“…the daylight is fading”
It’s hard to believe it but summer is almost over. This one seemed to fly by like a blur. I had such high hopes for this year and have still only done a fraction of the things I planned on. It’s funny how life gets in the way huh? I’ve only fished once this year, swam twice, and have barely touched my bicycle. Perhaps I’ll try and play catch-up as the fall approaches.
It has certainly been a busy summer though! I’ve played a LOT of shows this summer and have had the pleasure of taking part in some pretty great festivals, including the Summer’s End Festival in Grand Manan this past weekend. Fitting since the end of summer has been on my mind as of late and while I welcome the fall, there is a certain sadness that comes with the end of anything. Autumn has always been a great time for music in my life and I look forward to the creative burst the changing seasons seem to bring. August’s entry touches on those themes and, while I am still figuring out what this song means to me, there is a definite feeling of loss and resignation to it.
This song has it’s roots in a half finished idea that I started some months ago. I found the riff and some scraps of lyrics while cyphering through my demo tapes that I use to capture initial ideas at their time of conception. The finger-picking patterns are typical of my playing style but the chord structure is a bit of a departure for me as I am using a combination of Sus and Slash chords to support the melody. The double tracked acoustics remind me of my friend Chris Fudge’s signature guitar sound, which is one that I admire very much. The vocal melody is a bit of a departure for me as well and I have been told it has a strong 90’s vibe (fitting I should suppose, I am 38 after all!). Chris Braydon played an E-bowed electric slide guitar on the tune that really supports the acoustics and vocals, and provides a nice bottom end. I am quite pleased with this song and I hope to write more in the vein of this one.
I hope you enjoy it too!
This is closer than we’ve been she said.
Maybe we should rest our heads,
or maybe this is all there is.
Just lay down, just lay down
Lead me on and I will follow
I’ll follow you down.
There’s nothing here for us to save,
and no light left to lead the way.
All the colours have run into grey.
Just lay down, just lay down.
Lead Me On and I will follow
I’ll follow you down.
Oh, the daylight is fading.
Clinton Charlton – Lead Me On
(to download, right click and select “save as”)
Note: This song is also available in both .WAV and FLAC formats. If you’d like a copy in either format, please write to clintoncca@gmail.com
(As always, I’d like to thank Sean Boyer for his assistance with the mix and Chris Braydon for his contributions. I have good friends!)