Fdem,

Thanks for the iisten and the comments. Don't worry so much about giving me honest opinions on anything I'm involved with--sincere, honest and balanced opinions like yours are always helpful, if nothing more than to re-consider the choices we've made on a song. So keep them coming.

Generally, when collaborating, I don't shy away from suggesting alternative approaches and writing additional lines. And, to be honest, I really don't have an interest in putting someone's lyrics to music without their being open to my doing so. The fact is that sometimes the melody I've come up with demands it, sometimes parts of the original lyric don't resonate with me, sometimes it's just that the mood of the song and melody, or some aspect of the original lyric, takes me in a different direction. And more so, this is a hobby for me, not a profession . . . and so the joy I get is being part of the creative process and helping to shape the song as a whole, and not just one aspect of it.

So, I do offer up revisions, and I've been very fortunate that the folks who I've collaborated with in the past, a few here and a couple elsewhere, have always been tolerant of any of my tweaks and changes to their lyrics. Every collaboration, including those with Carroll (this being our third), has been very, very positive--at least from my end, and I hope they feel the same way.

As for this song, what struck me was its simplicity--a single idea that led to simply melody and production that seemed to me to compliment the lyric. I may have changed a line in this one, I think, but not much more. I thought it worked pretty well with the melody as it stood. Can the lyrics be improved? I'm sure--but not by me--at least not now. Can the song as a whole? Most certainly, though it's the best version my skills can offer up right now.

But feedback like yours will keep me (and Carroll) thinking about it--and that's how we amateurs start getting better.

Thanks again for the thoughtful feedback. Much appreciated.

Stay well, stay safe--

Deej

Oh, and appreciate the shout out on "Girl in Dark Sunglasses"--some production flaws there, but it was a fun one to work on.