Lighten Up

from Forgotten Voices by Brian Whistler

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about

This tune is the oldest one on the album. It has meant a lot to me personally over the years. It reminds me of the sort of folk/classical songs that were coming out in the mid to late sixties, things like "As Tears Go By" or the Left Banke's "Walk Away Rene." The extended coda is also a throwback to the psychedelic era. There's probably more than a little Beatles influence in there. Special thanks to Stephen Hart, mixer extraordinaire, who really got those strings sounding good. (There were only two players on a part.)

lyrics

Well I do believe I been hanging out
Out on the plains
But it's gettin' hard being on my own
Out in the rain
And at times I just can't feel
My heart turns to steel

And I'm running fast with no place to go
But back to my heart
'Cause I'm so afraid of the feelings I've
tried so hard to hide
And I'm tired of fighting too
And painting the rainbow blue

It's time to know when to lighten up
A little bit on yourself
Lighten Up on yourself
Lighten up, show a little tenderness
And lighten up on yourself

Well I've been alone and I've been loved
And when I loved it wasn't good enough
And the things I felt, I didn't feel enough
Now I want so much just to feel at all

So if you should see a lost traveler
Drifting through space
Please help bring him home with a gentle touch
And help him erase
All the times he just said no
And turned his back on the rainbow

Love and remind him to lighten up A little bit on yourself
Lighten up on yourself
Lighten up, show a little tenderness
And lighten up on yourself

credits

from Forgotten Voices, released August 18, 2015
vocal & tiple: Pablo Rodriguez
concertina: Roxanne Oliva
violin 1 & 2: Ellen Groningen
viola: Katy Wreede
cello: Moses Sedler
drums: Allan Hall
perc: Marquinho Brasil
bass: Mark Van Wagenigen
Arrangement: Brian Whistler

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about

Brian Whistler San Francisco, California

Brian Whistler has been playing and writing music since his late teens.

"Forgotten Voices" forges a signature synthesis of many styles, including Brazilian jazz, Balinese bamboo music, African and Haitian drumming, and electronic world fusion elements.

His new compositions are instrumental vocalise journeys inspired by his love of nature.

(All compositions and arrangements) by Brian Whistler ... more