Book of Lamentations (A Swordid Lament)

from SHIFTINGEARS by Rich Arithmetic

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about

Many years ago I had a falling out with one of my best friends who was still rather immature and self-absorbed. In my hurt and anger, I wrote "Book of Lamentations," whining about the situation (and obviously not blaming myself for it!). Those with sharp ears may note that some of the arrangement is influenced by "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and the guitar arpeggios borrowed from the Abbey Road medley.

Special thank you to my brother Mark, who inspired the guitar solo in the middle of the song as well as the approach to the song's long coda.

lyrics

BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS (A Swordid Lament)
words & music by Richard Horton © Hortones

Never heard a word, never had a hint that I was up for trial
Heard no harangue, no boomerang exposed your guile
All the while you were changing
as you arranged to lower the boom on me

Bluster and blubber, as you know, just isn’t quite my style
Civil discussion and a calm conversation make it all worthwhile
Imagine my consternation
with your intention not to see me anymore, anymore
You proclaimed as you slammed the door

Do you care how I feel
Do you care if it’s real, do you?
I’d like to know how you feel
I’d like to know what is real, would you?

Is there any reason why I should feel so betrayed?
Through thick and thin I thought our love would last, never be waylaid But your words were all but mislaid
when I stayed and watched you walk away

You’re so enamored with your outsider’s stance
Do you really think it’s real, do you?
Is it such a crime to return my glance
Are you afraid of what is real, are you?

Sitting here amazed as I watch you shine your loner’s badge
Caught up in your own mind, nobody else stands half a chance
Gleaming as you proudly wear it, bear it in mind as you sleep tonight, sleep tonight -- will your badge keep you warm at night?

I’d like to know how you feel
I’d like to know what is real, would you?

credits

from SHIFTINGEARS, released January 29, 2021
Produced by Richard Horton & James Nicholson
Guitars, organ, drums vocals: RICH ARITHMETIC
Bass: MARK HORTON

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Rich Arithmetic Bellingham, Washington

Rich Arithmetic serves up power pop, psych-pop, and folk-meets-surf-and-sand harmonies that "eliminate the gaps between the ‘60s, ‘80s and the 2020's" - Steve Stav, stevestav.com

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