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Growing up in the 1960s, it seemed as if all experience was filtered through the lens of the Vietnam war. This song, written in 1980, is a reflection on that experience. I chose this song for my very first Garageband recording attempt in 2007, owing to the simplicity of the musical arrangement. I shot the video in October 2009 using my Flip camcorder placed on a tripod at three different vantage points, in three consecutive takes; then edited the tracks using Final Cut Express. Thanks to Susan for advice on the color correction.
Just Another Bad Dream
Words and music © 1980 J. Ochshorn
1. Time goes by
What was new becomes passé
What was good gets thrown away so it seems
Fading dreams never getting very far
Never knowing why you came or where you are
So strap yourself in for the final years of the ride
Don't look back don't shed no tears from inside
It's just another bad trip take it all in stride
2. Life goes on
So they'd like you to believe
You can celebrate or grieve for your fate
Sit and wait for the actors to pretend
Everybody's got to stay until the end
So save your seat in the underground concert halls
Let their sanctified words resound off the walls
It's just another bad scene 'till the curtain falls
3. Marching bands
Play a military song
Everyone can sing along to the beat
Marching feet on the television set
It's so hard to understand and easy to forget
So stay in bed when you hear the sound of their guns
Pay no mind when they come around for your sons
It's just another bad dream 'till the morning comes
Stay in your bed when you see the flash of their guns
Pay no mind when they call at last for your sons
It's just another bad dream 'till the mourning comes
Production notes:
Song was arranged, produced, and recorded on Garageband software by J. Ochshorn. All instruments and vocals by J. Ochshorn. Instruments include some software instruments (e.g., drums and bass) played live on a midi keyboard by J. Ochshorn.
Recorded at home in Ithaca, NY, May 2007; re-mixed in 2018.
First posted 31 August 2014. Last updated: December 3, 2018