B4US

Bemused

Based on the love poem "As long as you're alright", Michaël composed this song telling about a man crying about past and new loves, telling how he's moved on, learning to resolve his past nightmares, feeling sorry about some past experience, and empowered by a new love.

In this video, many women are represented in various situations. This is a tribute, a celebration to all women, wives, mothers, and sisters,.. and to all the challenges they are facing through life; many working and surviving while supporting their families, and being patient for many things. However, the pains are compensated by joy and happiness in life, like the joy provided by kids. 

Women eyes are often shown in this video, and winking at a rhythmic specific time when the drum snare repeats. Thank is not only for the beauty of the eye itself, but also a symbolic reference to the woman look, the communication, the identity and personality behind a look, the many possible thoughts, and everything that happens in woman's mind.

The video is also showing a transition from negative feelings, crying, to more positive and happy feelings.

Musically speaking, the song start with a simple shamisen rhythm gripping rhythm where the few instruments take place with the singer's voice, the musical square theme alternates with voice wandering walks, and returns. The silences between the notes are aimed to keep some rhythmic oxygen, leaving room for musical imagination.

The voice guitar were recorded using Thomann T.bone micro, using Audacity, and all other instrument managed with FL Studio. The video was created and edited with Cyberlink Director, and Michaël video were taken with his iphone 12 camera:)

This song is registered by Michaël at the SABAM, Belgium 
(ISWC is T-309.157.170-5)
(Music by Michaël Van Dorpe)
=============================================
As long as you're alright,
I have no more nightmares,
And I'm prepared,
To share,
As long as you're alright.

I've been through some relationships,
Kissed,
and then dissed,
And then this,
An angel sent from sky,
That be keeping me high,
As long as you're alright.

I use (to) think god made me, 
To break me,   And take me,  
To a place where everybody hate me. 
Called this world.  But lately, 
Things has been less shady.                       
Because of this girl.
That I now call baby.                 
And I tell her she makes me,                                                
oohooh         Happy, 
And I  will always be,                
As long as you're alright. 

My tears is goin eternally,
I promise to love but not firmly.
So no longer does these demons burn in me infernally.
As long as you're alright.
As long as you're alright.
=============================================

Special thanks to Christel Grevesse for all the friendly and valuable advises.

The video clip of the song is visible here: https://youtu.be/DudDIg27xjE

As long as you're alright

Copyright F. Degand 2024
All rights reserved

Fifth Lane

Fast Lane

Freeway 8

Michael Van Dorpe (guitar & voice), Alexandre Djalili (bass), Takuya Nishimua (drums)

Something in your eye threw a spell at me, making me smile..
When I close my eyes, I see yours looking at me, and it's feeling alright.
Something in my eyes revealed my deepest desire.
My desire for you makes you do crazy things, set fire in you.

It's alright. It's so cool.
Just take it as it comes.
It's our time together.
It’s all right, it’s all good.
Just leave your hand in mine
And leave it for a while.

We came from other worlds,
Our paths had crossed early 17
So can't we just fantasize?
What could have been our life
And make us feel our other life,
And it's alright, yes it's alright.

When you're in my arms, time stands still,
and I can't stop kissing you.
Making you smile, like a break in your life,
it's our time together.
Yes it's a miracle, take a breath,
and let's feel this moment.
Sure, it's so short this time again, but we're together,
and you can close your eyes.

It's alright. It's so cool.
Just take it as it comes.
It's our time together.
It’s all right, it’s all good.
Just leave your hand in mine
And leave it for a while.

We came from other worlds,
Our paths had crossed early 17
So can't we just fantasize?
What could have been our life
And make us feel our other life,
And it's alright, yes it's alright.

In the silence of your absence,
sure there was sadness in me. But fear not.
Cause No danger lies in true love,
I'm happy by nature, like you are
But I'm even happier
Cause I met you, and you're amazing.
Now that I know, that on this planet,
There are angels like you.

It's alright. It's so cool.
Just take it as it comes.
It's our time together.
It’s all right, it’s all good.
Just leave your hand in mine
And leave it for a while.
================================================
Music and Lyrics rights belong to Michaël Van Dorpe, registered at SABAM @ Belgium (ISWC: T-318.473.212-1)

OUR OTHER LIFE

"LEAF" is a blues-style ballad written by me, weaving together a narrative of war, greed, and the eventual triumph of nature over human folly. It reflects on the devastating consequences of selfish politicians who prioritize power and profit over the well-being of their people and the environment. The song draws parallels to current global conflicts, such as the Ukrainian-Russian war and the Gaza-Israel conflict, reminding us of the heartbreak and desolation left in the wake of political choices.

The lyrics question the futility of war: What is the point of killing your brothers? At the end, we just get desolation and sadness. "LEAF" invites listeners to pause and reflect on the absence of love in decision-making and the tragic disconnect between leaders and the world they govern.

The imagery of a man perched precariously on a tree symbolizes humanity's fragile relationship with the earth. As he notices a new leaf sprouting on the old trunk, the song transitions to a message of hope. It is a reminder that life, when given freedom from human interference, naturally finds a way to heal and flourish. The triumphant ending celebrates nature's resilience: once free from the footprints of human greed, it can breathe, grow, and reclaim its place.

"LEAF" is both a lament and a call to action, urging humanity to embrace love, unity, and respect for the natural world. Through its soulful melody and introspective storytelling, it offers a reflection on the choices we make and the legacy we leave behind.

An animation created by Shabib ATKAR accompanies this song and can be viewed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tic3z81gG9o.

Many thanks to my friend James FARRER for his advice on this song.

Overload (single version)

Fred Degand