February Album Writing Month - FAWM.ORG

Sort Of Man

Scott O. Clamp

Ben Carroll

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Tagged As:

collaboration pop-rock

Liner Notes:

Scott's note: Ben Carroll, a fantastic artist and lyricist, sent me this set of lyrics. As one would expect from Ben, they're sharp, self-deprecating, and funny. My too-fast interpretation tries to capture that spirit.

Thanks Ben! This was a blast.

Ben's note: this was the first time i've written more than a line or two without a melody... i usually write by singing the song over and over to myself.
i gave Scott the lyrics with absolutely no idea how the song would/should/could sound. i love what he's come up with! no other song on my FAWM page will sound this energetic (or good )

Lyrics:

Your friend explained it all to me
It’s a test like in those magazines
You ask me something innocent
And A or B, my choice reveals
I’m not the sort of man you think i should be
I’m not the sort of man you think i should be

I did what i shouldn’t, looked in your drawer
I found a letter from years before
in a man’s hand, something indiscrete
The words a clumsy semaphore
Saying what sort of girl he knew you to be
Saying what sort of girl he knew you to be

Should i forget, pretend i never read
What’s in the drawer right by your bed
Should i do something suitable
The right answer in a magazine test?
What sort of man do you want me to be?
What sort of man do you want me to be?

Feedback:

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Phil Norman 2 weeks ago

Wooo! This is a great collab. The rapid-fire vocal delivery is perfect for the lyric.
rombiculus 2 weeks ago

this is clever,
and the details are involving.
I like the chord progression a lot.
Valerie Cox 3 weeks ago

Great work guys. The lyrics are fun, and Scott generated a really pop-friendly sound.
Matt Pierce 1 month ago

This is great, you're music never disappoints me without a smile!
Eric Distad 1 month ago

I haven't heard you singing this fast very often, but you do it well. Lyrically brilliantly, with that repeated thematic ending line. Musically sweet and right on the money.

Yep, it's another brilliant collab! Excellent work!
Steffan Pitzel 1 month ago

Excellent work on both sides, gents. I hate those tests in magazines.
Jen Distad 1 month ago

Great collab guys! Thought-provoking lyrics, compelling arrangement. (=
devin 1 month ago

Fun stuff gang!

I'll admit though...I had to look up "semaphore". That's two events now where I've had to add to my vocabulary via Scott.
Mike Debenham 1 month ago

Lovely. And I highly approve of the ending. Acoustic rock-out!
Nancy Rost 1 month ago

Self-deprecating indie-pop at its best, guys! Love the words, the rhythm, the chords, the whole delivery. Also, I may have to steal the phrase "clumsy semaphore".
friendof 1 month ago

haha, love the lyrics... funny and cute.
Linzi 1 month ago

I tapped my toes right through this and I'm having a 2nd listen Love the lyric, and for some reason, I think a xylophone would go well with this tune. I can almost hear it! Good stuff guys.
expendablefriend 1 month ago

Short but sweet! Great chord progression in the verses. And the way the bass line mirrors the guitar gives it a kind of space that somehow makes it fun and a bit dark at the same time.
Face of Einstein 1 month ago

I agree with Jake - this is a fun song despite the lyrics lol...
the harmonies sound great too...
isaac quatorze 1 month ago

well scoitt, since your lyrics are often self-deprecating anyway, this is a match made in heaven. nice job, ben! i particularly liked the harmonies on the last verse, and the minimal guitar style. i'm not a guitar guy, so i dunno what it's called when the bass and guitar are both playing just one note in 3 octaves, but it's great!
Jake - Missile Wings 1 month ago

Very fun rock song! You guys did a good collab with this - it all works together well. Can't wait to hear it live. Nice work!
Elaine DiMasi 1 month ago

This is like an REM song - crafty lyrics with just the right setting and delivery. I love the repeated tag lines.
mikejames 1 month ago

Nice song- you did capture the spirit! Fun chord progression.
sapient network 1 month ago

Yeah, what Todd says. How do you manage to fit that second verse in? Tis some kind of magic methinks. Probably brought on by geographic proximity to twine balls...

This is a completely bouncy, happy bucket of win!
Todd Norem 1 month ago

I'm always amazed at how many words you can get into a line, or how rapidly you can sing lyrics. But wow...this takes the cake. Especially impressive considering it's a co-write. LIke the upbeat guitar sound and can hear the TMBG comparisons as well. Very catchy too.
Static Captain 1 month ago

Great and ultra-cathy - I agree with the TNBG assessment. I love the bizarre chord changes. Really really tight sound and production also.
Yakobo 1 month ago

Nice one! I like your voice and your style of music, it's a lot of fun.
Fifth Key Holder 1 month ago

Poprocks with 7 up! Nice explosive, quick pop.
Beautiful lyrics and nice music. I second the fast pace making this all come together nicely.
good collab you two!
t-spoon 1 month ago

Head is bobbin, and toes a tappin. I really like the melody, and guitar work. And, I love any song with a yeah yeah yeah in it. Very nice collaboration. Left me wanting more.
Pitt 1 month ago

WoW! Reminds me of "They might be Giants". Sounds great!
Scott McBride 1 month ago

Nice little quick pop tune.
Jeff Landgraf 1 month ago

Very clever song & a great setting of too. I agree that the quick tempo is a good choice. It makes the narrator seem kind of frantic to figure things out. Great job!