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Posted By: rsdean BLACK HORSE - 04/25/24 11:28 PM
Hi All,

Here's something I wrote many years ago, but have now finally recorded.

This short & folky tune is called BLACK HORSE.

He was running the horizon
A blur against the sky
Midnight black in the daylight
In the corner of my eye

I was barely 21
He was somewhere in his prime
Had more heart than sense
But I guess that comes with time

Thunder on the hillside
The sound comes across
Warm breath in the cold mist
In the shadow of the horse

When I was 38
He lost part of his soul
She was a mare without compare
I couldn’t help or console

Some days are short and narrow
As I look back on our time
He still wanders the fields
He’s a ghost of his prime

But, thunder on the hillside
Freedom at all cost
Springtime in the valley
Another year of the horse

Yeah, thunder on the hillside
Sadness like a force
Goodbyes and farewells
The last season of the horse

BIAB Tracks:
1418: Bass, Electric, Ev16 085
4200: Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm Songwriter Ev 120
1533: Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Ev 120
RealDrums: NashvilleBrushesBalladPushEv16
Vocal recorded with a Copperphone Mic

As always - thanks for listening!

Bob
Posted By: David Snyder Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/26/24 12:49 AM
Great folk song Bob.

Love the sound of it.

Awesome mix.
Posted By: DC Ron Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/26/24 09:18 AM
Beautiful song, Bob! Lots of nice imagery here, "he's a ghost of his prime" is my favorite. The simplicity of the structure and instrumentation works perfectly. The mix is crystal clear. A very enjoyable blast from your past!
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/26/24 04:45 PM
David,

Thanks. Much appreciated.

Bob
Posted By: firesong Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/26/24 05:13 PM
Bob...another beautiful melody with your wonderful storytelling attached...I really like the piano line...very simple and consistent...laying the foundation...I would call it Americana at a high level...and the fade is a very effective tool in the song...especially considering the last couple of lines...a treasure at the bottom of the chest...always nice to find them...and always remember a song that's old to you is brand new to us!
Posted By: rayc Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/27/24 07:53 AM
Well constructed narrative and melody.
Cool performance too.
Posted By: WaoBand Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/27/24 11:01 AM
Another really interesting song lyrically. The piano was the perfect choice, but it's another song, User Showcase-wise, which I fell would be better longer with a cool solo in the middle. You're certainly a prolific lyricist. Well done.
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/27/24 03:25 PM
Ron,

Thanks very much.

Bob
Posted By: Bass Thumper Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/27/24 06:58 PM
Hey Bob, I love the simplicity of this, the mix and lyrics are great and your vocals shine.
The only slight drawback is that for me, it's too short, I wanted more.
A chorus, bridge or solo would have filled it out.
Nonetheless, this is really good.
--Steve
Posted By: floyd jane Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/27/24 07:20 PM
"Had more heart than sense
But I guess that comes with time"

That would have been enough for me.
All that stuff that goes along with it....just as good.

Yes.

fj
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/27/24 09:00 PM
Dan,

That's very kind - thank you.

Bob
Posted By: B.D.Thomas Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/28/24 11:17 AM
Simple but effective, I can see you sitting at the piano and singing your song.
Lyrics/storytelling is again the highlight, it always amazes me how strong images you're able to create.
Superb!
Posted By: BabuMusic Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/28/24 01:30 PM
Dang! You are so good at this, Bob. Always love your story lyrics, and the way you present them in an engaging melody with the best vocal delivery. I'm diggin' the subtle (almost background) scatting in this one too.
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/28/24 10:37 PM
Ray,

Much appreciated - thank you.

Bob
Posted By: PeterF Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/29/24 12:58 AM
Bob

Evocative and entertaining.
Good song.

Peter
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/29/24 03:05 PM
Chay,

Much appreciate the comments - thank you.

Bob
Posted By: gman97040 Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/29/24 03:22 PM
I like the lyrics. Goes well with the feel of the overall composition.
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/29/24 05:59 PM
BT,

Thanks - much appreciated.

Bob
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/29/24 07:10 PM
This is a shining example of “less is more.”
We love everything about it and can feel the movement of time in your story while listening.

As with all your tunes there's no need to quote a favorite line.
They are all worthy of quotes ... many quotes.
And the imagery is priceless. Worthy of a film or series placement indeed.

Nice session guys, fine vocals and an excellent mix.

We’re very glad you got around to recording this one!

J&B
Posted By: Brad Williams Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/29/24 09:26 PM
Very nice Bob. A great write with the perfect backing track, all well mixed. I got off the phone earlier today with a friend who's heading out to the Northern Nevada desert with some other friends of mine for a couple of weeks. I haven't been able to go with them for years, but that first verse of yours took me back there - where the wild horses still run. Thanks for the memories!

Brad
Posted By: Torrey Bliss Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/29/24 10:35 PM
Bob

What a lovely song!
You are an awesome lyricist! I wish I could paint word pictures like you do!
The backtrack you have constructed here flows gently and is spot on for the message!
I enjoyed it!

Thanks, TB
Posted By: MarioD Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/29/24 11:35 PM
Bob, IMHO this is one of your very best songs!
Outstanding vocal, lyrics, backing tracks, and mix.
Loved it.
Posted By: dcuny Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/30/24 05:34 AM
Hi, Bob.

You keep demonstrating how to put words and music together in a way that makes something a lot more than the sum of its parts.
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/30/24 09:31 AM
Floyd,

Thanks - as always I appreciate the kind words.

Bob
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/30/24 10:00 AM
Lovely song, Bob! Only complaint was it was over too soon wink
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/30/24 12:20 PM
Brian,

Thanks so much.

Bob
Posted By: Elliott Kayne Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/30/24 06:22 PM
Your lyrics are fantastic, I wish I could write like you. I the simple arrangement that supports your lyrics and vocals. Very Nice
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 04/30/24 07:06 PM
Marty,

Thank you - much appreciated as always.

Bob
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 05/01/24 09:28 AM
Peter,

Thanks very much.

Bob
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 05/01/24 09:29 AM
gman,

Thank you!

Bob
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 05/01/24 09:30 AM
Janice & Bud,

Thanks - appreciate the kind words.

Bob
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 05/01/24 10:21 PM
Brad,

Thanks for the kind comments and for sharing that story.

Bob
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 05/02/24 09:27 AM
Torrey,

That is very kind - thank you.

Bob
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 05/02/24 11:02 PM
Mario,

I appreciate that. Thank you.

Bob
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 05/03/24 09:37 AM
David,

Thanks for the kind comments - much appreciated.

Bob
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 05/03/24 09:37 AM
Dave,

Thank you!

Bob
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 05/03/24 09:38 AM
Elliott,

Thanks so much.

Bob
Posted By: Noel96 Re: BLACK HORSE - 05/03/24 11:49 AM
Hi Bob.

Your songwriter's signature is unmistakable.
This is a really fine addition to your catalogue.
I love the imagery and the journey through time.
You set the story up incredibly well with your first verse. It was very strong writing.
  • Quote
    He was running the horizon
    A blur against the sky
    Midnight black in the daylight
    In the corner of my eye

After that, there was no way I could have left the song until you finished it!

All the very best,
--Noel
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 05/03/24 03:01 PM
Noel,

That is extremely kind - thank you.

Bob
Posted By: camog Re: BLACK HORSE - 05/04/24 11:37 AM
Great song Bob - your voice reminds me so much of Bo Ramsey's voice and way of singing, very well done!!!

Best, Carl
Posted By: rsdean Re: BLACK HORSE - 05/04/24 11:39 AM
Thanks so much Carl. I appreciate that. I am a big fan of Bo.

Bob
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