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about

My father died last fall and my mom lives in an old folks' home, so their house is pretty much empty, while it is gradually emptied of two lifetimes worth of ordinary, middle-class dreck. The first verse of the song---as is usually the case in my writing---just came to me, in this case sitting around in the floor near the back door. Came out of nowhere based on my momentary circumstances. At least three of the verses came in the same session. Others at scattered times in the next months. The magnificent chorus, which makes the song, may have come in one the initial sessions. It was not a late addition to the song. The verses did not emerge in their present order, of course, but otherwise it was not a lengthy process to write this one. For anyone who has cleaned out their parents' house the chorus should be a moment of connection.
All details are true.

lyrics

I’m sittin’ in a house
It’s true I used to live here for some time

I’m sittin’ on the floor
It’s true the chairs have all been taken

I’m sittin’ on a rug
The sofa’s here, but how I hate it


(Other bit)

Yoooooooooou would not believe the things that I have seen
Yoooooooooou would not believe the things that I have seen ‘round here
Oh I’ve seen ‘round here
And you know there’s no mistaking dust for gold

I’m sittin’ in the yard
So it seems some guy still mows it

Underneath a tree
We planted it when I was younger

(Other bit)

Yoooooooooou would not believe the things that I have seen
Yoooooooooou would not believe the things that I have seen ‘round here
Oh I’ve seen ‘round here
(And you know there’s no mistaking dust for gold) sung twice to end song.

credits

from Songs from the Old House​/​MADRID, released August 1, 2018
Acoustic Guitar and Lead Vocals: Scott Brookman
Recorded “live” to smashed Samsung cell phone as .mp4 video file. No edits. Location: Empty Closet in Empty Bedroom in the Old House, Salem, VA. 18 June, 2018

Yani Martinelli: lovely harmony vocals, various percussion, and loads of electric guitar accompaniment. Location:Samuel Gómez Batres' wooden house in Boadilla, Madrid. July 18 and 20, 2018

license

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tags

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