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Tom O'Brien
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11/27/2011 12:20:31 PM
Your Roots They Go Down
This is kind of different for me. It's got sort of a punk feel, but with just bass, drums and acoustic guitar, maybe a la Violent Femmes. I think it's got an contagious energy. I may do more to it, but I didn't want to over-produce it, so it's just what it is.
You can listen to it here: Your Roots They Go Down.
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Stoneman
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11/29/2011 1:20:24 AM
Great rhythm on this one. The lyrics are very interesting. Kind of made me wonder what your inspiration was for this song. Care to share? Whatever the case, another great song Tom!
Much Respect,
Stoneman
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Richard Scotti
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11/29/2011 8:49:25 AM
---- Updated 11/29/2011 4:35:36 PM
Tom ~ The complexity of your lyrics often reminds me of Bob Dylan. Great influence!
Dylan often was critical of other people in his songs, sometimes angry. This is a song that captures some of that energy. Having a relationship with someone who is very "deep" can be very exasperating. Exploring the roots of any person's motivations and behavior can be a very frustrating and futile endeavor. The couple in question seem to take on the role of therapist and patient. Sometimes it is more beneficial for both parties to actually be in therapy together or at least for one of them to be. People with apparently inexplicable behavior are usually hiding behind their hang-ups as a way of avoiding emotional intimacy. Even if the roots of this behavior were known, it wouldn't cure the problem for someone who is "always playing games within the shadows". You can't beg someone to become free of neurosis. This is a tragic relationship in my opinion. Of course it's only a song and not necessarily autobiographical but the words are so powerful, it's hard not to see it that way. The protagonist in this song should accept the other person as they are or give up trying to change her. A very wise mentor of mine once said: "You can't change the other person. You can only change yourself."
Many years ago I was in a relationship like this and the more I tried to get to the roots of this woman's problems the more I got entangled and buried with them.
There are just some people we will never truly know or understand, no matter how hard we probe and that seems to be the way these people want it. To be totally understood or totally accessible and logical would make them feel too vulnerable and exposed.
Thanks, Tom for sharing these complex emotional words with us. It's good story-telling and good song writing. We can all learn something from the profound nature of your lyrics. Sometimes we get lazy and write words that are too simplistic. You're around to keep us on our toes!
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Tom O'Brien
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11/29/2011 11:26:01 AM
Wow, Richard, I can see you totally got that song. Sometimes I don't realize how self-confessional songs can be. I try not to be too overt, but if the basis of the song is true, then I guess the meaning will come through.
I won't go too much into my relationship, but suffice it to say that it is with a very deep person who had some early childhood trauma and abuse which affects her as an adult. I am, by nature, a person who wants to fix things, to make everyone happier which is sometimes an impossible task. I've been told in no uncertain terms that I should not try and fix her. I try to take this to heart, but it's hard for me to see her unhappy.
We do go to a wonderful therapist and actually have a strong relationship. There really is no problem with "us." I just try and accept who she is now. Even though her roots may be rotten, she is trying hard to make a good life. Sometimes I do try and act as her therapist. She had done a lot of therapy on her own before I met her 6 years ago. She says she is finished with all that, but I feel she's just afraid to face her demons. I've got to respect that, and I'm at least glad that she goes with me.
I'll try and work on changing myself. I have my own roots and branches, and they are complicated enough. Thanks for taking this song so seriously. I'm glad I can share intimate feelings like this through song. Music is great therapy in itself.
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Chandra Moon
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11/29/2011 3:10:45 PM
I seriously enjoyed this song in every way - the rhythm, the lyrics, the melody and the guitar work.
Very profound words and I think you achieved what you wanted in not being too "overt" but at the same time really thought provoking and leaving the listener wanting to know the "story" of the song.
Great stuff.
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Stoneman
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11/29/2011 4:36:38 PM
Richard,
Wow! Man I am so impressed as you got everything from this song that I totally missed. Could be that superior intellect of yours (smile) or the strong affection that you have for Dylan's style and work. In my youth I never really quite got Dylan at all. Not to say that his writing was bad, just to say that his vocals always caused me to turn off before I could tune in. Millions of people love him though so I am not quite sure of what that says about my taste in vocals. (smile again) Of course, there was also a huge musical cultural divide for me in those days. Now days I am into almost everything from a musical stand point. It wasn't until later in life when I started reading excerpts from Dylan's songs in books that I realized just how deep and meaningful his lyrics were. Suddenly the light went on and I said oh, this is what all the hoopla is about. The man is a great songwriter! Fortunately, in my humble opinion, Tom is a much better vocalist than Dylan and I enjoy listening to his work through and through. Usually I get the point but this one left me wanting to know more.
Tom,
Thanks so much for sharing more about this deeply personal story. As a survivor of child abuse I can certainly relate to the complexities in relating to someone who has been through this kind of trauma at such an early age. I am very fortunate that my wife loves me enough to be patient and understanding while knowing that my issues have nothing to do with her. She knows that she cannot fix me but her love certainly makes me better. I have been in therapy for several years and she knows what my so called "triggers" and "hang ups" are.
We don't do therapy together but I have sort of double therapy as I share everything I talk about with her when I come home. What makes our relationship strong is the fact that we talk about everything in our house. I am not afraid to share my pain and she is compassionate and open to listening. She truly is my very best friend.
You are a great writer Tom and I hope you never change this wonderful style you have that is patently "you".
Respect!
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Tom O'Brien
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11/29/2011 6:52:15 PM
Stoneman, I can hear so much love in your words about your wife. We all need that kind of devotion. And I'm glad you're dealing with your own abuse issues. Sometimes we need outsiders to help us process those deeply personal things. Sometimes it's just having someone to listen while you talk to yourself. A lot of great realizations happen that way. You might see a therapist once a week, but talking with you wife can be its own kind of love therapy and it happens all day long! Keep the good communication flowing. It's something you're very good at.
Peace,
Tom
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Chandra Moon
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12/6/2011 4:26:53 PM
Hi there - I've added this track to Over The Moon but I've noticed the volume is very low compared to other tracks - is it possible for you to increase the volume and re-upload it? Loving the track anyway!
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Tom O'Brien
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12/7/2011 8:10:47 AM
Hi Chandra, Thanks for adding the song. I've uploaded a new mix. Tell me if this one's better. If not, maybe I'll have IAC master it.
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Hop On Pop
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12/7/2011 8:39:31 AM
I hear that Femmes influence that you mentioned. Very cool tune, sir.
Digging it.
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Tom O'Brien
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12/13/2011 3:42:55 PM
Thanks, Todd. How's it going?
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