Paper Anniversary (original song)

Couch

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

  1. Ted Reply
    August 31, 2009 at 11:43 pm

    Thanks 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.

  2. Anonymous Reply
    August 31, 2009 at 11:16 pm

    Wow! 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!

  3. Anonymous Reply
    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.

  4. Ron Reply
    September 1, 2009 at 2:38 am

    Really great…I'm diggin' it.It may be my favorite as well.

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