SSG10-Week24 Nowhere Fast (A Tribute to Bangkok Traffic)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11561169
It was a Monday about a week ago I headed downtown to work
I was running 5 minutes late that day; I had a tie and a clean white shirt
Now Bangkok is a city where I think you'll find
It's almost impossible to be on time
I've been living in my car for last several days
Sitting at a traffic light that just won't change
Chorus
Where getting nowhere fast; here I am
The street is a parking lot in the heart of Siam
Another Bangkok baby born in a taxi cab
The motorists around start to honk and clap
Where getting nowhere, nowhere, nowhere
Getting nowhere fast
It was amusing for awhile the first few days to see how the others prepared
Cappuccino makers plugged in cigarette lighters I was thirsty but could only stare
Now Bangkok is a city where I think you'll find
People are friendly but the streets are unkind
I've been here so long my hair's turning to gray
Sitting at a traffic light that just won't change
chorus
Bridge
“Jai yen yen†is a Thai phrase for keep a cool heart
If you think the traffic is bad wait ‘til it's time to find a place to park
chorus
Was that a mandolin at the beginning or something more exotic? I liked the oriental intro.
I think that slowing down more on the bridge would be a nice contrast and would emphasize the "cool heart" idea.
You could add a verse or two about other things that people do in their cars while they wait. After all, if you've been in the car for a week, you must have seen a lot.
Renee
I think that slowing down more on the bridge would be a nice contrast and would emphasize the "cool heart" idea.
You could add a verse or two about other things that people do in their cars while they wait. After all, if you've been in the car for a week, you must have seen a lot.
+1. I was expecting a different feel and rhythm with the lyric, but of course it works.
Yeah works for me.
I think that slowing down more on the bridge would be a nice contrast and would emphasize the "cool heart" idea.
I agree or even re-introducing the mandolin. Good work James
Paul
Hi Renee, Andy and Paul,
Was that a mandolin at the beginning or something more exotic? I liked the oriental intro.I agree or even re-introducing the mandolin.I think that slowing down more on the bridge would be a nice contrast and would emphasize the "cool heart" idea.
I went ahead and slowed down the bridge and added the "phin" throughout the song
The "phin" is the N.E. Thai instrument I played. This picture is the exact same model I have.
http://www.myspace.com/richroberge/photos/36983086
I did come up with almost another full verse, but the time added to the length of the song compared to the value added of the lyrics isn't there yet.
By the way, the babies born in taxi cabs is a real phenomenon in Bangkok
http://www.breastfeeding.com/reading_room/bangkok.html
Thanks for the listens and suggestions :D
James
You could be describing traffic in many major cities . The line in the chorus "The street is a parking lot in the heart of Siam" came out fine but my tongue would have got twisted singing that.
:D
James,
I heard about the earthquake and Tsunami warnings in your region. I hope that you are in a safe position.
John
Hi MrEWorm,
Thanks for the listen, post and thoughts of concern. :D
The Thai New Year (SongKran) starts soon and a lot of people usually head to the beaches. I'm sure many will be keeping an eye on the situation.
Where we are in Bangkok is relatively safe compared to Southern Thailand.
Thanks again.
James
