Bitter Echo

RainyDayMan

Bitter Echo

https://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=15089553

© 2025 Owen Hovenden

V1:

 You tell me I’m nothing,

You tell me I’m small

You climb on my shoulders

And whisper I’ll fall.

But I’ve walked too many mornings

To believe the midnight tune

And I see the sun is rising

Through the gloom.

Chorus:

So hush now, bitter echo,

Still your voice, make no sound

Your chains fall like dry branches,

To the ground

I will follow kinder footsteps,

Leading me to peace of mind

And I won’t hear your echoes

The quiet, will be mine.

V2: You sit in my silence,

You speak in my sleep,

You tell me my promises

Are not mine to keep.

But I’ve tasted the morning,

And I’ve touched the sky,

And I won’t let your whispers

Rule my life.

Chorus:

 So hush now, bitter echo,

Still your voice, make no sound

Your chains fall like dry branches,

To the ground

I will follow kinder footsteps,

Leading me to peace of mind

And I won’t hear your echoes

The quiet will be mine.

Bridge:

There’s a place in the silence,

Where the harsh voices cease,

Where the earth forgives the sinner,

And the sinner finds release

and peace.

Final Chorus:

So hush now, bitter echo,

You can’t haunt this heart of mine.

I’ve chosen brighter pathways,

Left your darkness behind.

I will follow kinder footsteps,

Leading me to peace of mind

And I won’t hear your echoes

The quiet will be mine.

[Deleted User]

Definitely not a pop song, kind of reminds me of Gordon Lightfoot.

I like the lyrical concept, kind of self psycho analysis and an affirmation of sorts

Like what you're doing with the chords, sounds like some major 7ths and 9ths too, some dissonance.

Kinda creates that vibe on a mind focusing, like a like a trance.

I don't think 3/4 time works, it doesn't feel right to me in swing time. Could possibly work standard time in verse switching to 3/4 time in the chorus, where character seems to get more confidence.

The other thing I'd say is careful on the pitch, cause you've created such a dissonant palate with the chords, the melody in parts is off,and it stands out behind those chords, or front of those chords.

The other thing to consider is the use of delay...hence echo, would be a nice addition.

But it sounds like you're digging deep musically, and soul searching.

Nice work

bhengen

@RainyDayMan - really like the guitar work. this is the kind of song, you put the headphones on, turn off the lights and just exist.

RainyDayMan

@Domd Thanks! Always appreciate an honest review, and constructive feedback. I'll definitely think on those points.

@bhengen Cheers Bill! It's certainly a more low key, laid back song.

IronKnee

All I can say, Rainy, is that I think this is very nice!

And yes... the guitar is very soothing.

Hardtwistmusic

Just read the lyric, and I'm on my way to listen. Just from a reading, this is a phenomenal lyric. I don't hear Gordon Lightfoot (yet - and remember I haven't yet listened) but this is something I'd have been proud to think of myself.

Hardtwistmusic

Okay. . . now I've listened, and the lyric is even better than I thought. The music does not remind me of Gordon Lightfoot. If anything is really spare in a Bob Dylan kind of way, but in my mind it's not reminiscent of Dylan. It's a RDM song for me - plain and simple. Just a suggestion: Don't let anyone push you into adding much (if any) additional instrumentation. The simplicity of this is it's charm and it's unique 'footprint.'

RainyDayMan

@IronKnee and @Hardtwistmusic thank you both for your thoughts!

It's definitely a song with it's own unique vibe. It may be one that people either love or hate. I'm definitely leaning into that 70s acoustic singer/songwriter vibe here, but then I do that a lot!!

ElvisNash

Well beats another robot song , Sounds good man

MoraAmaroLaLoba

Hola @RainyDayMan

Your songs make feel a lot of sensations through sadness and its beautiful landscapes under rain and pale sun.

Love this guitar, sweet and giving a calm path to the story.

Me ha gustado much.o, this line.. ow

So hush now, bitter echo,

"Still your voice, make no sound"

[Deleted User]

I listened again, and it sounds like Lightfood in the melody in parts also in the tone of vocal.

It sounds nothing at all like Dylan, Dylan has never used chords like that

Always allow people to push you into better things.

They get the same from you.

Amazing how the defense comes out as if you've been attacked.

If I thought this wasn't good, I wouldn't have much to say

StoneFlowers

Ah you were struck with inspiration. Here in the minor keys...your voice is always so captivating. I hope this didn't spring from a real live experience. Is that an antagonist voice in your head or one from someone else's mouth? Hey can I ask, what are you using for a recording device or software, sounds real clean.

[Deleted User]

What chords are they anyway?

RainyDayMan

The starting chords are Am9 and Bm11 played as follows:

Then there's E7 fingered like D7 moved up two frets, before changing to the more positive ones: C9, Gadd9, Bflat and F.

The Bridge is Fmaj7, G Am9

RainyDayMan

https://www.thesongwritersforum.com/vanilla/discussion/comment/15335#Comment_15335

Fortunately not written specifically about myself. I think most of us have this kind of voice in our head, including me, but mine's a bit more manageable! And thank you!

Recording-wise I have a large diaphragm condenser mic for vocals, and a normal cable from acoustic/electric guitar both feeding thru into a M-Audio interface then USB into the computer. It's a very simple setup. but with decent mid-range gear.

ChrisPrice

This is lovely. Great lyrics as always and a delicate vocal. I'm really liking your guitar playing here..I appreciate seeing the start chords too. Yes, it's definitely an RDM song...no comparisons to be made.

RainyDayMan

Thanks Chris! Planning to try it out on a live audience at the end of the month.