7 members (VNORTH2, couchgrouch, Fdemetrio, Gary E. Andrews, Perry Neal Crawford, Sunset Poet, Guy E. Trepanier),
4,195
guests, and
268
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
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!
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
Poor Eddie.... Eddie posted this lyric a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away on the Muse and I made comments and so did others as he worked on it and I said I would sing it. It took some time, I get distracted and flaky and then, I didn't want to release it acapella and he waited until I had an instrument and learned to play it...Patient Eddie, I am so sorry it has taken so very long, but it was to give your song the best I could. Before you listen, I will apologize yet again for the "clicking", I had to wear the picks for this recording. I also MEAN this song to be sad to match the lyric, I'm sorry if it is too sad for you, but emotional me sees it this way and I think it could even go for a fundraising song. I would love a musician for this, a piano would be amazing, I think piano and strings would fit this perfectly, but I would work with anyone on it, so please consider it!!! A COLD WIND BLOWS on SoundClick THE COLD WIND BLOWS by Eddie L. Hodges (EddieH) © 2010 They're all alone Looking for a place to sleep Homeless Walkin' past the starlit streets There is no pride For a hungry man they said Faithful But faith without works is dead (Chorus) The cold wind blows... And they're starvin' on the heartless streets Searchin' for a point of light Trudgin' through the frigid night Tears freezin' on a wind-burnt face As the cold wind blows What can they do? They have no jobs, no skills Unknown Where will they get a meal And there you are Sleepin' in your easy chair Selfish And do you even care? (Chorus) The cold wind blows... And they're starvin' on the heartless streets Searchin' for a point of light Trudgin' through the frigid night Tears freezin' on a wind-burnt face As the cold wind blows
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,683
Top 20 Poster
|
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,683 |
Tammy,
Yes, this is a very sad song, and the way you sing it, actually I don't see any other way to sing it, the lyric is sad..but so many people can relate to this and I feel you brought out what the song meant..wish I had a autoharp, it sounds great
glyn
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 176
Serious Contributor
|
Serious Contributor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 176 |
Tammy, very nice - your interpretation has brought a lot to this lyric.
Bob
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,427
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,427 |
Hey Tammy, This is beautiful! I'm sure Eddie is very happy with it and would agree it was worth the wait. WTG Tammy, that auto harp is sounding good. Dottie
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,526
Helping Hand
|
Helping Hand
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,526 |
Very good, Tammy! Your voice brought the perfect "feel" to this lyric. This seems like it would work in a movie scene.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,325 Likes: 4
Top 40 Poster
|
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,325 Likes: 4 |
Hello Tammy. Strong and powerful in its message and your approach to it. You might want to "speak" up a tad when you are singing and IMO let the vocals grow more powerfully in the chorus. This way you will drive the hook/message home. Douglas
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,941 Likes: 3
Top 10 Poster
|
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,941 Likes: 3 |
Clear, beautiful singing and that autoharp is adding a lot. Do you know the chord progression you are playing (do you write it down?)? If you do, then it would make it easier for you to try and learn it on guitar.
Sounds good to me, even if it is sad.
Kevin
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,710
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,710 |
Tammy, You're singing with a social message. An accusatory song meant to afflict the comfortable. A little discomfort's sometimes needed to spur action. I can't let a song for the underdog go by without complimenting the writer. And you sang it with heart and feeling.
Earlier today the line "Who'll give a bum a break" popped into my head. You and I both know the answer to that. Most of the time, nobody.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 395
Top 500 Poster
|
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 395 |
Hey Tam,
This is a beautiful look at the sad reality of something that goes on far too much in every major city in this country. You have done a wonderful job with this sad piece of reality.
Danny
The heart has its reasons, of which reason knows nothing of." —Blaise Pascal, 1670
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
Glynda,
Thanks always for listening!! I'm glad you can understand why it sounds sad.
Tammy
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
Robert,
Thanks for stopping by, greatly appreciated!! Glad you liked it.
Tammy
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
Awww, thanks Dottie, I'm glad that you could see this great write of Eddie's.
Tammy
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
Polly,
Thanks for listening, you always want my songs in movies...I'm hoping they are "G" rated movies...LOL!! Glad you stopped by!!
Tammy
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
Kevin,
Glad you like it!!
Yes, I write it all down, I need to have it all ready for that mythological musician who will swoop down and grace my songs with beautiful instruments!! Ahhh, a girl can dream!!
Tammy
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,616
Top 200 Poster
|
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,616 |
Lovely Tammy.
Sad song but I love your voice on it.
Strumming and singing... watch out yall.
Well Done Tammy
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 691
Serious Contributor
|
Serious Contributor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 691 |
"Do You even Care"? OK, I listened. This line accuses the listener(including me). Fits with the tune, but does not invite a second hearing. The song disturbed me, but not in a positive way. Ott
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Top 50 Poster
|
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827 |
Hey Tams,
Hmm..... sure it has good points, but after listening a couple of times, this song irks me because it judges. It judges because it uses the term "us" and "them". The vocalist is therfor removed from the situation and becomes a casual observer. It doesn't say it the way it is. It says it from an ivory tower.
There are many people in life who have fallen down on their luck. Many who are somehow robbed of the oppertunity to excel. Sure, there are bums, but there are also gifted folks who, through no fault of their own, through circumstance, find themselves in the position that they are in. Wether self inflicted, or not, wether through mental instability, wether through a certain upbringing.
I think this song shows a lack of understanding, and most of all it is flippant.
I can tell the writer is a casual observer. It's not a good song.
cheers, ( and sorry ) niteshift
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9,003 Likes: 1
Top 20 Poster
|
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9,003 Likes: 1 |
Tammy--Eddie--
I have been close to the elements exposed in this song --in my early life--born at the tail-end of the GREAT DEPRESSION, we were poor and DIDN'T KNOW IT--There is a real gut wrenching message here--I think the lyrics need to be more concise and have a harmonica wailing at times throughout--JMHO--You add a lot realism with your pleading voice--good luck with this one!
Mackie
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,143 Likes: 6
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,143 Likes: 6 |
Been there......you nailed it..... this is a needed song today, so many more facing the bite of poverty in mid december, Men ..women and children...outsourced and downsized to something less than human....and sadly ignored by most.~~~~Loved it~~~MFB IIII
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,831 Likes: 2
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,831 Likes: 2 |
Hi Tammy,
I can hear this as part of a movie too. Good writing that evokes a mood…and I like your singing…you capture a soulful longing and the melody is fitting, imo.
I wonder about that last verse. All the verses are about the homeless and V4 switches to the listener. It’s jolting…unexpected…and maybe that’s what the writer is going for. But you mention maybe a fundraising song and that last verse seems out of place in tone.
Nice playing…I see you are learning the autoharp…kudos to you for that! Good luck with it!
Kristi
A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. -- Abraham Maslow, American Psychologist
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
Doug,
Thanks for listening!
It is hard for me to sing, I just learned the autoharp three months ago and it is my first instrument and to sit hunched over and concentrating on playing seems to take its effect on my singing.
I'm looking for a musician to make a track so that I can sing it right!
Tammy
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
Dan,
Thank you for understanding and I am sure Eddie meant to spread his message in the most compassionate way.
Tammy
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
Danny,
Thanks friend!
Tammy
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
Nelson,
Thanks you for always listening and for your support!!
Tammy
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
Ott,
Sorry you interpret it that way, but appreciate you giving it a try!!
Tammy
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
Geoff,
Everyone has a right to read it the way they want to, I do not take it the way you do, appreciate you giving it a try.
Tammy
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
Mackie,
Thanks for the listen and this is just a work tape to get a musician, the instruments are up in the air...
Tammy
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
M.
Thank you my friend, I am glad you read it as I do!
Tammy
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,171 Likes: 8 |
Kristi,
Thanks for the listen, appreciate the feedback and do agree with you on it.
Thanks for the autohparp support, I need all that I can get!! LOL!!
Tammy
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
Casual Observer
|
Casual Observer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6 |
Hi Everyone,
After reading the comments, I felt that I should reply to some of the compliments and criticisms.
Unfortunately, I am not in the least musically talented. Before I began writing songs (as a hobby), I wrote poems and this song is based on the following poem that I wrote around 1990:
"THE COLD WIND BLOWS The cold wind blows past the starlit streets, Touching those who, suffering and alone, Must eke out a bare existence for survival, A beggar passes outside looking for a place to sleep, You relax in front of a roaring fire at home. Trudging through a lifetime of toil and troubles, The underclass in its ignorance waits, Not knowing how or what they can do to 'better' themselves, They have faith, but faith without works is dead, They feel, they laugh, they cry and love and hate. Not seeing, not knowing, no skills, no jobs, Sure, if you want to wash dishes or sweep floors, After all, they say pride does not exist for a hungry man, Menial jobs, spinning wheels on a dead-end street, No money, bills and obligations, selling door-to-door. The cold wind blows past countless points of light, Inside the homes babes sleep in ignorant bliss, Not knowing that they could hold the key to the future, But how can naked, hungry babes dream of wealth, When all they know or see or feel is hopelessness?"
I suppose that there is some validity to the criticism that the song is written from an ivory tower perspective, since I do have a Ph.D. and I have never been homeless. However, I have not always been financially self-sufficient; I grew up in a modest, lower middle class rural environment (occasionally falling below the poverty line), my wife and I once relied upon public assistance in the form of food stamps and HUD and - at one time -we did come very close to being homeless.
The tone of the song is intended to be accusatory, toward anyone who lives a comfortable lifestyle without helping those who are less fortunate. Although we live in a relatively smaller town environment without many persons who are homeless, my wife, I and other family members do what we can to help. We have served as foster parents to several children, have temporarily opened our home to people who are homeless, and have volunteed at a local soup kitchen. We should all be asking ourselves what we can do and whether we are giving or selfish individuals. That having been said, I do apologize to anyone who felt that the lyrics of this song do not apply to them and were - as a result - grieved and offended.
I do appreciate your comments as well as Tammy's assistance with putting these lyrics to music and will continue collaborating with her to achieve a better end product.
Sorry for the long post and thanks again,
Eddie
Last edited by EddieH; 04/08/11 10:00 PM.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Forums117
Topics125,717
Posts1,160,950
Members21,470
|
Most Online37,523 Jan 25th, 2020
|
|
"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
|
|
|
|