Day 6
THE BLUE AND THE GREY
Not a war between the states, per se…. but rather, a battle of states.
Upbeat versus gloomy. Positive versus negative. Light versus dark.
These are actual places. Genuine destinations where we hide and reside… They each have their role, true, but we often seem to go out of our way to stay entangled in our greys.
It’s familiar. It’s comfortable. Perhaps too comfortable.
But beyond the clouds, we grab glimpses. Little patches of blue. And we must accept that it’s perfectly okay to aim for the blue once in a while. It exists. It’s real.
It breathes on the other side of grey.
SO, WHY YANK THE PLUG?
Today’s cut, “The Other Side of Grey,” is one of those ELM TREASON songs that actually sounds like it was built for acoustic guitar. To that end, this seems like a perfect spot to spill the beans on how and why this band acquired its acoustic soul. Dig this:
THE MUSIC (SONG 6) – “THE OTHER SIDE OF GREY”
“The choice was mine. This wasted time kept me from the blue. Now I see.”
Written by Andrew Roman and Robert Steel
Produced by Elm Treason
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at Realm Tones Music
Being an acoustic-guitar grounded band, one might think that folk rock-type stuff would be the norm for us – a kind of mandate, a necessity, even. However, that hasn’t been the case. Not that we are anti-folk rock by any stretch. (Are you kidding?) Today’s voice – “The Other Side of Grey” – actually has that kind of vibe to it… but that’s not how this song started out. Here’s the story:
“THE OTHER SIDE OF GREY”
(Listen now. Let the music play!)
LYRICS
The other side of grey there shines the blue of day, covered while it’s easing smile is veiled by the shade.
Past the dusky skies, the morning sun sings high, soothing light in clearest sight, although I close my eyes
I can see.
The other side of grey, I feel it breathe. The other side of grey ahead of me.
And even when I stray, I always find my way as if my hands had broken in to rip apart the grey.
And it’s gone. Yes, it’s gone.
Tied to tides of time, the clouds filled my mind. Decay set in, the grey within had me cracked and dry.
And when I fell right through, face to face with truth, the choice was mine, this wasted time kept me from the blue.
Now I see.
The other side of grey is here at home. The other side of grey is clear although
when even out of view, I always make it through, as if my hands had broken in to rip apart the gloom.
And it’s gone. Yes, it’s gone.
The other side of grey, I feel it breathe. The other side of grey ahead of me.
And even when I stray, I always find my way as if my hands had broken in to rip apart the grey.
And it’s gone. (Other side of grey). Yes, it’s gone. (Other side of grey).
Oh, it’s gone. (Other side of grey). It is gone. (Other side…)
Beyond the clouds, away, where lives the blue of day, absent while it’s cooling smile is curtained by the grey.
Don’t mean it’s not seen, or not reality. The other side of grey is such a song inside of me.
The other side of grey is where my song longs to be. The other side of grey is something I can see.
I can see. (Other side of grey). I can see. (Other side of grey).
I can see. (Other side of grey).
I can see. I can see.
(Other side of grey).
EXTRA EXTRA BONUS CONTENT
Andy talks about his beat up Fender and his contributions to this song.
Bobby elaborates a bit more on THE OTHER SIDE OF GREY.
“THE OTHER SIDE OF GREY” (original harmony demo idea)
Here is the original demo Bobby made of the song, complete with his harmony ideas. The working title of the song was “Not Gonna Let You.” There are no lyrics yet – (it is still in “la-la” mode) – and the layered vocal ending has not yet been written. Bobby’s harmony arrangement on this chorus is what prompted Andy to scream at him, “What is wrong with you? Where were you hiding this?”
Copyright 2021 Realm Tones Music, LLC
Ok!! Stop the press!
Hold on!!
Man, you guys know how to write songs!
This has a feel of The Monkees. Which is awesome ,cause they have some good songs.
Love the concept. A wise man once spoke of “Tokens of Grace.” Am I in the ballpark of the message of this one?
Keep em coming!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Hi Mark! You are the first to comment on THE OTHER SIDE OF GREY! Believe it or not, this is actually one of our all time favorites we’ve done. We LOVE doing the harmonies on this one. In short, we’re saying that the “blue” in this song is s place that DOES exist, representing our solace, our peace, our acceptance, our contentment. It is a PLACE that is ALWAYS there, even when we can’t see it. The inspiration for the lyric actually came from riding in a plane during a rain storm. It may be grey where we are now, but that blue sky is always there above the clouds, on the OTHER SIDE of grey. Thank you, brother. Sincerely.
this is a special song for us. One of our favorites and we just had to put it on the album. We think people of all ages will like this one. It’s so satisfying to see the journey this song went through and it’s completion and final result. I’m also happy I got to use a mandolin for the solo. Working out that ending took quite a bit of work but worth every second of it.
Andy’s words are just stellar. Hoping this tune gives everyone a lift.
E PLURIBUS ULMUS!
It does lift the spirit!
You guys are a great writing duo.
Seriously, Elm Treason is like treasure found!
There’s always a sense of hope in your songs!
Thank you, Mark. Thank you SO MUCH for that. Our treasure is having people connect with our music as you have. There just isn’t anything better.Even in the depths of the deepest pain, or in the shadows of the heaviest darkness, we try to find some positive, something uplifting…. The other side of grey is where our SONGS long to be.
Now this is a universal theme that anyone can relate to. It almost has a pop feel to it but maybe that is just because it’s so positive. The lyric reminds me of a painting someone does and then speeds up the video.
That’s a delightful description Ruth: “A painting someone does and then speeds up the video.” There’s something in that description that resonates with us. Yeah, this one has a folksy feel with an almost pop-rock sensibility. It’s one of the few songs we do that has harmony all the way straight through the song.
Most terrific!!! I can’t say it enough!!!
Thank you, Ted. Brother, the positive vibes keep us going, man. BIG TIME. Appreciate you finding the time to invest in our jams. Rock on, Ted!
Harmonies mandolins, blues, and greys, oh my! And the pen is mightier than the sword. Creative overload, and happy feet abound. Seems alot is going on here, but it all flows so sweetly together, in those angelic voices. Day 6, you didn’t disappoint. Onward and upward boys! The stakes are gettin higher. Better bring the noise! Loud love, as always, from your friendly flyover state, smack dab in the center of this great country. ✌❤🤘
Hi Sonya! A little ensemble of string pluckers, a nice fire, a clear sky….and the setting is complete. Yes, this one has a LOT of meaning to Bobby and me for myriad reasons. It isn’t the “heaviest” of our songs, but it is no less powerful to us. It is oftentimes, we find, more difficult to create a positive soundscape and have it come off as more than just “happy pappy” than a heavy jam. We still wanted this “upbeat” vibe to be meaningful and artistically valid (although “happy pappy” can obviously be meaningful, too) without being too sappy and giddy. (If that even maes sense)…. Anyway, by the tone and content of your reaction, it looks like we did alright with this tune, which is just what we wanted – another vibe to throw onto the Treason train. THANK YOU so much. LOUD LOVE!
Hey hey with the monkies. As I was listening, my first thought was that this song was reminescient of a Monkeys tune from the 60″ s They were much more than just a tv show!. Then the first person to comment mentioned the same. Great minds… Liked the guitar solo!
Hey Tim! SO GOOD to hear from you, brother! You know, it’s funny…. there were a few artists we had in mind when working on this song, but ORIGINALLY, we weren’t thinking THE MONKEES…. Of course, I don’t mean that in any disparriaging way. I (Andy) LOVE so many Monkees songs, it’s insane. They had some great tuneage, no doubt… but now that you and Mark have said so, I can NOW hear it. And I won’t be able to UNhear it…. Again, that’s NOT a negative at all. The best thing about sharing the music is that the input and feedback is so diverse and thoughtful.
Another Hit, another Home run!
While I currently feel like I’m in the ‘grey’, I know that ‘other side’ is there. I’m looking for, and tearing through to, my ‘blue’. This song will help keep us all going! This is a truly positive song! So very needed right now!
And, Bobby, you are so wonderful for doing concerts for kids! It shows your kind heart❣️🥰
Hi Nancy! SO appreciate your comment. In more ways than we can say…. Sometimes the grey is everywhere. Sometimes it just IS.. but much like the sunshine that exists ABOVE the thunderstorms, there IS blue. It is ALWAYS there. We can get there…. Sometimes the rain is just right….but the rain can wash away the pain instead of drown us………. Bobby is VERY VERY GOOD at what he does. The kids love him. Rightly so.
thanks for the kind words., Nancy!
Nice. Yes the other side of grey. Good you have written a song about it. We say behind every grey cloud there is a silver lining. When in N.Z. I lived in a backpackers for 4 yrs,(thats another story) but through out my stay there I met the world without having to open my suit-case. Among these people I met there were a heap of Germans and even one Russian, who came dressed in grey, sad looks of depression ect ect .Living in the shade of grey most of their lives so when I saw this I said to most but more so to these two woman who entered like they were still under a grey cloud. I said ladys, chill out , have a great holiday , there is nothing here to hurt you especially the grey police. They emerged from their room dressed in colour hair out lipstick on, I will never forget the transformation that took place. The other side of grey —– nice
Exactly right. Well said, Kerry! Appreciate your words and reflections very much. Those transformations are there, in most cases, just waiting to be taken…but are we willing? Can we? The blue is always there. The clear is always there above the thunderstorm line…and it may not be easy to get there. It may take time, work…even a little pain… but it is there.
This album is sooo good, you guys rock
Wow, that is a BEAUTIFUL thing to say, Shirley. Wow. Thank you so much. We were hoping you’d say that. We obviosuly don’t expect everyone to like every track. Even the great bands have songs tehir fans don’t like as much as others… but to get an overall positive vibe from you like this is truly a gift. THANK YOU. We couldn’t be happier that you’re enjoying the music so much.
Omgoodness…. Grey and thin about it ..both are wonderfully
Done. I hope I get to download thinking too..
Hi Karen! SO GOOD to hear from you! So pleased you are liking THE OTHER SIDE OF GREY! But I (Andy) must ask…(forgive me)…what other song are you referring to?
Very ‘dead head’ vibe. Which is super cool! Are you in need of any Merry Pranksters? Hahaha! At your service…
Peace y’all
LOL! Merry Pranksters are ALWAYS – and we mean – ALWAYS welcome, Rancine. Yes, indeed, there is a kind of DEAD-ish vibe – a mix of folsky and rock… Harmony rich for sure. So appreciate you taking the time. THANK YOU MUCH!
I love this song. It is probably my favourite so far. I love the upbeat tempo.
Thank you, Glenda! THE OTHER SIDE OF GREY is definitely a song built on a positive vibe and upbeat outlook. Hope you had a chance to watch all the bonus material as well. Can’t thank you enough for taking this journey so far. Hope you’ve been enjoying the record.
Great!! Very inspiring. Sometimes we must head through the difficulties, confront our fears and step out of the comfort zone to succeed. I really enjoyed the great harmonizing, as well as the mandolin!!
Sometimes it’s too easy JUST to focus on the negative. It’s easy to slip into that. We all do it. But to remember that even if we cannot see it, there is something on the other side of that grey… It’s always there. Somehow, that is reassuring, even if only for fleeting moments.
Watching your journey to write this music and lyrics is just freaking magical
Hey, Andy! Marvelous of you to say that. I (Andy) wish I could convey how magical it is to have you go along on this journey. For us, tis is as good as it gets. THANK YOU. Your comment is a compliment beyond measure. You freaking rock our world, man.
Like I have said before, you guys havfe serious classic rock vibe and overtones, but refreashly original. Awesome mandolin solo! Love the whole thing!