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Track 7 - "SAD SAD SONG"
It sounds a bit reggae but I think of it as a pop song. I wrote "Sad Sad Song" when I was playing in Compass, a simply incredible reggae/soca band in which I played guitar. We tore up stages as far away as Dawson City but Toronto's long-gone Bamboo club was our home base and we spent many a hot night playing to a room full of dancers in that legendary mecca of the 80's Queen Street scene. Lead singer Mojah made the song his own and it became a favourite of the band's live show, even being performed by at least one other band on the scene.
When it came time to record it this time I wanted to keep it away from sounding too much like an attempt to recreate Compass so I leaned a little more heavily on the acoustic instruments, soloing on the Puerto Rican cuatro and playing acoustic guitars instead of the traditional electrics.
But I couldn't resist enlisting my old friend and Compass sax-man Jody Golick to put some horns on it. Jody came up with the unique idea of using only baritone saxes and did the arrangement himself and I love it. It really brought the song to life. Up and comers Rob Vessey and Brock Geiger provide the backup vocals.
PERSONNEL
Drums and percussion -- Tyler Hornby
Hofner 'Beatle' bass -- KJ
Hofner acoustic guitar -- KJ
Alvarez 'el cheapo' acoustic guitar -- KJ
Cuatro -- KJ
Electric slide guitar -- KJ
Resophonic guitar --KJ
Baritone saxes - Jody Golick
Background vocal -- Rob Vessey
Background vocal -- Brock Geiger
Lead and harmony voice -- KJ
"SAD SAD SONG" lyrics
I took a walk by myself today
I try to talk but I've got nothing to say.
Since the moment when you said 'goodbye'
I tell you woman I've done nothing but cry
CHORUS
I wrote this song about me and you and it's a sad, sad song
Just say you love me and I'll change my tune, I don't like this sad, sad song
Just say you really want to see me again
And I can throw away this paper and pen
You say you really mean to leave for good
But you could make me happy if you only would
CHORUS
I wrote this song about me and you and it's a sad, sad song
Just say you love me and I'll change my tune, I don't like this sad, sad song
I wrote this song just the way I feel
It must sound sad or it wouldn't be real
The words are sad and the melody's sweet
But the sad sad song's got a rockin' beat
CHORUS
I wrote this song about me and you and it's a sad, sad song
Just say you love me and I'll change my tune, I don't like this sad, sad song.
--words and music by Kit Johnson SOCAN