So Long Ago

[Ray Brookes]

Count the trees on the mountain, count the tears in the fountain
Watch the cars. See the light from a million stars.
Is that the whisper of the starling; where have you been little darling
All these years. The team scores and the sports crowd cheers.
Meanwhile, I look around and I see you laugh
And in your hand an old photograph
And I can't help but wonder oh
Why we couldn't have met so long ago.

The world is crazy with violence, we dance slowly in silence
I hold you tight. You kiss me soft and we talk all night.
Let no man tear asunder, times I sit and wonder what brought us so close
And which of us loves who the most.
And meanwhile, I look around and I see you cry
And tears fall from a Christian eye
I'd tell you why but I don't know.
Why we couldn't have met so long ago.

Watch the old town crumble, hear the old men mumble from lonely chairs.
We all look but no one cares.
So I think as I'm dialling is your face red and smiling like yesterday
You speak your mind and you have your say.
And meanwhile, I look around and your thoughts are mine
Maybe things will work out down the line.
Only God can say why it had to be so
That we couldn't have met so long ago.

[Ted]

This is a great new take on a familiar songwriting theme: right person, wrong time

The instrumentation is wonderful, and the dynamics. Is that a concertina slightly right of center? A real one?

[chapperz66]

Oh wow!  This is yet another stunner Ray.  Crystal clear mix, poignant lyrics and vocal delivery - but what really sets it apart for me is the instrumentation choices.  Marvelous.

Paul

[TPB]

Another Ray Classic I always read all the lyrics before I listen as I am Lyricist guy and you are super word smith so well while after  I am enjoying the read I hit the music to see how it put to music and am never disappointed
Well done brother
Tim

[StephenM]

I am also reading the lyrics a bit ahead.  They are great.  Love the instrument choices and delivery.  The banjo and accordion are lovely. 

really like the tempo on this.  The drums are light and just right for this.

The backing vocals are great...

[Ron D Bowes]

Too much banjo! Only joking - that's my standard banjo joke. Lovely song Ray. Paints nice pictures. Of course the muscianship is great and the lric writing top notch.

[kenny mac]

Absolutely beautiful ray.
That slide is from the George Harrison stable,as smooth as a hot knife through butter.
The instrumentation is 1st class.
The vocals superb.
Everything in its place .
Excellent.

[hardlock]

An outstanding piece of work Ray - Wow those vocals really shine. I think you've out-done yourself on this one - but I say that about all your songs! 

[Farrell Jackson]

I always like your words and vocals Ray, but I think you've surpassed your best with this one and I don't say that lightly because you have a lot of wonderful songs. The banjo and accordion (?) work so well in this song as does the smooth slide work. Maybe it's my mind running wild, but do I hear a mandolin, strings and brushes on a snare? More than well done!

[Gary Carciello]

This song touched the emotions. Great singing voice and very stylish production. The rhythm of the text flows wonderfully. A beautiful and emotional song. 5 stars.