By 
Ballerina Art by Shelby McQuilkin-abstract figurative artist
A couple of posts back I mentioned a mate of mine asking the most stupid question anyone has ever asked. It went like this, “How many times am I allowed to drive round a roundabout?” Although not a question this time, he’s been at it again on the stupid front. A couple of days back – this is all true by the way – I’m talking to him and he says what a horrible time he’s had on Google Earth trying to work out the directions to a town just 3 miles away from where he lives. He said he had to visit the place and he desperately didn’t want to get lost on the way. Given that he’s lived all his life in the same place, it’s hard to believe he didn’t know how to get to a town so close by. I pointed out that he didn’t need Google Earth as it’s a straight road from his place, and that there’s no way he could get lost.
Next thing, I say, “Are you walking or are you on your bike?” He says, “I’m taking a bus.” I say, “Why are you checking Google Earth if you’re taking a bus?” He says, “I never thought of that.” He shouldn’t be allowed out.
Anyway, 2012 seems a long time ago. I was 19 then, and that’s when I wrote this song, ‘Ballerina Dancing’. It was another number for my Liquid Truth concept album and is very much a ‘demo’ made for a uni songwriting module. I produced the whole thing from my bedroom in the days when I didn’t have much in the way of kit. It’s not that the sound’s rubbish with a ‘demo’, it’s just sound undressed. I hope you enjoy.
BALLERINA DANCING
I’ve never known love
And I’ve never known hate
And charcoal letters on the wall
Help seal my fate
Ballerina dancing
And she’s just a silhouette
An offer to the condemned man
Of one last cigarette
All I know is all I know
And all I know is real,
Like a scarecrow on the gallows
It is no big deal
I’ve seen the writing on the walls
In shadow land today
Telling of another place
A place of night and day
I’ve never known love
And I’ve never known hate
And charcoal letters on the wall
Help seal my fate
Ballerina dancing
Just a silhouette
An offer to the condemned man
Of one last cigarette
All I know is all I know
And all I know is real
Like a scarecrow on the gallows
It is no big deal
Ballerina dancing
I’ve never known love
And I’ve never known hate
And charcoal letters on the wall
Help seal my fate
Ballerina dancing
Just a silhouette
An offer to the condemned man
Of one last cigarette
One last cigarette
Here’s one from Imogen Heap called ‘Earth’. If you haven’t heard her music, I can report that Imogen is an amazing composer and sound artist. A unique performer.
Imogen & Shelby McQuilkin aside, Copyright © 2012 Zoolon Audio. All rights reserved. Unauthorized copying, reproduction, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting prohibited.
Great anecdote, song by zoolon, and link to Imogene! Have a great day.
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Have a great day as well and thank you.
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Smiles, I will try.
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Your mate sounds hilarious, *laughs*, and by gum I like your song, lyrics and music, undressed or not.
– Esme nodding a lot upon the Cloud
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He is a nutter, Esme. At one point he stayed indoors – he’s not agoraphobic – for 5 years living on US time. But really? Not knowing how to get from Paignton to Brixham?
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Good lord, and good luck with him as a friends *laughs*
– Esme Cloud
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I don’t know. I think plenty folks would be happy to have produced this great sound
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Thanks, Shey. One day I’ll re-record the whole album. All I need is spare time.
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George, ‘Ballerina Dancing’ is a wonderful song. I hope you find the time to re-record the entire album. ~ Mia
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Thanks, Mia. You couldn’t magic me a time machine? Then I could travel back to when I was first recording the album and mix and master it properly.
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Ballerina Dancing is such a great song I love the sound hope you can find time to record the album again! Also I love Imogen used to listen her as Frou Frou! And always thank you for stopping by my Blog! Carolina 🙂
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Thanks, Yesterday (great name). Have you seen the vid of Imogen with her magic gloves? It’s on YouTube. She really is a genius.
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Thank you! Yes Imogen is a true genius I looove the magic gloves what an awesome way to create amazing sounds and a truly new way to make music! So magic!
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I’m thinking of magic socks but maybe I’m on the wrong track!
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LoL well it is another great idea 😉 you can create music while dancing! 😉
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Or sound art putting the socks on. I’m guessing the washing machine would ruin them though.
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I guess that too! :-))
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What a great post, and love the song!
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Thank you. Kind words.
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You’re very welcome and greatly deserved. 🙂
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Ballerina Dancing has a great beat – I read the lyrics before listening to the track and for some reason expected a slower beat. I was tapping my fingers while listening 👍
Regarding the Google 🌏 story, it made me giggle. Hope your week is going well.
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Thanks, Christy. The Google Earth thing, is – I’m guessing you guessed – a bloke thing. I don’t know that is the case, it’s just blokes do ‘dumb’ better than women.
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This is beautiful. I like what you do with the image “the last cigarette”. Actually in my advanced years I enjoy Google Earth. It found the house I lived in until I was ten year old.
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💙 the way you write.👍
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Thanks you, Imelda.
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Okay, that friend of yours…wow. Though I’ve met Midwesterners just as bad, too.
But the Ballerina lyric is lovely, at least. 🙂
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I could write a book about the things he comes up with. In fact one day I might just do that.
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You totally should. The stuff of Bad Family Portraits and Craziest Answers by Children on Exams. 🙂
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A beautiful song, and you’re right; your friend shouldn’t be allowed out, not on his own anyway!
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Thank you, Kim. I think my pal is lost in the snow at the moment. There should be a great story to tell if he doesn’t freeze alive. I was told he forgot his coat and gloves! I’m glad you liked my song.
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