FAWM: "Vermin, Violence and Dirt"

Vermin, Violence and Dirt

2 days ago by @berni1954

Skirmish: Cut Up technique (@lyricslinger)

Vermin, Violence and Dirt

berni1954

00:00

Liner Notes

This was for the Cut Up Technique Skirmish. As some research was involved, then I didn't manage to finish it in the hour. Bu the host said that was no problem.

The source text was a news report I read on the BBC Website. I took about eight phrases from the story, but the rest is from my imagination.

INSTRUMENT: "Brasfort" Tele Clone (built by me from a Kit) Recorded on a Boss BR 80 using the "Gently Weeps" setting

Lyrics

Malcolm had a dream to cycle round the world The bureaucracy involved was a nightmare But at last all the visas were obtained for the trip It was plain sailing but he never should have gone there

The border officials let him in But in the capital some policemen caught his eye They shouted at him in their native tongue Till one said in English: "We know you are a spy!"

He denied the accusation, I'm innocent he claimed No evidence was presented at his trial A gut wrenching sentence the judge handed out Guards led him through the prison turnstile

Allowed a phone call he rang his embassy He stated his case on a crackling line They said they were appalled and horrified But advised him to take it one day at a time

In his cramped cell he lay down each night Surrounded by vermin, violence and dirt Inhumane conditions and cramped confines Horrid food and a beating for dessert

Interrogations and torture became part of his day But he believed that his innocence would prevail The embassy are in talks, as he's constantly assured But meanwhile he is rotting there in jail

Beware of your dreams if they're too far fetched As Cat Stevens said there's a wild world out there If you follow a delusion thinking it will work out right It could turn into your worst nightmare

3 CHORD TRICK (E A B @ Capo 6)

Comments

@coolparadisoMod 1d

I thought i was going to get a 60s status quo! what a story but of course very believable, unlucky or part of political paybacks. well said and done!

@berni1954 1d

Yes, my song was merely a fictionalised version of the original story on the BBC website about an English couple who had all their papers in order for a motorcycle trip to the Far-East. When they got to Iran (with visas, etc) they were accused of spying and met the fate my protagonist meets in the song.

@kahlo2013 1d

Fantastic title and wonderfully terrible story development that delivers a powerful sentiment and gut punch as well as some sage advice.

@berni1954 1d

And like fable tellers of old, I like to add a moral at the end. 😈

@declan 2d

Really good lyrics for a skirmish. It would be worth taking it further and polishing them up if the song excites you. Really like the guitar's harshness, which combined with the repurposing of a public domain song (Jesse James) for the vocal line brings to my mind Half Man Half Biscuit.

@berni1954 2d

Ah, I knew I must be unconsciously plagiarising some other song. It's difficult to be different with three chords, you tend to end up with melodies that echo more famous songs.

@declan 1d

I kinda think that certain folktunes are almost in our DNA, so its hard not to sing new words to them.

@berni1954 1d

I'm sure you're. It's in our Celtic blood.

BTW You said: "It would be worth taking it further and polishing them up" Which specific lines, or section do you think weakens the current song. I really welcome constructive criticism.

PS IOM is on my bucket list. My Dad used to race there as youth on pushbikes and later on a Vincent Black Shadow.

@lyricslinger 2d

Right, I've just cancelled my plans to cycle around the world ... Great storytelling. The music being quite dissonant feels like a clever choice for a song about interrogations and torture

@berni1954 2d

New challenge for you come to Catalunya and try using the local rail system. 😄