Maps and Keys

Still lost somewhere in the House of C.

As I mentioned in the description of the last song I posted, I participated in the Writing a Song That Matters retreat in August. It was there that I got lost somewhere in the House of C, and I have yet to return.

Apart from writing everything in the key of C for some reason, I also wrote down a lot of songwriting advice. I recently transcribed all of it, and realized some of the lines would make a great song. This is the demo.

The chorus is based on the last two pieces of advice they gave us in the last session: "Don't quit your job. Do not get a divorce." The irony of me giving that advice to anyone makes me laugh—this song could be read as relationship advice, songwriting advice, or both. Also, a certain acclaimed songwriter really likes map and key metaphors.

As usual, this was recorded in GarageBand on my favorite guitar, the Fender Vintage Modified Telecaster Thinline, through my Fender Mustang Micro USB interface. Vocals were done with my Shure Beta 58A mic and MXV2U USB interface, and I gave it a pass through Landr after that.


Maps and Keys

Key of C

[VERSE 1]
C G
This is the good news—we’ve gotta move on
Dm F
Gotta end those feelings and write a new song
C G
But I don’t want to keep rewriting my idea
Dm F
Of what love is or could be

[VERSE 2]
C G
Sometimes it feels like tumbling in the ocean
Dm F
Is this the one? I guess I’ll keep hoping
Dm C F
…It’s the choice to just keep trying this
Dm F
…the uncanny valley in a week of tiredness

[PRECHORUS]
Dm C F
Oh I know, honey
Dm C F
This I know

[CHORUS 1]
C G
Don’t quit your job—don’t get a divorce
Dm F
The maps and keys to all that’s yours
Dm C F
Are already right in front of you

C G
A talisman of “oh, that’s me”
Dm F
Reminder of our shared reality
Dm C F
All I want in my view
Dm G C
Is the magic that we could do

[POST-CHORUS CHORDS, 2 BARS]
C G Dm F G

[VERSE 3]
C G
It’s God’s way of saying I’m loved for other things
Dm F
There’s more to me than this gal who sings
Dm C F
I’m lookin’ at you adoringly
Dm F
I’m naming streets for you in my story

[VERSE 4]
C G
I’m not all scars or hard-won boundaries
Dm F
I’m not my cabinet of files and spreadsheets
Dm C F
And the castle in my mind
Dm G
Is better when our ideas combine [go up on end]

[PRECHORUS]
Dm C F
Oh I know, honey
Dm C F
This I know

[CHORUS 2]
C G
Don’t quit your job—don’t get a divorce
Dm F
The maps and keys to all that’s yours
Dm C F
Are already right in front of you

C G
A talisman of “oh, that’s me”
Dm F
Reminder of our shared reality
Dm C F
All I want in my view
Dm G C
Is the magic that we could do

[POST-CHORUS CHORDS, 2 BARS]
C G
Dm F G

[BRIDGE]
Dm F G Dm
Your whole world sounds beautiful to me
Dm F G
Soon they’ll know—just you wait and see!

[BRIDGE OUTRO—SOMEDAY WITH BANJO SOLO]
C F Dm F
C F Dm G

[CHORUS 3—BREAKDOWN VERSION]
Don’t quit your job—don’t get a divorce!
Life’s full of endings, so stay the course
It’s already right in front of you

[INSTRUMENTS COME BACK IN]
C G
A talisman of “oh, that’s me”
Dm F
Reminder of our shared reality
Dm C F
All I want in my view—
Dm C F
All I want in my view—
Dm C F
All I ever want in my view—
Dm G C
Is the magic that we could do

[SOMEDAY A COUNTRY GUITAR SOLO OVER TOP OF OUTRO CHORDS]
C G Dm F G
C G Dm F G
F G C

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posted by limeonaire (2 comments total)

I like how the music sounds fragile but the lyrics are full of confidence.
There's nothing wrong with C. Its those monsters who write in F# you need to keep and eye on.
posted by thatwhichfalls at 6:51 PM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]

Haha, thanks. Yeah, it's just odd to me that so many things I start writing lately have ended up in this key. But I'm trying to branch out a bit. I'm glad you like it!
posted by limeonaire at 7:51 AM on October 6, 2023