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Curbside Shuffle
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This shuffle is my earliest song both written and recorded. Lyrics and album story below.
alternative pop rock jazz blues urban world
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Primary Site for Frederick's Rock Fusion Music & Philosophy
Primary site for Frederick's rock fusion incorporating elements of rock, electronic, folk, symphonic, world, blues, jazz, latin, and country influences, with lyrics based upon personal experience, informed spiritual humanitarianism, and political/religious independence. F. J. Serafim - Vocals, Electric/Acoustic/Synth Guitars, Synthesizers, Pianos, Bass & Production Hi Frederick, I liked the lyrical concept, the musical arrangements, musicianship and vocals... ....you are on the right track with your songwriting. Wishing you success with your music, Mike (Moody Blues co-founder Mike Pinder, 2018 R&R Hall of Famers) Song order is based upon technical considerations and not any intended sonic or creative merit. Licensing only upon direct contact with artist.
Song Info
Genre
Blues • Jump Blues
Charts
#32 in subgenre Peak #2
Charts
Peak #20
Author
Frederick Serafim
Rights
Frederick Serafim 1973
Uploaded
September 30, 2025
Track Files
MP3
MP3 7.6 MB • 320 kbps • 3:19
Lossless
WAV 33.5 MB
Character
Energy
relaxed, cool
high-energy
Positivity
dark, sad, angry
happy
Appeal
unique
radio-friendly
Story behind the song
From the album tribute to my 2nd favourite archetypal namesake, European Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen (1194-1250) "Stupor Mundi" (Wonder of the World), - the double excommunicated, early renaissance catalyst, who was vilified for his peacefully negotiated reclamation of Jerusalem, and attempts at Christian reform. Orphaned as a child and raised by tutors, the likelihood of his murder was at least as great as his coronation as King of Sicily, let alone Emperor of the greater part of Europe. His other accomplishments included such things as his employment of the merchant / mathematician Fibonacci, in order to replace clumsy Roman numerals with the first institutional establishment of our Indo-Arabic numerals in Europe; his founding of the first secular European university ( and 3rd overall ); the first use of proof-based empirical scientific logic in Europe; his translations of the lost Greek and Roman classical texts from the only remaining Arabic source; the writing of the first voluntary state Constitution shortly after the involuntary signing of Magna Carta; his selection of an inter-ethnic court and opposition to the persecution of Jews, and much more. Not much bloodshed though, and so not so well remembered. Also, much of what is known about him was written by his enemies, and therefore requires some reading between the lines in order to peer through his enigmatic mystique. Apparently, he was also a musician with a strong predilection for trumpet fanfares, which I have employed in trying to create this musical representation of him. In 2004, while visiting Italy, through chance encounter I was invited to speak to a gathering at Frederick's tomb, thus sealing my affinity for the monarch. Stupor Mundi is often confused with the 18th century Frederick II "The Great", who attempted a similar sort of progressive reign, but with far more expensive and destructive militancy... not a big fan. He is also sometimes confused with his grandfather, Frederick I Barbarossa. However, being an orphan raised by tutors moulded him into a much different creature than either of these two.
Lyrics
CURBSIDE SHUFFLE I'm standing on the corner wasting way my time I'm standing on the corner watching people going by There's all kinds of guys like me Rich men and beggars, a tapestry All crammed on to a piece of concrete Trying not to pass out from the heat The girls are getting younger, the shambled homes they've left behind Execs are cruising King St., good reputations on the line Sirens wailing most every night Big time habits, desperate fights Starving artists just barely alive The night life revellers, just glad they're alive Sometimes I can't help feel that we're all on display Small creatures in a dismal world watched over every day A winter's night takes another life Not a whimper even heard How long till the end of time Frees us from this crime I'm standing on the corner...
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