You Haven't Been Yourself

[Billy]

This song deals with the subject of suicide.

I watched a documentary on channel 4 a while back called "One Under" which is a reference to someone jumping in front of a tube train. My brother-in-law works for a company which maintains the tracks for London Underground and he told me of some grisly tales which I won't go into but you can imagine the mess involved not to mention the trauma the onlookers will face.
Anyway, I asked Donna if she would be interested in writing a lyric about it and she typically came up with this quite brilliant tale. Once I got the music done I contacted George (guitargeorge) and asked him if he would sing it which he did and I'm so chuffed at the result  He does add a theatrical element in his delivery which works so well.

Thanks for listening.

You Haven't Been Yourself

Lyrics - Donna Devine
Vocals - George Williams
Music and production - Billy Playle

[V1]
I kiss my wife goodbye
[Then] grab my briefcase from the hall
Her eyes are dark with worry
As I hurry through the door
I haven't been myself of late
At least that's what she claims

[Chorus 1]
It's ringing in my brain now
'Something's wrong!
You haven't been yourself'

[V2]
I'll catch the 8.15
That takes me right to Bakerloo
Today's agenda's clear
Just need to elbow through the queue
I can almost hear the squeal
Of screeching wheels on carbon steel

[Chorus 2]
It's ringing in my brain now
'Something's wrong!
You haven't been yourself'

[V3]
I stare at advertising on a wall across the track
The irony's not lost on me that 40p a day
Would save a child in Africa
Put clothing on its back
I stand here in my suit and tie
And wonder what it's like to die

[Chorus 3]
It's ringing in my brain now
'Something's wrong!
You haven't been yourself'

[Bridge]
She's right, she's right and finally
I'll scrub the blackboard clean
Of everything I've ever done
Said and heard and seen
I hate the sludge of slow despair
That's clogging up my mind
Each day's humiliations
The senseless bloody grind

[Chorus 4]
It's ringing in my brain now
'Something's wrong!
You haven't been yourself'

[Outro]
Never one to make a fuss
I crept where others marched
This time I'll leap
Traumatise the witnesses
Irritate the passengers
Destroy a driver's future sleep
I'm sorry about the mess
The clean-up crew will have to face
But I can't do this with grace
You see I never had a heyday
So I think a frantic MayDay's
Going to wrap things up quite well
...And no, I don't believe in hell

[Chorus 5]
It's roaring in my brain now
'Something's wrong!
You haven't been...'

[AndyG6508]

Wow...deep breath..........absolutely brilliant....from the lot of you. An instant prog rock classic.

Andy

[napoleonboot]

This was a great piece to work on. Many thanks to Billy and Donna for the opportunity.

I feel I reached a milestone in developing my vocal ability with this, in terms of delivering an expressive performance.

[Zax]

Very nicely done!!

Frank

[PVD]

Great work from a great team.

Paul

[Paulo]

Sounds superb. A lill bit like Pink Floyd, I guess.

And a lot of Native Instruments stuff in there, prolly most of it 

[Donna]

Andy, Frank, Paul, and Paulo, thank you. 
And George, your vocal performance is exceptional. Really expresses the confusion and despair the character - or anyone in this situation - might be feeling.
I love Billy's musical interpretation. It neither judges nor glorifies what happens, but has elements of compassion as well, for everyone in the story.

It was an honour to be a part of this.

[docmidnite]

I feel I reached a milestone in developing my vocal ability with this, in terms of delivering an expressive performance.

+10!!!! Beyond the absolutly professional songwriting and production the vocals are outstanding!
Nice to watch your development!!!!!!

[napoleonboot]

I really value your comments everyone.

Henry, Donna - thanks!

[Billy]

Thanks for the comments, guys. Much appreciated.

[r4m]

Totally killer!!!!

[CosmicDolphin]

OOhh very haunting 

Great production and delivery by GG

CD

[rightonthemark]

wow...very cool...
stunning production & vocal performance by george.

[napoleonboot]

Thanks.


I just posted another song about the undergound in the finished section (Heart Beat). Just coincidence, honest!

[Bobby Watson]