Theodore

by @davidtaro · @greengrassgirl

Liner Notes

David says: When I first read this poignant character study from @greengrassgirl, I have to admit I was at a bit of a loss at how to set it to music. However, rather like Theodore, the song worked its magic over time, and I ended up with these #waltzy, brisk chord changes which felt well-suited to the nostalgic, thoughtful lyrics. Both Patty and I felt there was a Simon & Garfunkel vibe to the words, so I tried to channel that as best I could. My main takeaway, having finished the song, is that I'm no Paul Simon. Nor, sadly, even an Art Garfunkel. Which I guess is no great surprise. I hope you enjoy it! #collab #folky #glockenspiel

Patty says: I knew when I wrote this lyric that I wanted David Taro to make it into a song. I think he did a masterful job. I had this image of Theodore, a rather odd fellow, and I hoped for a musical treatment that showed both his social bewilderment and inner kindness--something that society doesn't always take the time to appreciate. The music and vocals deliver exactly what I hoped for, and it's turning out to be one of those songs that sounds even better the more I play it. I'm not at all surprised that David came through with the magic once again.

Lyrics

V1
His name was Theodore
Never went by Ted
A nickname is disrespectful
Said the voices in his head

V2
I’d see him on the stairs
He would barely nod
I didn’t know much about him
Just that Theodore was odd

V3
No visitors came by
He lived up there alone
I think that’s the way he liked it
No one bothering him at home

Ch
Everyone knows a Theodore
The kid who don’t belong
Won’t look you in the eye, he’s too withdrawn
The one the other kids love to pick on
Theodore, I coldly wrote you off
Far too long

V4
Then my father died
I was on my own
My flat filled up with flowers
But my heart had turned to stone

V5
I stayed inside for days
Never felt so bad
I stared into space for hours
Plotting how to join my Dad

V6
Heard rustling at the door
Found a bouquet there
Then Theodore’s quiet footsteps
Scurrying up the stairs

Ch
Everyone knows a Theodore
The kid who don’t belong
Won’t look you in the eye, he’s too withdrawn
The one the other kids love to pick on
Theodore, I coldly wrote you off
Far too long

Br
The moment left me speechless
The gift of life he gave me
This kindness from an awkward man
Was the very thing that saved me

Ch
Everyone knows a Theodore
The kid who don’t belong
Won’t look you in the eye, he’s too withdrawn
The one the other kids love to pick on
Theodore, I coldly wrote you off
Far too long

Comments

[avatar]
@nuno
This is fabulous. A great take on a character we’ve all met. I love the chorus; it really swings. Great lyrics, vocals and music. David never fails to deliver and a I’ll have to check out more from you Patty. Thanks both - a great collab!
[avatar]
@crisp1
That's a great lyric, Patty! Very unexpected ending and very moving. You definitely found the right music for this, David. Great collab!
[avatar]
@sycophant
Very cool collab. Has an almost The Beatles feel to it. Love the duet, your voices blend together so well. @greengrassgirl the narrative in your lyrics is masterful. Very powerful story.
[avatar]
@hbusse
The timeless waltz feel is great paired with the character study in the lyrics here.
[avatar]
@ayeahmur
What a lovely, achingly truthful story. The lyric is so nicely structured, you wonder where it's going and then you get that killer stanza. So sweet.
There are some cracking instrument choices too - the harpsichord and the organ are barely there in the mix but they add so much, especially at that waltz tempo.
Favourite thing is probably the held, unresolving note on "Far too long". That suits the words SO well.
[avatar]
@jerrypettit
I will always say it: WALTZES ARE CHEATING! (Because there's no such thing as a bad waltz) 😉

Always love @greengrassgirl 's lyrics--wish she'd done more--and you've done a terrific job covering them. I like the more romantic laid-back David. (And, yeah--especially if you CHEAT with a waltz!) ❤️
[avatar]
@karlsburg25
Wohoooo i got a lot of catching up to do, now out of my retreat and oooo what a treat. I felt the need for a melodic, beautiful bit of magic to flow through my ear this morning and boy does this tick all those boxes. The production is pure magic and those harmonies truly are magical .I adore the story and its been interpreted perfectly. This is more than a treat guys . Muchos thanks to you both
[avatar]
@n24
Magic is the word! Those tinkling xylophone notes and the sweet delay. The clean guitar is definitely bringing the S&G vibes (huge Paul Simon fan btw) and I think you channelled it beautifully! This also kind of reminds me of Lord Anthony (Belle & Sebastian) at least lyrically. The Waltz is a beautifully choice, it brings such a magical movement to these gorgeous lyrics. I love that chorus 'Everyone knows a Theodore, the kid who don't belong' and the little touches like 'never went by Ted' really quickly build an intimate and authentic picture of Theodore :) beautiful collab!
[avatar]
@ragbag
What a wonderful song. A beautiful story - beatifully told. I love how this - on the outside is deceptively simple - yet hides it's complexities so well. It's like the Swan gliding along the water with the legs paddling furiously along underneath. Really memorable - glad I happened upon this. Very well done to you both. :-)
[avatar]
@coolparadiso Mod
really good storytelling lyric, loved it Patty. nicely done David that would have been tricky. but the outcome was excellent.
[avatar]
@paulharrison
Excellent job all around! Wonderful, sweet story and very appropriate music to bring them to life. The music seems a little Beatlesque to me (maybe around the Magical Mystery days?). Anyway, I enjoyed all aspects of this...congrats to both of you!
[avatar]
@philnorman
Oh, the way "far too long" resolves sends this into orbit. Beautiful heart and humanity in the lyric, the slightly irregular meter seems really appropriate. The little organ touches are so good, and I love the way you sing this together. I love love songs that are about what it means to be human, not just a lover.

Edit: came back to add that “everyone knows a Theodore” has been rolling through my brain since I listened. So good hook!
[avatar]
@cts
I knew a Theodore. I have heartstrings for many Theodores in the world. The way this narrative moves, I'm reminded of Ode to Billy Joe. The lyrics, the arrangement and really the story remind me so much of the tele-movie inasmuch the song itself (not a dig at you, @davidtaro). It's a moving piece from both aspects that you two have brought here. This is quite moving and I think that's what tends to make songs memorable and enjoyable. Nice work!
[avatar]
@jeff9
Can't imagine a better treatment for such a poignant and thoughtful lyric. I think David came as close to a S&G vibe as anyone could hope to. And yes, that glockenspiel sprinkled such silvery magic onto the whole proceedings. Thanks to you both for touching our hearts.
[avatar]
@sbs
Gave me chills! So beautiful written and harmonically choreographed. Masterfully done!
[avatar]
@squirrelhavenstudios
Well done collaboration. The combined vocals sound great together, and your tone matches the lyrics really well. I don't know if I would have made the Simon & Garfunkel connection on my own, but because you mentioned it, I can definitely see that influence in the finished product. This sort of has the same yearning quality as The Only Living Boy in New York. The lyrics are good and touch on a universal subject. And I really like the choice of instrumentation. Nice work!
[avatar]
@richaaaay
A gentle and touching story, carefully crafted and revealed. Love the harmonized vocals throughout. That's very effective, particularly for a more sparse production like this. The guitar sounds full and wonderful. The extra instrumentation is subtle and well orchestrated. DT, you are a master!
[avatar]
@jonmeta
I live for moments like this on FAWM. The two-voice harmonies right the way through are just right: I never thought, Oh that's enough duo, let's have a solo. I love how the gentle waltz rhythm ebbs and flows, not just in the payoff final verse, but at other points in the song, so that as a listener I'm pulled along in a current that swoops, slows in swirling eddies, and then moves off again. The instrumentation is ace: the glockenspiel is such a cherry on top, as it were, when done well, as it is here. Anyway, the story is touching and masterfully told: a moving vignette from the speaker's viewpoint but Theodore's whole existence. You've created empathy, which is an artistic achievement.
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