Songwriting | Marcel Lee Pereira, singer-songwriter

Week 17 – Driving On The Wrong Side Of Life

Posted on August 29, 2010 by marcelpereira

I had the title for this song “Driving On The Wrong Side Of Life” for ages. Wrote it down somewhere, but never got down to doing anything about it until this week.

After spending a relaxing five days with Carol in Bangkok, I returned home early Saturday morning desperately searching for song ideas for the week, and fortunately stumbled upon this title. It spoke to me because I have been feeling a little out of sorts lately, wondering if I’ve chosen the right path in life.

I love the title because the imagery is easy to grasp – it’s a song about going against the flow, doing your own thing. Inevitably, though, you will have to dodge the oncoming traffic. And that’s how I feel sometimes.

Driving On The Wrong Side Of Life
© Music and Lyrics by Marcel Lee Pereira, 28 Aug, 2010

I see the headlights coming close
So close
I can feel the cars as they whizz past
It’s dark on this winding road
People rushing
To a place that I don’t know

They stare as if I’m crazy
Or high
On air and dreams, and make believe
The way ahead is hazy
Should I
Turn around, go with the flow

Chorus
Look at me, I’ve lost my stride
It’s like I’m driving on the wrong side
Of life
Of life

I wish I had somebody here
Beside me
To show me where I’m supposed to go
No wrong or right, no fears
A friend
Who’ll hold my hand as I carry on

Bridge
Will you take my hand
Will you take the wheel
Sometimes
If I’m lost and blind

***

I was privileged to catch Singaporean singer-songwriter Corrinne May’s concert last night at the Divine Mercy Church in Pasir Ris. It was a free event organised by Cana, The Catholic Centre (the same people behind the 13:34 musical), and the tickets went like hotcakes. A church may seem like an odd place to hold a concert, but it really was the perfect setting – just her and a grand piano, playing her original compositions to a packed hall.

I can’t say that I know many of her songs – I only recognised 2-3 of the numbers she played… songs like “On The Side Of Me” and “Five Loaves and Two Fishes”. Her voice is like a warm, soothing breeze that washes over you and calms your spirit, and I couldn’t help but cling on to her every word.

It was my first time watching her live, and she has completely no airs about her. She chatted to the audience in between songs, fussed over her young daughter Claire, who was seated in the front row, and spoke about her Catholic faith and how it influenced her songwriting. Her songs are indeed moving, powerful, and very spiritual. I’ll just share one of them with you here – it’s about the boy in the Bible who offered what little he had to Jesus.

I feel humbled and inspired to work harder at my craft.

Week 16 – This Little Earth Is All I’ve Got

Posted on August 21, 2010 by marcelpereira

Visit the link and click Like to vote for my song!

This week, I decided to throw my hat into the ring and take part in a nationwide songwriting competition all about going green. It’s called the “Eco Music Challenge” and is organised by the National Environment Agency (NEA), the government body that oversees environmental issues on our sunny island.

Anyway, I was on the fence about this competition because I wasn’t sure I could pull off a “green” song without sounding too cheesy or preachy. Then, I thought, shouldn’t I be challenging myself to write songs about any topic under the sun?

So I did.

This song really is my wish for the planet – that people all over the world will take our environment more seriously, and begin to make changes in their lives. We only have one Earth to call home, and I hope that this will inspire people to be more eco-friendly.

No matter how small the change, it still counts.

I wanted to produce something more than my usual YouTube videos, so I brought out my makeshift (and under-utilised) home recording equipment, and with the Garageband and Cubase LE 4 softwares, I put the song together. I know it’s not the most professional-sounding track, but hey, I tried!

Then, using iMovie, some of my own pictures and others I got from the internet, I did a simple slide show to accompany the song.

So if you dig what I have to say, please click the “Like” button on this link. Lyrics below.

Thanks for the support!

This Little Earth Is All I’ve Got
© Music and Lyrics by Marcel Lee Pereira, 18 Aug, 2010

Verse 1
The world is such a wondrous place
Filled with all my favourite things
Like raindrops falling on my face
And all the beauty nature brings

Verse 2
But I see people doing as they please
Taking what they want, not what they need
Killing the trees, the land and the seas
Breaking my heart as I watch them bleed

Won’t they spare a thought for me?

Chorus
This little Earth is all I’ve got
This little Earth is all I’ve got

Verse 3
I may be on a tiny isle
Or in a city far away
But I will walk that extra mile
I know I have a part to play

Verse 4
I’m gonna change the way I live
For our dear planet so fine
So to my children I can give
A world as wonderful as mine

So come and join me as I sing

Chorus
This little Earth is all we’ve got
This little Earth is all we’ve got

Bridge
What are we waiting for?
From California to Singapore
The time has come to take a stand
While the future is still in our hands

Chorus
This little Earth is all we’ve got
This little Earth is all we’ve got

This little Earth is all I’ve got
This little Earth is all I’ve got

Week 15 – One Minute

Posted on August 14, 2010 by marcelpereira

The idea for this song came to me completely at random. I chanced upon this video called “You In Five Minutes”, which is a very weird clip that has nothing to do with this song, really. But watch it anyway, it’s quite hilarious.

What actually made me watch it was the title – “You in Five Minutes”. I thought, man, that’s a great title for a song. It could be about, say, listing out all the great things I like about you in five minutes; or perhaps needing just five minutes to decide if I like you or not.

Then I thought, I don’t need five minutes to decide if I like someone – I probably need just a minute to form an impression! What about something called “One Minute”? But instead of it being about me judging someone else, why not put myself in the shoes of the person being judged, and convincing them, in one minute, why they should like me? Something like an elevator pitch of sorts. So, that’s how this song was born.

I love songwriting. You can get inspiration from just about anywhere.

One Minute
© Music and Lyrics by Marcel Lee Pereira, 13 Aug, 2010

A large room, full of unsmiling faces
The sound of my footsteps
Ring louder than a churchbell
Under my jeans my knees are shaking
But I look ’em in the eye and say

I know you’ve had a long day
And I thank you for your time
I have way too much at stake
And I’ve come too far
To let this go to waste

Chorus
So give me one minute
That’s all I need
One minute
And you will take me seriously

I had a crush on a girl in school
We were friends, I hung onto her every word
And till this day she doesn’t know
I wish I had the courage to say

I know you’ve had a long day
Just give me a little time
This may be in bad taste
But I’ve come too far
To let this go to waste

Chorus
So give me one minute
That’s all I need
One minute
And you will take me seriously

Okay I’ll admit it
It’s hard to get a break
Most of us are too willing to walk away
But all I need is 60 seconds
Not an arm or leg
It’s not too much I reckon

Chorus

One minute
What will you do
One minute
To get your message through

Chorus

***

P.S. I’m really looking forward to my performance tomorrow at the Library@Esplanade. It starts at 3.30pm, so do drop by if you can! More details can be found here.

Week 14 – Making Memories

Posted on August 8, 2010 by marcelpereira

Today, I celebrate my first wedding anniversary with my wife Carol. It’s been a wonderful year, and we’ve been blessed with so much. There’s nothing more I could ask for, really. Carol, I love you, and I thank God you’re in my life. This song is for you, and I hope we’ll make a million more memories in the years to come.

Making Memories
© Music and Lyrics by Marcel Lee Pereira, 6 Aug, 2010

If there’s something I cling to, it’s times with me and you
Moments tucked away under the trappings of everyday
You know how precious they are to me, the diamonds that brighten my way

They are all I need
You are the face I see

Chorus
We’re building, building a home
And we’re making memories, memories
To have, to have and to hold
I want more of these
Memories, memories

My heart takes a picture of us, every date and every kiss
Making plans, the glances I take at you, there’s nothing I want to miss
They don’t gather dust, the world falls away as we reminisce

Wash away the sands of pain
You’ll see the gold remains

Chorus

Bridge
A year has gone by so fast
And today I say to you, my love
Remember us and smile
I know we’ll last, more than a lifetime

Chorus
We’re building, building a home
And we’re making memories, memories
To have, to have and to hold
Here’s to more of these
Memories, memories

***

It was a really busy Saturday for me, which is why I’m posting this at 4am!

Had a great time at the Maestro Acoustic Lounge @ *Scape Mall in the afternoon. It was quite an experience playing a full 45 minute set of original music in a shopping mall, but it sure felt good having people stop by and listen, even if it was for a little while. I really enjoyed myself, and I’m looking forward to performing a lot more in time to come. Thanks to everyone who came by, I really appreciate the support! Here’s a picture of me with my friend Adrian on the cajon.

Singer-songwriter Marcel Lee Pereira performing at the Maestro Acoustic Lounge @ *Scape Mall. Accompanying him on the cajon is drummer Adrian Loo.

My sis, Gemma, managed to get tickets to the rehearsal for the Youth Olympics opening ceremony (the actual thing is on Aug 14), so straight after the show, we headed to the Marina Bay floating platform. Here’s the view from the grandstand, just before the show started:

I must say, though, while the ceremony was snazzy with its choreographed performances, fireworks, giant walking characters and even water displays, I felt there were just too many bells and whistles – and not enough heart. It just didn’t speak to me, and I couldn’t see the connection of some of the performances to the Youth Olympics. Well, maybe the ending was better – but we left early.

Ok, I’m off to bed now. Long day ahead! Champagne brunch with Carol and then we’re checking in at the Pan Pacific for the long weekend… 😉 Cheers! Oh, and Happy National Day.

Save the date! Aug 7 and Aug 15

Posted on August 6, 2010 by marcelpereira

Hi there, this is just a quick post to remind everyone of my two upcoming shows!

The first is happening tomorrow (Aug 7), 3.30pm, at the Maestro Acoustic Lounge located at the new *Scape Mall in Orchard Road, near Orchard Cineleisure.

And next Sunday (Aug 15), also at 3.30pm, I’ll be playing at the Library@Esplanade. More details here and in the poster below, courtesy of the National Library Board.

Upcoming gigs

Posted on August 1, 2010 by marcelpereira

I’m quite excited about my two performances coming up this month:

Saturday, Aug 7, 3.30pm, *SCAPE Mall (Beside Orchard Cineleisure)
My first gig will be this coming Saturday (Aug 7) at the new *SCAPE Mall in Orchard Road. This gig is organized by the great people from Maestro Guitars. You’ll be able to catch a few singer-songwriters and local groups performing that day too. So head down to the Maestro outlet on Level 2 for an afternoon of great acoustic music!

Sunday, Aug 15, 3.30pm, Library@Esplanade
Next up is my first ever solo showcase, which I’m really, really looking forward to. It’ll be at the Esplanade Library, located on the 3rd floor of the Esplanade. I love the place; it’s perfect for an intimate, acoustic performance. I’ve played there several times, but not as a solo artist. Many thanks to the National Library for this opportunity!

So there, two dates to catch me!

Week 13 – I Lose Control

Posted on August 1, 2010 by marcelpereira

You know, when you’re attracted to someone and you find yourself doing or saying silly things whenever they’re around? This song is about that infatuation. As an awkward teenager, I remember having crushes on girls, and my mind would just blank out whenever they were near. Man, I did stupid things like talking loudly and hoping that they’d notice, or making a fool out of myself… But I never had the courage to tell them. Haha.

I Lose Control
© Music and Lyrics by Marcel Lee Pereira, 26 July, 2010

I lose control
I lose control
When you toss your hair
When the air is filled with your perfume

I lose control
I lose my soul
The way I shift my feet
The way my heart skips twenty beats

Chorus
Involuntary actions
Betray my strong reactions
When you are near
It’s very clear

My eyes can’t lie
My eyes can’t lie
They’re drawn to you
Like bees to fields of blue

Bridge
I want you to know
How I really feel
I’m sending you signs
My heart hopes you’ll see
But my mind is afraid
Of what you’ll say

Chorus
Involuntary actions
Betray my strong reactions
When you are near
It’s very clear

I lose control
I lose my soul
I lose control
I lose my soul

Week 12 – I Won’t Give You My Tears

Posted on July 21, 2010 by marcelpereira

This is a song about leaving. When you walk away from a relationship, sometimes you tell it straight to your partner’s face; sometimes you just leave a note on the dresser. I think the lyrics speak for themselves.

Once you’ve decided enough is enough, and it’s time to go, just go. You might find yourself wondering why you didn’t leave earlier. Yes, you’re still hurting, but you’ve decided not to give any more – not even your tears – and that could be the best decision.

Verse 1
Another battle last night, and I wake up alone
Sunlight streams into the room, but the bed’s cold as stone
I knew at some point, we would hit a wall
Now that day has come, I’m feeling nothing at all

Chorus
By the time you get this note I’ll be gone
No point in looking for me, I’ve turned off my phone
This house was never a home
I gave you the best years of my life, you know
No, I won’t give you my tears, not any more

Verse 2
Honestly, I should have done this long ago
But I held my tongue, went on with the show
Your words were as worthless as water on the floor
I’ve waited for change, but I’m waiting no more

Bridge
Don’t know where I’m going, don’t know who to blame
I needed you to make me whole, guess I waited in vain

Verse 3
Life flashes by as fast as the trees on the road
A load is taken off my heart, the further I go
But the scars of a thousand cuts will always remain
I’m not giving you the chance to hurt me again

Week 11 – Can I Take You Out Tonight

Posted on July 15, 2010 by marcelpereira

This is a boy-meets-girl, boy-likes-girl, boy-asks-girl-out song. I was on the train one day, watching young couples on their way to town, and I thought to myself: “Ah.. young love.” This song tries to capture that exuberance. If the lyrics seem simplistic to you, it’s intentional 😉

I’ve got your face stuck in my mind, and I’m sure
You’re the girl I’ve been trying to find, the cure
For a heart so insecure

It’s Friday and I need to get outside
Run wild like a spoilt, rich only child
So will you come for a ride

I’m not begging, I’m asking polite

Chorus
Can I take you out
Can I take you out
Tonight

I haven’t got a plan we’ll just play by ear
I know a place where the food’s so good you’ll tear
All your cares will disappear

We could paint the city any colour you like
Wear something that matches your hazel eyes
Oh, that would be so nice

Put on that dress I really like

Chorus
Can I take you out
Can I take you out
Tonight

It’s a first date, and I can’t wait
It’s just one night so what do you say?
Say yes, say yes, say yes

Chorus
Can I take you out
Can I take you out
Tonight

Week 10 – The Only Way

Posted on July 7, 2010 by marcelpereira

I was deeply saddened when I heard of the tragic death of Kerin Peh, the Singaporean bride whose husband mysteriously died on their wedding night in November last year.

On Monday, eight months later, she took her own life. She was only 28.

I teared when I heard the news. It was such a sad ending to their story. She never found out how or why her husband fell to his death from the Hilton Hotel that night. The lack of answers offered her no closure. To imagine the immense pain and loss she must have felt breaks my heart. There is a poignant romance about what happened too… perhaps this was the only path she could take to be with her husband forever.

On Monday night, I felt driven to write a song about her. It is a song about leaving… I hope she’s found what she left this world for, and that the two of them are now reunited. My prayers go out to Kerin, her husband and their families.

She asked herself a million times
How her life came apart at the seams
Why the two of them, what was their crime
She prayed it was an awful dream

It was meant to be her happiest night
She the bride, he the love of her life
Tasted only seconds of joy
He was taken away, her tears ran dry

Chorus
As the shadow of her vacant life
Stood before her with a sharpened knife
She cried, there’s nothing left for me here
I’m sorry, but this is the only way I know
Where he’s gone, I have to go

Flashbacks stuck in her anguished mind
The pills offered no release
Hidden answers she could never find
A heart in pieces longing for peace

It was meant to be her happiest night
She the bride, he the love of her life
Tasted only seconds of joy
He was taken away, her tears ran dry

Chorus
As the shadow of her vacant life
Stood before her with a sharpened knife
She cried, there’s nothing left for me here
I’m sorry, but this is the only way I’ll know
Where he’s gone, I have to go

Will she find what she left us for
Did their souls collide beyond the door