I took part in a challenge to write a song using only the chords Em, F, Am, and C.
I sat down and started writing what was on my mind, which narrowed down to this — pushing aside a number of older song ideas. I wrote, arranged and recorded it in one stretch — I finished at about 5 a.m. yesterday.
Play or Download “Paper Anniversary (original song)” on SoundCloud >>
It’s a little different for me, I think.
It’s the first time I’ve done it all in one day. The part about sleeping on a couch in San Francisco on a first anniversary is true (but it was a fold-out couch).
4 comments
Ted
August 31, 2009 at 11:43 pmThanks Chuck. I got to thinking, and realized this is the only straightforward love song I've ever written. I've only written broken-heart songs, and I-fucked-up-a-relationship songs. This is an I'm-terrified-that-I-might-fuck-up-and-break-my-heart song.
Feel free to cover it. You already know the chords.
Oh: The guitar patch is built into my Boss Micro BR. It's called "Nashville" and it's probably my favorite to use with my Tele.
Anonymous
August 31, 2009 at 11:16 pmWow! This is easily my favorite thing you've done. I think it's great! Seems to rely less on cleverness and more on personal/emotional honesty.
I also dig the guitar tone a lot!
Anonymous
September 1, 2009 at 1:07 am"This is an I'm-terrified-that-I-might-fuck-up-and-break-my-heart song."
It sure is, and it delivers the goods!
I love that. I love when the lyrics take the listener into the singer's emotional space. In the real world we usually aggressively defend that space. As a songwriter, you can give yoursef the license to open the door. It's liberating and pretty damn satisfying! I like to think it takes a bit of courage.
Ron
September 1, 2009 at 2:38 amReally great…I'm diggin' it.It may be my favorite as well.
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