Topics
Form and Linearity, Numbers, Formula, and Mathematics in Composition
Description
My inspiration for the fingerpicking guitar part in this song comes from the playing of John Butler (2006) in his song Hello. I remember being in my early 20's and for whatever reason, probably laziness, avoiding learning this song for the longest time. The rhythm felt awkward, and my fingers couldn't get coordinated. But I finally pushed myself to understand it and found it was all numbers and patterns. A simple alternating bass line played by the thumb was the foundation to unlocking this fingerpicking technique. Chords, melodies, and everything in between could now be played over the top. I use this a lot in country blues and folk playing, and the technique comes so easily now that I can use it for any chord progression. In this way, it is the use of a formula, which combines the use of the PIMA system (Guitar Alliance, 2021) with chord shapes and rhythms.
The form of this song, once again, follows an ABAB format (Nettl, 2019) with each verses lyrics progressing the story in the A sections, and a catchy hook or chorus lyrics in the B sections. The overall aesthetic is happy and bright, signified by the chord progression starting and ending phrases with the tonic.
This is another song written with a philosophical tone, pointing towards the idea of one never reaching the desired destination. Instead, they must constantly search the unknown for meaning, and their perception of the world will dictate whether they live in heaven or hell.