Unsent Letter

BeatlesFan64 · April 20

I realize it's been a while since I posted some good old 60s pop rock, the kind that brought me my legions of devoted fans (and by that I mean like 5 people, but i love and appreciate you all very much), so I figured I'd leave you guys with this for now. I wasn't planning on posting it as I decided not to include it on the album, mostly since I felt like even for my standards, the lyrics are just too old-timey to be taken seriously by anyone ;p At the same time though, I figured since I put all that effort into recording it, I might as well share it with y'all. Also it's semi-based on a true experience of mine. So here it is.

https://on.soundcloud.com/SW5XYkVk62Sd9rncA

Music and lyrics by Tommy L. Day and the Runaways

(v1)

It started with a pen and paper and a thousand thoughts flowing through my head

Sat down till two in the morning, feeling so restless, couldn’t get to bed

And I tried and tried, to find the right combination, but my hesitation led me astray

I crumpled that paper and threw it away

(v2)

Last night, I was right back at it, I knew this time, I couldn’t fail

I’d finish writing the letter to my love, seal it up and send it through the mail

And I tried and tried, to find the right combination, but my hesitation led me astray

I crumpled that paper and threw it away

(Bridge)

Another unsent letter, never meant to reach her eyes

I know I’ve got to tell her, but still I sit here and agonize

(v3)

Early tonight I’d finally done it, the letter was laid out in front of me

Started dreaming about her reading the words I’d chosen so carefully

But though I’d finally found the right combination, my hesitation led me astray

I crumpled that paper and threw it away

(Bridge)

(v3)

(Outro)

That’s my unsent letter for today

sidshovel · April 20

@BeatlesFan64, Maybe, it's just me, but I like it just the way it is. Nostalgia, possibly, but I love the way it takes me back.

The simplicity of the content is what makes it good. The torture of getting those words out of your head and into that of the one you love! The strength of the song lies in this everyday process laid bare for all to see and feel.

Thanks again for cheering me up Tommy, you do it every time.

Sid

BeatlesFan64 · April 20

@sidshovel Hearing that means a lot, Sid, it really does. I've been holding on to this one for a few months because I was really worried that it might come off as silly or something. But I think I'm realizing now that I should just embrace the fact that I love this style and this era, and if these kind of lyrics make no sense in the day and age of iPhones and Zoom calls, then so be it :p. t's more than worth it to bring smiles to the folks who appreciate the style. So thank you again :).

sidshovel · April 20

@BeatlesFan64, Do what you do best Tommy, get all the enjoyment you can out of it. You'll always have a staunch and loyal fanbase on this forum and elsewhere who can't wait for your next release.

Sid

RainyDayMan · April 20

Not at all silly Tommy. Just right on the money for that era. And the sound too.

Love this line: "But though I’d finally found the right combination, my hesitation led me astray"

and how you sing the final "I crumpled that paper and threw it away"

and really I just enjoyed the whole thing!

OnlyGavin · April 20

I really like this. Nice boppy tune that takes me back to a previous era. Nice clean production too. I suppose you could replace the letter with a text if you wanted to make it relevant to today. That might be a fun contrast of style and content. But I love it just as it is.