a tone poem that moves into a mediterranean groove.
singer/songwriter, sax player and sound engineer, I have created multiple CD's in my home studio using pro-tools and plug ins.
Story behind the song
conceptually, I wanted to present something mystical, reminiscent of fantasy and historical novels, going all the way back to Homer and mythology. Hinting at Greek heroines and goddesses who, in poetic terms, weave spells that enslave the poor men who cross their paths.
I'm sure that there are tons of distinct images that I've conjured for this, including but certainly not limited to such fare as the film She. Once the spell of love gets fixed into your mind you are doomed to remain a toy to her capricious whim and even when and if she releases you - well, life pales.
In the midst of writing the lyrics I came up with the structure of the song - using the crashing surf to give a sense of place as well as a feel of timelessness that the eternal sea always provides. I added the plaintive repeating sax line - like a fog horn beckoning a warning - stay away.
The unusual chord progression echoes that the "gifts" may have strings attached and that all in love may not be fair (though the closing stanza suggests that slavery to love may indeed be worthwhile).
The first section ends with a choral bit with multiple sax harmonies, which suggests worship while the descending arpeggio at the middle of it perhaps hints at falling.
And once you've fallen - then the somewhat eastern rhythm pattern takes over and you are taken to the casbah where a maiden does a slow dervish reveling in her femininity. Once again you are taken in; drawn to the music and the power of all that she possesses. Do you dare enter into her world - can your self hope to survive? Give her her due and perhaps love will carry you to Homeric heights.
Lyrics
she hails from a land where sand meets the sea
where tales are born, of love and mystery
her gifts to you, bestowed with a smile
calling out from her windswept isle
feel her voice reach across the sea
know in your soul you're no longer free
she twirls to the music in your mind
every move like a sweet caress
she shimmers with firelight's flame
as you burn for her
do you dare to crawl towards the abyss
touch what no mortal should ever touch
embrace the madness
anoint her
lose yourself in those luscious curves
lose yourself
for she is love
