Something Cheerful

Unless you’re a very well known writer/performer, thrust before the massing hoards on the cyclone of social media, you won’t tend to get too much harsh criticism flying in your direction.

Mainly, it’s the odd nice response from the people who really like your output, or from folk who know you, and are just being polite. It’s one of the benefits of being obscure. People save the nasty negative attacks for those famous people who need, apparently, to be brought down a peg or two.

After my very first gig though, many years ago, there was a slightly negative back drop to a mainly nice response I got from a listener in the pub.

“That was quite good, but you should play a happier tune as well. Like American Pie”.

Well, that’ll be the day that I die

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Bringing everything right up to date, a little closer to the day that I do die - and to carry on the theme - last night I heard, second hand, from a fairly reliable eavesdropper, a damning commentary on the really depressing nature of my music.

That old classic…. “Songs to slit your wrists to”.

Actually I was quite surprised the person in question had even heard anything of mine. Which in itself is always something to be grateful for, I think.

But the truth is (and this applies to McCartney, Prince, Swift and Sheeran, as well as lil’ ole me) most people, even if their opinions aren’t this stark, are going to let our music walk on by.

It might be for somebody, but it’s not really for them. Even if they don’t actually hate it.

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But, Hhrmmmphh!

For the record, and I’ve put a lot on record, “songs to slit your wrists to” does not sum up the whole of my musical back catalogue. Please check them out if you doubt me! Even if it’s to prove my bloody critics right!

Although, if it’s for that reason, please stay away from sharp implements.

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Anyway, I got that off my chest. But it’s all still food for thought ain’t it? And all input has some validity. I’m going away to write songs with friends again soon, and I can see myself making a concerted effort to create Something Cheerful now.

Honestly, the things you have to do to please some people….