This Empire's State - orig Logic X

[dickl]

My apologies to anyone who tries to listen as Soundclick has deleted my page for Brexit songs because of some previously unknown policy about 1 artist 1 page. It allowed me to set the page up 6 months ago then sent me a message yesterday morning saying I had to move the songs then deleted them anyway. I have sent some stiff emails!

Now posted on Soundcloud!!

One thing about this Brexit nonsense is that it's given me a few new songs.

There’s a nasty undercurrent of racism and intolerance that’s been released by this damn vote.

A while back I saw a video of a right-wing thug abusing a group of peaceful protesters. The level of hate and vitriol in his voice was frightening. What are they so scared of?

He was sweating profusely and I had an image of his tattoo of The Queen looking like she was crying.

A bit more raw than usual.

Music and lyrics by me and Richard.

Guitars : Richard and me
Drums: Anders (a drummer in Logic – the first time I’ve tried using one)
Everything else : me

This Empire's State© 2017 Langford/Marris

He's angry when he wakes up and goes to bed the same 
Doesn't want to understand, just wants someone to blame
Doesn't like to think too much and believes just what he's told
It's easier that way he's found to buy whatever's sold


Sweat drips down his tattooed queen is crying
Intimidation, he's not even even trying
Learned to hate at his father's knee
Only one way he was ever going to be

He's heavy with the weight of expectation
Of twisted hopes from previous generations
Who thought that they were going to save our nation
But from who?

It's quite a trek to Tipperary and he doesn't know the way
But just a short step to the Old Kent Road, that's where he wants to stay
Let's all do the Lambeth Walk, it's what made our Empire great 
Let's not look too closely at this Empire's state

He's used by the rich to blame it on the poor
He knows what he's against but what's he in it for?
Learned to hate at his father's knee
Only one way he was ever going to be

[Lungfruit]

Dick~
I really dig the groove. The melody and your voice brings to mind The Kinks! I like the mix. The bass line sticks with me. I don't know all the references in the song - but I enjoyed it. You got a winner here! Glenn

[dickl]

Thanks Glenn Ray Davies is one of my favourite writers so that'll do me.

References are allusions to songs from when the British Empire was at it's peak and where some of those who voted to leave the EU would like to take us back to.

It's a Long Way to Tipperary was a famous WW1 song that the troops would cheerfully sing as they marched to the slaughter.

The Lambeth Walk was from the 30s and when I went to find a version of it I found this from 1940

Thanks for the listen and comments Glenn, much appreciated

Cheers

Dick

[The Cracks]

I love the mix on this one Dick. At first blush I thought the guitars where too low but I was soon struck by the expertise of it. I love the guitars being pushed back in the mix like that. It had a very 60s feel (Kinks, etc.).

I agree, great melody and vocals. I like the story the lyrics tell too.

I don't know about the drum program but they were fine.

Good job to Richard too.

I like it.

[dickl]

Thanks Sean.

Do you remember the days when we had to respond to half a dozen people at once ?

I have to say I struggled a bit setting the guitars right. There were no nonsense up front and trying to get them balanced took a while.

The story, as with many of my songs these days, is depressing and sadly seems to be becoming universal.

I appreciate the listen and comments.

Cheers

Dick

[The Cracks]

Thanks Sean.

Do you remember the days when we had to respond to half a dozen people at once ?

I do remember.

Your struggle was worth it. The guitars are well done.

[voclizr]

Don't want to get too political in my comment. Another great song by you and your co writer. It is a bit more "raw" than your usual, but you do it well. So much tremendous talent in your songs, Dick.

[Jim_Fogle]

Thanks for sharing the song. It made me think and that is what good songs do. I liked your arrangement and production. The guitars sound NICE!

[Wolfini]

Hey Dick!

Sorry, I am a little late... ;-)

This has your trademark great production, vocals and lyrics, but in a more restrained style. Or should I say resigned?

Not sure that I am ready to release those people from their responsibility of their actions, but the line about being used is very fitting for sure.

I see that you have recorded or are recording a whole Europe album, that is a great idea for a project.

Bye Wolfi

[elmerlang]

Nice sound to instruments. Drum sound has edge. The Chorus kinda drills in to you, excellent. Very BEatles on the go-out. I liked.

[dickl]

Thanks chaps. Nice to see a few faces back

John: thanks. Yes it was a little raw. I thought it needed to be "in yer face" given the subject matter.

Jim: if it made you think then that's great. Thanks for the listen and comment

Wolf: resigned and a bit worn out by the whole process. I'm not prepared to absolve them from their actions either but no one is born racist. It has to be learned and unfortunately that's what happens. It's a sad state we're all in these days but it's always been the same just a little less in the open. The Songs for Europe project is progressing and I have at least 2 more songs I'm working on. Thanks for your thoughts.

Elmer: thanks for stopping by and taking the time to listen and comment.

Cheers

Dick

[surfercook]

I tried to listen but you're under review by SoundClick, Can't say that's ever happened to me! And I do have two accounts/pages on SC.

[dickl]

Yes, you've seen my post on the main board I will repost a new link when I can.

Soundclick still haven't got back to me.......

Soundcloud link This Empire's State

[nicka]

Great sound, i was gong to make a come back but after listening to the sound you guys get now i'll just go back to hibernation lol
Honestly mate this sounded awesome

[dickl]

You are too kind Nick Nice to see you back and you should stop being so modest and post something new ( not that many people will hear it unfortunately )