This track is a pre-release of a demo mix. A more elaborate version with more instruments will appear on Rocket Surgery, but I like this one too and wanted to share it with the world.
I was present when Sunnie and Elizabeth first met and played with each other. I've dreamed of recording their sound together for posterity ever since. This was done in sections over a rather long period of time. Justin and I tracked the vocal, acoustic guitar, and drums live, with lots of mic bleed all around, so thankfully we played well! Dennis then overdubbed his bass later. And I realized this track was the perfect vehicle for a Sunnie/Elizabeth string duo! But one lives on the west coast, one lives on the east coast, and I live in flyover country, so it was going to be hard.
I hoped to get to record Sunnie and Elizabeth together at OVFF in 2020, but then Dystopian Groundhog Day happened and recording didn't happen. I was able to record Sunnie (but not Elizabeth) at OVFF 2021. Then in January 2022, I got to record Elizabeth. She insisted on recording her part in one take, so she could react in real-time to what Sunnie was doing, without preconceptions. It was spectacular.
lyrics
If you buy me a drink then I'll sing you a tale
Of heroes forgotten
You want them to win but sometimes heroes fail
Their stories untold
The Captain, he loved his ship and his crew
The Captain, they thought that he was brave and true
He came from a family made famous by war
He carried with honor his grandfather's sword
With their hold full of treasure, they sailed for home
Their families were waiting
When a sail to the west told them they weren't alone
The sail drew closer
The obvious choice was to fight or to run
With far too much cargo and not enough guns
A single shot landed just yards from their bow
Raise the white flag, he said, right goddamned now
Our cargo is yours if you leave us in peace
The Captain said gently
The Pirate commander just spat in his face
And then took his sword
He said "I don't parley with cowards like you"
The Pirate then ran the cabin boy through
The Captain's rage flickered, then gave way to fear
His pants wet with urine, his face wet with tears
The Pirate he laughed, and said "I'll let you choose"
"I can spare your life, or I'll spare your crew"
The Captain's head turned, he closed his eyes
But he still heard the screams as all his men died
He heard a sword clatter in front of his knees
His grandfather's sword
The Pirate said "Finish the job if you please,
This last one's for you"
The Captain, he picked up the sword in his hand
He stabbed through the heart and he killed his first man
The Pirate just scowled and said, "You make me ill
A man with no courage gets other men killed"
I'm sorry I cried while I sang you this tale
I feel so ashamed
But the ghosts that have haunted me for far too long
Demand that I sing it
credits
from Hero,
released September 3, 2022
Dave Stagner: vocals, acoustic guitar
Dennis Maddix: bass
Justin Hartley: drums
Sunnie Larsen: violin
Elizabeth Greenberg: violin
Astrisoni is a filk powerhouse. I'm proud to have co-produced their first album, along with Beth Kinderman. "Pure of Heart" is one of my favorite songs ever. Dave Stagner
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