NOTE: If you’d like to skip my commentary and go straight to the song, go to 17:00. However, I do suggest listening to the whole episode!
Thanks for tuning in to the first episode of “25 Bad Songs,” an Art In All Its Forms podcast series where I (Suraj) write 25 songs — one song a week — and show you how I did it! As I said in my latest newsletter:
Each podcast episode will be a little different. Sometimes I’ll share my thoughts on the writing process or the inspiration and story behind certain songs. Sometimes I’ll carefully show you how voice memos and scribbled rough drafts turn into a piece of music sounding a little more complete.
Most importantly, I’m always gonna be 100% transparent with you: what I liked about the song, what I didn’t like, how I’m looking to improve, my musical insecurities — EVERYTHING. I hope it will give you a sense of what an artist goes through when they are working on something but aren’t sure of the final result.
Today’s song, “Long Distance,” tells the story of a long-distance relationship coming to its end. Disclaimer: this has NOTHING TO DO with my wonderful 3-year relationship with Maura, which is strong and well!
*****
Full Lyrics:
Verse 1
I haven’t held your face in a while
Only text messages and digital smiles
Opposite coasts for years at a time
Falling asleep without you by my side
Pre-chorus
Watching you float away
There’s only so much pain I can take
Chorus
Tryna keep it going
Even though we’re tired of long distance, long distance
It’s so hard to know if
All of this is worth it, the long distance, long distance
Verse 2
Why do we keep this charade all the time
It’s not what it used to be, we’re not doing fine
Talking in circles, feeling in squares
You say that you love me but you’re not here
Pre-chorus
Watching us float away
Wish there was something that I could say
Chorus
Tryna keep it going
Even though we’re tired of long distance, long distance
It’s so hard to know if
All of this is worth it, the long distance, long distance
Bridge
Watching you float away
Remembering better days
Watching you float away
Wish there was something left here to say
Chorus
Tryna keep it going
Even though we’re tired of long… distance
It’s so hard to know if
All of this is worth it, the long distance, long distance
Outro
There’s only so much pain I can take
*****
A few visuals
Here’s a look at my ridiculous scribbles on Post-its and in my Field Notes Memo Book… I can barely read these notes after a few days, so I try to get everything digitized at some point.
25 Bad Songs: 1. "Long Distance"