I have been working on this new piece for a few months now. I was interested in writing something that reflected a moment in my life that made me feel confused and uncomfortable. 

Discombobulations is a piece written in a modern idiom that does not really settle on one theme but moves from one to the other, creating some confusion. I have tried to make this as accessible as possible for players, so I have not included any extended techniques, apart from Bartok pizz.  

Discombobulation: the fact of being made to feel confused or uncomfortable by something.

Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoyed.

Audio produced using Sibelius Ultimate and Note Performer.

Discombobulations for Strings

"The Fool" is an unashamed pop song at 114 BPM that delves into themes of love and redemption. 

Lyrically 'The Fool' is inspired by 'What A Fool Believes' by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, and takes the woman's perspective but with a contemporary twist.

With powerful vocals and emotive storytelling, it follows someone who recognises past mistakes and seeks to make amends in matters of the heart. 

This track offers a fresh take on lost love and second chances. "The Fool" is a must-listen for a modern perspective on love's trials and tribulations on the dance floor.

THE FOOL

'YOUNG AT HEART' is the latest song from The Mercury Meter.

Yet another unashamed pop song at 114 BPM that delves into themes of jilted love and redemption. 

Brilliant lyrics from Paul McKendrick. 

With powerful vocals from Christina Rotondo, "Young at Heart" is like one of those moments when you're desperately clinging to the past, refusing to grow up. But over time we can let go of bad love and move on. 

LYRICS:

One day, I’ll meet you face-to-face again, 
And we’ll say hi, and we’ll shake hands, 
The handshake that says we’re still friends, 
And then you’ll ask me how I am, 
And I’ll say… 

I’m fine, but I still love you, 
I’m fine, but I ache inside, 
He says…
It’s time you learn to forget it,
It’s time you learn to grow up!

But no! 
If growing up is not loving you, 
I’ll stay young inside, with a young hearts pride, 
And so, 
If growing up is not having you, 
I’ll stay young at heart, young at heart. 

And I can’t say when, the memory faded, 
You just disappeared from view (You just disappeared from view)
And I felt strong again, and fell in love with, 
Someone who fell in love with me too.

Then one day I met you face to face again, (face to face)
And in your eyes, something had changed (you’d changed),
I sensed your cold heart had warmed inside, 
So, I asked you, how are things, 
And He said…

I’m fine, but I still love you, 
I’m fine, but I ache inside, 
And I said…
It’s time you learn to forget it,
It’s time you grew up, just like I did!

But no! 
If growing up is not loving you, (If growing up is not loving you)
I’ll stay young inside, with a young hearts pride, 
And so, 
If growing up is not having you, (If growing up is not having you)
I’ll stay young at heart, young at heart. 

Don’t store it up the way you do,
Don’t waste your time with a young hearts pride (Because)
The more you do, the more is bad for you, 
And you’ll forget what the real love is like.YOUNG AT HEART

YOUNG AT HEART

"Babysteps" is a tender and introspective ballad that explores the painstaking journey of returning to a cherished love. With Christina Rotondo's soft, breathy falsetto, who is also the voice of BBC Dr Who’s "Goblin Song” (No.12 UK Chart), the track envelopes listeners in a poignant narrative of hesitant reconciliation and the quiet determination to reconnect. The song's gentle pacing at 80 bpm, paired with a warm piano arrangement, draws comparisons to Billie Eilish’s introspective style in "What Was I Made For." 

Crafted by David McKendrick with lyrics by Paul McKendrick, "Babysteps" invites listeners on a heart-stirring voyage from separation back to intimacy, questioning the certainty of rekindled affections. Perfect for emotional scenes and reflective visuals, this ballad resonates with anyone who's ever contemplated the delicate dance of returning to someone they've loved.

BABYSTEPS

This mix was inspired by many times and friends in Ibiza.

"Babysteps" was originally written as a gentle and emotional ballad reminiscent of Billie Eilish's "What Was I Made For" – a reflective and melancholic vocal accompanied by a warm piano, combining to create a heartfelt and moving song. Link here: https://youtu.be/xx59DWlwbro
And a massive thank you to Christina Rotondo for the stunning vocal performance. (https://www.youtube.com/c/ChristinaRotondo)

Discombobulations for Strings

Graham Boag

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