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Only So Much (Original, song challenge)

Sounds stereotypical, but being stuck inside with the rain pattering against all my windows put me in a thinking mood...so I challenged myself to process that mood into a song and record it in one afternoon. It's not gonna be on an album or anything, but I thought it might be fun for you all to get a peek inside my brain. If anyone's looking for a more detailed analysis of what I think it means, hm. I was chewing on the funny balance between the macro and micro of things - the fact that we are "everything", built from the same stuff that popped out billions of years ago, and yet we can only give back to the universe the bits of everything that we have. It's difficult and important work to appreciate yourself both by acknowledging that you are a miraculous ball of stardust and by acknowledging that this miraculous ball of stardust needs to respect the limits of its own particles if it wants a fighting chance of doing right by other balls of stardust. I digress. 👨🏻‍🚀
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Patreon: / carsonmckee
Instagram: / therealcarsonmckee
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Originals: • Colorado Soldier - Ori...
Covers: • Don't Let Me Down (Bea...
LYRICS:
On the point of a matchstick, on the back of a hand
In the walls of my bedroom, in the lay of the land
I am spread through the carbon, and it’s spread all through me
I feel spread awful thin - guess it’s natural to be
Ooo-oo, there’s only so much I can do
I may be the fingers, I may be the fire
Burn and be burned, exist and expire
Boots in a puddle, eyes to the sky
Makeup dissolving, pockets still dry
When the water is muddy you can’t tell the depth
If you’re scared of sinking, maybe that’s for the best
Ooo-oo, there’s only so much I can do
I may be the water, I may be the sky
But I can’t fill your cup when there’s nothing in mine
I may be the water, I may be the sky
But I can’t fill your cup when there’s nothing in mine
Acoustic Guitar: 1959 Harmony H-162 restored by Morris Rowell of Nature's Harmony Guitars
Vocal mic: Warm Audio WA-47 one click toward figure 8
Guitar mic: sE X1 R
Interface: Pro Tools Carbon
Camera: Canon SL2 w/ 20mm f/2.8 lens

Пікірлер: 110

  • @jfloww
    @jfloww11 ай бұрын

    This is one I’m gonna come back to on those very hard days. Sometimes music doesn’t need to make you feel better, but to express how you feel. Thank you Carson

  • @deborahchapman222
    @deborahchapman22211 ай бұрын

    Wow, love it! You are a natural born song writer/poet. I love your songs 😍

  • @AcousticVet
    @AcousticVet11 ай бұрын

    It amazes me that you can write something like this in a day. It's brilliant.

  • @michaelosolosax
    @michaelosolosax11 ай бұрын

    I am used to be touched and astonished by the depth of your songs ... but this is the deepest song ... showing surface and depth of live at once. Thank you for your music, thank you!

  • @AustinLHoward
    @AustinLHoward11 ай бұрын

    Good lord I love you man. Every time you release something (whether solo or with friends) I rush to go see it and it always lights up my day. You seem like one of those guys that it would be great to have a coffee with on some rainy day and just chat about music or life. Thank you so much for all you do Carson, hope you never stop being awesome. :)

  • @richardmiller6318
    @richardmiller631811 ай бұрын

    Beautifully written and beautifully sung.

  • @adaltroczguitar

    @adaltroczguitar

    11 ай бұрын

    Agreed!

  • @reedmckenzie
    @reedmckenzie11 ай бұрын

    Love the sound of that over the shoulder large diaphragm condenser. Great writing and playing.

  • @dlbstl
    @dlbstl8 ай бұрын

    This song is so profound and well sung. I love what you wrote in the description too. I agree! We are all just little balls of stardust trying to make our way. We have only so much to give to each other, and need to recharge every once in a while. Carl Sagan said "we are all made out of star stuff".

  • 11 ай бұрын

    MUST be included on the next The Other Favorites album. Absolutely great, super natural and clear, super Carsons.

  • @supermankent1041
    @supermankent104111 ай бұрын

    Thank you Carson. It has the feel of "Armed and Dangerous:" in melody at times.

  • @EarToTheGroundMusic
    @EarToTheGroundMusic11 ай бұрын

    Alright, using the law of deductive reasoning I'll be expecting 364 more on my desk, September 13th of 2024. :) Kidding, of course. Wonderful, as always. The head of the matchstick leading to the line about fire really worked well. That's the image that stuck with me. Cheers.

  • @adrianwoodhouse3774
    @adrianwoodhouse377411 ай бұрын

    That’s awesome, maybe that’s the way to go, no going over songs for days and weeks trying to make them better. That’s come from the heart and I just love it.

  • @Cool7Songs
    @Cool7Songs11 ай бұрын

    The slip into the chorus is beautiful.

  • @philtang7111
    @philtang711111 ай бұрын

    Brilliant! Powerful! Direct and Clear! You are on to something very big. Naturally your next challenge is to compose a whole body of songs - all written within one day. This song is the evidence there is no need to overthink it. Not for you. Thank you for the great song.

  • @gantte
    @gantte11 ай бұрын

    Sometimes you just have to set out blindly, with FAITH, that things will work out. This was an unexpected treat this morning! Thank you so much! ❤

  • @matthewjamestaylor
    @matthewjamestaylor11 ай бұрын

    I like your brain. Cheers.

  • @markbates891
    @markbates89111 ай бұрын

    Oh Carson, your music always speaks to my soul! What a gift you are to the world!

  • @A_WaLLinger
    @A_WaLLinger11 ай бұрын

    Whenever I get notifications of this channel I just like it even before the video starts.

  • @thadsettle2756
    @thadsettle275611 ай бұрын

    Carson, I'm 75 and a big fan. You're work is right up there with the best. I'm constantly impressed.

  • @jamesedwards2687

    @jamesedwards2687

    6 ай бұрын

    You sound like me!

  • @impresscoaching
    @impresscoaching8 ай бұрын

    Mate, this is a good song. I really like it. Maybe it's better than you think! Nice one, please keep them coming.

  • @Multi_ToBi
    @Multi_ToBi10 ай бұрын

    That is brilliant simplicity...thank you, Carson!

  • @beckywatts502
    @beckywatts50211 ай бұрын

    What?? FABULOUS as always. You are amazing!

  • @freejulianassange3143
    @freejulianassange314310 ай бұрын

    Now you're just showing off. 8p More seriously though, love the imagery and the deceptively simple sounding melody draws us in. You've always got something artful in that cup of yours.

  • @joemay6907
    @joemay690710 ай бұрын

    Incredible. Thats some dylan song writing levels there. Definitely some similarities and can feel the influence

  • @davidhotson1594
    @davidhotson159411 ай бұрын

    Love the concept . Days gone by artists may have had simple recordings like this of songs that never progress. Modern day I imagine most artists add and tinker until it’s much more a polished / finished song given the limitless possibilities of technology.

  • @schoonerdog44
    @schoonerdog4411 ай бұрын

    Whoa, good stuff. I love how you keep it real but still ooze with creativity and talent.

  • @likebot.
    @likebot.11 ай бұрын

    Well that was nice. I shoudn't have read the description though because I took my own meaning from it based on my life experience and mindset. It's one of those songs like Me and Julio or Lido Shuffle - you invent your own narrative if one isn't given.

  • @SmogandBlack
    @SmogandBlack10 ай бұрын

    So sweet, Carson... very good words and I wouldn't be so dismissive ('it's not going to be on an album or anything...') of the whole thing: I played it repeatedly (like 12 times, really...), like I couldn't get enough... which was a bit that wasn't happening to me... (rest assured: I'm the first to be surprised 😉): who knows: maybe you just wrote a hit (...and that would make me really happy for you). 😊👏

  • @coldflames007
    @coldflames00710 ай бұрын

    Jeez. This is bloody good. For a while I thought this must be an unheard song from Dylan

  • @micha0634
    @micha063411 ай бұрын

    Very beautifull! Thank you! I realy like your original tunes! Keep on going!

  • @ElizabethDohertyThomas
    @ElizabethDohertyThomas11 ай бұрын

    Gorgeous and soothing!

  • @remixandkaraoke
    @remixandkaraoke11 ай бұрын

    You're very talented. Keep downloading brilliant tunes and lyrics like this from the universe and manifesting them into reality. This is clearly something you were born to do, Carson. Well done, sir.

  • @mediamannaman
    @mediamannaman11 ай бұрын

    Yeah, a rainy day will put you in a mood like that. You manifested it well in that song. Loved the lyrics. At one point it reminded me of Gordon Lightfoot (RIP).

  • @ratwynd
    @ratwynd11 ай бұрын

    Awesome. Particularly like the classic old school Harmony (I think) guitar you are playing. I sometimes play a similar all mahogany Epiphone from '63, an FC30 Cabellero. The Harmony has an awesome mellow tone that fits your song perfectly. Great job.

  • @28Person28
    @28Person2811 ай бұрын

    Great insight. "Exist and expire", my favorite line. Keep doing your thing. Always look forward to your videos.

  • @arnelarsen4379
    @arnelarsen437911 ай бұрын

    Another very clever one this, Carson!

  • @lindamon5101
    @lindamon510111 ай бұрын

    Dewd there's 365 afternoons /yr just waiting for you to mingle lyrics with notes let them flow on a breeze of an old ragwood sneeeeeze lol you have it all and then some. Keep on lettin em rip!🙏🏼🤣💦💙🐬🌊🌊🌊

  • @pappyfiddle
    @pappyfiddle11 ай бұрын

    Gorgeous, Carson! This is one of the noblest activities humans do -- sit around and make up songs.

  • @troyclayton
    @troyclayton11 ай бұрын

    Beautiful, thank you.

  • @howardn
    @howardn11 ай бұрын

    Thanks for all that you give us.

  • @violetgray9568
    @violetgray956811 ай бұрын

    Thank you always

  • @agusgarcia_e
    @agusgarcia_e11 ай бұрын

    Dude. You're like wine. It keeps getting better and better all the time

  • @agusgarcia_e

    @agusgarcia_e

    11 ай бұрын

    and BTW that rhymes.

  • @agusgarcia_e

    @agusgarcia_e

    11 ай бұрын

    and that too rhymes with that last line

  • @agusgarcia_e

    @agusgarcia_e

    11 ай бұрын

    Alright then. I'm turning myself off before I lose my mind

  • @agusgarcia_e

    @agusgarcia_e

    11 ай бұрын

    So bye bye... everybody. Good Night

  • @MistyMarshall
    @MistyMarshall11 ай бұрын

    Great song! Very talented!

  • @briangorman1079
    @briangorman107911 ай бұрын

    Oh dang this is a really good one C!

  • @dcrate3525
    @dcrate352511 ай бұрын

    Very well done Carson, you are a talented songwriter like we seldom get to see or hear anymore.

  • @Flashcrow
    @Flashcrow11 ай бұрын

    Nice tune..... and profound.

  • @just1mansopinion
    @just1mansopinion11 ай бұрын

    Exist and expire...WOW, gave me goosebumps. Great writing Carson! Of course, the performance is also great, but we've come to expect nothing less. Cheers\=/\=/

  • @SpicyCurryWurst519
    @SpicyCurryWurst51911 ай бұрын

    A new Carson Original for the oncoming October? Today’s gonna be great. For something you managed to put together in an afternoon, this is impressive. Did the recording/editing take longer than the actual songwriting this time?

  • @carsonmckeemusic

    @carsonmckeemusic

    11 ай бұрын

    I believe so...I had some interesting challenges getting the vocal and guitar mics to play nicely together.

  • @marioc63

    @marioc63

    11 ай бұрын

    @@carsonmckeemusic This song-writing modality suits you. I believe your die-hard fans would welcome more.

  • @GhostontheMoor
    @GhostontheMoor11 ай бұрын

    Just lovely. Thank you, Carson.

  • @JaneWillowMusic
    @JaneWillowMusic11 ай бұрын

    Wonderful Carson!

  • @paulmartin8212
    @paulmartin821211 ай бұрын

    Nice tune. some deep thought there around some interesting chord choices. great job.

  • @ErnieVanVeen
    @ErnieVanVeen11 ай бұрын

    Most excellent!

  • @RoseAkerman
    @RoseAkerman11 ай бұрын

    Awesome! You’re amazing!

  • @PoetlaureateNFDL
    @PoetlaureateNFDL10 ай бұрын

    Gorgeous song! 😊😊🎉🎉

  • @stuartcg123
    @stuartcg12311 ай бұрын

    Excellent work.

  • @Macatawaman
    @Macatawaman11 ай бұрын

    Carson. Lovely.

  • @MrJorvik
    @MrJorvik11 ай бұрын

    WOW- Brilliant❤

  • @72timba
    @72timba11 ай бұрын

    What a talent you have my friend! Never doubt yourself. Hope you make back to Cincy next year!

  • @gavinjohnson5888
    @gavinjohnson588811 ай бұрын

    Thanks for all you do, Carson! Be well!

  • @H.Allen.C
    @H.Allen.C11 ай бұрын

    Thanks Carson. Love you voice.

  • @naterfaith1
    @naterfaith111 ай бұрын

    Wow !

  • @guitaleleoeuvre
    @guitaleleoeuvre11 ай бұрын

    Fantastic!

  • @Big.E
    @Big.E11 ай бұрын

    Stunning

  • @gerryoneill8881
    @gerryoneill888111 ай бұрын

    Great song.

  • @raynoladominguez4730
    @raynoladominguez473011 ай бұрын

    What a wonderful song. Well done sir.

  • @GoMathewVideo
    @GoMathewVideo11 ай бұрын

    Wow this song is pure bliss!

  • @peterpierson6703
    @peterpierson670311 ай бұрын

    Luv it!

  • @JackFlaps
    @JackFlaps11 ай бұрын

    thanks for sharing

  • @BardofCornwall
    @BardofCornwall11 ай бұрын

    Awesome!

  • @jamesedwards2687
    @jamesedwards26876 ай бұрын

    Love you Carson.

  • @LB-xl5dq
    @LB-xl5dq10 ай бұрын

    Good job!

  • @martinbutzelaar
    @martinbutzelaar11 ай бұрын

    Man you sound great

  • @christopherheflin5919
    @christopherheflin591911 ай бұрын

    What an amazing song. Well done.😊

  • @karakisla8
    @karakisla811 ай бұрын

    Nice micing technique!

  • @marcl5048
    @marcl504811 ай бұрын

    Impressive!

  • @diamondsrustmusic
    @diamondsrustmusic11 ай бұрын

    Great, buddy! Very sincere!

  • @dominicmacklon7225
    @dominicmacklon722511 ай бұрын

    Very very good

  • @LB-xl5dq
    @LB-xl5dq10 ай бұрын

    Good job.

  • @SeanSaulsbury
    @SeanSaulsbury11 ай бұрын

    Beautiful! Well done.

  • @bratrecordchannel3
    @bratrecordchannel311 ай бұрын

    Che pensieri profondi e intimi !

  • @Sixth_Beatle
    @Sixth_Beatle11 ай бұрын

    Отлично, как и всегда!

  • @donaldneumeyer4423
    @donaldneumeyer442311 ай бұрын

    Awesome Carson!

  • @_ryanriosmusic
    @_ryanriosmusic11 ай бұрын

    Hermosa canción Carson!

  • @andrewworleymusic
    @andrewworleymusic11 ай бұрын

    Love it!

  • @williammartin2275
    @williammartin227511 ай бұрын

    Well done 👏

  • @brucewalker3379
    @brucewalker337910 ай бұрын

    Just a great little song. Maybe sell it to Bonnie Rait! Or Willie N?

  • @LiamHagan
    @LiamHagan11 ай бұрын

    The progression that first occurs at 0:47, is it a VIIm7b5 - III7 - VIm? I love the sound of that, anywhere it gets used 😊

  • @philtang7111
    @philtang711111 ай бұрын

    Let me clarify: Naturally your next challenge might be to compose a whole body of songs - EACH written within one day.

  • @gerrishroger
    @gerrishroger4 ай бұрын

    Beautiful as ever Carson, is that an original or a cover ? Can I find the tabs please ?

  • @jessicacosiguitar
    @jessicacosiguitar11 ай бұрын

    Amazing as always! :) I also published one of my original songs on my channel, but it will never be as good as yours!

  • @jessicacosiguitar

    @jessicacosiguitar

    11 ай бұрын

    @@billyboy2285 Thank you so much!!

  • @ckedinho
    @ckedinho11 ай бұрын

    Bob Dylan vibes.

  • @JonathanCurry-rs4kh
    @JonathanCurry-rs4kh11 ай бұрын

    Is that a Baxendale Conversion?

  • @carsonmckeemusic

    @carsonmckeemusic

    11 ай бұрын

    Morris Rowell!

  • @claudioas
    @claudioas11 ай бұрын

    you are a bass baritone? right?

  • @user-vt7tm9ih5p
    @user-vt7tm9ih5p11 ай бұрын

    Респект от русских слушателей