Inspiration
This song is now complete. Watch Gary perform it in the Winners Circle!
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Guitar legend Gary Lucas returns to Hookist! And he wants to write a song with YOU!
Win a gorgeous Michael Kelly guitar from Sam Ash! And a custom lyric book if your lyric makes it in the song!
Watch Gary’s Inspiration Video to hear the beautiful guitar part he wants you to write to!
The theme for the song is UNFORGIVEN, maybe with a desert vibe, but he’s open to your ideas! Check the Winner Video to see the latest!
Then post your lyrical miracle below in Song In Progress!
Winners Circle
Congratulations, DDUBS!! The great Gary Lucas was absolutely IN LOVE with your lyric and the way it ended our story in such a clever and mystical way, so not only did he name your lyric the winner, but YOU are the Most Valuable Hookist!
Ddubs wins a gorgeous electro-acoustic guitar courtesy of our friends at Sam Ash! And everyone whose lyrics Gary chose to be in “Unforgiven” wins a custom lyric book signed by Gary – not to mention royalties on the song!
Gary was really stunned by all of your incredible lyrics! He had big shout outs for MERILEE, BLUE, DARCY x2, KAYLY x2, and GTEDWARDS x2! And kudos for all!
Watch Gary spread the love in his video below & perform “Unforgiven” at 4:31!
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98 replies on “Guitar Legend Gary Lucas!”
Congrats Ddub! Such a clever lyric. I think the listener is as startled as the protagonist. It could be thought that he has been in a coma all this time. Is this what a coma feels like? In his imagination, she has never forgiven him, but maybe she never knew about his lying or cheating. She has always been by his bedside. As the heart monitor slows down, she reaches out, this is what he sees in hi…
Congrats Ddub! Such a clever lyric. I think the listener is as startled as the protagonist. It could be thought that he has been in a coma all this time. Is this what a coma feels like? In his imagination, she has never forgiven him, but maybe she never knew about his lying or cheating. She has always been by his bedside. As the heart monitor slows down, she reaches out, this is what he sees in his vision. Just as he is flat-lining, she screams. Daylight filling the desert skies- he is ready to go towards the light. They say the sense of hearing is the last thing to go. I was the only family member with my father as he was in a coma and passed. We took turns speaking to him privately during the coma. The ending of this song would make the listener want to go back to the beginning and rethink the whole song with this revelation. A deserving winner of MVH and the guitar.
Thank you so much, Kiva! What a vivid picture you’ve painted! Amazing way to see it! My thought was to flip the mirage and your vision of the backstory really brings that to life! What a fun project this was!!
Love this, Kiva! I can see all of it!
Congratulations to Ddubs and to everyone on their lyrics! See ya next time around!
Congrats Ddub! Great job everyone! What a KILLER song!
Congrats DDubs! Enjoy your new guitar!
Ddubs… a sixth sense surprise and an appropriate end to this Twisting desert adventure. Congratulations on the guitar too !!
Congratulations DDubs for your plot twisting lyric selection and for being selected as the Most Valuable Hookist! And, for being chosen to receive that beautiful Sam Ash guitar. You can never have too many guitars! Thanks also to Gary Lucas for leading us all through this song!
To the “angel” who has given me the grace to continue collaborating with the lyrics of the composition of the GREAT Gary Lucas… I am eternally grateful… Thank you very much and best regards to everyone from Madrid (Spain)!!! …
Amazing lyric, Blue! Congrats!! The ghost is a great surprise at the end!
Congratulations, Blue!
Fire flows and floods the zone…a sacred place…write on Darcy!
Thanks, Blue.
Hi Ddubs- sorry for the confusion We’re writing Chorus 2 now. Darcy’s last winning line was Bridge 2 but it’s mistakenly marked in the Song In Progress as a 3rd line for Verse 3, which we are working on fixing- tho it’s surprisingly complicated and taking forever! So sorry for the inconvenience!!
Big congrats to Darcy! You are killing it! Just letting you all know we are working on getting Darcy’s line in it’s own spot for the Bridge and not in Verse 2! Stay tuned! Its harder than it looks!
Just for clarification, is this round 4 lines rather than 2, i.e. 2 rhyming couplets, like Sinclair’s bridge, rather than 1, like the other rounds? Thanks!
Hi Darcy! Generally we only write 1 line or a couplet at a time so it can really be a collaboration but if you submit something longer and Gary likes it, he may choose it! That said, 98% of the lyrics chosen are a couplet or less, tho its totally up to you! Btw, we are just blown away by the many, many incredible lyrics you’ve written! What a rich imagination you have! So inspiring!
Thank you for the tips! And thank you for the compliment. Grace is totally without competition as my favourite piece of music of any genre, artist, time etc., so I’m grateful to you all for the opportunity. I fall in love with Grace every time I listen to it. I love it to the point of intimidation, like when you fall in love with someone and their beauty totally reorders the world for you and you…
Thank you for the tips! And thank you for the compliment. Grace is totally without competition as my favourite piece of music of any genre, artist, time etc., so I’m grateful to you all for the opportunity. I fall in love with Grace every time I listen to it. I love it to the point of intimidation, like when you fall in love with someone and their beauty totally reorders the world for you and you think, ‘I have to change my life’. I love it like that.
Wow! Darcy! What a beautiful thing to say! Dunno how I missed seeing this! It really is so gorgeous and magical. You have an incredible way with words! You are inspiring all of us with your rich imagination, dedication to the music, and gorgeous storytelling! Thank you!
Thank you so much, Meredith.
Thank you Darcy. It’s an honor and a privilege to know you and work with you on this—your words mean so much to me!
As do your words to me, Gary. Thank you so much.
Darcy… forgot to give you cred for the first part of the first line in my last lyric. I put it in the comments. Sorry!
I should be thanking you, Marianne.
Congratulations Marianne!
Thanks Blue!
Curious what everybody’s feeling about the direction of this song. Are you seeing it resolve with forgiveness found? Does our protagonist find his way, or come to grips with his solitude?
Forgiven or forsaken, I’d l’d love to hear a Dylan-esque vocal on it.
Ha! Thats a great line, too, Marianne!
It seem to me like the story wants the song to resolve with hope, the rolling music wants it to carry on into the distance without definite resolution, and the title, “Unforgiven”, wants it to resolve with our protagonist, well, ‘unforgiven’. And then there is the “One word from you”, which if we take it literally, is very fun: what could the word be? what would it mean? who could speak it and whe…
It seem to me like the story wants the song to resolve with hope, the rolling music wants it to carry on into the distance without definite resolution, and the title, “Unforgiven”, wants it to resolve with our protagonist, well, ‘unforgiven’. And then there is the “One word from you”, which if we take it literally, is very fun: what could the word be? what would it mean? who could speak it and when and why?
I love all the possibilities this process raises.
I’d love to know what you think.
Totally agree! I love the idea of leaving the protagonist on the edge of hope. And that “one word” presents intriguing possibilities.
Love this conversation! I do remember Gary mentioning in a video that he was looking for some hope in some lyrics, tho I dunno about a goal for an end result. I think Gary is looking at this as a creative adventure and I know he mentioned in his inspiration video being open to all your ideas and excited to see where this goes! This most recent video talks about looking for a dawning in the next fe…
Love this conversation! I do remember Gary mentioning in a video that he was looking for some hope in some lyrics, tho I dunno about a goal for an end result. I think Gary is looking at this as a creative adventure and I know he mentioned in his inspiration video being open to all your ideas and excited to see where this goes! This most recent video talks about looking for a dawning in the next few lines I believe, tho does it mean our protagonist is forgiven – I dunno! Up to you! I think Darcy makes many good points and Ddubs idea of him being on the edge of hope is very cool! So many intriguing possibilities, indeed! Can’t wait to see all your amazing ideas!
As promised, here is Gary performing the whole song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCTxsKsXIqU
Way to go Darcy! Congratulations!
Thank you, Blue.
Per GT’s comments below, I also think this is evolving into something very cool. Congrats all and Darcy, great lyric on that last one!
Totally agree! And its got a major hook!
I finally got the chance to really dive into this song recently and I’m loving the feel of it. Great submissions by everyone! Congrats to those who have had their lyrics chosen! Let’s see where this takes us.
Hope all is well GT! Happy new year! Glad you’re back! This song is going to be amazing for sure – cant stop singing it! And its definitely taking us on an adventure in the desert!
Congrats to Ddubs for the latest winning lyric! Love it! Watch Gary perform our Song In Progress here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGW0yfqyuzE
sorry guys! dunno why this didn’t post, but I wrote it last week! also found a few of your comments were blocked as well. Feel free to shoot us a note if you post a comment and it disappears! Its some weird setting rule that I can;t figure out!
Did I misunderstand the rhythm and syncopation for the next part of the chorus? I am guessing I did. Anyone wanna weigh in?
I dunno. Maybe I did? Why do you ask?
In the recent video at the 3 minute mark Gary plays the 2nd part of the chorus. First 8 beat he plays 4 quarter notes followed by a rest, then a hold. 2nd line is 3 staccato notes followed by a hold. I thought he was showing us how he wants the lyrics to flow. Am I over thinking it? LOL.
Sorry, Merilee! I dunno how I missed this! I think Darcy has it right – basically a repeat of the 1st line in the chorus. Is that what you mean?
From what understand, the rhythm and syncopation for the current submission is the same as the one just gone. Four lines, alternating 6 and 5 syllables each (i.e. 6565). And the Emphasis goes as follows:
ti Tum ti Tum ti Tum
Tum _ ti Tum ti Tum
ti Tum ti Tum ti Tum
Tum _ ti Tum ti Tum
or, to put it another way,
weak strong weak strong weak strong
strong (pause) weak strong weak stro…
From what understand, the rhythm and syncopation for the current submission is the same as the one just gone. Four lines, alternating 6 and 5 syllables each (i.e. 6565). And the Emphasis goes as follows:
ti Tum ti Tum ti Tum
Tum _ ti Tum ti Tum
ti Tum ti Tum ti Tum
Tum _ ti Tum ti Tum
or, to put it another way,
weak strong weak strong weak strong
strong (pause) weak strong weak strong
weak strong weak strong weak strong
strong (pause) weak strong weak strong
Probably with an ABCB rhyme scheme.
The melodic phrase GL is playing is the same as before, just a third higher (an ‘augmented recitation’, I think is the name for it).
Hope that helps!
Love your submissions.
Perfect! Thank you, Darcy!
Helpful hint! Gary is looking for “short, rhythmic, punchy phrases” (see Winners Circle above) that fit the melody and work with Darcy’s line, so if you aren’t sure of the phrasing or how much to write, you can aim for similar # of syllables as in Darcy’s line — and maybe even put the stresses in the same place. 🙂
Congratulations Darcy! Well done!
Thank you, Blue!
Really nice couplet, Darcy! Congratulations!
Thank you, Ddubs!
Congratulations Darcy! Great line.
Thank you, Keith!
Merry Christmas & happy holidays, Hookist Nation! Xoxo
Congratulations Sinclair!
Congratulations Sinclair!
Thank you!
Congratulations Sinclair!
Thank you!
Congratulations, Sinclair! Great lines!
I am so excited, happy and proud! Thanks to everyone here who supports me and also a huge thanks to Meredith Collins for her suggestions and Jayne Sachs for putting up with my pestering enthusiasm with my poetry. LOL I sound like I won a Grammy but to me it feels that way.
Woo hoo! So happy for you! Great job! And absolutely LOVE the line!
Thank You!
Congratulations! Your submission was a perfect fit.
Congratulations Sinclair!!!
Thanks so much!
I live breath this desert everyday and somethings that are seen and happen no one would believe there’s is beauty and peace silence till u crack the amp as loud as can no one could hear for miles just don’t go to a crossroads but know when there’s a fork in a road u make a left or a right u find the question of life
Nice! Lots of great images! But you need to submit your lyric above in Song In Progress! Check out the two lines gary has already chosen and then post what you think will be the best next line! It’s a collaboration so we write one line or a couplet at a time!
Those weren’t my lyrics I was just making a comment
Ha! Apologies! Love the beautiful poetry in your comments!
Congrats Linda! Beautiful opening lines!!!
Congrats, Kiva! Your couplet fits the 1st verse perfectly.
Congratulations, Kiva! 🎶
Congratulations Kiva!
Congratulations, Kiva!
Hey, Gary, I think I’ve figured out why the “Unforgiven” song you’re working on reminds you so strongly of traveling through the desert. The rhythm strum you’re using is VERY similar to the rhythm guitar in America’s 1971 hit “A Horse with No Name”, which is about…traveling through the desert! I think your subconscious made the connection.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIYgsqhwXzM
Love that song! I hear what you mean – a similar vibe in the chords but so much more going on in Gary’s! Love listening to his instrumentals – those flying fingers add so much depth in such little space!
Congrats Linda! ☺️🙌🎶
Thanks Patricia!
Congratulations, Linda! Well done!
Thanks Kayly!
Congrats, Linda!
Thanks Dixon!
Welcome to Hookist! Excited to see your lyrical miracles! :))
Congratulations Linda!
Thanks Blue!
Congrats, Linda!
Thanks Merilee!
Gary is choosing a new winner today Tuesday 11/29 at 3pm ET in a livestream! Watch here! https://www.facebook.com/gary.lucas.5836
Love this. Great stuff.
Yay! Great to see you, Darcy! Love your lyrical miracles! Isn’t this music Gary wrote amazing? <3
Helpful hint! Hookist is a COLLABORATION! So 98% of lyrics chosen are 1 line or a couplet! :)))
words thrown to the wind ……dig it !
Guys! You are rocking it! Gary reviewed some of the lyrics and he is loving what you’re doing! He’s thinking 10 SYLLABLES or so for the first couplet! Let’s see whatcha got! Have a fab Thanksgiving in you’re in the US! And love to all!
This is gonna be fun!!
Yeah I’m definitely feeling that “alone in the desert or desolate place, reflection” vibe with that title and sound
Its such a great visual to set the scene!
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