06.30.07 But First Maybe
I have to write some very commercial music for my next CD eventually. Don’t argue with me. It has to be done. And that’s not a bad thing. But before I do that, I have to write this other stuff.
It’s what’s in the pipes when the creative juices get turned on. And they’ve been turned on this week. It’s the unattractive sludge - confessions, prayers, worries, fears. They all come spewing out first. Then, when all that’s out of my system, I’m freed up to write whatever I want...within the bounds of my actual skill level at the moment.
What’s come out first is a song called “Maybe.” I guess it’s the product of many months’ worry. I’ve wondered if I’m supposed to keep making music or not, and while those are sitting in the corner minding their own business at the moment, I’ve written about them.
This is what music was for me before a record deal: my confessional, a secret therapy, the megaphone I prayed through. It’s been a couple years since it was that for me again. I’m glad its back.
So, this is “Maybe” - one verse and one chorus. Don’t know if there’ll be more.
HOW IT CAME:
The verse melody came first with a first line for the lyric. All at once driving home from the movies last night. I called home and left that much on the answering machine. Then I played with the verse melody all day in my head while I did other stuff like play with kids and eat lunch. Then, one of the times I played the verse through in my mind the melody kept going into what has become the chorus now. I thought maybe it was a prechorus. But it was too long. And big enough to stand alone. WIth a verse melody, a first line, and a chorus, I sat down this afternoon to write the rest of the lyric. It didn’t take more than an hour, which makes me wonder if it’s all that good yet. But it feels good to sing it so for now I’ll leave it alone.
I’ll work on it more someday and post any revisions I make. Enjoy.
MAYBE
Words and Music by Shaun Groves
(C) 2007 Dadgum Music (admin by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing)/ASCAP
Verse 1:
Maybe
Maybe I’m a has been that just never was
Four chords and melody sung just because
Just because
Just because it’s all I can do
Maybe
Yea, maybe I should go another way
Put my six string up for other days
Other days
Other days much better than these
Chorus:
Or maybe
Maybe you would like to interject
Before I make a change and make a mess
Haven’t you got anything to say
Before I close this door and walk away
Maybe you could burn a bush or two
Any miracle or whisper now will do
Please open up, say anything to me
Anything to me
But maybe
Anne Evans said:
Just wanted to say that this song has the aching sincerity that is hard to find in much of today’s music. This is music that you play on rainy days when you are wondering where you are going and why and what is the next step to get there. It is an honest prayer that most people pray on most days...way to go!
said:
that is beautiful.
nice chord progression in the chorus with the words… you’re so good.
euphrony said:
I like it. Very introspective, facing the question we all have and are afraid to face. Am I where I am meant to be, or am I going my own way? If I change, will it be God’s will or mine? And it’s not an easy place to be, which is well conveyed in the tone of the song.
I would love to hear more.
said:
Very soulful, and touches on a subject that is hard for all of us to voice at times.
Beth
said:
It’s your song, so you know where the thought goes (if it goes anywhere else), but I’d leave it just like that.
said:
Can’t get the sound clips to work, but I love the lyrics… definitely reminds me of “Honest” or “Should I Tell Them” ... I really like what I’ve read!
said:
I also can’t get the clip to work, but I really like the lyrics. Yet in my own ameteur opinion, I think the word “maybe” is used too much in music and such. Perhaps you could consider using a variation with the same meaning?
Whatever. I like it anyway.
shaunfan said:
Shaun, I like it and I love that you are actively writing for your next CD. I am also very, very glad for you that you’re getting your groove (or Grove) back. I typed groove with only one “o” at first and I wondered why that looked familiar to me.
Your song kind of reminds me of the new Phil Joel song “Changed”. I personally love songs that are conversations with God that we are listening in on. Thanks for sharing your heart with us.
Keep the Faith and keep listening to the Spirit in your heart! By the way, here are the lyrics to Changed if you’d like to read them.
http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/phil-joel/changed.html
Cpt. Crayon said:
I like it...I’m just never sure about songs with musical references. Sure, musicians get the whole four chords thing, but will the average person?
Like that Sixpence song “Tension is a Passing Note,” my mom never really completely understood it ‘cause she’s never been taught any music theory.
That said, I like the feel of this one and the way you tied the ending back up to the first verse.
said:
i like it, very sincere, thats hard to find.
Seth Ward said:
Good stuff man. Soulful in writing, singing and playing. I think that just about anybody could identify with those feelings some time or another.
said:
*Embarrassmentation*
Can I take back what I said about “maybe” being an overused thing in music? Cuz I was able to hear some of the clip, and I think you were able to pull it off nicely, Shaun. It sounds good. I also failed to mention earlier how I appreciate the heart of the song. It’s really cool ;^)
said:
This is exactly where I’m at. It’s good to feel as if I’m not alone. Thanks
said:
Shaun,
“Maybe” - what beautiful, heart-wrenching eloquence you’ve got in this song so far. I found my throat tightening over the lyrics before I even got to hear the music, because you’re speaking for me. The fear, the what-if’s, the hope . . . Keep working this one out - wait for the whisper. Now I’m going to have to find where Wauchula, FL is,just to see if you’ve added anything to this in the next few weeks.
Thanks for sharing your heart. There’s a whole other song in your earlier comments (”...my confessional, a secret therapy, the megaphone I prayed through..."). Fabulous imagery in those words; no sludge there!
said:
looking for a burning bush or two… aren’t we all? It’s just where I am. And as many others have said, it’s soulful. Really love it.
said:
Very honest, which I think most people not only appreciate, but they need from Christian writers more often.
said:
The prospect of another album is exciting enough, and giving us glimpses of your work in progress is wonderful. I can only agree with what others have said, sincerity is a rare thing in CCM these days, often buried in the massive amount of sugar-coated “safe” music, so two thumbs up!
homeslb77 said:
Sounds good to me,
I like it.
Matt Vanoy said:
Shaun, God is using you more than you know and you’ve been an inspiration to many musicians and Christian brothers and sisters throughout the years. God has seasons and times for everyone (and I know you know this). Thank you all these years for allowing God to write songs like this one “maybe” through you.
said:
Hey,
I have prayed those words as well… and I know as well that we don’t want to hear those words by God...Maybe. But, at least I forget one thing sometimes...that He is still talking. and just maybe we will listen. Thanks for your wonderful talent, God will continue to talk, to use, and to inspire you…
said:
This is the first time I’ve ever been to your site...I happened to be browsing Sheila Walsh, which led me to the GMA, which led me to you. I’ve liked your music for what seems like a long time, but never thought to look you up online. I think it’s great that you include stuff like your new song bits. I loved “maybe"--both the differenty (can I say that?) chords you used in the chorus and the fresh honesty of your lyrics. It’s something I don’t see in many Christians that I know. It’s refreshing to find someone else who’s willing to admit they don’t always have it all together. I see from your blog that you’ll be taking some time off from...blogging...but I just wanted to drop you a line. I hope God uses your time away to further freshen your perspective.
said:
Shaun, since you canned your Myspace, I was wondering where you could be found! I’m glad to see you are still writing, I have missed you since “White Flag”, which was amazing like the first two! The song “Peace Has Broken Out” leaves me smiling and hopeful! I love your voice! So go ahead and release another album soon! I’ll be waiting for the Lord to move you again! Blessings to you & yours!