Living on the wrong Side of the Line

[Mike_S]

This one is partly inspired by the current recent racial tensions in America.

I had some of the lyrics already done but as the daily news unfolded in America I realised it corresponded a little to what was going on there. So I finished it with that in mind, however I still wanted it to be something that could be embraced by anybody who feels oppressed in some way. It's fairly raw but I think that kinda suits the mood I was going for and the slide guitar (I did after 5 or 10 mins of practice in 1 go - happy with that!) kinda helped give it a bit of a long time ago deep south feel!?

Nobody told him
The things he should have known
The day that he was born
The seed of doubt was sown
He always stood out
Instead of fitting in
He couldn't figure out
How did it all begin?
There wasn't too much
Nothing that he could do
To change their attitude
To change their point of view
He's been living... on the wrong side... of the line

Wanted to get away
But had to tow the line
Missed opportunities
That didn't come in time
Somethings telling him
This must be his fate
Realisation
It could be getting late
There wasn't too much
Nothing that he could do
To change their attitude
To change their point of view
He's been living... on the wrong side... of the line

[SteveAlton]

This one is partly inspired by the current recent racial tensions in America.

I had some of the lyrics already done but as the daily news unfolded in America I realised it corresponded a little to what was going on there. So I finished it with that in mind, however I still wanted it to be something that could be embraced by anybody who feels oppressed in some way. It's fairly raw but I think that kinda suits the mood I was going for and the slide guitar (I did after 5 or 10 mins of practice in 1 go - happy with that!) kinda helped give it a bit of a long time ago deep south feel!?

Nobody told him
The things he should have known
The day that he was born
The seed of doubt was sown
He always stood out
Instead of fitting in
He couldn't figure out
How did it all begin?
There wasn't too much
Nothing that he could do
To change their attitude
To change their point of view
He's been living... on the wrong side... of the line

Wanted to get away
But had to tow the line
Missed opportunities
That didn't come in time
Somethings telling him
This must be his fate
Realisation
It could be getting late
There wasn't too much
Nothing that he could do
To change their attitude
To change their point of view
He's been living... on the wrong side... of the line

Hey, I love the lyric, but maybe "standing" on the wrong side of the line, would be more pinpoint?  I get using "living", but standing or an adjective like that may be better?  Just a thought now before you may or may not be married to the line...Just a thought only...Maybe  "living ____" on the wrong side of the line will allow a second word in tandem?

Again, just a thought

[Ella]

Nice one Mike! I like that lazy feeling. melody is catchy and guitars sounds so good.

[AndyR]

Absolutely loving the Stonesy strut to this. And that slide just sticks the icing/cherry on the top.

It'll be interesting to see what you think of Steve's idea of Living vs Standing... my first thought was either way works, slightly different nuance, Living enables a slightly more relaxed vocal delivery (well, it would for me, anyway)...

And then I realised that Standing would have hit home harder for me when I was listening first time. I tend to listen to an overall vibe and maybe soak up meaning from lyrics later if something gives me a tweak. Although I write lyrics, and put a lot of effort in when I do, I don't really concentrate on them as a listener...

I was heavily into the guitars on this, so not paying too much attention... I think "He'd been standing on the wrong side of the line" as the refrain might well have given me that tweak and kicked me personally out of that guitar revery and made me go "Woah! What line is this? You can stand on the wrong side of it? What's going on? What does the rest of the lyric say to/for me?"

But either way works, it all depends what you want it to do. My old drummer in bands years ago would prefer Living - can't tell you how I know that, just do - I'd probably choose Standing once I'd figured out what it might do to some listeners... and we'd have had an argument about it!! (that's why I do it all myself nowadays... right or wrong, what I say goes!! )

Mighty cool track - been listening on repeat while debating lyrical impact with myself - I LOVE those guitars. And the vocal's spot on.

[launched]

Nice one Mike! I like that lazy feeling. melody is catchy and guitars sounds so good.

I couldn't help but quote Paivi - Very laid back and catchy, it's a great tune! And use whatever lyrics you want because it's your song!

[Redler]

When the riff is good, it is good, like on this song! The lyric hits the target. Fine job on each way!

[Ferryman_1957]

Stripped back but very effective. The guitars are spot on, great sound and fab riffs. I really like the harmony that the slide is playing. Your vocals are superb, great delivery and they really fit the guitars well. The lyrics are great and like you say, could apply in many circumstances. Overall it's as catchy as hell and sound fab.

I got Stones to start with but then it went more country rock for me, maybe into Steve Earle territory. So I think you achieved your aim!

[thetworegs]

Loving that matter of fact delivery and the laid back riff fit like a glove

[Hook]

I get a Knopfler vibe from your vocal and I love it. Great lyrics, some Lou Reed feel. I would keep with the living, its less obvious ( I'm not a fan of obvious) and clearly what you intended to say anyway. Well done brother.
Rock on!

[Mike_S]

Thank you for kind comments guys.

Just on that line that's been mentioned "Living on the Wrong Side of the Line"... so basically... I can see that the word "Standing" would fit in there too and might give it a slightly different feel, but I think that I am going to stick with "Living". The thinking behind the lyrics was an imagined line in a town or city where on one side you had the more affluent or fortunate ones and on the other you had the ghetto or less fortunate ones who for them for many reasons life is more difficult... less money, lack of connections, lack of education and yes sadly even things like colour of skin. So for me these people have been living their whole life on the wrong side of the line...

That was the thinking...

The only other thing to say I guess is when posting a track on Songcrafter's for me it is generally not a demo version or anything like that... it's the finished article I'm afraid!