1,826 Reply by James McCormick

(36 replies, posted in Songwriting)

"Sanctimonious Profiteering Fear-Mongers Out!"
Here's a little political commentary blues number - it encapsulates my personal perspective on current USA politics. 

The lyric is wordy, so the tempo must be relatively slow.  Melody is your typical 12-bar blues line.

Sanctimonious Profiteering Fear-Mongers Out!by, James McCormick, October 1, 2006


12-bar Blues, Last line of each verse is a sing-along


. . . .


Well they [C]give us smoke and mirrors, Because it’s [C]show biz all the way


And the [C]talking heads on Fox, Are [C]cheering them every day.


They’ll try to [F7]whip you into a frenzy, With the [F7]facts that they do spin.


And if you [C]try to ask a question, well then you’re [C]un-American.


Let’s use the [G7]power of the ballot box, Don’t just [F7]sit around and pout


[C]Sanctimonious profiteering fear-mongers [G7]out!!!


. . . .


The hy-[C]pocrisy is appalling, Why don’t they [C]just resign in shame.


But in-[C]stead they blame their critics for [C]soiling their good name.


And when the [F7]lobbyists come a-calling with big [F7]sacks of campaign cash,


They’re [C]checking their investmentsand [C]shredding all the trash.


It’s [G7]time to change the linens, Let the [F7]fat cats hear you shout.


[C]Sanctimonious profiteering fear-mongers [G7]out!!!


. . . .


Sitting [C]right there in our White House, Is Tweedle-[C]Dum and Tweedle-Dee.


With their [C]neo-conservative chicken-hawk[C]corporate coterie


Well their [F7]children they are safe at home, they aren’t [F7]dieing in this war


Their [C]quarterly profit reports are out, and Wall [C]Street just screams for more,


I’m so [G7]sick of this direction, We [F7]need a brand newroute,


[C]Sanctimonious profiteering fear-mongers [G7]out!!!


. . . .



First they’ll [C]wrap it up in scripture, Then try to [C]stab you with our flag.


Then they’ll [C]tap into your phone lines, And they’ll [C]slap you with a gag


They con-[F7]veniently forget this is the [F7]Land of the Free


Because their [C]goal is to establish heredi-[C]tary theocracy


So let’s [G7]take away their pulpit, Let’s [F7]balance out their clout


[C]Sanctimonious profiteering fear-mongers [G7]out!!!


. . . .


They’ve got some [C]bloviating pundits, Who are not [C]burdened by the facts


They’ve got some [C]spiteful TV preachers with [C]hair made out of wax


They’ve got that [F7]jerk down at work who [F7]makes the racist jokes


They’ve got those [C]wacky fundamentalists who think that [C]Science is a hoax


This coa-[G7]lition of the willing I can [F7]say without a doubt


[C]Sanctimonious profiteering fear-mongers [G7]out!!!


. . . .


Let’s have a [C]rational discussion, About some [C]issues that are real


If you can [C]set aside for just one moment your [C]crusading zeal


And now [F7]please don’t patronize me with a [F7]pandering attitude


I’m so [C]sick and tired of bombast and sim-[C]plistic platitudes


Let’s re-[G7]mind the demagogues of what this [F7]country’s all about


[C]Sanctimonious profiteering fear-mongers [G7]out!!!


[C]Sanctimonious profiteering fear-mongers [G7]out!!!




Enjoy!

Go to forum: Songwriting

1,827 Reply by James McCormick

(22 replies, posted in About Chordie)

Obviously, the songbook rating function does not function as intended.  The mighty Admin has promised to address this issue very soon and make some other changes/improvements to the Songbook feature.

Go to forum: About Chordie

1,828 Reply by James McCormick

(14 replies, posted in Bands and artists)

Here are some masterful musicians who happen to play guitar: Leo Kottke, John McLaughlin, Django Reinhardt, Andres Segovia.  There are Wikipedia articles about each of these men.

Go to forum: Bands and artists

1,829 Reply by James McCormick

(20 replies, posted in Other string instruments)

Hello again luniepoo - check out Scarlet Rivera, she has played with Dylan, Indigo Girls, and many others.  She also has excellent posture!

<a href="http://www.scarletrivera.com/" target="_blank">http://www.scarletrivera.com/</a>

Go to forum: Other string instruments

1,830 Reply by James McCormick

(20 replies, posted in Other string instruments)

Hello luniepoo - all the really really cool people play fiddle!  Fiddlers can jam and add an exciting 'zing' to a combo.  Violinists, on the other hand, definately do not jam - they are strictly 'paper-trained' and are frozen with fear if they don't have pages of notes in front of them.


Check out this Wikipedia article for some great links to the world of fiddle music:


<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiddle" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiddle</a>


There is tons of stuff on the web for 'fiddle' players.  You can use Chordie to find songs you like, and then round up a guitarist or two to play with you.  There are lots of tabs for melodic lines on many songs - Translating from guitar tabulature to violin-user tabs is probably a do-able thing.

Go to forum: Other string instruments

1,831 Reply by James McCormick

(32 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Practice trick that actually helps - try "de-constructing" a song. By that I mean tear it down into its elements and re-arrange them. This can be very helpful in getting un-stuck from a rut.


For instance, play (or sing) every other chord (note) or play (sing)the chord progression (melody) backwards.  Play the chords (sing the tune) to a new rythmic pattern.


Mix it up . . . don't keep re-plowing the same rut the same way. Do anything you can to tear down your habitual idea of the song.


Try crazy stuff . . . Forget about how it sounds when somebody else plays it - forget about how it is 'supposed' to sound. Just focus on the elements of the song and play around with them like building blocks - stack them up in different ways, knock 'em down, and try it another way.


If nothing else, this practical practice technique will present you with some new techinical and creative challenges.  It can help get you un-stuck and can prevent you from getting re-stuck.

Go to forum: Acoustic

1,832 Reply by James McCormick

(32 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Although not many people may find this interesting, I am posting a link to the Wikipedia article on modes.  It includes an explanation for all those seemingly bizarre names, as well as a nice introduction to their structure and how they may be utilized.

<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modes" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modes</a>

Go to forum: Acoustic

1,833 Reply by James McCormick

(7 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Hello upyerkilt - I just submitted a song to your original contest thread in the songwriting discussion group.

Go to forum: Songwriting

1,834 Reply by James McCormick

(9 replies, posted in Songwriting)

{t:On a Day Like This}

{st:By: James McCormick, 2006}

{c:In 6/8 time, a melancholy waltz}


(verse 1)

On a [C]day like this so [F]long ago

My [C]goddess I did [G]meet,

And my [C]loins did throb

And my [F]blood did boil

The a-[C]ttraction [G]was com-[C]plete


(chorus 1)

Yes I [F]saw for-[Em]ever [C]in her [F]eyes

As I [Dm]heard the angel [G]choirs

[G7]And [C]ever [Am]since that [F]lovely [G]day

She's [C]been my [G]heart's de-[C]sire


(verse 2)

On a [C]day like this some [F]years ago

Our [C]children did ar-[G]rive

And our [C]love did grow

And our [F]pride did swell

To [C]see them [G]learn and [C]thrive


(chorus 2)

Yes we [F]see for-[Em]ever [C]in their [F]eyes

As we [Dm]hear the angel [G]choirs

[G7]And [C]ever [Am]since those [F]blessed [G]days

They've [C]been our [G]heart's de-[C]sire


(verse 3)

On a [C]day like this just [F]recently

I [C]saw the end in [G]sight

And my [C]life's been full

And my [F]life's been long

I'll go [C]gladly [G]into the [C]light


(interlude)

All a-[Gm]long my love I've [C]seen the [F]light [Bb]sparkling [Am]in your [G]eyes

We've [F]found our [Gm]way  through [C]thick and [F]thin I'm the [C]luckiest [G]man a-[C]live.


(chorus 3)

Yes I [F]see for-[Em]ever [C]in your [F]eyes

And I [Dm]hear the angel [G]choirs

[G7]And [C]ever [Am]since that [F]lovely [G]day

You've [C]been my [G]heart's de-[C]sire.

Go to forum: Songwriting

1,835 Reply by James McCormick

(6 replies, posted in Song requests)

Generally speaking, for sing-a-long songs with children it is best to keep the playing very simple.  A nice slow strum on each chord is usually sufficient since you want the singing to be the "main thing".


Keep the tempo relatively slow and encourage everybody to holler along with great gusto.  If you try to get too elaborate (or too fast) with the instrumental part it discourages participation.


A really fun thing to do with kid's songs is have them make up motions to go along with the words.  Also, have the kids stand up while singing along - for some reason, this really helps.


On songs with many verses and choruses, you can have alot of fun with dynamics - make one verse really loud and then next one really soft.


With kid's sing-a-longs the goal is to let them be the stars - don't worry about impressing other  musicians . . . just provide the children with an opportunity to cut loose and giggle.

Go to forum: Song requests

1,836 Reply by James McCormick

(22 replies, posted in About Chordie)

Maybe this will work - try re-naming your songbook and then make it public.  Perhaps a new file name might just do the trick?

Go to forum: About Chordie

1,837 Reply by James McCormick

(6 replies, posted in Song requests)

Hello again edwardpaul - here is yet another link for some fun kid's songs:

<a href="http://www.storytimesongs.com/guitar.html" target="_blank">http://www.storytimesongs.com/guitar.html</a>

Have fun!

Go to forum: Song requests

1,838 Reply by James McCormick

(6 replies, posted in Song requests)

Just found this link - it is exactly what you are seeking:

<a href="http://xenia.media.mit.edu/~kristin/songbook/OnAndOn/IKnowAnOldLady.html" target="_blank"> http://xenia.media.mit.edu/~kristin/son … On/IKnowAn OldLady.html</a>

Have fun!

Go to forum: Song requests

1,839 Reply by James McCormick

(6 replies, posted in Song requests)

Hello edwardpaul - try this selection from the "Misc. Children" listing in Chordie's index:


<a href="http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.ultimate-guitar.com/print.php?what=tab&id=77279" target="_blank"> http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.u … tar.com/pr int.php?what=tab&id=77279</a>


It is listed as 'Mary Had a Little Lamb', but actually contains several well-loved nursery rhymes.  There might be some other similar 'multiple song' listings in this corner of the Chordie index - -


The 'swallowed a fly' song has got to be out there somewhere . . .

Go to forum: Song requests

1,840 Reply by James McCormick

(22 replies, posted in About Chordie)

Songbook rating ideas: 

1. Let only registered Chordie users rate songbooks;

2. Show how many users have rated a songbook;

3. If a songbook is comprised of nothing but 'raw' songs (no Chordie-user editing) then the songbook should carry label such as "No Improvements Made";


Other Songbook Ideas:

1. Songbooks should be searchable - by more than ratings and recent.  Make it possible to search by: who posted, song titles, artist, etc.  Perhaps a new tab can be added to the Chordie homepage, "Browse Chordie User Songbooks".  This would offer a shortcut to songs with 'improved' layout and contents.

2. Put a limit on the number of selections that can be included in a songbook.  A book containing "too many" selections is of no practicle use - how does one fairly rate a book if there are too many selections to view?

3. Songbooks and songs that are posted with "No Improvements Made" should not be included in the songbook search - only books that offer something 'better' than what you can find through the regular browse should be included in the "Browse Chordie User Songbooks".


It is fun watching Chordie evolve and grow . . . thanks, Admin, for all your hard work and creative energy.

Go to forum: About Chordie

1,841 Reply by James McCormick

(22 replies, posted in About Chordie)

Hello Tunedeaf - I have posted 4 songbooks, all of which got lousy ratings - but I didn't post the books for ratings.  I posted them because I had found and cleaned up several songs that I enjoy playing and singing - my motivation was simply to share some stuff that brought me some happiness . . .


Don't fret that a songbook seems to be under-appreciated . . . I have since seen a couple of my 'cleaned-up' song versions in other songbooks - so I know that other Chordie users are at least looking at and using what I have posted.   


Each time I have published a songbook, I realize that I am in some weird way exposing part of my soul since one's choice of songs is a very personal thing.   Perhaps a mental health professional could take a look at my songbooks and recommend appropriate medications or therapy?


It is very curious though that even the highest rated songbooks have such seemingly low scores . . . . my guess is that an 'un-rated' songbook is automatically rated as a 'zero' . . . but only the omnipotent Admin knows for sure!


By the way, what is your songbook entitled?

I would like to take a look at it, and peer deep into your soul . . .


My songbooks are entitled:

   Strut Your Pipes

   Ballads From Blondes

   Silly to Sublime

   "In 3" Waltz Gems.

The "In 3" book is listed toward the very end of the alphabetical listings because of the quotes in the title.


While we are on this subject, wouldn't it also be nice to be able to browse and search just within the songbooks?  Perhaps a separate index or another little tab on the Chordie homepage . . . ?

Go to forum: About Chordie

1,842 Reply by James McCormick

(22 replies, posted in About Chordie)

Question about song & songbook ratings - - - If you sort all public songbooks by 'highest rated' it becomes apparent that even the highest ratings seem to be quite low.  Is this because Chordie users are just a tough bunch to please?


Or, perhaps is it because if you view a songbook but choose to not rate the book (or individual songs) the default rating is 'zero'?   This would seem to explain the fact that even the highest-rated songbooks have a rating barely over 'one'.


I am curious about this rating system since until the rating system works to clearly distinguish 'better' songbooks (and songs) from 'not better' then there is no benefit in having a rating system. 


Please explain just how the songbook and song rating system work.  Thanks!

Go to forum: About Chordie

1,843 Reply by James McCormick

(4 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Hello biro - Since Seth Lakeman plays a 4-string tenor guitar, it will be hard finding "true" tabs for his stuff.  Even if you were to find regular guitar tabs or chord charts, it just won't sound the same to play his stuff on a 6-string.  Good luck - should you locate a good source for his stuff, please share on this forum.

Go to forum: Acoustic

1,844 Reply by James McCormick

(5 replies, posted in About Chordie)

Here are some chords-only sites that I have found.  They don't list as many songs or have all the neato-keano functions like Chordie, but they are good sites for finding songs.


<a href="http://bettylou.zzruss.com/" target="_blank">http://bettylou.zzruss.com/</a>

<a href="http://members.aol.com/rongrittz/page/chords.htm" target="_blank">http://members.aol.com/rongrittz/page/chords.htm</a>

<a href="http://www.guntheranderson.com/" target="_blank">http://www.guntheranderson.com/</a>

<a href="http://www.mediaversal.com/wesley/songbook.html" target="_blank">http://www.mediaversal.com/wesley/songbook.html</a>


Like Chordie, each of these sites is a labor of love created by an individual who enjoys sharing the fun of music.  I would like to see more links listed in this thread if people have other sites they could recommend.

Go to forum: About Chordie

1,845 Reply by James McCormick

(3 replies, posted in Song requests)

Hello Watosh - this link has just a couple of Link Wray tabs:

<a href="http://tony-50.bravepages.com/linkwray-tabs.html" target="_blank">http://tony-50.bravepages.com/linkwray-tabs.html</a>

Also, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame website might be a place where you can find a Link Wray afficianado with a stash of tabs.

Go to forum: Song requests

1,846 Reply by James McCormick

(2 replies, posted in Song requests)

Hello Jace - I can't find anything either.  Here is a link to a site that might help:

<a href="http://classicjazzguitar.com/artists/artists_page.jsp?artist=54" target="_blank"> http://classicjazzguitar.com/artists/ar … jsp?artist =54</a>

The creator of this site can probably steer you to what you're looking for.  He has a "contact me" button for e-mail.  Worth a try . . .

Go to forum: Song requests

1,847 Reply by James McCormick

(12 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

Hello Whammo - from one middle-aged guy to another . . . no matter what kind of guitar you buy it will cheaper than a little red sports car, less complicated than a mistress, and more fun than golf.  Get yourself something nice!

Go to forum: Guitars and accessories

1,848 Reply by James McCormick

(1 replies, posted in Song requests)

Hello tako - "Angie" by the Stereophonics is a cover of a Rolling Stones song - look in Chordie's index under Rolling Stones for several good charts of this classic.

Hope this helps.

Go to forum: Song requests

1,849 Reply by James McCormick

(1 replies, posted in Song requests)

Hello leuthom - here is a link:

<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/forum/read.php?f=1&i=58184&t=58184" target="_blank"> http://www.cowboylyrics.com/forum/read. … 8184&a mp;t=58184</a>

Follow the thread of this forum down the page and you'll find what you seek.

Hope this helps.

Go to forum: Song requests

1,850 Reply by James McCormick

(2 replies, posted in Song requests)

Hello morrison 22 - sorry, but all I could locate onteh web was the following link:

<a href="http://www.free-scores.com/boutique/681-Hole-digital-sheet-music.htm" target="_blank"> http://www.free-scores.com/boutique/681 … al-sheet-m usic.htm</a>

This site will allow you to download sheetmusic for $5 a pop - if you want it that bad,  then go and get it. . .

Hope this helps

Go to forum: Song requests