From the recording FAWM 2024
Murder ballads have a strong tradition in roots music, and I've been wanting to try my hand at it, but I'm also highly aware of the sensitivity of anything touching violence against women. Rather than risking offending, I flipped the script. The write itself was unusual for me, as I wrote and recorded the guitar loop that plays throughout in the morning, the first verse this afternoon, did the rest of the instrumental recording and arranging this evening, then finished the lyrics and recorded them, finally adding a few embellishments. It's also extremely rare for me to base things around, with the exception of the bridge, a single chord and variations. My usual approach is lyrics first, grab a guitar and work it until I can play it through in one go and I'm happy. I still haven't played this one start to finish as a performance capable piece, but FAWM's all about stepping out of your creative comfort zone and trying new things. The demo's done and on to the next song.
Lyrics
Darlin
I promised you forever
When I gave you my heart
It'd be till death do us part
Darlin'
I'm still holding on to
The love I feel inside
I'm here till all the stars have died
Darlin' From the first time I laid eyes on
This woman here before me
Couldn't ask for nothing more
Darlin'
Growing old together
Was a dream that I have cherished
From that day forth
How could you do it?
How could you do that to me?
How could you do it?
How could you do that to me?
Darlin'
That little tin of powder
Mixed in with my coffee
I didn't see that play
Darlin
I promised you forever
So I'm here beyond the grave
As your shade