One of the songs I’ve been working on lately that originally underwent a pretty big lyric rewrite. Oddly enough at it’s current stage it got voted into the top 18 from 72 songs. Lyrically, I’m still taking a look at the song to make sure it’s where it should be. The melody is strong so that helps a whole lot. Without giving away too much of the song – well, none of the music anyway. You can help produce it with me by Pledging. Here’s an early look at the lyrics in their current form.
Brighter Side Of Success
© Too Much Music – Jody Whitesides
Have you ever noticed
How the crowds seem to dance around the fame
Do you ever wonder
Why they act so over the top without shame
Rich or poor is only moments away
Can you believe one or the other is where you’ll stay
You’ve imagined your dreams
You’ve dared to believe
Would your friends all confess
You’re on the Brighter Side Of Success
Remember it used to be
You were someone who’d help out a hurting friend
And the tabloid’s new flair
They inflate your ego to set current trends
Rich or poor is only moments away
Can you believe one or the other is where you’ll stay
You’ve imagined your dreams
You’ve dared to believe
Would your friends all confess
You’re on the Brighter Side Of Success
Rich or poor is only moments away
Can you believe one or the other is where you’ll stay
You’ve imagined your dreams
You’ve dared to believe
Would your friends all confess
You’re on the Brighter Side Of Success
Would your friends all confess
You’re on the Brighter Side Of Success
Success is based on factors that seem intangible. Sometimes the craziest stuff will work, sometimes it won’t. Other times, the most amazing art will work, sometimes it won’t. No one appears to have the perfect formula for it. Either way, when you hit it, can you handle the brighter side of success?
What an interesting day. It’s got a big combo going on with it. I was emailed fairly early by a PR person looking forme to do a blog post on my blog ‘Single of the Day‘ which is currently on a little hiatus. He reminded me that it is Freddie Mercury’s birthday today, or least it would have been. Anyone who is a big Queen fan ought to know that. Let’s add the 2nd punch. Today marks the beginning of the NFL season with an NFL Thursday night game tonight between the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos. So I’ll give a little shout out to Queen’s awesome song “We Are The Champions” which turned into a massive sporting hit. It’s an oldie but killer goodie.
We Are The Champions
I’ve paid my dues
Time after time
I’ve done my sentence
But committed no crime
And bad mistakes
I’ve made a few
I’ve had my share of sand
Kicked in my face
But I’ve come through
And we mean to go on and on and on and on
We are the champions – my friends
And we’ll keep on fighting
Till the end
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
‘Cause we are the champions of the World
I’ve taken my bows
And my curtain calls
You brought me fame and fortune
And everything that goes with it
I thank you all
But it’s been no bed of roses
No pleasure cruise
I consider it a challenge before
The whole human race
And I ain’t gonna lose
And we mean to go on and on and on and on
We are the champions – my friends
And we’ll keep on fighting
Till the end
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
‘Cause we are the champions of the World
We are the champions – my friends
And we’ll keep on fighting
Till the end
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
‘Cause we are the champions
Looking back at my university career I can distinctly remember the moment I was really understanding I was shifting into a school career away from parents. It was during RUSH week in the greek system. One of the fraternities that I was being rushed by was Sigma Nu. I remember being inside their house during rush week and watching a slideshow thing they had put together of photos about their house and people. The song that stuck out in my mind was Jimmy Buffet’s “Why Don’t We Get Drunk And Screw.” It was coupled with images of guys from the fraternity and females from sororities all partying, getting drunk and well you can imagine the rest – thanks to the song. Jimmy has cornered the market on what is known as Yacht Rock, singing about an easier life and things that are on everyone’s mind without hiding it in some weird metaphor. Which brings me to today’s Throwback Thursday, I don’t know many people that don’t like sex. But I do know that more people that have sex thanks to booze. How about you?
Why Don’t We Get Drunk And Screw
I really do appreciate the fact you’re sittin here
Your voice sounds so wonderful
But yer face don’t look too clear
So bar maid bring a pitcher, another round o brew
Honey, why don’t we get drunk and screw
Chorus:
Why don’t we get drunk and screw
I just bought a water bed, it’s filled up for me and you
They say you are a snuff queen
Honey I don’t think that’s true
So, why don’t we get drunk and screw
— spoken: pick it coral reefers, here we go…
Chorus:
Why don’t we get drunk and screw
I just bought a waterbed it’s filled up for me and you
They say you are a snuff queen
Honey I don’t think that’s true
So why don’t we get drunk and screw
Yeah, now baby I say, (lord!)
Why don’t we get drunk and screw
Growing up and learning to play guitar I remember hearing about these guys that just ruled on the instrument. Of course if you want to be an amazoid type of guitarist your going to pay attention to guys like Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler. Then there’s guys from the 80’s who took over like Randy Rhoads, and Eddie Van Halen. I’ll stop right there as I could continue with my journey of guitarists that I paid attention to while learning and the list would take forever. Today I want to relive a song I loved when I was learning to play guitar. It featured the talents of Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar and it’s called Best of Both Worlds. I wish I would have been old enough to see this tour.
Best of Both Worlds
I don’t know what I been livin’ on but it’s
Not enough to fill me up
I need more than just words can say
I need everything this life can give me
Come on baby close your eyes let go
This can be everything we’ve dreamed
It’s not work, that makes it work no
Let the magic do the work for you
Cause something heached out and touched me
Now I see that all I want…
I want the best of both worlds
And baby I know what it’s worth
We can have have the best of both worlds a little
Heaven right here on earth
There’s a picture in the gallery of a
Fallen angel looked alot like you
We forget where we come from sometimes
I had a dream it was really you
Cause something heached out and touched me
Now I see that all I want…
I want the best of both worlds
And baby I know what it’s worth
We can have have the best of both worlds a little
Heaven right here on earth
SOLO
You don’t have to die to go to heaven
Or hang around to be born again
Just tune into what this place has got to offer
Cause we may never be here again
I want the best of both worlds
And baby I know what it’s worth
We can have have the best of both worlds a little
Heaven right here on earth
Songwriter(s): Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, Alex van Halen, Edward van Halen
Copyright: Mugambi Publishing, WB Music Corp.
“Happy Birthday to Jody. Happy Birthday to Jody…” “You say it’s your birthday? It’s my birthday too.” “Happy Birthday to ya.” Birthdays in song.
Lines from some great and widely known birthday songs. Why? Well, in case you’re not in the know – today just so happens to be my birthday. Thus, it would be awesome to hear from you about my birthday.
Birthdays In 5 Easy Steps
First, sending out a birthday wish on the various social networks is awesome!
Second, pledging to my Pledge Music campaign is even awesomer!
Third, telling others you’ve helped to support new music and got handwritten lyrics for it is a win/win situation.
Fourth, sing a little song.
Fifth, smile for bringing a little love and support into the world.
I’ll be out and about enjoying something special, some great food, and doing some music. What’s better than that? Nothing’s much better. Thanks, for checking out my site on my birthday, give the gift that gives back to you with music. Don’t forget to say “Hi!”
A few years ago, I was getting a lot of auditions for bands that were signed and going on the road. Or who were freshly signed and also going on the road. Some of the bands I auditioned for got some traction, some did not. I’ve got a plethora of stories about various auditions. But today I’m pulling out a little ditty about an artist by the name of Tal Bachman. Tal is the son of Randy Bachman, yes that musician you’re familiar with. Tal is one uber talented musician in his own right. Probably due to growing up in a musical situation.
I was called into his management’s office after they heard about me from an A&R guy named Barry Squire. The way they talked to me, it was as if I already had the gig and the jam I was to get to was merely a formality. But let’s back up a little. Before I got to that point, the label sent me a copy of his CD. From the moment I heard it I was like “Fuck Yeah!” It was awesome songwriting and great songs, so I was stoked on getting this audition. Especially when most of the music I hear and was getting was less than exciting.
At the audition, I walked in knowing the songs front and back. However, Tal had such a presence about him that I got a little unnerved. It also didn’t help that I was the odd guy out, the rest of them were friends. What I didn’t know about Tal was that he was Mormon at the time. Thus had I had know I wouldn’t have brought the guitar I did. A guitar that had an image of Jesus on the front and back, but the back side Jesus wasn’t in good shape. I’m not religious (Atheist actually). Tal grilled me a bit about it as it is really arty, my dad did the art on the guitar. Of course Tal asked about my parents, where they were from, and such. It all came down to me spilling the beans about how they were Mormon, but got divorced and left the church…
To shorten this up, they liked my playing, but I was 2nd pick and didn’t get the spot. His manager called me a month later and told me, it’s not bad that you didn’t get the gig, Tal just fired them all. Regardless, I still dig listening to his CD. This was the big hit of the CD, though I feel there are better songs on it. Much like peanut butter on pancakes, it’s alright, but I prefer organic syrup.
She’s So High
She’s blood, flesh and bone
No tucks or silicone
She’s touch, smell, sight, taste, and sound
But somehow I can’t believe
That anything should happen
I know where I belong
And nothing’s going to happen, yeah
‘Cause she’s so high
High above me
She’s so lovely
She’s so high
Like Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, or Aphrodite
Da-da-da-da-da
She’s so high
High above me
First class and fancy free
She’s high society
She’s got the best of everything
What could a guy like me
Ever really offer
She’s perfect as she can be
Why should I even bother
‘Cause she’s so high
High above me
She’s so lovely
She’s so high
Like Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, or Aphrodite
Da-da-da-da-da
She’s so high
High above me
She calls to speak to me
I freeze immediately
‘Cause what she says sounds so unreal
‘Cause somehow I can’t believe
That anything should happen
I know where I belong
And nothing’s going to happen, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
‘Cause she’s so high
High above me
She’s so lovely
She’s so high
Like Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, or Aphrodite
Oh, yeah
She’s so high
High above me
Songwriter(s):Tal Bachman
Copyright:Bachman & Sons Music, Emi Blackwood Music Inc.
Thanks for stopping by and reading about my brush with Tal and his song She’s So High. Enjoy!
– Jody
There are times in a musician’s life when his or her mind gets blown. It usually happens when a trusted musician friend turns them on to a band and really gets them to listen. For me, I got the two prong approach from two separate groups of friends when it came to Jellyfish. I’ve chosen to introduce you to He’s My Best Friend by Jellyfish today as part of Throwback Thursday all because it came on in the car last night as I was driving.
The Backstory
Initially I was introduced to Jellyfish by a group of musician friends in Las Vegas. I didn’t give Jellyfish an adamant listen until I got schooled on their entire catalog by Jeff Scott Soto. At that point I became a huge fan of a band who had already parted ways by the time I had heard about them. What a drag. Their songwriting prowess is astounding. Pure amazing musical goodness that is easily on par with the likes of the Beatles.
He’s My Best Friend
It seems so inconceviable
At thirteen we shooks hands but we’ve
Been always inseparable
He’s cinnamon on my toast we’re so
CloseThat’s not to say we haven’t had our
Share of arguments
He’s so unpredictable he winks
Acknowledgments
When i would rather he closed his eye
Than push me asideMy hand’s a five leaf clover
It’s palm sunday over and over
I never had the luck of swingers
Till i was wrapped around your fingerHe’s my best friend
He’s my best friend
He’s my best friend
I’m his best friend
He’s my best friendYou don’t need a brain to have a
Stroke of genius
Or a beautiful girl to let down
Your curls
Cause growing up is hard enough
When your a powderkeg for
Powderpuffs
(whether we’re stayin’ in or hanging out)
I’d never ask another on a date to
The ball
He doesn’t need a rubber sweater or
Alcohol
Cause he gets tipsy from exchanging looks
And a little misty reading sticky
Blue dirty booksBut he’s my best friend
He’s my best friend
I’m his best friend
He’s my best friend
My hand’s a five leaf clover
It’s palm sunday over and over
I never had the luck of swingers
Till i was wrapped around your finger
He’s my best friend
(we could hold hands for hours)
He’s my best friend
(in the bedroom or shower)
He’s my best friend
(i pick him up when he’s feelin down)
He’s my best friend
(i guess he’s always been hangin around)
He’s my best friend
(he gets lonely now and then)
He’s my best friend
(and he gets shy around another men)
I’m his best friend
(it seems i’ve reached the end of my best friend)
Oh the things we can hear about ourselves when it comes to the Internet and the amazing stories it can bring. Or rather the interesting things I hear about myself via word of mouth. I do enjoy some good salacious news like anyone else, it’s mind numbing what people do actually conjure out of thin air to make themselves feel better when it relates to others. Then again, I really ought to be used to this by now – it’s part of being a public persona. Which brings me to a little post about some of the stuff I’m hearing that isn’t really true and I’ll debunk ’em right now. Yes, 9 BS facts about Jody Whitesides everyone thinks are true.
So lets get to this little list of tomfoolery that should stop spreading…
9 BS Facts:
- Jody is a dwarf. Believe it or not, I’ve actually heard this and wondered how in the world it came about. Especially when I do actually stand at 6’4″ or 193.04 cm. It’s even on my biography page! Yet still… there are some who don’t believe until they meet me.
- Jody is already dead and has been replaced by a clone like in Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Or much like the controversy surround Sir Paul McCartney and the infamous photo of him crossing the street barefoot in front of Abbey Road Studios. I’m still very much me. Though I have also crosse the infamous street in front of Abbey Road Studios barefoot, in the dark and the rain. Unfortunately the photographic proof is too dark to tell if it really was me.
- Jody dated Taylor Swift. Seriously? While I can understand dating her from a height perspective, she is tall and I am taller, I’ve never actually met her. Maybe this recent idea stems from the song I wrote as a joke poking a little fun at her. Regardless. No, I’ve never dated Taylor Swift.
- Jody is a Vampire. This is pretty funny when you think about it. I don’t have fangs like a vampire. It is true that I plan on living a good 150 years without serious medical help. But I attribute that to exercise, sleep, and eating healthy, not from sucking blood.
- Jody owns a TV. Yup, I’ve been made to be one of the masses on this one. Must be because so much music that I’ve done has appeared in TV shows in the past several years. However, I do not own a TV. Never have. I may some day in the future, but that time has not yet come. Some of you must think “Well, how do you watch stuff and talk about it?” The simple answer: technology – you don’t need a TV to watch stuff any more.
- Jody is a girl. It’s true that I’ve gotten email addressed to Ms. Jody Whitesides. I’ve even had people exclaim “Wait, you’re a guy?!?” When they meet me or talk to me via phone or video chat. Yes, despite the gender bias of my name, I am not a female. I’m 100% male.
- Jody has a phobia of horror movies. What?!? As a person who isn’t afraid of much of anything, I’m having difficulty understanding where this one came from. Maybe it’s because last year I decided to do 30 days of horror movies in 30 days. Someone must have thought that I was getting over a fear of scary movies. Nonetheless, being the movie buff that I am – I dig horror movies. Have you seen The Conjuring?
- Jody can’t ski for shit. If we’re taking the term shit literally, then no, I’m not. However, if we take the concept of meaning that I can’t ski, well… then the reality is, unfounded. Turns out I’m a good skier. Good enough to have been nationally ranked in freestyle events. Though it’s been a few years since I’ve competed on a national level, I can still tear it up – even without a helmet (no, I don’t wear a helmet to ski).
- (Going musical on this one) Jody can’t sing without Autotune. When I was first learning to sing a few years back, I’d admit that I would have loved to have been able to tune myself on the spot. However, as it turns out, I learned to sing the old fashioned way. Trial and error, while recording and listening back. It certainly helps that I can hear if I’m out of tune. So much trial and error eventually got me to the point where I can sing in tune even at times when I can’t hear myself. So no, I don’t not need autotune to sing.
And there ya have it. 9 BS facts about me that really aren’t true. Now you have the straight dope on it. Feel free to share and pass along to anyone not in the know and who thinks otherwise.
We never stop learning, however when I was learning to initially play guitar, I was really into guitar oriented music. One of my favorite guitarists was Zakk Wylde. Which led me to Ozzy Ozbourne and his impressive stable of guitar players over the course of his career. Today I’m looking back at a song that I really liked from a musical standpoint and a lyrical standpoint.
The song is Hero by Ozzy Ozbourne as it comes from No Rest For The Wicked. I couldn’t find an official video, but here’s a YouTuber’s upload of it. The way the guitar defines and moves this song is so awesome that it still strikes me years later. Everything about how the melody is working on the opening instrument to the powerful punch of the guitars setting a very crunchy base for the rest of song to latch on to, it’s a song that didn’t get a lot of attention but certainly deserved it from a songwriting perspective. At least that was my love of it.
Being that I’ve written a different type of Hero song, that has a similar concept of hey – I’m not really a hero, I thought it would be a good idea to post the lyrics as well.
Hero
I don’t want to be a hero
I don’t want to ever let you down
No, I don’t want to let you down
I could try to take you higher
But I don’t want to wear a broken crown
You know it brings me down
Don’t think you’ll ever understand me
I don’t even understand me
Don’t have the power to annoint you
And I don’t want to disappoint
The fools no more
The fools no more
I couldn’t answer all your questions
And if you’re lost I couldn’t find your way
I couldn’t find your way
You know you have to face the music
You changed your tune and don’t know what to play
So don’t you run away
Everybody’s talking crazy
Some think I am a devil maybe
I don’t want to hear about it
Don’t want to have to scream and shout
At fools no more
The fools no more
So, I don’t want to be a hero
Don’t want to sit upon your crippled throne
I’ve got a life of my own
I am not your destination
Or a road that’s gonna lead you home
So, baby please don’t go
Please don’t go
Please don’t go
Please don’t go
Please don’t go
Please don’t go
Please don’t go
Please don’t go
Please don’t go
Writer: OSBOURNE, OZZY/WYLDE, ZAKK/SINCLAIR, JOHN/CASTILLO, RANDY
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
I must be feeling heroic in a way as I’m calmly working towards my next step in music. Finished a trailer for spec yesterday, that I’ve already been told is really awesome. We’ll see how it turns out.
For today’s throwback thursday I’m going back only a short bit. Mostly because I’m digging on these words which make up rolling in the deep that were created and the voice that gave them power. That’s right, lets relive a little magic created by Ms. Adele. Man what a voice. Maybe it’s because she’s British. More likely it’s because she’s seriously talented. The two together are a potent combo. Don’t you agree?
Rolling In The Deep
There’s a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch and it’s bring me out the dark
Finally, I can see you crystal clear
Go ahead and sell me out and I’ll lay your ship bare
See how I’ll leave with every piece of you
Don’t underestimate the things that I will do
There’s a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch and it’s bring me out the dark
The scars of your love remind me of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless
I can’t help feeling
We could have had it all
(You’re gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside of your hands
(You’re gonna wish you never had met me)
And you played it to the beat
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
Baby, I have no story to be told
But I’ve heard one on you and I’m gonna make your head burn
Think of me in the depths of your despair
Make a home down there as mine sure won’t be shared
The scars of your love remind me of us
(You’re gonna wish you never had met me)
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless
(You’re gonna wish you never had met me),
I can’t help feeling,
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
We could have had it all,
(You’re gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside of your hands
(You’re gonna wish you never had met me)
And you played it to the beat
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
Could have had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside of your hands
But you played it with a beating
Throw your soul through every open door
Count your blessings to find what you look for
Turn my sorrow into treasured gold
You’ll pay me back in kind and reap just what you’ve sown
(You’re gonna wish you never had met me)
We could have had it all
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
We could have had it all
(You’re gonna wish you never had met me)
It all, it all, it all
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
We could have had it all
(You’re gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside of your hands
(You’re gonna wish you never had met me)
And you played it to the beat
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
We could have had it all
(You’re gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside of your hands
(You’re gonna wish you never had met me)
But you played it,
You played it,
You played it,
You played it to the beat.
Songwriter(s):Paul Epworth, Adele Laurie Blue Adkins
Do I imagine that I’d ever do a cover of this? No. Not likely. However, I won’t rule it out – but I’d rather just enjoy Adele and the way she imagined it.