Composing a song called “Time”
By Bee
I have always loved prog-rock. Bands like Jethro Tull, Yes and Electric Light Orchestra stretched the envelope of popular music throughout the 1970’s and 80’s.
They did this by combining thoughtful lyrics and evocative melodies with sophisticated arrangements that blurred the line between classical orchestration and rock improvisation.
I also really, really like the surf guitar sound that accompanied so many 1950’s B-grade movies!
It has been my long held ambition to write songs in both these genres. I’ve held that ambition for so long now it has begun to feel like procrastination!
I feel it’s time to stop dreaming and start doing so I’ve combined these two loves into a single song.
I know that surf prog-rock has yet to find its place in the popular music cannon but if I don’t give it a go who will???
There is a probably a reason why Emerson, Lake and Palmer never tried to channel Dick Dale and I’m hoping that reason is because they were too young at the time to remember Dick Dale.
That’s the music but what about the words I (psychically) hear you ask!
That great I-Ching of galactic knowledge, the Hitchhiker’s Guide Galaxy quotes Ford Prefect; “Time is an illusion, lunchtime doubly so”.
I have been endlessly fascinated by the concept of time since I hid behind the sofa as a kid to watch Doctor Who. I was way too scared to sit on the chair!
We live in a universe where time travel is possible but we’re only going forward ‘cause we can’t find reverse! Despite this linear journey, time often expresses itself in cycles. The moon rotates the Earth which in turn rotates the sun. Tides pull in and out erasing footprints we left on the sand.
These repeating patterns signal an opportunity for rejuvenation and rebirth. As the sun rises on a new day we have the opportunity to make different choices, try different things and see our world anew.
Ultimately, the best journeys are the ones you share. To have and hold, for better or worse, it’s fun to travel together across the universe.
I would especially like to thank Mitzi Clifford for singing this track, the fabulous Ian Ahles for making my surf guitar dreams come true and Beth for sharing the journey.
B
