FAWM: "Didn't Happen"

Didn't Happen

2 days ago by @edwinb

Didn't Happen

edwinb

00:00

Liner Notes

When terrible things happen, people often say "if only" and think about the tiny things that all had to add up for the catastrophe to occur. And, tragic as these things are, I started thinking about all the thousands of tiny decisions every day that don't add up to a disaster, where exactly the same nothing will happen as didn't happen if we'd done something else.

I'm not sure there is any point to this song, beyond that, but I've written it so I'm posting it anyway. I'm using Jones The String here, my 8 string baritone #ukulele which has been sadly neglected since I got the steel string one. I feel he deserves an outing, he continues to serve me well. #fuc

Lyrics

If I hadn't had to pop back home 'cause I forgot my coat If I'd lingered five more minutes In that bookshop up the road

If I'd walked along the back street Where the people rarely go If I hadn't been distracted By the television's glow

If I took a different bus, Or instead I took the train That thing that didn't happen wouldn't Happen all the same

If I'd gone back to the counter To return my dirty cup Then I'd looked up at the clouds And thought I'd stay inside the pub

If I hadn't waved at Barry Would I still have these regrets If the thing that didn't happen didn't Happen nonetheless

And if I hadn't stopped to tie my shoes If I had joined that slightly longer queue If I'd settled up with card instead of cash If I'd ordered fries instead of having mash

If I'd known what wouldn't happen Would I make a different choice? Would I do those things again If I could hear another voice?

Well maybe if you tempt me With that second glass of wine That thing that didn't happen will not Happen one more time

Comments

@clioem 6h

Really charming folky song!

@mandolinda 1d

If I hadn’t listened to your song I wouldn’t be writing now. Such a fun idea and nicely played too

@coolparadisoMod 1d

Nah id just get it wrong a different way! the pondering of the if or if not Makes a good observational song specially for the over reflective

@trashmilk 2d

I like the idea if ignoring the ripples that aren’t stirred. People fixate on that FOMO so much that they worry about the could have or should have instead if the life presented to them. Edwin, this is a remedy, not just a song.

@daveescoffery 2d

Interesting idea for a song, sort of a counter to the "sliding doors" approach. It's very clever, and I love the different specific examples you chose to include. Plus, the 8-string sounds fantastic!