Sep 12 2008
Clint Edwards’ Music Mondays: September
“Take What You Want”
Music composed, orchestrated, and recorded by CLINT EDWARDS
Lyrics by MICHAEL AMAN
From “Becoming Tennessee”
Performed by Reginald Bennett Jr., Karen Mack, and Steven Ray Watkins
This month’s demo song is “Take What You Want” from my musical “Becoming Tennessee.” Getting my Mac G-5 to swing like a New Orleans jazz band took a lot of coaxing since she plays Brahms much more easily than Louis Armstrong, but I think the challenge was worth all the effort. I dug up all the swooping clarinets, sliding trombones, and stinging trumpets I could find! Also, big thanks to all of the singers who helped me make this recording.
This song takes place about 25 minutes into the first act. The Auctioneer is convincing the young Tom (Tennessee) Williams that all he needs to find his voice as a writer is lying right before him in the gloriously decadent city of New Orleans. If you can’t get what you want, then take it. He is joined by all the inhabitants of the city in his attempt to persuade.
“Take What You Want”
Auctioneer:
You’re at a crossroads, boy.
Time to make some choices.
Listen to the voices in your head.You can take the path that’s secure.
You can make the choice that is pure,
Or forsake it all for the lure
Of a shiny trinket, or a distant tune, or someone else’s bed.To partake might not be wise,
But that’s what I’d advise.Why deny the urge?
Feed the need to splurge.
Seize the keys.
Submerge yourself in all of life’s glories.
Create your own stories.Hunger and thirst are all you require
In this generous town.
You can have anything you desire If it ain’t nailed down.Take what you want.
There ain’t no rules.
Cuz those who don’t
Are all just fools.
The city gives
Her precious jewels.
You should grab your share
While they’re all still there.
Take what you want.Take what you want.
And leave the rest.
Life is a game,
It’s not a test.
We all are damned.
We all are blessed.
Hide inside a shell
And this life is hell.
Take what you want.Chorus:
Nawlins, Nawlins.
Nawlins. Nawlins is French for intemperance. Do not be seduced by respectability. Respectability is a cage created by nervous Victorians. The keys to the cage are in your possession. Use them. Don’t think about the consequences. Self-control inhibits creativity.
Take what you want
As is your right.
But best to wear
The cloak of night.
And if you’re caught,
Just be polite.
Pay your dues and then
When you’re free again
Take what you want.Take what you want
But don’t forget
There might be folks
Who get upset.
But that’s all right,
Cuz you can bet
There are others who
Will do the same to you.
Take what they want.
Take what you want.
Take what you want.
Reginald Bennett Jr., who sang the role of the Auctioneer will be giving two concerts in November where he will also be singing my song “Farewell.” Event details are below:
November 8th in NYC at St. Johns, in the Village. 224 Waverly Place
November 15th in Beacon, New York, at the Howland Center
Contact Reggie directly: Bennett2g@aol.com