Lullaby (Stranger Won't Touch You)

[stoman]

This song is a collaboration between Donna, Billy and myself. Donna had the original idea for the melody. I refined it and arranged the song, then Billy played guitar and sang the song for us.

Billy's vocals had originally been a placeholder because, being a lullaby, the song was meant to be sung by a (preferably Aboriginal) woman. But Billy did such a great job that we quit looking for a female singer and decided to go with this version.

Thanks to Donna for another wonderful lyric and to Billy for helping us with his great talent!

Donna says:

Aboriginal words in the lyric:
'biralee' = 'children
'shiralee' = 'burden'
'alunga' = 'sun'
'arapala' = 'full moon'

(Unfortunately I wasn't able to determine to which particular Aboriginal language the words belong. The lyric idea arose when I was thinking about Western Australia, where I once lived. I learned a great deal about the Aboriginal culture - and its methodical destruction - while I was there. The irony in the lullaby is intentional.)

Stranger Won't Touch You
(Aboriginal Lullaby)

Here is the link to the finished song:
Stranger Won't Touch You

[Mr. Mom]

This is beautiful Steffen, Billy and Donna.
I didn't even realize until the end that I could hear a didgeridoo in the background, nice touch. Lovely lullaby.

John

[Donna]

Thanks, John.  I love that didgeridoo as well. This was one of my earliest collabs here on MCS, and Steffen had the patience of Job.    (He still does.  ) I love the arrangement. Thanks, Steffen and Billy. 

Others have enjoyed the song as well.

Beautifully written, played and performed. RJC

Excellent write and beautiful listen! Dorinda

Beautifully arranged. Loved it! JC

This is so calm'n to the soul. Pretty sure this could have been delivered in any language and had the same calm'n effect. Git melody plays very well with the vocal melody. Much enjoyed.  Rard

So very nice, Donna.  Loved everything about this. Great lyric, nice vocal and the melody is special. Loved the didgeridoo in the background...really adds an "Aussie" effect. The guitar work is exceptional. Enjoyed a lot.  Dave

Very soft intro...Is that a didgeridoo in the background...love it.  James

Here in the middle of the afternoon I find myself falling asleep to this sweetly written melodic lullaby. So now when I'm watching TV at three in the morning, I'll have you to blame. (-:  Guess I can always play your song again...    Rittmo'

Sweet melody...don't remember ever hearing "possum" in the beginning of a song either...nice work.   Denise

[PVD]

Guys:

Lovely, well done all.

Paul

[stoman]

Thanks, Paul and John!

I really love this piece. I'm sure female vocals would have been great, but Billy did such a fine job, that I really don't miss them at all.

Regards,
  Steffen

[Studioplayer]

Really beautiful!!  Fantastic mix and Billy sounds great. Nice one guys

[CosmicDolphin]

Lovely song...great hearing Billy sing again.

Mix sounds a little strong in the bass dept here, but I like the simplicity of it.

CD

[Donna]

Paul, Dave, and CD, thanks muchly for your kind comments.
And yes, it's a treat hearing Billy sing on this.

Steffen, a few more kudos have trickled in. 

Donna

This song feels like it could or already has become a part of the tradition in far off Australia. It is beautiful, fresh and timeless. From lyric, to melody, to vocal and production, this is one more example of the highest quality work. I love this song.   Annie

Very pretty song Donna. Nice job putting the lyrics together. Beautifully performed. Great job!!
OD

Beautiful sweet lullaby - enjoyed!   Dave

What a sweet lullaby. Great production very well performed. Lovely guitar playing and sound.
Ken

What wonderful words. I could listen to this every night. I got goosebumps from the very beginning. It's truly lovely.  Sheila

[Paulo]

Sweet tune... Oh, bees will come seeing wazzup.

[stoman]

Thanks, guys!

Donna, very nice and kind comments. What did you pay them?

Regards,
  Steffen

[snowdoguk]

Simple but Super... well done all of you...

Mike

[detune]

This is a beautiful song.  I especially love the fingerpicked guitar.  Well done!

[stoman]

Thanks for listening, Mark and Mike! And good to see you back, Mark! I hope you'll soon be over you ear problems and get back in the game.

I think Mark (CD) is right about the bass section being a bit heavy. I posted a (IMO) better master at bandcamp (http://stoman.bandcamp.com). You can download the lossless version there too.

If anybody wants me to post it here, feel free to ask!

Regards,
  Steffen

[docmidnite]

Beautiful!

[stoman]

Danke, Doc!

I'll have to fix some consonant problems, but other than that I'm indeed quite happy with the result.  I think adjusting my speakers and getting some new gear did pay off ...

Regards,
  Steffen