MacJams.com - Song: Girl On A Wing by Vic Holman

Girl On A Wing
by Vic Holman

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Guest views: 977
Member views: 2
Song comments: 85
Tokens: 0
Plays: 149
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Downloads: 41
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Submitted on: Mar 09, 2008 - 01:01:47 PM
Last Updated: Mar 09 2008 - 01:01:47 PM

Description quirky song with a quirky story with some quirky chords.

this went through a lot of transformations over the past few weeks. couple times dumped everything and started over. anywhere from a slower version to a heavier more distorted version. funny how a song can change during the process.

Lyrics Girl On A Wing

girl on a wing
she wants to be a bird
she wants to fly away

she wears a curtain
wrapped around her head
always hanging out
on the window ledge
and she wants to be a bird

ch
(girl on a wing) she learns to fly
(girl on a wing) she sows the sky
(girl on a wing) she sings bye bye

blue skies reflect her eyes
wearing her disguise
the pinafore of feathers
lifts her off the ground
and she wants to be a bird

ch
(girl on a wing) she learns to fly
(girl on a wing) she sows the skies

we knew you well
we kept the feathers
somewhere out there
a wing and a prayer
and she wants to be a bird

ch
(girl on a wing) she learns to fly
(girl on a wing) she sows the sky
(girl on a wing) she sings bye bye bye

---------

ch
(girl on a wing) she learns to fly
(girl on a wing) she sows the skies
(girl on a wing) she sings goodbye bye bye
(girl on a wing) she sings goodbye bye bye

Hardware iMac, Gibson SG & Ibanez SA electric guitars, Schector 5 string bass, m-audio keyboard, digitech gnx2 pedal board, ibanez tube screamer, condenser mike

Software: Logic Pro 8

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dajama said 304 days ago

Love it
This has some great changes, and what sounds like some very interesting chords for sure! Love the intro - scary good guitar sounds, no surprise there of course. The lead sound is terrific, contrasts nicely with the more "chiming" sound of the background guitar. Your vocal once again outstanding - distinctive and expressive. Love the lyrics ("the pinafore of feathers" - what an image!) Very cool, my friend. NIcely done. Peace.

	Vic Holman said 304 days ago
	ch-ch-changes the beginning originally was some clean picked electrics. i started adding more elements just for fun and decided to keep them in. this one kind of became its own monster. Its been in the works for 3 weeks so I'm glad it is wrapped up. Totally enjoyed your latest!

	lengold said 304 days ago
	What an unusual and great song. I love the guitar sounds (especially the rhythm guitars in the chorus).. The song has a real momentum to it and your voice just gets better and has more confidence with every song. I know this is a bit from left field but I can actually hear this as a James Bond theme. This is really excellent Vic. Cheers Len

	Feter said 304 days ago
	Girl On A Wing WO ..this has incredible bass and guitar lines all along .what a sound you brought here ! very tripy and sound just right right into the sound (tube screamer) is the secret ...Deep Bow !!!

announcer said 304 days ago

You get stronger every song
You are really running on all cylinders on this song. Overall sound is there and the lyrics are some of the strongest you have ever penned.

You also have done a great job here of the vocals working with and at the same time against the guitars and the rest of the track. ... does that make sense? I guess it is because the vocals are almost in half time to the rest of the track and that makes them really work here.

Your heavy use of the compression on this track is also a very good choice. It give the whole song an aggressive and saturated feel that doesn't work on all stuff but is very effective here.

	Mcboy said 304 days ago
	oh yeah propellant track......rocks in the way rock should...hehhehhe...big sound vic.....nice tones u r getting.......likes likes likes!!!!!

	Rebsie said 304 days ago
	You're never a disappointment, Vic Your stuff always sounds so polished and so immaculately integrated. All the instruments and voices tightly cemented together but still occupying their own space in the mix. I dunno how you do it but it's delightful. A great dark piece of songwriting too, I love it.

	Z293 said 304 days ago
	The Opening Sequence justs pull me into this. Love those as you say "quirky chords".

said 304 days ago

Hard to say, but....
this may be your best, certainly your most ambitious and adventurous, song in my opinion.... and you deliver the goods. The particular chord changes, the changes of tempo, the backup vocals, the atmospherics all come in as unique elements to create a Holman classic. The minor chords set the tone for some absolutely minimalistic yet powerful and evocative lyrics. That alone is the mark of a memorable song. And your singing of those lyrics, it seems, also takes some chances that I don't remember in your other songs... even more ambitious and interesting singing than maybe some of your previous outings.

Of course, this has the trademark classic guitar work and production of your other songs. Although with all the interwoven parts in this song, the production seems a notch up the ever-expanding scale. And one more thing, as stated by others... devastatingly effective bass and percussion throughout.

... so, you can relax, you passed the audition.

Kudos, Vic!

Jack

	said 304 days ago
	Power Rock Killer chorus, that grinding guitar is stellar driving the song along nicely....I love that loose nonchalant chorus makes the song for me I assume this is the more nitty gritty version, well Im glad you decided to go with this!

	Vic Holman said 304 days ago
	hey Tom the rhythm guitars is a gibson sg that i just bought, and yeah it has grind power. wish it hadn't taken so long to get one. i was to lazy to add more lines to the chorus so i tried drawing it out. the even heavier version had 2 heavily distorted guitar tracks in addition to all this. i decided to dump them because they where competing too much.

	said 303 days ago
	Gibson! One day I will either go with a Gibson or a Fender, But I like the Gibson better, Enjoy it and perhaps post a pic of it somewhere or a link, Thanks Vic This song is really one of your best

	Vic Holman said 303 days ago
	Gibson or Fender It was up for debate for me. I was thinking of the new american strat as well, but i realized I already have a few strats. One of them I put noiseless pickups in and does a great job of eliminating any hum. I really like the light weight and feel of the SG. And I can prance around like Angus Young if I so choose.

jiguma said 304 days ago

Really nice production Vic!
One of your best sounding songs - top guitar sounds as usual. You must have one of the best set of presets for guitar around.

Vox amazing! The Schector sounds great, especially the bits where the fx (is it "liquid bass preset?) bite. I'm really looking forward to getting Logic Pro 8 in the next few weeks. Excellent production.

No nits, just a top song - when's the CD coming out?
:)
Neil

	Vic Holman said 304 days ago
	thanks Neil true I have something like 80 presets in my pedal board. although I stick to around 5. and add the tube screamer, that i can't find a equal sound to. actually there is the bass of course, but also a synth track as well. It's included in logic 8. I know you are going to get a big kick out of L8. I keep forgetting about the CD thing. I need to figure if it's economically viable.

	jiguma said 304 days ago
	Economically viable I look like I'm going to cover costs with mine, which to me is a really good result (and somewhat unexpected too). Send me an email if you want more info on this. It's possible to do it very cheaply. Neil

	DWL said 304 days ago
	Remarkable! Lovely smooth sound. I really liked the way you arranged this Vic. Home recording at its best! Cheers Dick

	TobinMueller said 303 days ago
	Heavy on a Wing The opening has this great Abbey Road "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" vibe, one of my favorite produced tracks of all time. The shifting rhythms and sliding harmonies are totally cool. One of my fav tracks of yours. Totally dig it. Really nice work.

five_extra_arms said 303 days ago

On The Wing Of A Prayer
Vic - the chorus is the best. Love the layering of the "girl on a wing" and "she learns to fly", etc.... Your voice sounds great and this might be your finest vocal performance to date.

Guitars - I'm sick and tired of telling you how good your guitar is. You've made me sicker and tireder (yup, I said tireder) with this astonishing new guitar of yours.

Excellent all around.

Bob

	five_extra_arms said 303 days ago
	Schector 5 String Bass I forgot to tell you how nice the new bass sounds.

	Vic Holman said 303 days ago
	tireder-er Hey, Bob. i found downing a couple glasses of water helps me on vocals. and a bathroom break from all that water helped too. that's being wettyer and fluidyer. I like the new SG, it's got those devil horns that make it, well... hornyer. I mis-spelled the bass brand, it actually ends in 'er' as well. with the 5th string it makes it more bassyer!

	Godchaser said 303 days ago
	High Flier Very cool post.Love the overall sound of everything you've got going on here.Rock solid production and delivery.Guitar and bass tones are wonderful as is the vocal work.Good,good stuff. Blessings,

	davisamerica said 303 days ago
	right then vic man a real great tune here ... as always the guitar work is tops .... amazingly good and u!

	Karmatoburn said 303 days ago
	yes I always enjoy music that takes some chances. I especially liked the progression and the perfect way you threaded your vocal through out. The guitars were razor sharp.

	peacepiano said 303 days ago
	Quirk Driven to the quirky side eh? Sounds like it is bringing out your creative side. Despite its quirkiness, the chorus rocks. Thanks Bill

	SmokeyVW said 303 days ago
	love that bass line nice one. great guitar as always - the lyrics may be out there - but they work. i love that bass line in the chorus! it's addictive. thanks

	Nick_Flash said 303 days ago
	nice Nice one Vic. I love the vocal layering in the chorus and that solo rocks!

	Sir Bass said 303 days ago
	Vic First time listening to your music, I'm impressed. sounds like money.

	magnatone said 302 days ago
	WOW Could this be more cool?? Great driving beat, your vocals are perfect here. This is one for the ipod - Thanks!

	guitapick said 302 days ago
	Great sound... ...I really like your use of chromatic runs...song writing's top notch...

	michael2 said 302 days ago
	awesome loving the new SG and loving the song. those backups are super cool in the chorus when they go down a half step. killer dynamics too. you are always good for a great psych-pop song, and this is no exception. i like the synth in the intro too (you hardly ever use synths - kind of like the proclamation on those old Queen records "no synthesizers used").

	said 302 days ago
	Vic You amaze me always.. The way you sing this swings like radio head. All I can say is your singing is just at its hight and I know You will only go higher. Very cool break then build up with the lead. Sounds like there is a person in a deep voice saying something in the background.. I am blown away. Im not worthy!!!!!!!!!!!!

	Ibstrat said 302 days ago
	Yes this is very, very good.I can't think of anything I don't like about it.That drum beat is amazing.Vocals and guitar-outstanding.

	thetiler said 302 days ago
	ya like dadai said this really is great piece of rock and roll it seems to me. The writing is really edgy to the max it seems. A cool listen. This really seems like articulate rock :) Thanks for sharing and including us mjers in vics powerful rock culture!

	lavalamp said 301 days ago
	Always late Sorry that I was late to listen. Dig everything about this one, especially the driving guitars and the changes. Outstanding vocal job. And great lyrics man. Tight. Dave

Scott Carmichael said 301 days ago

Mr Holman
I'm trying to figure out if you're extremely creative and prolific... or if you are mixing prescriptions... kind of a phycadelia trippy journey... I love the overlapping vocals in the chorus... you've raised the bar so hi for yourself... people are always expecting greatness... I think you should modify peoples expectations by releasing a series of trombone & accordion duets... just a thought...

really vic, when folks post lots of material, I expect the quality to suffer, and you fly in the face of that generalization...

you do Logic Pro proud

	said 301 days ago
	really how do you do this? over and again. . - Harold

	Vic Holman said 301 days ago
	Hi Scott no meds or even aspirin. I don't think about it too much. I start out tinkering around on a acoustic in the evening. sometimes something hits me. then i build from there. that's when it picks up speed. some times luck other times a lot of thinking. about that trombone and accordian duet. lucky thing there are no trombone synths in Logic. :-)

	Vic Holman said 301 days ago
	hey Harold truth is because there is no real pressure or rules. that or i'm an idiot savant who doesn't know it. Sometimes I'll listen to a song from months ago after not hearing it, and wonder how in the hell did i do that. Thinking to hard hurts the brain!

Ejh said 301 days ago

Listening carefully...
...on headphones, one of the things that strikes me is that this mix has a nicely warm and full midrange that helps the whole mix sound complete. Some of your long-ago tracks were treble-fests, with lots of chiming guitars but not always the bottom-to-mid foundation...

I like the lead guitar sound in particular, which has bite, but doesn't sound thin, and suits the total track very well... And I also like the lead playing...

The total mix is nicely cohesive...

I might vote for a tiny bit more voice, and I might vote for a tiny bit more drums...

I think you did a nice job on the vocal here, too, Vic... And I like the song as a song very much...

Ed

	Remark80 said 299 days ago
	love the vox I think your vox on this song fits perfectly. Very cool Chorus. Nice sound!

	Leon said 298 days ago
	Yeah, Vic! Two songs on the chart? Man, you are prolific. Well this song is quirky indeed, but that's what makes it stand out from the crop of songs this week. I give you props for taking bold steps to being unique. The unpredictable melody and even your rather Dylanesque singing evoke a wild, enrgized atmosphere... It's rock with a hallucinogenic twist. Give me some of that!

	bud said 297 days ago
	I been gone only a week and here this is - another killer Vic tune. Love the dramatic changes and the straight ahead beat. Very cool backup vox too. Great song.

	Norman Goodman said 291 days ago
	Terrific When I hear the manifestation of what can only be a superb musical imagination such as what has been exhibited in this song.....I can only say.....I am blown away

	Heightened said 289 days ago
	Awesome song!!! Amazing- I kid you not!

	said 281 days ago
	Yeowzers Vic! You're getting so good I don't know whether to despair or just work harder. Guess I'll choose the latter for the time being! Ha ha... Magnifico bro!

	said 266 days ago
	Shhh : ) Mona Lisa smile : ) Shhh K.W. Sh... : )

	said 222 days ago
	Ooooppss.... .... the bird isn't here!! Mr. Vic, this is really one of your very bests. Amazing guitar work as usual, great synth sounds and totally blew me away. Kudos Sir, this is a killer track! Take Care - Yeman A. Al-Rawi

	BossHook said 173 days ago
	This kicks ass. Great attitude and unique chord structure, I love the way it cruises so tough.

	said 168 days ago
	"I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" : ) Maya Angelou - If you sing off key long enough, someone lets you out to test your wings within reason. Now if I can just peck through the electronic tracking device and make it to the open window sill... just kidding. : ) All is well now that I have acquiesced to the "ground" rules. Tweet tweet. : )

	five_extra_arms said 15 days ago
	Still One Of My Favorites After an energetic Vic Holman block of ROCK (all caps), I've determined that this still ranks high on my chart of favorites of your tunes. It definitely gets played a bunch. The chorus is still magnificent 288 days after the first time I heard it. Bob

	five_extra_arms said 11 days ago
	Holly Smokes You oughta name your lead guitar Holly Smokes. Yeah Vic, I guess if I live to be your age I'll have no concept of time. By the way, am I late for something? Bob

	Vic Holman said 304 days ago
	thanks Len the rhythm guitars are my newly purchased Gibson SG. So this was the first outing for it and it wanted to rock. i also thought the short clean lines sound a bit 007. i almost dropped that but figured, what the heck. maybe the girl should of worn a bikini of feathers instead

	Vic Holman said 304 days ago
	thanks Feter you wouldn't think it, but, this song was originally composed on a acoustic guitar. yes, tube screamers are great for overdrive, a little distortion with a whole lot of bite. Thanks Feter

	Vic Holman said 304 days ago
	thanks for the kind words yeah i wanted this to have a bit of aggressive pumping action. i thought having the vocals at a half time feel would be a good way to counter the rest of the music. and best of all, I wouldn't have to write more lyrics. Thanks again Bill

	Vic Holman said 304 days ago
	thanks mcboy it was a race between this one and a slow acoustic number. rock aggression won out and possessed me to rip it up. Oh, and to build up the callouses on the finger tips.

	Vic Holman said 304 days ago
	thanks Rebsie usually i have it figured out in my head before i even start. there's more thinking then playing. tinkering with the mix takes some time. unfortunately it consumes more of my free time instead of just playing. my amps are gathering dust and feeling lonely.

	Vic Holman said 304 days ago
	-) the opening is a half time of the chorus. i added 3 guitars harmonizing and playing trills, i haven't even thought about trills in years. some of those chords i have no idea of there proper name, so it's quirky one, quirky two, etc.

	Vic Holman said 304 days ago
	Thanks Jack so after passing the audition, what does this gig pay? oh yeah, it's all free. it was all a matter of getting the staple gun and duct tape (man's best friend) out and blend some ideas together. i didn't feel like writing a lot of lyrics (they give me headaches) so i stretched it out as much as i could. Thanks again Jack!

	Vic Holman said 303 days ago
	Thanks Dick this one I kept changing parts, dumped the whole thing twice and finally started over to get this far. I'm glad this one is over, but I enjoyed creating it. It's hard to move on to something else when you got a music monkey on your back.

	Vic Holman said 303 days ago
	Thanks much!, Tobin i didn't even think of she's so heavy (one of the coolest riffs ever) 'til you mentioned it. but there sure is a twist here. i originally was goofing around with the vocals, but actually liked what I heard on play back. Now, I have to wonder why I never tried that before. live and learn i guess.

	Vic Holman said 303 days ago
	thanks plenty! there was a lot of do overs to get this to where I was happy with it. I almost thought that I had painted myself in a corner when it came to doing the vocals. I just started to wing it. close call diverted. whew

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	Vic Holman said 302 days ago
	a few redos ... along the way on this one.I kept changing my mind on parts, then i changed my mind to start over again. thank god i don't have to pay for studio time. But I was patient through the whole ordeal

	Vic Holman said 302 days ago
	i thought it would make a good contrast to give the vocals a half time feel over the rest of the tune. besides with the quick chord changes i think i would of stumbled big time trying to keep up.

	Vic Holman said 302 days ago
	thanks Bill mostly quirky chords and story. the big question is did she really fly or get put away. i always dig those open end things

	Vic Holman said 302 days ago
	thanks Bill the bass was the easy part. the hardest part for me is coming up with lyrics. lately, I just start improvising over the chorus. when i get something then the verses come pretty quick, so I'm writing and doing the vocals on the spot. i doubt if that will work every time though.

	Vic Holman said 302 days ago
	vocal ...backing. I thought that would be a bit different way to go for the chorus, especially since i didn't have to many words to go in there. the solo is a full run through. even if i hit a wrong note i will redo the whole thing. i know its easier to punch in, but i think i tend to lose the overall vibe if i do... actually it's just a case of just wanting to play and not stop.

	Vic Holman said 302 days ago
	that...... .... will be $1.99. that's what's great about being here. everything is free. Thanks very much for checking it out, really appreciate it!

	Vic Holman said 302 days ago
	thanks! once in a while i do get a fast song out. Of course with warmer temp's & spring right around the corner i get more energized. hmmm, that almost makes me sound like a reptile.

	Vic Holman said 302 days ago
	Thanks Bob! i like to challenge myself to play over chord changes, it keeps me on my toes and sharpens my sense of playing by ear.... well, until the ringing starts to kick in that is.

	Vic Holman said 302 days ago
	Thanks Michael and thanks to a tax return for the guitar. this tune kept me busy for a while, that's for sure. i really played around with this one. I'm pretty much a slow paw on doing any synth leads. i would only sound amatuerish even if i tried.

	Vic Holman said 301 days ago
	Thanks E.B. I started sweating bullets after i finished the music bed, i had not given any thought about the vocals before hand. That was a close call. there is voices on the chorus doing the "girl on a wing" they are a little bit back in the mix. any higher it would of been to much competition. the slower part was so it could build back up again.

	Vic Holman said 301 days ago
	Thanks Mark flying by the seat of my pants on this one. it took close to 3 weeks to pull it all together. the drums i play on the keyboard on 3 separate tracks. bass drum & snare on one. cymbals & high hats on another then the toms on there own.

	Vic Holman said 301 days ago
	thanks Bill it could be sum of all the rock music i grew up on. you wouldn't even think that i originally came up with this on a acoustic guitar. Thanks again!

	Vic Holman said 301 days ago
	Hey Dave! This was under construction and destruction for awhile. I'm a little bit sorry thats it's finally done. I'm glad you liked the lyrics, knowing that you are quite the genius wordsmith. Thanks again Dave.

	Vic Holman said 298 days ago
	Thanks much appreciate you taking the time to give this a listen. and the flying girl should be over head anytime now!

	Vic Holman said 297 days ago
	Thanks Leon Your way too kind. I try to keep it interesting. i liked the energy that this one came out with.

	Vic Holman said 296 days ago
	Hey Kevin! I hope that week was pleasure rather than work. it was a race to see if this one or a mellow one would get done first. It was good to get the BPM's up and the blood flowing.

	Vic Holman said 289 days ago
	Thanks Norman thanks for the way to kind words. I did work pretty hard on this one. Kept changing my mind on parts and ultimately did start over once or twice.

	Vic Holman said 287 days ago
	Thanks Much thanks for checking it out. I appreciate you giving a few of the past tunes a listen!

	Vic Holman said 280 days ago
	hey Mike heck, you're doing great!

	Vic Holman said 221 days ago
	Birdman on a Wing ;-) Thanks Yeman. This was a fun one to put together. I came together pretty fast.