Promised Land (my first decent song)

PunkStar

This is a tab of a song I wrote. I showed the lyrics one of my friends and he asked if I could tab out the whole thing so he could ask one of his friends to play it. So I thought I'd share my first decent song with you guys. Just on a side note, I'll be performing this one in front of a rather large audience within a week. And I'll probably use it for my assessment in music at school. Wish me luck.

This is the simplified version of the song. I'm working on producing a solo acoustic version that is slighty more interesting and guitar intensive. So something harder is coming!

4/4 time

strumming for the intro works to standard 4/4 time. The way I play it isn't easy to tab out. Just strum it so it sounds interesting and still in 4/4 time. You'll figure out a way.

The verses use the same strumming pattern as the intro. Chords used are the D G Em A (like in the intro), which keeps repeating every two lines of lyrics. The idea is that the chords provide backing to complement the lyrics rather than harmonize with them directly. So use a strumming pattern that fits behind the words rather than one that copies the melody. I haven't included the chord symbols over the verse lyrics because where they chord will fall will depend on your strumming pattern, and I've left you no hard and fast rules for strumming. So slot the D G Em A (in that order) wherever they feel best.

As I play the chorus, I use the same rhythm pattern. But all the chords (except the last line, but I'll explain that later) go for a whole bar each. As I play the intro and verses, each chord doesn't go for more than half a bar without a change. I tend to sing the melody of the chorus a bit longer. I kind of drag out a few notes when singing to fit the new rhythm concept. But play your rhythm how it feels comfortable for the lyrics. The chords in the chorus are designed to harmonize a bit better with the melody than the verses and intro. I've put the chords down where they fall when I play the song. It may change if you use a different strumming pattern.

A word on the melody. I haven't tabbed out melody to sing with the lyrics. Primarily because me ear isn't good enough to say what notes I'm singing. Sing it how it feels comfortable for you and your range. The chords are designed to fit my range. A transposition my help if it's uncomfortable. I'll record an mp3 of this version soon. So if you can't figure out what I've done on the basis of this tab, the mp3 will help. Coming soon to an email address near you.

Song structure:
Intro
Verse 1
Chorus
Intro (used as a break)
Verse 2
Chorus
Intro (again, as a break, there is some room to improvise here)
Chorus (yes, again)
Intro (this time as an outro)
Your done, give yourself a pat on the back or grab a drink of whatever is your chosen poison. You've earned it!

INTRO: D G Em A D G A D

VERSE 1

We left our home of desolation
A land of shifting sand
A land of idols and pyramids
A place we couldn't stand
Because you looked down on us with mercy
And you sent to us a man
Who took us out of bondage
To go home to a better land

CHORUS:
****D**********Bm
And I, just want to thank you
G
For bringing us through this journey
Em************A
You feed us from Heaven, kept our clothes from wearing out
Em*************A
You even gave us water when we were in the drought
D
Now we're entering that promised land
G
A land of so much good
Em
A permanent home where we live with you
A**********D
In peace and brotherhood

VERSE 2:

Now I stand on your holy mountain
As I survey the work of your hands
And I stare in admiration
As I gaze upon your land
You kept your promises to our daddy's
And we're blessed because of them
Cause now we have a brand new home
A brand new home in Heav'

Steve · Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 6:24 am Post subject:

Great job, good song!
You've got a flair for lyrics, Bro!