New song number 1

We'll take a short break from the song "Butterfly Bush" to discuss a new song that I am writing. This might be a little more interesting because you will get to see the progression of the song as I'm writing it instead of relying on my ( admittedly bad) memory.

This song started out like many of my of songs do with me just fooling around on the guitar. It starts with a D chord and I was playing with a descending bass note from the root (the open D note on the third string) and the chords just spontaneously came out. The chorus chord progression quickly followed as well as the lyrics for the chorus. I'm not sure what inspired the quick progress I made on this song but I just went with it.

Here is what I have for the verse and chorus so far

Loving on the Road - Verse and Chorus by tazthecat


Here are the words for the chorus

Don't hate me, don't hate me
I was always true
When it comes to loving on the run
I will still want you

This not how a song usually progresses. I usually finish the chord progression and then work on the lyrics. Sometimes they come quickly most of the time not. Once I have the first cut of the lyrics, I get a rough idea of what the melody will be and how I want the timing and rhythm to go. I do several iterations of lyric and melody changes. At this point, I make any changes that are needed to the chords (usually to correct my tendency to use the same chord progressions over and over). I refine the lyrics, melody, rhythm, and chords one last time and the song is done! Finis. Clear a space on my wall for the gold record..... One small problem. I play this masterpiece to my voice teacher/songwriting coach and he gets the look like "Hmmm, that is interesting". he then points out about a dozen things that can improve the song and I'm back to square two (square one is creating something in the first place).


Ok enough with that, back to the song. I've got a good idea how the verses and chorus will go. Now it's time to write something for the bridge. Here is where the demon of overused chord progressions rears it's ugly head. My first try at the bridge was purely reflex and although it sounded good, it was predictable and lacked tension and interest. The chord progression is E7 - G - A - D with some passing chords added at the end. Here is that first try

Loving on the Road - Bridge Alternative 1 by tazthecat

So I reached into my bag of tricks and pulled out, wait for it, a key change. Not just any key change but from a major key to a minor key. I tried several chord progressions but ended up with a progression that started with Am (the fifth above D). The progression goes: Am - F - E - A. Hey wait you say... E and A are not in the key of Am. That's right but it sounded cool and I am not one to be afraid to switch keys at will. This is how the bridge chord progression sounds.

Loving on the Road - Bridge Alternative 2 by tazthecat

I hope you will agree that this is an improvement and at least it adds interest to the song.

That is all for the new song for now. I will keep you updated on the progress of this song.

Enjoy,

-Ron-