FAWM: "Easy"

Easy

5 days ago by @ohljazz

Skirmish: Convenience (@unpronounceable)

Easy

ohljazz

00:00

Liner Notes

Had the words done before the end of the hour, but took some time to get the music and recording right. Yes, this ended up being about #AI agents (#sorrynotsorry) but as part of a more general comment about solutions to make everything easier. #guywithpiano #blues
Here's the lead sheet (with some minor tweaks to the words to make everything fit): https://bit.ly/3X94pEb

Lyrics

I saw an ad for an agent
A box on my laptop display
They promised it's so convenient
Just tell it what you want
Get the answer right away
It'll answer your questions
Write you a song
Paint you a picture
It's all sounding wrong
Who said I wanted things easy?
I'd rather do the work myself

There's always folks with a shortcut
A plan to save money or time
They promise it's so convenient
Save a couple of hours
Or save a couple dimes
Take the work out of housework
Take that exam
Some of it's useful
Some is just a scam
Who said I wanted things easy?
I'd rather do the work myself

There's value in effort
In working it out
Getting stuck in a bind
The thrill when you find all the pieces
The joy when you exercise your mind

If I may make a suggestion
If you have a tool to suggest
I promise it's more convenient
Leave me off your list
I think it's for the best
All that work and the effort
Pressure and drive
Makes me feel useful
Makes me feel alive
Who said I wanted things easy?
I'd rather do the work myself

Copyright © 2025 Oren Levine | Buffalo Bridge Music ASCAP

Comments

@kahlo2013 3d

This is really wonderful. I love the jazzy feel and your touch and the keys and it is a great reflection on society and progress. Fabulous melody and vocal delivery!

@tippyteapot 5d

This was so refreshing to listen to. Great notes, great words, beautiful delivery.

@marthie 5d

Yes easy is not always the wat to- the effort makes it stick.
Favorite line is a section:”There's value in effort
In working it out
Getting stuck in a bind
The thrill when you find all the pieces
The joy when you exercise your mind”
It’s the high! Great skirmish.

@prsongsmith 5d

At first, I thought you meant you had an AI agent arrange the song, and I was about to say something about the irony of that, given your lyrics. But much to my relief, it was a *commentary* on AI, and I wholeheartedly endorse the message! Love the treatment -- I get a real Mose Allison vibe here (high praise from me). Great work!

@heather 5d

Great skirmish! I love the laid-back/minimalistic jazzy piano, and am also on board with the message. Don't we want/need to work?!

@wcentennial 5d

I'm glad you took the time for the music, that was great. And real stuff you're singing about. Idk if we'll ever get back to a time of doing everything for our selves. Nice job

@richardmasters 5d

What a corker of a song - it was worth spending the time on the lyrics - who said I wanted things easy - great. The melody and piano are wonderful - a real achievement, and in a skirmish!