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Swimming Upstream (unplugged mix)

from Blue Macabre by Rob Birdwell

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about

"Swimming Upstream (unplugged mix)" is offered as a unique insight into how a track can take on a very different character once all the baggage of production layers are stripped away. The track consists solely of Rob's vocal and Creighton Lindsay's fine guitar work. While mixing Rob noted that it sounded complete that way and sort of demonstrated the heart and soul of the song without all the bells, whistles and bunting. Rob did indulge in adding an intimate plunger trumpet solo to take the place of the "power horn section" soli - still, it's Creighton's fabulous guitar playing (and a single take too) and Rob's vocal that carry the majority of the track.

lyrics

Swimming Upstream words and music by Rob Birdwell

I’m on the road less traveled
in fact there ain’t no road
it’s just me and this rusty canteen
swimming upstream...

searching for a love that’s right
and I want her tonight
but she’s gotta be all
peaches and cream
swimming upstream...

I know the river is wide
the current is strong
and I should drift on with the flow
but when you’re swimming upstream
you learn the darndest things
down-streamers never know

I’m gonna kick that can
stick it to the man
yeah everybody’s got to follow their dream
swimming upstream...

(solo)

I know the river is wide
the current is strong
and I should drift on with the flow
but when you’re swimming upstream
you learn the darndest things
down-streamers never know

don’t want no easy ride
just wanna surf that tide
and get high to ‘a love supreme’
swimming upstream...

credits

from Blue Macabre, released September 1, 2014

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about

Rob Birdwell Corvallis, Oregon

Rob Birdwell is a songwriter, composer, producer, and performer. He lives in Corvallis, Oregon. He sings, plays trumpet, sax, bass, piano, ukulele, and more. Thanks for listening and sharing his music!

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