"I Once Was Lost..."


https://soundcloud.com/rc-james/ionce?si=e8400181d6384f0380850411e2a98733&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

 

 

I don’t know what to say, I’m confused

I’m stumbling, lost in a foreign land

you’re talking in a strange language

but your tone I think I understand

 

you show me how close a friend can be

you work it out when I don’t have a clue

 blinded by promises til you make me see

 

everybody else seems a little confused

in a tunnel unsure of which way to go

nobody’s certain that they’ll be able

to rejoin or somehow find the flow

 

you show me how close a friend can be

you work it out when I don’t have a clue

blinded by promises til you make me see

 

but every pause, every note you play,

strikes home right around the heart

it’s the language both of us understand

it finds the center like a well-aimed dart

 

you show me how close a friend can be

you work it out when I don’t have a clue

blinded by promises til you make me see

 

now things definitely are looking up

out along the ancient ragged coast.

We’re dodging rockets and insults

saying a final goodbye to a ghost

+

you show me how close a friend can be

you work it out when I don’t have a clue

blinded by promises til you make me see

Comments

  • sidshovel
    sidshovel merseyside

    First off, I think the song is brilliant, reminded me so much of Richie Havens, I love it.

    I don't fully understand the context/background but it didn't detract too much from the song.

    One thing, the lyrics posted in TSF were obviously a first draft since there were so many differences to the final presentation. Worthwhile spending a bit of time and matching the lyrics and song, this song is too good to not polish it.

    Again first class, gonna download this one!

    Sid

  • RCJames
    RCJames Albuquerque, NM

    Thank you Sid - but I don't have as big a thumb as Mr. Havens. LOL

  • sidshovel
    sidshovel merseyside

    Don't understand why this hasn't got more views/comments. gonna bump it up for you, hope people wake up.

    Sid

  • I like the warmth in that chorus very much. There's a sense of intimacy and love there.

    I don't really understand the context from the verses. "but every pause, every note you play," suggests music, but are they playing an instrument? But there's nothing to support that so maybe it's just abstracted? Then there's "dodging rockets and insults" but again this feels more metaphorical than factual. All I really get is that the narrator is lost and confused.

    You sing "you’re talking in a language I never learned", but the lyric shows "you’re talking in a strange language" and I think the latter is stronger, as it's open to more interpretations. The former feels more literal, but that doesn't seem to gel with being such a close friend.

    On the other hand "I once was completely blind, but now I see" sounds better than " blinded by promises til you make me see" as the promises are never explained. And it's a second reference to Amazing Grace, including the title.

    I feel like this one needs to be more melodic, musically. The guitar less atmospheric, and more directly supporting the melody.

    Overall I'm intrigued by it, but I don't really understand it.

  • RCJames
    RCJames Albuquerque, NM

    That's a helpful look at it. I'll spend some time and see if I can come up with something more recognizable. Thanks

  • RCJames
    RCJames Albuquerque, NM

    RDM - I re-worked the lyrics but voice is too hoarse to record but will be close to the original audio. Just wanted to get your reaction to the new text version. Working it for more clarity.

  • HummerWisdom
    edited May 24

    Very nice @RCJames love the emotion in your vocals and heart. Love the spoken lines toward the end. And it is very hard to find just one good friend these days. I'm glad you found yours.

    Renee 💌

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