"State of Mind"- Original

[Johnbee]

This is my 100th song since I set up my little "home studio" in 2015.  I'm thinking of making it my last because it doesn't bring me joy anymore. 

If you like it and want to comment please do.  I could use the encouragement, but if you don't want to comment that's OK. Comment or not, I do hope you enjoy it.  Thanks   

If I could, I would give what little "talent" I have over to you. Then you could add it to your collection.

Here in my state of mind
Thinking it through.  Fixated on you
Wondering what will I do
Will I come through?  I haven't a clue
Tied up in emotional knots
How can I hang on and be what I'm not?
Just whispering the same words I've been
Pushing you away once again

Caught up in my state of mind
It never ends but still I pretend
that someday I'll hold you again
I know it's a lie but I can't reason why

You just can't be wrong
so I must try to be strong
Hoping so patiently
that you will befriend me
You must believe me
Is it too much to ask you to think it over?
Am I not worth anything?

Here in my state of mind I can't believe you'll never love me
If it doesn't come naturally it never will. My dreams can't fulfill

Up in your high tree you must resent me
But please let me down gently
You know I bruise much too easy
Living always the way that you do
Do you ever wonder if anyone relates to you?
It must be lonely so far above normal life

Here in my state of mind I'll never be what you want me to be
A hopeless romantic who can't see
My world's come undone cos you'll not be the one.


c 2024 John Bowen Music

[StephenM]

you actually do share your talent with us.... it is in the energy of the song.  I know people don't understand or believe this but it is true... there is energy in the frequencies of the track... your energy and that of the things you have received in your lifetime.  It is worth thinking alot about.  Pondering on.

I hear you about the joy... I think it is better when the joy is involved but also there is value in other emotion expressed as well.  Music I know helps me get through life in a sort of sane manner... it used to be listening to it, and still is.  However being involved in crafting music has really added alot to this for me, and I know it has you too...

take care John in all endeavors of life.... even if you quit writing totally, which I hope you don't, pop in once and a while and say hi..
I like the song.  I like hearing you sing.  I will listen a few more times and comment again when I feel I have a better handle on the song.  The walking bass is a trademark of yours that I really like.  It, along with other parts makes it quite jazzy and classy.

[BerryPatch]

Great track John! I love the horns here, the bridges are awesome as well. Incredible chord progressions and it has that signature roaming bass in your sound with some great drums too.

I hope this won't be end for you but if you feel like you need to take a break that's totally fine. You could tinker with a song for a couple of months and work on them in small bursts, that way you're still creating something every once and a while. But like I said, if you're feeling like you arent enjoying it anymore that's ok. Best wishes!

[Mike_S]

John, do what you gotta do. Do what feels right for you gives you peace. Ultimately that is what is most important. You are a very talented musician though. Stay well and come back when it feels right.

Mike

[Ray Brookes]

Cool track, John with your signature weaving melodies and interesting chord progressions.

[Zoltan]

And just like that. There i was walking in the forest listening to Johns new song and the world felt like a better place again.

The harmony, the lyrics, the way the songwriting is clever and ambitious yet invites even the simpletons for the ride. Pure class.

[kenny mac]

You have a signature vibe John.
I always love the bass work that runs through your songs.
Alot going on ,like the string work and brass section on it.
Almost a New York feel to it .
The lyrics are very thought provoking.
Even the flute work seems complex.
Love the harmonies at the end.
Nice one.

[StephenM]

the only music I have ever heard that could be even remotely close to this was the Chicago lps of the early 70s...depending on what Chicago era you heard they could be very different.. likely because they had many differing musicians and lots of them... and so whoever was running the show at the time the music could be very different... but what I liked about them was they were very free spirited and creative within the realms of following musical norms, albeit complicated ones. 

You have to be a certain level of training in music to get stuff like this, and that training could in fact be listening to this kind of music many years... John?  Do you have music education?  Reading etc?  just wondering.. it seems you do...

[Johnbee]

the only music I have ever heard that could be even remotely close to this was the Chicago lps of the early 70s...depending on what Chicago era you heard they could be very different.. likely because they had many differing musicians and lots of them... and so whoever was running the show at the time the music could be very different... but what I liked about them was they were very free spirited and creative within the realms of following musical norms, albeit complicated ones. 

You have to be a certain level of training in music to get stuff like this, and that training could in fact be listening to this kind of music many years... John?  Do you have music education?  Reading etc?  just wondering.. it seems you do...

Somewhat.  I studied clarinet & saxophone from grade school through high school.  My aim was to become a music teacher so to accomplish that end I had to also study piano and theory.  I dropped out of college after one year (mistake, I know but where would I be now after they took music education out of secondary schools across the US?)
My past education does help me to a small extent with what I'm doing now, but it's largely feel and perception that guide me through these projects

Thanks to Stephen, Kenny Mac, Zoltan, Ray, Mike & Berrypatch for listening and your comments.

John B

[StephenM]

yeah, it is a real shame to drop music... that was such a great foundation and also a proven that music helps people in other subjects and just overall well being.