"Albatross"

This next installment is one for which I can't really take much credit. It was written by my buddy Corey (of RSR and Ellison Station fame) and his girlfriend Monica. She wrote the lyrics, and he came up with the chord progression to follow. I'd like to think I've put my stamp on it, however, by making a few modifications here and there, altering the style a bit, and by adding the title. Typically when Corey brought a song to the band, as the singer I was given creative liberties and with such inevitably flavored it to my own tastes. That was the MO in general, though. Somebody brings a song in, and then the rest of us go to work on it.

Originally "Albatross" was a bit minstrel-like, maybe akin to some of the pop trend we've seen in recent years by groups like Mumford and Sons. At least when Corey first brought it to the group, that's what I thought of. My tendency is a bit moodier than that, a bit more melodic. Corey had some cool riffs that went along with the progression too, but they felt forced, and I cut them. That's always tough to do, but attachments don't fly when you're trying to help something become what it wants to be. To my ear, "Albatross" just isn't a riffy song. It's a folk song of one nature or another.

As for lyrics, I thought they were awesome, and the changes I made really were to suit my singing/playing style more than anything else. A wonky rhyme or syntax maybe. Of the original version I especially liked Monica's leap in the first two lines of the second verse. I don't recall her exact, original wording, but I dig her move from being anchored down to "wounds deeper than the ocean." There's no narrative connection, but the lines are tied by language--anchor, ocean. It's cool.


ALBATROSS

10,000 years or more, she said—I've been lost of flying
Far above my wings are spread—higher and higher I climb
Hold me down, hold me down—I can't float anymore
I desire to be on solid ground—won't you hold me down

All this time I'm looking around—for someplace to anchor me down
I've got wounds that would not heal—deeper than the ocean
Hold me down, hold me down—I can't float anymore
I desire to be on solid ground—won't you hold me down

From the clouds to the forest floor—I need you to touch me down
In your arms I will fold my wings—and I'll be safe with you

Hold me down, hold me down—I can't float anymore

I desire to be on solid ground—won't you hold me down