This is a song which sort of wrote itself ... it came to me in my sleep. First a melody then words. I  got stuck on the last two lines and it woke me up. That prompted me to write down the words then see how well it matched up to the chords that were playing in my mind. At first, I was thought this might be a bad omen.  I wasn't planning on crossing the River Styx, or any other metaphorical river. Ok.  Just a song.  In my mind, there was a choir singing in the background so I spent a long time working on how to accomplish that background (without the help of George Martin, for instance).  Eventually, I came across Choir by Spitfire Audio. It didn't give me exactly what I wanted but I think it helped me get a close as one can expect from a free VST.  Enjoy.


Take Me Down That River – Rick Engler

[INTRO]

Please take me cross that river
At least take me down to the shore
Take me down to that river
Cause, I ain’t comin’ back this way no more.
 
Call me foolish for not hedging my bets
You can call me crazy for thinking
This is as good as it gets.

Please take me cross that river
At least take me down to the shore
Take me down to that river
Cause, I ain’t comin’ back this way no more.

[SOLO]

Call all my friends, maybe even call Saul
But as far as them taxmen go, well
Don’t call them at all.

Please take me cross that river
At least take me down to the shore
Take me down that river
Cause, I ain’t comin’ back this way no more.

They say you can’t take it with you
Just a silver dollar for the ferry run
But I’ll still have all my memories
To take me past the setting of the sun.

Please take me cross that river
At least take me down to the shore
Take me down that river
Cause, I ain’t comin’ back this way no more.

[OUTRO]

Words and Music copyright Rick Engler
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
Chorus VST: Chorus by Spitfire Audio
Mixed in Cuckos Reaper on a PC
Audio Input using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd gen)
Vocals, Slide Guitar, Harmonica and Percussion: Shure SM58
Acoustic Guitar: direct input

Take Me Down That River

Take Me Down That River (Original)

Somewhere I read that SoundCloud is the DIY of the music world.  Very true for most of us wannabe (famous) musicians.  For those who were lucky enough to spend years in an actual sound studio, maybe this is a slam dunk. For the rest of us, it's like being the Wright brothers before they fully understood the science behind aerodynamics much less get a machine to fly.

I have learned a lot in 2018 thru 2019 while playing at small, local venues.  It's a lot easier to sit back in a "recording studio".  I do put that in quotes since, for me, this is just a couple of microphones connected to a DAW which is connected to a computer with some multi-track software and some free plugins to enhance the finished product.  I believe there are about 5 unique disciplines to learn which include: playing an instrument, singing, doing both together, using a microphone, connecting with the audience.  I have much more respect for stage performers now, especially solo artists. Now, if one adds the discipline of recording engineer, well then, you have a well rounded musical background. 

I do hope that you enjoy some of my tunes.  I'm always happy to hear from listeners who have something meaningful to share, even when it is not particularly flattering or in someway odd.  I'll even try to answer any questions you may have.  Remember that you are never too old nor too young to create and share your music and/or share your knowledge.

I enjoy writing Country, Folk, Rock, Blues and Gospel lyrics about real life and collaborating with other people. I also upload some cover songs from time to time. My other SC site is Country/Folk/Rock/Blues/Gospel - Repost. https://soundcloud.com/countryrock67

Many thanks to the people listed below for collaborating with me.
--------------------------------------------------------
MIKE FOX
LIZZIE TAYPEN
CHUCK AARON
GLEN GRANTHEM
PJ PROJECTS
DLYNN
SOUTHERN FRIED TIED
RIFF BEACH (Hess)
RORY TOSH (Textosh)
JOHNNY MINSTREL (Prav)
BOB WARNER (Guitar Picker)
ROGER MOORE (RIP)
JAIME J. ROSS
SUNNIDAYZ (Sandy)
EDDIE HARRISON (EddieSongWriter)
BOB MOORE (Bobby T. Moore)
SHOEMANSKY
GEORGE WARD (Jungle DOG)
BOB PICKENS
PAT ERIKSSON
ALLEN G. BAILEY (RIP)
PHILLIP CLARKSON
ALAN FRANKLIN
SPEERS
ANDRE BELLWOOD
DAVID WALKER
PARMOUNT SOUND
JUDY MILLER
SHEILA WEAVER (hymnpianist)
TOM ADAMS
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SoundCloud is a great place to listen and enjoy all types of music from all over the world. The talent on soundcloud is amazing.

God Bless,
Tony

Take Me Down That River (Original)

BluesmanRick