UFO – Careers in Science track #8

[Over the past several weeks we've been posting some thoughts behind each of the tracks on The Longwalls' lastest release, Careers in Science. For the most part, we each had very clear ideas in mind before beginning to write. Each song has a little story to tell, and we've done our best to explain them each along the way.]

The last track on the album, UFO, was written by Brandon, take it away:

I cringe a bit at the idea of referring to myself a “songwriter.” I write songs, but “songwriters” are a completely different breed. One thing that seems to be true for all of us, however, is the (all-too-rare) “song that falls into your lap.” As a guitarist first, I’ve typically constructed songs from chord progressions on up. I can usually do that pretty quickly once an idea strikes me, but vocal melody and lyrics often frustrate me for weeks—or even months. It’s not that I have a hard time coming up with vocal melodies or lyrics, it’s that I rarely trust my first instincts. I assume my first vocal melody isn’t thought-out enough, interesting or daring enough. And my lyrical placeholders—those who know me know that I’m capable of singing complete nonsense for months—sometimes make it hard for me take a fresh approach when it’s time to finally pen the words.

But once in while, even for me, it all just falls in your lap. “UFO” is one such song, as is “Fade“. (Maybe I’m turning a corner? Both my songs on the album are super-short-and-to-the-point-pop so I know I’m not breaking any new ground here, but it’s nice to have an idea and translate it into song without too much latency.)

I remember going to bed one night—probably after watching some “space” show on the Science Channel—and singing that UFOuuooohh bit. It immediately struck me as kinda cool so I grabbed my iPhone and sang it into my voice recorder so I wouldn’t forget it. The next night I quickly found the chords that made the most of the line. (Lyrics first, chords second…for those keeping score!) Right away it began to sound like a mid/late ’90s Guided by Voices song so I figured I was on the right track (Longwalls albums likely contain one such track, it’s in our DNA). It all came together in one sitting.

Lyrically, I guess I was captivated by the idea of not believing what you’re seeing no matter how awesome the sight. Not because you’re jaded, but because you’re wise and you’ve this all before.

Explosions, remains… nope, you’re not going to sell me on this one! Not this time!!

After all, UFOs can come from anywhere. So long as it’s a place that’s well out of sight…

UFO
It can’t be real to me
As flames burst over seas
Falling down…
UFO
It can’t be sold to me.
As remains fall down on me
Falling down…
Good night my burning light
Blinds me by decree
Falling down…
UFO
It can’t be sold to me
Can’t be sold back to me
As remains fall down on me
From a place I’ll never see…

My original demo

Get the real thing! Careers in Science on sale now at StaticMotor.com / Bandcamp / iTunes.

Cheers!

-bcw