FAWM: "The First"

The First

3 weeks ago by @davidtaro

Liner Notes

I always feel oddly pressured when it comes to writing a FAWM opener. Not so much with writer’s block; more a sense that it had better be a bloody good one, or somehow everything that follows won’t be any good either. Which is silly, really. The important thing is to get underway.

So I thought I’d lean into that sentiment this year.

Given the title, I guess it would have been nice to get this out on the actual first day of the month. But what started in my head as a relatively simple affair quickly turned into essentially a Slade number, so I ended up doing the instrumental stuff yesterday and then adding vocals today.

And now on to the next one… 🙂

#poprock #meta #opener

Lyrics

The first is the hardest
You gotta get that sucker right
Your hand hangs in the pregnant air
But goes nowhere, it goes nowhere

The first is the cruellest
When all you have is doubt
Your mind chokes on an empty page
And won’t engage, it won’t engage

You could make anything (I know)
Just about anything (I know)
Literally anything you like
So why am I still sitting here with this blank page
And a burning rage, quit bringing me down

The first is important
Make it clever and profound
But wise words can be a fool’s game
Ain’t that a shame, ain’t that a shame

You could make anything (I know)
Just about anything (I know)
Literally anything you like
But what if everyone I love says they hate this song
And it all goes wrong, quit bringing me down

Put one foot in front of another
And soon you’ll discover
A melody or two
That’s all you’ve gotta do

The first doesn’t matter
So toss it to the void
And move on to another one
And another one, and another one

‘Cause you can make anything (I know)
Just about anything (I know)
Literally anything you like
So let it go, don’t be afraid of this glorious thing
That you have made, quit bringing me down

(And that’s it. First song in the bag.)

Comments

@tezzin 3d

Fantastic! Scrolling through previous comments I see echoes of my initial thoughts; Randy Newman co-writes with... Alan Thicke, maybe... as arranged by Noddy Holder, Jim Lea, and Dave Hill. In the absolute best ways on all counts.

@zecoopMod 1w

What a joyous pop explosion right off the bat. That piano immediately makes me happy, with its bounce and good vibe feel. This is one of those songs that you just can't hold still. Wonderful in-the-know lyrics that resonate completely. This just made me feel good and inspired me top to bottom. So many amazing layers that keep appearing. What a wonderful start to your FAWM!!

@themelgoexperience 2w

the chorus had me feeling like you were about to sing Sweet Caroline or also go into the Full House theme song lol. good one!

@greengrassgirl 2w

I read the lyrics before I listened to the song, and my favorite line was: “But what if everyone I love says they hate this song.” I didn’t know that other people worried about that, too! 😀 And then, with the music, I found OTHER favorites! (Love the “I know’s!” Naturally, this is GREAT! Classic DT! I like the repetition, and the way you hold the end words and make them sound so musical. Wonderful!

@nancycunning 2w

The words choke and engage took me write to driving old cars with manual transmissions, stuck trying to get up a too steep hill in First Gear....And then the song just opens up and flies along...And how encouraging that even you feel a little overwhelmed and uncertain that you can pull it off, when I know you can and will...I love that move from fear to certainty to encouragement...I want a whole musical about a boy who isn't sure he can keep writing songs...

@paulotteson 2w

I hear you on the pressure to make that first one GREAT. It's a bit of curse.. but boy does it make us deliver.. just as you have done so here! SO great to hear you again. This is a masterwork on structure and build. So damn catchy! Your vocals absolutely soar, and the production as always is out of this world. You've got a gift!

@stevenwesleyguiles 2w

Bruv!! This production is so freakin killer!!
Insta-awesome vibes. Great groove. And ya knocked the first song out of the flippin' park, my friend! Great job! Such an epic chorus (and those killer harmonies). Like, WOW. WOW! At first I thought your prechorus was your chorus, then the chorus came around and slapped me in the face with awesomeness. Sheesh, David!! Way to rock the FAWM!

@cleanshoes 2w

YES. THIS. First-song-anxiety is real. As for yours, it's absolutely delightful. You had me dancing in my seat from the get-go and laughing out loud by the chorus. You knocked it out of the park, as usual.

@paul_pedersen 2w

"But what if everyone I love says they hate this song..."

How can anyone hate this, David. It has bounce, attitude, arrangement, lyrics and vocal all on the plus plus side of the ledger. This was definitely worth taking a couple of days to complete. It was time well spent

@jerrypettit 2w

This song's Title is the flipside of what I did with my very first 50/90 where I titled my last song "50 And Done", which was about a man in midlife crisis whose marriage had just ended--actually might be one of my better songs.

As this one is for you!! ❤️

@jacobeverettwallace 2w

What a write! You nailed that feeling exactly-- there's always that nervous excitement/trepidation every beginning of February. Fantastic song and excellent delivery!

@bethdesombre 2w

With you entirely on the sentiment. I like the move to get to "the first doesn't matter." (after "the first is important.) The (changing) chorus is really catchy! I also like the repeat at the end of each verse.

@hanley 2w

What an instant hit! I can't imagine this song wrote itself, but you've made it feel like it did. And you've nailed the performance, the instrumentation, the lot. I can hear this being the opening track to a rad comedy musical, you playing the lead role of course!

@andrea 2w

I true FAWM mantra. I have had these crippling thoughts, and they are destroyers of creativity. I doubt my song ideas ever sounded this good though. This song rocks!

@sollis 2w

Didn't have 'David writes a Slade banger' on my FAWM bingo card this year, but there we go! I don't know how you get so much done in such a short space of time with these tunes. When you start realising a track is going to turn into a big production, do you start dreading it or do you just cancel all your plans and dive right in?

And yeah, I get that first of FAWM pressure. Sounds like we all do. Having a sulk at the end of Day One and pretending it didn't happen at the start of Day Two did the trick for me this year - Can recommend.

@djtjb 2w

GD DT ILY! This is an epicly massive sounding way to start off. Like seriously if FAWM were televised, this should be the opening ceremonies, right? Love the write both lyrically and composition-wise. You're digging in your Randy Newman bag on that piano part, i see you. Absolutely loved this one man. Great stuff!

@nahlej381 2w

I get it. I love when our brains do silly things like that to us for no reason. Glad a mega talent like you has that happen too. I love your piano bops. And that right ear guitar is so cool and sounds great. Organs!!! Dagnabit! You’re a treasure…if you haven’t been knighted, then the royals are really messing up. Give this man his knighthood, he’s a gosh dern genius!!!

@scruffyblues 3w

Funny, relatable, brilliantly executed and…..somehow, I’m also getting Disney comedy character vibe….in a good way. Nailed it!

@hbusse 3w

So relatable and funny! I definitely have that "first song" self-pressure thing too. (Judging from my first song, it might be a weird-ish year for me, we'll see, lol.) Love that heavy left hand in the piano doubled with the bass, and the swung groove, and the classic-sounding progressions. Production great as always from you.

@drivebylovefest 3w

Thank-you so much for putting a smile on my face! I will have to return to this song every year!

@danvaillancourt 3w

Luckily… this first one is winner. Which logically means that all the rest that follow will be stellar also. Production is killer and intricate. The dynamic and texture changes throughout are nice. First song in the bag. On to the next!

@racheleve 3w

Damn this is relatable and so well done!! Love the “I knows” in the chorus - it’s like all of FAWM is giving you a knowing nod. Wonderful first fruits!

@brisk 3w

This is the stuff. Very tasty. So bombastic. The prechorus words, including the backing vocals, sum it all up so well. Sometimes a blank page doesn't represent freedom but a prison. Very funny too, in the right places. Tongue-in-cheek uplift at the end too, then the meta spoken word. I wouldn't have said Slade, but actually, I think I see what you mean. Slade are great. This is great.

@philnorman 3w

I always adore a meta-FAWM song. There's something raw about the process of writing. Sometimes it's so easy, and sometimes it's sitting awkwardly with irrational insecurities. The joy and the agony of creation. What a wonderful way to start.

@n24 3w

I love that call and response in the chorus, hilarious and I know the feeling! Loving the gentle bop of the rhythm and that end to the chorus is sublime, just a lovely melody line. As others have commented I love the wrestle leading to self compassion and acceptance :) I approve!

@jonmeta 3w

Ah the pressure of self-criticism and expectations that no one has but you (me).
Love the BGVs! Love the descending figure and strings in the chorus. The guitar arpeggios emphasising certain lines. Beautiful production as always. You knocked this one for six. Congrats!

@greengrassgirl 3w

So very relatable! I think a lot of us feel that way about that first jump into the pool. You make a blank page absolutely shine!

@damschen 3w

Fantastic opener! Your production is top notch as always and love the emphatic, “quit bringing me down! Now just have to take this to heart!

@beacon 3w

Epic Epic Epic! This would hold up anywhere and play to screaming crowds. I bow to you.

@sheslin 3w

Love that choppy percussive piano! Great rise in the chorus - and the call and response is great - more affirmation! Changing that one line in the chorus each time was brilliant. My new mantra is going to be "So let it go, don’t be afraid of this glorious thing that you have made"! So well said. Cool vocal treatment on the bridge - and awesome vocals throughout. What a treat to listen to, and also what a shot of encouragement. Thanks David.

@gwynjones 3w

Bloody brilliant! So much to love and admire about this track, but mostly, it's just great to hear because it's impeccably well put together...👌

@coolparadisoMod 3w

yup I get it for No1. but then if it's amazing where do you go next! this is pure Davo. powerful on the edge of a scream vocal. love that beatlesque back beat. real.nice mate.

@eas3637 3w

Oh dear, David, you must have been reading my mind today, because this was quite literally the script in my head as I was putting together song #1. Of course this is magical Taro fare: gorgeous arrangement, smart lyrics, and a few beautiful surprises thrown in (like what the heck did you do to your voice in the bridge), and that ridiculously catchy staccato piano all the way through. Can't wait for #2.

@daveyboy103 3w

Love the piano intro. Bops along very nicely.Love your stuff mate.

Great chorus.

@rogerhammond 3w

Maybe worrying about the first one was what made it so good? Top marks on the singalong scale. Great Randy Newmanesque piano hook. Felt some of the Slade vibes too. "Make it clever and profound, But wise words can be a fool's game" ... I see what you did there :) Great production as always. Very nice indeed.

@mctown 3w

First step of a journey is always the hardest, they say..

@ajna1960 3w

I seriously think I'd love hearing you sing anything ! You have that kinda very memorable and easy to listen to voice.
Exquisite lyric, turning a fairly mundane concept into something interesting and anthemic.
Love it 😄 More please Sir !!

@tcelliott 3w

Damn good lyric. I like your melody and vocal, too. This arrangement is gorgeous. You should be a producer. Everyone should sound this good. When that line hits it really hits. Right in the gut! "What if everyone I know..." I wrote a similarly themed song that I like but man, this is the one I'll be pointing people to.

@celineellis 3w

I genuinely believe that you can actually make anything you like!! Such a massive arrangement and clever song. Amazing vocals and melody!
Cracking song mate

@anthonykapfer 3w

oh my god dude! you’ve done it again. this sounds so huge in the choruses. incredible vocals here, as always.

i always feel exactly the same way about the first song of the month. it’s nice to know i’m not alone on that. and it’s inspiring to see what you’ve done with those feelings here on this song. i love everything about it. i’m going to listen to this a bunch of times today

@nadine 3w

Great start, David. Definitely a different write from you. I like that it takes a lot of time until people know that you're talking about songs and not women or murders 🤣🤣🤣

@jibbidy34 3w

Wahay!! Those soaring vocals of yours are back! Cute musical theatre style piano which really is the soundtrack to a FAWM day isn’t it? Skipping down the streets in our minds to dig up some creativity! This bounces, hops and skips along in our ears. As always your DT ‘backing singers are well placed in your mix and just the ticket to give it those sing along vibes!

@wobbiewobbit 3w

so brilliantly done! i love the choke on chokes, love the i knows. Chorus is pure jump around anthem. Your vocal is great as always. glorious thing indeed!

@oddbod 3w

Don't hold back on the production next time David 😉
Superb arrangement, it sounds immense and incredibly powerful and full - so many great and clever elements which you've sewn together with your usual masterful touch.

@gm7 3w

Kick ass song right off the top...no blank page....ha A song about writing a song...A FAWM classic. A little vocoder I believe...cool.

@scottmcb 3w

Terrific. Just a perfect, bouncy, jaunty pop song.

@noah_canning 3w

Cross between Randy Newman and a great 80s/90s sitcom theme song. Love it

@ayeahmur 3w

Yay! This is JOY ON A PLATE. No notes.

Okay, some notes. It's a lovely subject matter to get rolling with and it engages with the horrors of the blank page in such a beautifully playful way. I really adore the "you could make anything (I know)" back and forth and that huge chorus is magical. Playing the Slade card on day 1 is a bold, bold move my friend, but it has really paid off here. I can't think of a single thing recently that has made me smile as much as this did. And that's precious AF. So thank you.

@jorh 3w

I love the bouncy, energetic feel of this one - I especially enjoy the internal rhyme at the end of each chorus and the way you deliver it, along with the way you draw out and distort certain ways. Fab sentiment too, think lots of us here can’t related with it

@squirrelhavenstudios 3w

Listening to your songs is really a joy. You've managed to internalize certain performance and production techniques of your favorite artists (who also happen to be some of my favorite artists), to the point where those things sound as if they're easy for you (I'm assuming they're not). In any case, it makes for a great listen. I'd say you're off to an amazing start. Have a great FAWM!

@sbs 3w

Love this - especially that "Winchester Cathedral" vibe in "Put one foot in front of the other" line. Other parts of the song remind me of something from "Cabaret." Maybe "Money Makes the World Go Around."

But, yeah, I'm pretty sure you've hit on a universal feeling here. To be honest I opted out of FAWM last year because on my very first song, two people came by and left weird comments (that seemed intentional). I felt unwelcome. But I regrouped for 50/90, and wrote my best songs. So.... coming into FAWM this year, I was worried that I couldn't do anything as good as those songs. But I'm doing it anyway cuz you never know. But, yeah, that first song seems so important.

@richaaaay 3w

Hot darn bigglibarn…Talk about jumping out of the gate. DT, you never, ever, ever cease to amaze. That was so darn enjoyable and entertaining to listen to. Gonna hit play again as soon as I finish writing this comment…change that, I just hit play again. The words are so spot on and meaningful, especially for this audience. Then there’s your vocal phrasing, which is the best ever (how do you do that?). I like the guitar sitting deep in the mix, it’s perfect there. And those dynamics and production…Pure DT awesomeness…You da MAN!!!

@billwhite51 3w

its a first, and the first one out of the gates is the one hat sets the pace. my fear is that if they dont like the first one, they wont listen to the second one, so i always try to put my best foot forward when taking that first step. this is a good first song, and it is that corker of a chorus that makes me want to hear more. "Quit bringing me down" is the line that echoes in my ears. and the fact that it is such a simple line on paper is evidence that the best lines in a song are not necessarily the wisest or the cleverest. they are the ones that best express the music.

@chill4matt 3w

Love the sentiment of the song that you can do whatever you want for song #1. This will be freeing to some people. Love your relationship with 'truth'. Also love the "I know's" as well. Cool deal!

@mattwdunn 3w

I can relate to the sentiment and lyric wholeheartedly. This year especially. I love the jaunty feel to the song and when the chorus bursts in the pay off is fantastic. Performance, arrangement and mix are all insane. What a start!!!