Day 5: Go Shopping Today

Lyrics:
Let's sing of my low budget blues
I'm tired of all the same old news
And when I'm alone and there's no one to hold me
I turn on my TV

And then I see what I want
And then I hear what they say
"It's okay, go shopping today"
How'd they know how to find it
How'd they know that I need it
They say "Hey, go shopping today"

I have no friends nearby at all
My family never deigns to call
And when I'm alone and I need conversation
I'm pulled into their web

And then I see what I want
And then I hear what they say
"It's okay, go shopping today"
How'd they know how to find it
How'd they know that I need it
They say "Hey, go shopping today"

And if you seem confused
Just wait and they'll tell you
Exactly what to do

Now hear my tale, and don't get lost
The credit line is one to cross
If you do, then you'll find all the love you can handle
Your debt will pay your dues

And then I see what I want
And then I hear what they say
"It's okay, go shopping today"
How'd they know how to find it
How'd they know that I need it
They say "Hey, go shopping today"

Details: My roommate wanted to write a song today, too. Not so much a co-write, just that we'd take a theme and each write a song about it. We picked some random passages from random books and used those as a jumping point. The thing that stuck out to me was something about a Personal Shopper. So originally, this song was going to be about a personal shopper, but it changed...

Unlike the last two songs, I decided to start with the guitar. As I started writing, I realized that I was using the same chords as I did on "Add Me In Photoshop" from a couple days ago, so I started consciously avoiding the melodies and rhythms from that song. I think I succeeded in differentiating between the two songs, but if they sound slightly similar, that's why. Once I had the music worked out, I decided to go for a walk and come up with the lyrics. I tried to write about how the advertising world talks to people-- when no one else will talk to you, advertisers will. I think it's strangely comforting (though disturbing in other ways) that in American culture, somebody is always talking to you. The song ended up more preachy than I wanted it to be, but I think it feels a bit like a Pete Seeger ditty.

This went really fast-- it took a little over 2 hours to finish (and about 30 minutes to record). I'm thinking this may be a good template for writing future songs: write music with the guitar, then go for a walk to write the lyrics.