Definately a protest song: feedback plea

Subject: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: Banjiman
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 03:25 PM

Following on from a previous thread re protest songs and feedback, please could you have a listen to "To Be A Soldier" Written and performed by Wendy Arrowsmith (Mrs Banjiman). All feedback would be gratefully received.

Link Below!

Thanks

http://www.myspace.com/wendyarrowsmith

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: Jim Lad
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 03:53 PM

Wendy: I didn't realize that was yourself there. You have a tremendous gift there and that's a wonderful song. We're already friends on Your Space and I had suspected you were a Catter. Now I know.
Nice picking and singing. Nothing to change there.
Cheers!
Jim

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 03:54 PM

Lovely song; but I think it would improve if it was both more personalised and less specific. I explain:

Specifics (like the mention of Basra) can act as an obstacle to the listener in "personalising" it for him/herself.

But the writer's/singer's feelings can (and should) be made much of - whether explicitly stated or implicit - and this adds "penetrating force" to the lyric. Here's an example from what, for me, is the ultimate "mother of a soldier" song, by Tracey Curtis:

"And if I could see you just one more time
I would hold your face and tell you
I Love you Son,
More than anyone".

The imagery of the mother holding her son's face is irresistible; I dissolve every time I hear it.

But don't get me wrong - I really liked Wendy's song.

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: Jim Lad
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 03:54 PM

DefinItely nothing to change but the spelling.
Grin!
Jim

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: Jim Lad
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 04:36 PM

Oops!
Looks like George and I cross posted there.
I was just having a wee bit of fun with the thread title.
Defintutely not having a poke at George.
Cheers!
Jim

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 05:46 PM

Didn't think so, mate, I found the cross posting funny!

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 11:16 PM

I disagree. I think specifically mentioning places in a song makes them much much better in general...and most especially songs about wars..nice song by the way. mg

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 12:31 AM

Plenty of room for many viewpoints on this, mg. Indeed, when a song is about a specific campaign (say, Gallipoli), place-names can enhance. I was only referring to generic anti-war songs.

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 12:57 AM

Banjiman - THANK YOU !!

For bringing a new life to a stale UK usurped piece of the old colony.

Your threads have brought new discussions and new media into the forum.

Carry on the good work.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: Banjiman
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 02:28 AM

Thanks for the posts, I'm back from singing MY new song (5th String Jealousy-An anti banjo abuse protest song- very serious subject I think!)at our local folk club.

Clearly I love Mrs Banjiman's songs and "To Be A Soldier" especially.

George, we really appreciate you taking the time to comment on this, even if it is unlikely to change this current song (the CDs are currently being pressed) it does give some food for thought for future songs. We will take your feedback seriously.

I think Eric Bogle writes the very best antiiwar sings, most of his are very place specific...interesting!

Jimlad, MG- Thanks for your kind words!

Gargoyle- I'm flattered- I'm not sure quite what I have done but I'm flattered- have I paid you :) ?

Keep the feedback/ discussion coming!

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: Banjiman
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 11:12 AM

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 01:55 PM

No need to apologise for To Be A Soldier making me cry; that's the proof of its evocative power as far as I am concerned. Beautiful, poignant song, well sung. I love the banjo-picking in the background of the other song, too!

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: Banjiman
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 06:18 PM

ooooh stop it katlaughing you are making us both blush......lovely comments.

Thanks

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jul 07 - 12:19 AM

A fool is frequently flattered by others so inclined.

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: Banjiman
Date: 20 Jul 07 - 03:16 AM

Thanks Anonymous Guest, I have noticed your generous, deeply philosophical input into other threads during my brief time on Mudcat.

I shall consider your teachings deeply and try really hard in the future to live up to them. I so admire your bravery.

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 20 Jul 07 - 03:28 AM

You got there ahead of me, Paul - pay no attention to GUESTs, unless they ask an honest question (sometimes it's visitors trying to find out something, and we try to help them). Unsigned opinions however are worth nought.

Subject: RE: Definately a protest song: feedback plea
From: Peace
Date: 20 Jul 07 - 03:38 AM

Likely that the guest post will be deleted before long.