Bub challenged me to sing a "serious song". So, on Tuesday, around noon, I located a MIDI file for this song. I used the drums (Superior Custom & Vintage), Organ (NI Vintage Organs), and guitars (via TTS, yeah I really cheaped out). Then I recorded my Alembic bass and used my JTV-69 for the left acoustic and right 12-String and left Electric (Les Paul through IK's Amplitube Marshall Live JTM setup).

Then I sang it. Then I did some BGVs. Still a few rough spots and I have an idea for the outtro, mebbe I'll add it later, mebee not.

Now, please pay attention to the lyrics because they are not what they always seem.

I started recording around 3:00PM on Wednesday. This is my first less than 48 hour stand alone Bapu project in over 30 years. Hope you enjoy it.

SoundCloud Link ----> Like A Rolling Stoned Rock

Verse 1
Once upon a time you dressed so fine
You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you?
People call say "Beware doll, you're bound to fall"
You thought they were all, kiddin' you!
 
You used to laugh about, Everybody that was hangin' out
Now you don't talk so loud, Now you don't seem so proud
About having to be scrounging for your next meal!
 
Chorus 1:
How does it feel?, How does it feel?
To be without a home, Like a complete unknown?
Like a rolling stone?
 
Verse 2:
A winter's day, in a deep and dark December
All alone, gazing from your window to the streets below
 
They'll stone you when you're trying to be so good
They'll stone you just like they said that they would
They'll stone you when you're trying to go home
They'll stone you when you're there all alone
But I would not feel so all alone
Everyone must get stoned
 
Chorus 2:
Are You A Rock, Are You an island?
Are You A Rock, Are You an island?
Like a rolling stone?
 
Verse 3:
Princess on the steeple and all the pretty people
They're all drinkin, thinkin that they got it made
Exchanging all kinds of precious gifts and things
But you better take your diamond ring, you better pawn it babe
 
You used to be so amused
At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used
Go to him now, he calls you, you cant refuse
When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose
You're invisible now, you've got no secrets, to conceal
 
Chorus 3:
How does it feel?, How does it feel?
To be on your own, With no direction home?
Like a rolling  stone?
 
Verse 4:
You built walls, a fortress deep and mighty
That none may penetrate, You have no need of friendship
 
They'll stone you when you're trying to be so good
They'll stone you just like they said that they would
They'll stone you when you're trying to go home
They'll stone you when you're there all alone
But I would not feel so all alone
Everyone must get stoned
 
Chorus 4:
Are You A Rock, Are You an island?
Are you on your own, With no direction home?
Like a complete unknown?
Like a rolling stone?

Hey, Ed.  You may have just invented a new format!  I think I counted three sets of lyrics merged into one song.  It's not exactly a medley because it was one melody.  You're a pioneer.  

You performed and recorded it well.  I particularly like being able to hear the acoustic guitar as a separate instrument.  It's so easy for it to get buried in the mix.  

Remember, I'm not an actual musician and I'm certainly not a vocalist--so keep this in the proper context.  Take it with a HUGE hunk of salt.  Your vocal sounds a little strained compared with "Bapu's Got 'em".  That's not to say it sounds bad--just not as natural.  I'm wondering if you transposed the song down a step or two if it would be easier for you to sing.  

Well done, Sir.  

Great stuff Bapu.
I would like more organ. The organ should be larger. I like big organs

I thought of a name for your new format of mashing up multiple lyrics with a single tune.  Instead of a medley, I think you should call it an edley.  

What do you guys think you're doing?  You're messing with my favorite songwriter of all time-Bob Simon.  Whenever you take on an icon, there better be dancing girls involved.  I think your idea is clever, but the vocal is a little lackluster to quite pull this off.  And, you have to have more organ as daryl said.  Otherwise, yet another coffeehouse classic.

Old55


Hey, Ed.  You may have just invented a new format!  I think I counted three sets of lyrics merged into one song.  It's not exactly a medley because it was one melody.  You're a pioneer.  

You performed and recorded it well.  I particularly like being able to hear the acoustic guitar as a separate instrument.  It's so easy for it to get buried in the mix.  

Remember, I'm not an actual musician and I'm certainly not a vocalist--so keep this in the proper context.  Take it with a HUGE hunk of salt.  Your vocal sounds a little strained compared with "Bapu's Got 'em".  That's not to say it sounds bad--just not as natural.  I'm wondering if you transposed the song down a step or two if it would be easier for you to sing.  

Well done, Sir.  

I have a dull singing voice and I have two ranges. Bass/Barritone or "super" strained alto. The fact that "Bapu's Got 'Em" came out at all was a fluke, IMHO.

Old55


I thought of a name for your new format of mashing up multiple lyrics with a single tune.  Instead of a medley, I think you should call it an edley.  

daryl1968


Great stuff Bapu.
I would like more organ. The organ should be larger. I like big organs

Thanks Daryl (or is it arse Dary?).

So you want me to make my organ bigger or just make it more in your face?

Lynn


What do you guys think you're doing?  You're messing with my favorite songwriter of all time-Bob Simon.  Whenever you take on an icon, there better be dancing girls involved.  I think your idea is clever, but the vocal is a little lackluster to quite pull this off.  And, you have to have more organ as daryl said.  Otherwise, yet another coffeehouse classic.

Hey Lynn. There are no "guys" on this one. It's just me (with a little help from some MIDI tracks ). I appreciate that my voice is lackluster (Mooch simply says it bad and I'm not a good singer). 


The thing is, for years I was very self conscious (read totally embarrassed) about singing anything. Regardless, I'm gaining more confidence to at least try my best and actually let people hear me. That is a HUGE step for me.


Thanks for listening and just know, I'm not offended by your comment regarding my voice.  

First song I ever learnded on Bass, brought a tear to my eye. Ya more 1 fingered organ. Apparently the janitor or someone like that played on the original. It's a keeper.

Cactus Music


First song I ever learnded on Bass, brought a tear to my eye. Ya more 1 fingered organ. Apparently the janitor or someone like that played on the original. It's a keeper.

Larn yer history Johnny . The organ was done by Mike Bloomfield. It was his very first time on a keyboard. It's exactly what Bob wanted. And we all know, whatever Bob wants Bob gets.