If You're Not the One 2022

[Johnbee]

When I encounter a "writer's block" I sometimes go back on past projects to see if I can make them sound better.  I call this "refurbishing".    Anyway, I posted this song back in 2014 after I wrote it. I since then acquired
better plugins and, not to mention, a better understanding on how to use them. Since I keep everything in a project (MIDI & vocal tracks), I was able to make what I think is a significant improvement to this song.  Go back into my jukebox and compare them yourself.  I think the improvements are obvious.
Hope you enjoy it. 

If you're not the one
who I've been dreaming about so long
please don't waste my time and my emotions
If I'll never know
the beauty of all the secrets you'll share
why expose me to the potential of heart break?

You'll pull me in with your charm and grace
but what will I do if you leave me flat on my face?
I'd rather stop before I'm stranded
So please Madam...

If you're not the one
I'd just as soon never enter your dreams
just to be tossed aside when your Prince Charming arrives
Rather not face the pain
of falling for just a tentative love
Been burned too many times
and left with resentment

Your eyes cut deeply
into my captive heart
And there's so much desire
I felt it right from the start
I'd better run before I fall too deeply for you

If you're not the one
If there's a shadow of doubt in your mind
Then you must be so kind as to release me
Never want to realize
another loss of a one sided dream
Won't let myself be used
as just a convenience

So tell me quickly
Is your heart so true?
or will you someday drop me
for a love anew
Now is the time for me to leave here
if you're not the one.

c2014  John Bowen Music

[Pete C]

This really demonstrates your musicianship..as someone who bashes out 3 chord songs on guitar I find it hard sometimes to descibe what I'm hearing but it sounds so complex and well put together. Really enjoyed listening to this !

Pete

[StephenM]

This really demonstrates your musicianship..as someone who bashes out 3 chord songs on guitar I find it hard sometimes to describe what I'm hearing but it sounds so complex and well put together. Really enjoyed listening to this !

Pete

I like your 3 chord bashers Peter... ain't nothing wrong with those...

John, why not go back and make it better if and when you can?  We hear "digitally remastered" versions of songs that we love all the time.  Also sometimes completely remixed versions.  When I was growing up most of the equipment we listened on could not reproduce much if any bass so most songs I heard were not correct to the intention of the artists. 
This sounds great.... I really like your do,,,,do.... dos with that plucked heavy string thing...
this is great.  It has a little bit of strangeness to it at times...so that I love...

[Lurker]

You write such beautiful melodies. There is so much here. I love the little touches of orchestration that make this so full.

I could imagine Tom Jones covering this tune ... with an orchestra ... in Vegas.

[Ted]

Okay, this the last time I am going to allow myself to mention Burt Bacharach in a comment on your songs. Plus, it probably reveals my limited familiarity with Bacharach's work.

Todd Rundgren? Can I get away with that? Another master of fancy chord progressions and melodies that never quite fall down the jazzhole. (And I'm more familiar with his body of work.)

This doesn't sound like Rundgren, but there are moments in the song – complex chords, surprising changes, creative flourishes, courageous experiments – that remind me of the kind of surprises you find in Rundgren's more mellow work. And it avoids (somehow) sounding gimmicky.

[Redler]

Very laid back piece of music, I enjoy of your style a lot...

Nice 70's vibe to my ear...

[Zoltan]

And it avoids (somehow) sounding gimmicky.

This is a mighty fine notion as it really too. It's not so easy to do clever stuff like this without it sounding gimmicky. The way JohnBee handles complex arrangements / changes makes them to feel 100% natural.

The same applies to this song. It's so organic and natural sounding that i never once thought of MIDI I guess when doing compositions with this much depth it's necessary to keep things organized.

And those vocals! Superb sound that adds the final missing piece of the puzzle. Original sounding songs with lot a of feel and vibe.

[Ray Brookes]

Beautiful song, John. Such great meandering melodies and the production/instrumentation as always is first class.

[Johnbee]

Hello, Pete C, Steve, Lurker,Ted, Redler, Zoltan & Ray.
Thanks all so much for your kind words.  I'm glad you enjoyed it.

  John B

[TPB]

my apologies I have listened to this several time and could of sworn I had commented old age strikes again. I get a Geore Benson vibe in the opening which is good as he is one of my favorite jazz players  nicely done
Tim