This song is part of the rock opera I'm currently working on. Its working title is #jimmy (no influence from The Who here...). Its about the growing class divide in society and how the elite is weaponizing social media to placate the masses while they consolidate power for themselves.

This album uses a Greek tragedy structure to its story telling to evoke a feeling of catharsis at the end (emptiness of emotion) as our protagonist breaks free but fails to convince anyone else, and falls exhausted back to the warm comfort at the expense of a lack of freedom.

This song serves as the peripeteia which is the crucial decision made by the protagonist that causes the tragedy. In Faded Hue, the protagonist was told of the issues going on but refused to believe. But a little piece of him knew. In this song, the issues grow, partially caused by him and the rest of the comfort crowd as they demand more and more status at the expense of others. Eventually, this breaks down right in front of him, forcing him to make his decision.

This song... took way too long. And now I hate it. Well, specifically there are a few key lines / musical sections that just stand out as too out there, or just not really accomplishing anything. But its been a week of working on this so I need a break. I'm sure I'll come back with fresh ears after FAWM.

...also don't mind me singing the soprano and alto parts. The chorus is supposed to be SATB so I'm just recording what I can to help me hear back and compose the parts.

#prog

[Issue 1]

Jimmy: The price has gone up again Crowd: It’s a bitter disgrace for a bitter cup Jimmy: There’s so many servers standing around Crowd: Why won’t any of them refresh the pot?

Crowd: The workers, they are lazy, they serve blackened dregs How can we face the morning sun with our clouded heads Strike the idle hands and drive the still feet Uphold the state of comfort that belongs within this hall

Jimmy: Then why is the staff so worn and frayed Their aching legs still stumble pouring bitter dregs We all feel better seeing someone else blamed While those in charge shape the world to their frame

[Issue 2]

Jimmy: The price is up but look at the view. Crowd: The hall is grand when the crowd is gone. Jimmy: Why is our neighbour’s table gone? Crowd: What does it matter, the hall is ours!

Crowd: The members, we are worthy, we hold the rising light We’ve earned a place where everything is beautiful and right Keep the coffee flowing and stir the honey in Enjoy the state of comfort that belongs within this hall

Jimmy: And where are the voices that kept us straight There’s gaping holes where once they ate We’ve chased the light while the floor fell away To the heart of the warmth where we rot and decay

[Issue 3]

Jimmy: The price is too high, we can’t hope to stay Believer: I deserve my stay Apathetic: My cup is full Performative: Don’t ruin the mood Fatalistic: There’s nothing to be done

Crowd: We are worthy, we hold the rising light We’ve earned a place where everything is beautiful and right Filter out the noise and keep our truth within Enjoy the state of comfort that belongs within this hall

[Breaking Point]

Narrator: A jagged sound cuts through the golden air A dropped pitcher shatters the illusion

Jimmy: And why is every gaze cast away?

Apathetic: I’m going to a better table Believer: I can’t believe we had to watch that

Jimmy: And why would you leave a starving boy? He’s gasping for air he cannot afford

Jimmy: Kass hand me that roll from my plate Kass: Jimmy sit down, you’re making a scene You haven’t the status to pay for a grey Maitre D: Excuse me sir, I’ll remove the problem

Jimmy: Cast him aside and you’ll cast me out too Show me the heart that I know you still have

Maitre D: If you wish to be removed, that can be arranged Here's your coat, and here's your boy

[The Way Out]

Jimmy: With this first step we’ll take We’ll find our floor has fallen away Push through the bright, hazy day And rise up with the morning heat We’ll build our own place to stand