Facing an uncertain future is like traveling uncharted seas. A musical reflection on where my life was entering 2023.
adrian j pratt
uncharted seas
Story behind the song
As 2023 has dawned, for myself, it has brought with it an element of uncertainty. This song reflects that feeling, both lyrically and musically. I am headed into “Uncharted Seas.”
Growing older is a challenge. Medical and work-related situations have raised their ugly head. They have done so at a time when I’m not really ready to move on. Pity the little beasties couldn’t have hung on for another year or so, but that’s life! I honestly don’t have a plan and a whole lot depends on decisions that are out of my hands. We’ll see what happens.
So, I’m trying to lay back into the situation and trust that the winds of change will lead me to a place where there is a greater sense of certainty health wise, financially, emotionally, spiritually etc.. I’m certainly hoping that in the not-so-distant future I may find a place I can call home. For now, we’ll just travel on.
The song begins and ends with the sound of the sea. (For the recording geeks it's a VST Absynth 5 stereo synth and a patch called 'absynth beach'. Can't believe they are not extending this synth to VST 3 and discontinuing support!) I grew up by the water and hope I end my days near the coast.
A droning synth also starts and closes the piece, synthesizers having been a big part of my musical journey. Likewise, a little bit of Hammond B3 brackets both ends of the music. Then in comes some acoustic guitar and the tune builds in a reasonably predictable way. The orchestral trumpet sounds in the chorus come from a 'Spitfire Audio' VST of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, that can be downloaded free of charge from their website.
After the second chorus there is a coda that begins with an E Maj7 chord. (Such a whimsical little chord) and also throws in a few bluesy 7th’s. I wanted to project the idea that there is more to come the journey doesn’t end here.
The vocal is a little all over the place. With it being a very personal piece it felt right to inject a bit of personality into the mix, rather than succumb to the temptation of auto-tune.
It’s a little “Prog” and not the sort of thing I would expect has any commercial potential. It’s good to engage in occasional navel gazing even if just for the sake of one’s own mental health. Making music can be such a wonderful place to dwell. Takes your mind off things, while also providing greater focus on whatever you are working through!
Lyrics
Uncharted Seas
Adrian J Pratt December 10 2022
Taking it easy traveling through these days
Journeying onward, doing what it takes
Don't have in mind a final destination
How things work out's going to be a revelation
Depart from here . Sail uncharted seas.
There may be sunshine, maybe a storm
Seems that's the way it's been since the day I was born
Trying to watch and see what the next tide will bring
Trying to stay awake and feel the wind
Depart from here . Sail uncharted seas.
Looking back on the journey so far
I would never have guessed it would lead us here
But here we are
Still following that star
That old night sky so full of clouds and filled with haze
It can be hard to navigate these days
But we'll be fine
Tomorrow sun while shine
We travel on
Unchartered seas are leading us home
Where that may be remains the great unknown
I've been a mover all of my days
Become accustomed to travelers ways
Leave this place . Sail uncharted seas.
Looking back on the journey so far
I would never have guessed it would lead us here
But here we are
Still following that star
That old night sky so full of clouds and filled with haze
It can be hard to navigate these days
But we'll be fine
Tomorrow sun while shine
We travel on
Looking forward to finding our next resting place
We travel on
Looking for a safe harbor
Somewhere we can lower our sails
Somewhere we can stay for a while
A safe haven we can call home
Taking it easy traveling through these days
Journeying onward, doing what it takes.