This is a Story

Programme Notes

I wrote This is a Story after I discovered an old notebook containing angst-filled poetry that my now wife, Lisa, had written as a teenager. The words really jumped out at me as something that would work well in a musical context. This is one of many poems that I used when writing for my two band albums, I Can See You and Strange Machine.

When we were in the studio, Jean and I tried to think of who we should ask to sing it. Finally, Jean said, “Why don’t you sing it?” I said, “No way.” Full disclosure: I am no singer, never had proper training, and I don’t feel like I even have a nice-sounding voice.

But after some coaxing, we did it. And after a lot of takes, we got what’s here. Listening to the result, it isn’t bad. My voice type does seem to fit the melancholy nature of the character.

Incidentally, no guitars were used in recording the piece. What you hear in the recording is actually a Hammond electric organ with a ton of distortion filters.

– Frank Horvat

Lyrics

Well, this is a story of I don’t know what
About things from the past and things that never will be

It happened on a Thursday
Life ended on the Sunday
Who are you and why do you torment me?

Oh, life is full of laughter
Life is a lot of fun
Take your fill
As we all get ill
Why do you affect me?

Oh, things are flying right by me
As fast as they can go
If you don’t slow ’em down
I won’t know which way to go