get "eaten" when I sang it..One of the best tips I ever received from anyone on any FORUM was that critique..

BTW Vic, this may explain a little to you "why" I keyed on one word on your song...I wrote this song for my daughters when I was away because of a "previous". They found the original handwritten LYRIC yesterday sent to them from prison, & the lines originally read:

The original LYRIC:


She hands the note to AMY
With a suitcase by the door


The final LYRIC

Slips it to TESSIE
Suitcase by the door


Thanks TAMPA STAN...






Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"

http://www.stevealtonian.com
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,916
Likes: 9
Top 40 Poster
Offline
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,916
Likes: 9
Ahaa!
Stan was a character. Just before he passed he asked if I could put a lyric to music about his dad.
I was a little worried as it was so personal but I managed to finish a draft and sent it to him. Never heard a thing from him and very soon after I heard he'd gone.
Never found out what he thought about it.

Vic


It's never too late? Yes it is, so do it now.

If, given time, a monkey can write the complete works of Shakespeare maybe there's hope for me.

http://store.cdbaby.com/cd/vicarnold2

http://www.soundclick.com/vicarnold

http://soundcloud.com/vic-arnold

Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by GocartMoz
Steve,

Very pro. Radio ready and radio friendly. This is not my kind of tune, but I see and respect the talent. My tastes have never been the masses test. This has huge appeal in a very large market. It is ready, as is, imo. Very good write and recording. Bravo!


Thanks GOCARTMOZ... I wrote this in 2010...This song was NEVER intended for the masses. It was written for my daughters. I guess as I was writing it I did have an eye on writing to the HOOK & giving clarity to the song for the listener to follow...I was locked up in prison & away for quite some time from my daughters because of poor choices. I missed their graduations, birthday parties, first boyfriends., etc And somehow I wanted to give them advice on how to go into the world, even though I wasn't there physically

My daughters found the original LYRIC & sent it to me a few days ago. I remembered TAMPA STANS words behind the prison walls as I was writing it, when I had no access to INTERNET. So as I wrote it, I did try to follow good writing principles instinctively, looking back.

But....This song was never intended for the masses, It was written for my daughters...


Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"

http://www.stevealtonian.com
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126
Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
Online Content
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126
Likes: 29
Always good Steve. Knew it would be.

Martin

Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Deej56
Steve,

A nice, radio-friendly country song. Really sweet vocal, nice build into that chorus musically, and pretty harmonies. One question on the production: In the first chorus, is that an electric guitar solo playing? I ask because when you get into the second chorus, it sounds like the fiddle, which is a nice addition in that second verse. Anyway, it struck me as different and I’m not sure it’s my ears or something else (most likely me). But I like the solo backing in the second verse a tad more. Really nit thing, though, most likely of no consequence.

Really impressive outing here, Steve. Good luck with it!

All my best,

Deej


Hey Deej

It's the electric all the way. The fiddle comes in & out, but more prominent in the BRIDGE & to the end of the tune. There is so much going on there for sure. We have the guys & gals overplay their parts when recording & then we will pick & choose what goes where. And then we gotta fit the pedal steel in there too. I almost ALWAYS want fiddle on my tunes, so it pushes some of the guitar & pedal steel parts out sometimes. Finding room for everything in it's sonic space is an interesting dynamic to be sure...

Thanks for the good words DeeJ



Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"

http://www.stevealtonian.com
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,400
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,400
Hi Steve,
Yes, all very well done, and very country. It does what good country is supposed to do, it tells the story. Good luck with it.


Have a goodun,

John W. Selleck BMI Songwriter
A day without learning is a day lost forever.

www.soundclick.com/johnsings
www.soundclick.com/johnwselleck
www.soundclick.com/johnselleck
https://www.soundclick.com/artist/default.cfm?bandID=1468958 For Selleck/Kay co-writes
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 12,264
Likes: 4
T
Top 10 Poster
Offline
Top 10 Poster
T
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 12,264
Likes: 4
A great contemporary country song Steve.
The synopsis, although not exactly a new idea, is given a shot in the arm by some really good lines.
The vocal is excellent, production too.
Good luck with it, it deserves to be heard
John


We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. Oscar Wilde
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Martin Lide
Always good Steve. Knew it would be.

Martin


Marty,

You are a true wordsmith...


Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"

http://www.stevealtonian.com
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,473
Top 200 Poster
Offline
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,473
Wow Steve you are so good you make it sound effortless.
This is so heartwarming. Great arc to the story.
Production and musicianship are stunning.
Tom

Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by John W. Selleck
Hi Steve,
Yes, all very well done, and very country. It does what good country is supposed to do, it tells the story.


Thanks John...It's good to have Country Music as an outlet for songs that have meaning...

I'm writing a Pop tune now & I am probably overthinking the lines because I'm so used to every word having to have meaning & propel the story forward...










Steve Altonian---"I'll just do my best & let God do the rest"

http://www.stevealtonian.com

Link Copied to Clipboard
Support Just Plain Folks

We would like to keep the membership in Just Plain Folks FREE! Your donation helps support the many programs we offer including Road Trips and the Music Awards.


Newest Members
chriscastle, yasir252, cathennashira, Samwise, HappySousa
21,470 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums117
Topics125,717
Posts1,160,950
Members21,470
Most Online37,523
Jan 25th, 2020
Just Plain Quotes
"If one man can do it, any man can do it. It is true. But the real question is, if one man did it, are you willing to do what it takes to do it as well?" –Brian Austin Whitney
Today's Birthdays
warriorgirl (2024)
Popular Topics(Views)
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5