JPF Home Page Forums Lyric and MP3 Feedback MP3 Feedback Forum Prozac Nation Blues

This one has my partner Randy Crawford playing banjo again.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=496138&songID=3562621


I’ve stood in line for my passion
I’ve cried like a child in the night
Once I practiced my laughing
To a night watch jailers delight

I’ve walked these streets and I thought I paid my dues
I tried to get by without having anyone to lose
I wake up, in the morning, look around, and know I have to choose
I’ve been down on the ground with the prozac nation blues

You wanted more than we asked for
You wanted to soar in the sky
But the price you were asking
I always considered too high

Your wings made of wax, you challenge the sun and you lose
Gravity takes hold, no matter what excuse you use
You try to get by, without having anyone to lose
Soon your down on the ground with those prozac nation blues

Hi Henry

Well, I guess I'm biased since I love your tunes anyway, but this is just great! The sound is excellent, and the message and poetry of the lyric are brilliantly clear and stark - love it!

Dan

Hey Henry:

Love the interplay between the guitar and banjo on this. And you nailed the vocal, I think. Lyric is not as clear to me as it was to Dan (no surprise there) but I got the semblance of a feel for it. Maybe I should get off the prozac

Nice one!

Scott

Nice one Henry, southern rock with a banjo, love it.

Henry,

Very cool write, love the banjo gutiar mix too. To me this on seemed to have a Niel Young feel to it, which I mean as a compliment. Lyricaly it seemed very much clear and poetic, love the lines about the wax wings. Nice job.

Red

OK, I am blaming you and Randy for making me break out my banjo on "Town's on the Edge". Unfortunately, I don't really know how to play the banjo!

Vocals fit the song just right. You always do a great job recording your guitar (and any other instruments) -- this is no exception. What guitar do you use? Great stuff.

Kevin

Awesome, awesome. Yes, Neil Young, CSNY, those guys seemed to own that drop-D tuning...but this one stands up on its own. Great production!

Nice work Henry!

Thanks guys!

Dan we need to clone ourselves about a million times and start fan clubs for each other, then we would be set.

This song was recorded by a friend of mine at our local NPR affiliate. We were using their mics and in one of their sound proof rooms. I can't reproduce this sound at home. I can get close but the mics they had at the station were really good.

This guitar is what most of my recordings have been done with, its a Martin D-15. Its a mahogany guitar and its great for midtones. It really likes the D tunings.


The lyrics on this one came to me after a conversation with another artist who was being disparaging about people who took drugs like Prozac.I thought he was quick to judge people. Besides I have seen writings by shrinks that say all of us as artists may be a little OC. The song is not about any one person but just grew out of that conversation.

I have taken these meds, I did for a while after I quit drinking. After my life became better, I decided I no longer needed them. That was the right choice for me, but I'm not advocating either way here.


Kevin, I dont play banjo either, I wish I did. Randy is amazing.

I think that might just produce 2 million guys doing their own thing - still, it's an interesting thought!

Dan

Hey Henry.....A very nice vibe through out. Good job! I agree the interplay with banjo and guitar created a mood that was hypnotic. Vocals were dead on! I didn't quite get lyric but I'm a simple guy. Tell me the story. I've burnt to many brain cells to figure it out. Loved it! Terry

Really cool sound - the open tuning gave it a modal quality - this might sound strange to you but it has an Irish musical feel to it to my ear. I could hear a tin whistle or pipe doing a higher part to compliment this piece.

Pete

Harry ...sitting here listening. Love the banjo....
and the whole song...and it's reflective tone. wonderful match of lyric and music.....Enjoyed!!...

Very best to you this mornin......
Kaley

Children's Music
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=6469&content=music
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http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?
bandID=8404&content=music
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http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_music.cfm?bandID=814711
Wyman and Kaley's Andy & Friends CD
http://cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg

Thanks folks!

Terry, the first part is about me I guess. That I have been as exactly human as the next messed up slob. (Maybe a little more for me since I'm mule headed.)The second part was addressing the person who I had the conversation with who thought he was above all these things. But, that being said, its all subjective. The meaning of this song to me has changed since I wrote it. Its more universal now. Theres a tension in us as human beings that drives us to be perfect but as humans we're always flawed. I guess thats what its really about.


Pete, I listen to some Irish music. One of my favorite bands is a band called Solas that plays a mix of original and traditional Irish tunes. I listen to them a lot because they really kick serious musical backside. I think a flute or pennywhistle with this would be great though. I had never thought of that before. Great idea. Now that you say it I can hear it.


Thank you Kaley!

Hi Henry!
Wanted to come in and see what your music sounds like. Welcome to the boards - it looks like you're fitting in just great!

I like the vibe on this, it's pretty cool. Yeah.
I don't *quite* get the meaning of the lyric whether it's pro or con or neutral to Prozac, but it's a great hook in any case.

That said - boy do I have a beef with folks who really really REALLY need just a touch of something to help themselves up from being the constant Eeyores of the Universe... but... that's another story.

Enjoyed the ride, thank you!
Linda

Thank you Linda! I appreciate the welcome too!

I'm just blown away by the sound of the instruments and vocals. They're spot on. Did you multi-track this or are you playing and singing live? Great track

It was multi tracked. Thanks for the listen!