"Rex and Paul" - original by Ted

[Ted]

Remember me?

I haven't done much listening or participating lately. This is the first song I've finished in about three months. I had plans to put drums, bass, keyboard, and a guest soloist on this.  Instead, I got it this far today and decided that the big production I had in mind would keep me from writing my next song. I don't have much time for music these days.

This is four tracks, and it could have been two.

Musically, this isn't very original, but it's a story I've been wanting to tell. It's true, and the names have not been changed.

Rex and Paul
©2011 Ted Johnson

Guitar 1: Yamaha Acoustic recorded with the MBR mic
Guitar 2: Ditto, recorded through a stereo chorus to two separate tracks
Vocals: Me in the MBR mic.

Rex and Paul didn't get along at all,
But Rex had the physical advantage.

My friend Paul was only four feet tall.
A soft-target sissy who played the piano.

In one of those schools that didn't have rules.
We could just follow our muses.

Paper airplanes, and trampoline games.
Rex pursued giving Paul bruises.

And to make the story even more sad,
I was the toughest friend Paul had.

I knocked Rex down, pinned him on ground.
Spit and threw sand in his eyes.

The more I slapped, the more he laughed.
To win don't you hafta' make the other kid cry?

But once again, Rex took the fall, and later met us all
Making sculpture of toothpicks and paste.

He saw us with those pointy little sticks,
And we saw the fear on his face.

After we saw that bully cower away,
We carried toothpicks every day.

When they round up all the usual suspects,
I'm telling you, son, you don't wanna be Rex.

I don't know for sure. This just a guess, but
I don't think Rex even wanted to be Rex.

Rex and Paul didn't get along at all,
But Rex had the physical advantage.

My friend Paul was only four feet tall.
A soft-target sissy who played the piano.

And to make the story even more sad,
I was the toughest friend Paul had.

Update March 24, 2022:

I finally tracked down Paul! He sent me this photo from his 8-year birthday. That's him in the upper right, and me on the bottom.

[Oldrottenhead]

fanbloodytastic ted, wonderful, reminds me of loudon wainwright great storytelling and fantastic lyrics.

love it.

[Geir]

So good to hear from you again Ted !!

Love the song !

Great lyrics and the sparse arrangement really fit's the song !!!

[Ted]

Thanks Geir and ORH. I'm sure I've missed some fantastic music of yours over the past months. Sorry to be such a bad neighbor.

BTW: There's a spot for a solo after the bridge, if anybody wants to fill that gap.

[Bluesberry]

Hi Ted, I was thinking about you a couple weeks ago, wondering what you were up to lately......well, so good to have a new song from you.  Really strong song, it works very well as an acoustic only song, fantastic lyrics.  Your vocals sound real good here, nice and clear and strong.  Lovely song Ted.  Welcome back man.

[lg]

Great to hear another offering from you Ted.
Never to disappoint, this is a bit different from your usual style.
But, it is a great story, and your vox fits well.
I like it!

LG

[OsCKilO]

Perfection to my ears bro!

Really enjoy this one!


Lyrics are great! And a Superb storey!!

Welcome back!

[The Gobi Desert Canoe Club]

Hi Ted, glad your're posting again, always a treat to listen to your music. Love the minimal approach to my ears it works perfectly how it is but a little break wouldn't go amiss. Top quality song..............Willie

[Johnbee]

Nice little story.  Great recording.  Nice and clean.  Love the words and acoustic work.

If Paul was only 4 feet tall, I guess he couldn't reach the damper pedal!

  John B.

[Tony W]

I'm a little surprised Ted. I didn't expect to hear the finished version of this song for at least a month! It's a great story with a very sympathetic composition. I think it stands well as is.