Songwriter Forum

General Category => Feedback on Finished songs => Topic started by: mattyoungmusic on Jan 20, 2025, 12:29 PM

Title: Witness
Post by: mattyoungmusic on Jan 20, 2025, 12:29 PM
I wrote this at the piano with the television news playing in the background.  Seems like an apt day to post it.

Witness

If there's a battle raging in a far-off land
If there's a fascist on the rise
If there's a refugee floating lifeless in the sea
Don't close your eyes

Should smoke and fire devour the hillside
Should one destroy another's land
I just want to say don't turn away
Just 'cause your mind can't understand

I know, if you just let it go
You'll be happy for awhile
But don't hide, stay wide eyed
We may need you for the trial

You may be called to be a witness
you may be asked what you have seen
They may need proof from you
when they lead the guilty to the guillotine

Title: Re: Witness
Post by: Vicki on Jan 20, 2025, 05:39 PM
After I read the lyric, was expecting a loud, pounding setting, fast and angry sounding. Then I listened. The anger is there and also sadness, more suitable than what I was envisioning. Good job!

Vicki
Title: Re: Witness
Post by: mattyoungmusic on Jan 21, 2025, 11:54 AM
Thank you for listening and for the comment, Vicki.  Yes, lots of sadness mixed with anger...that's the mood I was trying to get across with this one.  I'm glad the sound subverted your expectations set by the lyrics!
Title: Re: Witness
Post by: Mora Amaro La Loba on Jan 24, 2025, 04:29 PM
I really liked the song, important lyrics full of truths that dress us all in the color of complicity, and an arrangement that fits the story very well, it seems soft but it is solid and dark.
Title: Re: Witness
Post by: mattyoungmusic on Jan 28, 2025, 11:44 AM
Thank you for the feedback, @Mora Amaro La Loba!