FAWM: "Still Sleepless"

Still Sleepless

1 day ago by @jamesstaubes · @kahlo2013

Still Sleepless

jamesstaubes +1

00:00

Liner Notes

Liz says:

James says: This is my third collaboration with Liz and each time it's a blast. I sat down at the piano and literally the chords and melody for the verses came out. But I knew I wanted to write music for this the first time I read her lyrics. Her lyrics have so much emotion it's easy to connect and belt out feeling.

This power ballad has not one, but two key changes! The verses and choruses up to the bridge are in Bb. The bridge goes to Db, and then the last chorus goes up to B. It was begging for an emotional lift.

This song also finally got me to remedy issues I was having with my MIDI keyboard. The MIDI interface stopped working so I had to get a new cable. Then the sustain pedal died on me. So I got a new one. This song would be impossible without a sustain pedal.

Thanks again to Liz! I'm quite happy.

Liz Says: What a gift to have @jamesstaubes bring his musical sensibilities, skills, and talents to this lyric! He did such an amazing job bringing emotion and depth to the words to create this incredible ballad that captures the sentiment I was trying to convey so perfectly. Love the thoughtfulness he brings to the collaboration and so grateful that he picked this one up!!!

Lyrics

Lyrics by @kahlo2013

Verse 1

I’ve watched the moon rise from the pillow on my bed I’ve watched stars come out and fill the sky overhead

I’ve watched the hours change witnessed the sun come up I’ve watched some short clips of days we were in love

Chorus

still sleepless wondering how you’ve been still sleepless longing for you again still sleepless sleepless over you

Verse 2

I’ve watched slow car lights cast shadows on the wall I’ve watched for you to come walking down the hall

I’ve watched the empty space where you slept next to me I’ve watched for any signs that you also miss me

Bridge

I do better in the daylight moving through the same routines but I struggle in the night time without you

Comments

@ductapeguyMod 23h

This could be in a John Hughes soundtrack. I really like how the verse is just sort of sneak into the chorus with little noticeable transition.

@billwhite51 1d

i love the way james sings the phrase "ive watched" at the beginning of each verse line, and how liz emphasizes these instances of watching with the "still sleepless" of the chorus

@karendemello 1d

That bridge - wow! Love the key change! Awesome lyrics, awesome sound, awesome collaboration!

@paul_pedersen 1d

James, I'm disappointed. You see, I was hoping to keep Liz and her great lyrics entirely to myself. Would that be selfish? Probably. I guess I've had my share with 20 songs with Liz so far and working on another when the sun comes up.

I like what you've done with the music, especially the key change to Db. That added drama. And, as a once-upon-a-time bass player, I loved the weight of the bass on the track.

Altogether, this is a fine combination of lyrical and musical talent.

@sheslin 1d

Beautiful lyrics by Liz! She is such a keen observer of life and a master story teller. I like the key change at the bridge - it hits just right. Wonderful melody and your emotive vocals really convey the sense of missing someone. Power ballad indeed. Really well done and I enjoyed listening. RIP to your sustain pedal - they are essential - glad you got a new one. Great collab.

@williamjames 1d

Sounds great. Your vocals are very powerful and emotional. The lyrics really get that longing feeling across. Those lines about watching cars go by and staring at the empty space is just so relatable. I think most of us have been there. These key cahnges really have this song soaring!