EC's most personal song ?

[Lawyer fan]

EC is one composer/artist that appears to employ writing in the first person ("I"). Brian Wilson,

Lennon/McC, and a handful of others as well. Some of EC's songs seem like they were written during periods of deep contemplation/blues/epiphany. It's hard for me to point out one song in particular that is most personal to him. I was wondering if anyone else had any thoughts ? Thanks. Enjoy. Marc

[LobsterLvr]

I was just thinking about Eric's 'first person' approach to song writing...but in a negative way. "Temporary Hero" got me thinking about a category of Eric's songs that I don't really like: the "feel-sorry-for-me-I'm-a-songwriter" songs that have shown up several times in his career. I totally understand how cathartic it might be to put your feelings into a song...but in this case I feel manipulated. Songs like "Overnight Sensation", "Desparate Fools", "No Hard Feelings", and "Temporary Hero" are all designed to make us feel bad for Eric! And we all paid good money to have him make us feel that way. Hopefully he's done writing these kinds of songs and cranks out some more songs about love, summers, and sex.

Dave

[darlene]

It strikes me that Eric writes out of his own experience, that is, what he's feeling at the time. Deeply moved by some personal experience, some of us might talk to our spouse/significant other/closest friend about it, or even write a poem. Eric writes songs. I've written poetry/prose for most of my life, but very off-and-on. Something huge has to come up and hit me on the head, and then, when my subconscious is ready, whether I'm driving in the car or in the shower, it just says, "Grab a pencil and paper because here it comes!" I don't even consciously write--it just "visits" me, and there it is.

Eric's songs have always appealed to me for their deep longing/universality of human emotion. I never felt like he was asking anyone to feel sorry for him from any of them. I think he just writes down what's in his heart at the time, and he has a gift for making it extremely beautiful.

--D

[Steveh]

Dave,

I agree with Darlene that Eric wasn't wanting pity, but I do agree with you in that his songs about the music industry are very hard to relate to!I much prefer the lyrics to his songs about love and relationships. In response to Marc's topic concerning a favorite personal song...there are too many great songs, but as an example...how about "I was born to love you" or"Everytime I make love to you" - as contrasted with "Cartoon World" from the Winter Dreams CD.

Steveh

[Jeff]

Well, Dave, as your observations may have some truth to it, just like there are days where sex, summers, and fun are on your mind, there are times when you feel down as well. Unfortuantely, we don't have the talent that Eric has, to let out our sad feelings that way. I wish I had that ability, because it is probably a wonderful outlet for your feelings. It is not unique -- Country music CERTAINLY is not all "fun" -- more dead dogs, broken hearts, Losing your woman/man, and broken down trucks than anywhere .. then there's the blues, now that's really fun stuff

So, it is all in the outlet. Music has, is, and will always be a personal emotional outlet for the writer. I am glad we get to know Eric in that personal way, and ore importantly, I am glad he wants to share his feelings with us this way.

[LobsterLvr]

Ok, I agree that Eric does make songs about the music industry sound good to the ear. But didn't you feel a little bit cheated by those songs? He could have put those valuable LP grooves to songs we could ALL relate to.

Dave

[gordharris]

DO I get the vibe feeling that we're being cheated?

Is that what you mean to say?

[LobsterLvr]

Obviously I see a fine line between songs about music (That's Rock n Roll, Spotlight, Cruisin Music) and songs about the job of making music. Once you cross it, I guess my big red claws come out!

Dave

[LobsterLvr]

Getting back to Marc's original thought: What's great about the way Eric's songs are written in the first person is that they are great to sing along with.

I especially like singing "Some Day", these days.

Dave (Me, myself, I)

[gordharris]

Bernie, if possible, could their be anytime at all from Eric to start answering our questions?

I feel now is the time for this, Now that the Mp3 song was the Christmas present.

People here need to know from eric, this topic

of interest.

[mymooladi]

I love this song. I don't feel cheated at all. Eric is sharing his thoughts and feeling at a time in his life when things aren’t all that glamorous to him. I think it's a beautiful song though, it breaks my heart.

June

[aggiesjc]

I don't feel cheated or manipulated either. For one thing, they're just songs. In fact, in the case of "Temporary Hero," it's a song that was never released, so it's hard to feel manipulated by something that's been tucked away for decades. Of the songs that were released, we have the power to listen to those we like, and ignore the ones we don't. I see Eric's melancholy songs about the industry as a glimpse into his soul, and appreciate that he has the amazing ability to communicate experiences and perceptions through music and lyrics. His songs reflect many facets of his character, sometimes bright and upbeat and sometimes wistful or cynical. I love the sunny music, but it needs the balance that songs like "Temporary Hero" provide.

[Lawyer fan]

It would be interesting to count the number of EC

and Raspberry songs that have "I" in its title.

I note that on one of the Beach Boys' records, "TODAY", 3 of Brian's best songs ( all in a row ) have "ME" in the title : Please let ME Wonder, She knows ME too well, Kiss ME, Baby. I always feel that the sign of a true artist is to express himself without inhibition. These guys are pros at it. Enjoy. Marc

[Raspbernie]

"Temporary Hero" was written when Eric was pretty depressed and finding solace in the writings of F. Scott Fitzgerald (equally depressed :-) Still, IMHO, it is an awesome display of songwriting. Really awesome! And remember it is unreleased, which means he chose *not* to include it on any of his albums. So, with those things in mind, let the discussion continue…

Bernie

[mannoman]

Folks, this is a goofy thread.

Eric can write about whatever he wants. Temporary Hero is about something he felt at the time.

Dissecting and over analyizing his songs doesn't make them better or worse. It's what they(it) say(s) to you, the listener. Either you like 'em or you don't.

As for Temporary Hero, it's a nice gift from Bernie but the song doesn't do anything for me. That doesn't mean it's bad. Some of us like chocolate, some of us like vanilla.

I am one who listens to the music (sound) first and the lyric second. I much prefer music over lyrics (that's just me). Musically this song missed the mark IMHO. The lyrics are quite good. He conveys his thoughts and his pain at that time, but without the music being up to par (again, my opinion) it just doesn't work (for me).

Ted

[marvin]

Well I'm glad someone finally said it. I was afraid of saying anything negative about "Temporary Hero", so thanks Ted, the song does nothing for me either. I'd heard it a few years previously.

Marvin

[darlene]

I guess the important thing is that writing it did something for Eric. I think it's beautiful. Whether it was never released because Eric wanted to keep this expression personal, or because some moron record exec told him it shouldn't be on an album doesn't matter. As for his songs "doing it for me," I don't know of any other songwriter who can put music (or even words) together to make something exquisite every time, but Eric does it--EVERY TIME. Now *that* does it, for ME!

--D

[LobsterLvr]

Marv...don't be afraid to say something negative! That's what makes this message board come alive! I knew I'd stir things up with my original post in this thread. But (after years of therapy) I know how important it is to express one's feelings. The great thing about this form of expression is that we're ALL right. We've all got our own opinions, likes and dislikes. I happen to think Eric's mid-tempo stuff is his best (like "All For Love", and (don't barf, Marv) "Isn't it Romantic").

Dave

[gordharris]

Bernie, that was the first thing that hit my mind

while following the words to the song, I said to myself, he must have been depressed while writing

this song.

[marvin]

Thanks Dave. To sort of paraphrase another song:

"If I had the chance with Eric, I'd ask for this last chance to" let me list what I think are his best songs, and explain why I feel this way. There is nothing wrong whatsoever with writing from the heart, Eric does this often, and heck I'm guilty of doing it myself.

Marvin

[mymooladi]

I'd have to say that this song ranks in the top 3 for me too. It tugs at my heart, it breaks my heart and yet goes on. If that's not a beautiful song than what is? Of course that is just my opinion. I believe this song belongs on an album and I wish Eric would put it on one soon along with many other gems he has laying around doing nothing.

Eric, if you don't do them and do them right, what do you think will happen to all these masterpieces? Someone will come along and take your song and make a mess of them. Don't let that happen. Only you should sing and produce your songs.

June

[Craig Benfer]

I must say that I think this song has tons of potential but just slightly misses the mark in this demo version. I think some added instrumentation would do the trick for me.

[darlene]

Marvin, The great thing about this board is that you *do* have a chance to tell Eric exactly what songs you think his best are and why. He reads the board. I think we *all* know that by now! So, start getting your list together!

--D

[Gregkevinw]

i agree with ted's, "some like chocalate and some like vanilla" remark....it's music, and in the end it's ALL personal to whomever listens.

craig makes a great point also, you folks are disecting it like it's a finished song...it's a demo, just ec and a piano.

maybe eric will finish this one and release when he does that "internet" cd for us later this year, after the 'berries reunion tour concludes of course! .....yes i am being greedy....and i'm ok with that!

[gordharris]

OK, I like the Eric songs that were not previously

released also.

They are great, and with feeling, That's for sure.

Who knows, maybe Eric will sit down one day and put some of those together on a future cd for us.