I have made a classical version of the original song, “You Opened One Eye”.
What I have been finding is that chords sound better with actual physical instruments (although I am using vsts), particularly the string instruments, Cello and Violin. I just feel that these instruments have a lot more emotion, which suits the topics I tend to sing about.
I do include a bit of synth too, but it is more subtle, I think complementing the string instruments, whilst also adding a bit of atmosphere.
In this particular song, I sing about my struggles following a marriage separation, and in particular, the difficulties over being separated from my young daughter, as I have no extended custody rights due to a medical reason. Two hours every two weeks is just not enough time. Every day I have the struggle of wanting to be able to see her, of missing her, and wondering what can I do as a parent in this situation. The solution seems to be to continue to work with the medical establishment to prove that I am fit enough to receive custody. But the timeframes are long.
Lyrics:
You opened one eye
There was not a cry
I saw you first time
I held you all mine
So small and so sweet
We finally do meet
The months have gone by
Gods gift from on high
Now I’m elsewhere from you
Separation so cruel
Not allowed to see you
Only two hours and through
Still I write you this song
Hope it wont feel too long
Till I hold your hand once more
Heart no longer feels sore
Please imagine I’m there
though it does not compare
Mornings when I heard your voice
Halls all filled with laughter
Said “ducks” by the lake
first word you did make
Now you say “love you”
I know it is true
I said I must go
pale lights they did flow
I want you to know
it brought me so low
Now I can’t see you grow
Be in boat to aid row
Give you seeds to help sow
Scare away all those crows
Still I love you from far
A close family we are
See you when I close my eyes
Inside I stop my cries
Each day tears me apart
Dark waves pound at my heart
Miss you when the sun comes up
And through the deep black night
The lyrics were written over two periods. The first period I wrote the first 3 verses, and I was feeling terribly emotional. The fourth verse was written months later , when I was feeling more stable about the situation. So while what I have written is true to an extent, there has been some poetic license taken. For instance, “Each day tears me apart”. I do feel torn ever day over not seeing my daughter, but the presence of Jesus in my life means that it is more bearable for me. I trust that this will resolve for my daughter and I in the best possible way. Of course, there are days when I feel worse, but generally, I am coping, just about. This doesn’t detract from me missing her more than people can imagine, but having Jesus brings a sense of peace to my days. So I wanted to state this, so that I am still being truthful, whilst also giving credit to God.
Back to the song, my singing is far from perfect, but I am just starting out, and have no voice training, and currently do not know of any techniques for improving vocal range. So I consider this an early version of this track. As the months go on, I will come back to this song when I feel my vocal range has widened…. Who knew that you could train your voice?
So, I have made the song available in my shop.
