FAWM: "The 526"

The 526

Liner Notes

Inspired by the simple act of taking the commuter rail in, but making up stories of the people taking the train with me. I just wrote it, but I think I think this is my favourite so far this year. #singersongwriter #acousticonetake

Lyrics

The 526 (song)

Damn is it cold on this platform Each gust of wind, her coat tries to blow open She’s walked here today I can see That’s maybe unusual, don’t know - we’ve never spoken

She’s carrying a bag, that seems new Not the bag of course, it looks like its been through Plenty of trips before but still it seems Something more feels askew

Just a bright Thursday morning On the Framingham Worcester line On the cusp of something different On the border of changing life

It’s the same but still different It’s not quite the same face she’d used to put out front The face is a blank, but still carrying worry What’s she leaving behind or perhaps hope to see

On to South Station and grab a connection To go anywhere else, I know cause I’ve checked them Off to New York or perhaps to Chicago Or maybe to Richmond, whatever do I know?

Perhaps my own face might be giving away Anything more than I intend to say That nothing more than the shine of my shoes Might be giving a voice to what I’m hoping to lose

(break)

Damn its still cold the wind seems a bit brisker I’m alone on the platform and I guess I won’t see her Just one of us made good on schemes that we’d laid Of dreams against all of the life that we’d made

Just a bright Tuesday morning On the Framingham Worcester line Well beyond something different Past the border of changing life

Comments

@wynia 3d

I love the topic of this song! I think we’ve all wondered where others might be headed to or even made up stories in our minds about fellow passengers, but honestly I’d never considered that others might be doing the same 😆…what adventures have others imagined I’m off to? Nice acoustic one take and this song is definitely a keeper!

@atornberg 6d

Great travel song and well detailed storytelling. Love the ending with its optimism. Nice job!

@froggymagee 1w

Awesome storytelling, "off to South Station and grab a connection." The sound of your guitar is so very nice, and your vocal melodies really convey the story so well!

@mikeb 1w

You pronounced 'Worcester' correctly, so I knew you were local (missed your intro on the FAWMers of NE thread)! LOL

I don't envy you taking the train on a cold winter day! I like how you told the story of the woman you saw but without making up a full story about her, just observations.

@chrissteele 1w

Thanks, man - I've got a buddy of mine in Worcester who's all happy I worked the City into a song.

@aeye 1w

Ok this is fun. We used to do this on vacation at the beach. Sit on a bench, people watch and just make up stories about the people passing us by. That ending was great, just letting it hang out there instead of going for full chord resolution.

@audiogust 2w

I love how you put us right in the middle of the story. It totally took me back to my commuter rail days from Lowell. Also, I always love a song in 6/8. There's something magical about that feel. Well done!