In the radio
edit
we’ll make sure
to leave a gap,
a poignant
edge-of-the-moment
full-of-potential
stop-go trap
between the
chorus and the bridge,
the knowing and
the liminal.
We’ll harmonise
speculatively
on the incoming
vertical
and wait
just enough
for one
breath..
taking.. gasp
to take us to
the climax
hit us like a
sudden gust
sweep us up over
the waters
to the blue sky
we can trust.
In the radio
edit
we’ll repeat the
chorus here
‘til it chimes
with all our heartbeats,
becomes one with
collective ear
and just when they’re
feeling comfortable
singing along to
the melody
we’ll cut the
vocal, play just the tune
bear the weight of
expectancy
as the audience
falters unsure,
words slipping
off their tongues
through the open
lips of surprise -
will they stay
or will they run?
Do you sing the
words regardless
drawn towards
the spot of light,
make your own
mark on the record
stand tall,
prepared to fight?
Or do you stop
there on the spot
afraid to sing
alone
the only voice
resounding
mantra under
desert sun?
Too late! The
strings are soaring
drums beat loud,
vocals return,
accustomed order
is resumed -
our song will
now play on.
In the radio
edit
we’ll focus on
the expected frame
of chorus
following verse and chorus
following verse
and same again
all the way up
to the bridge
where keys
change unsubtly,
usher them into
a room beyond
ever so gently.
‘Take the step,
it’s just one note’
Noting the rise
in splendour,
letting them
know ‘oh yes, it was good,
but now it’s
even better.
Come up, up, up
where the air is clear,
sweeter, breathe
deep, let it in,
raise your hands
if you want to go faster -
here comes the
chorus again!’
In the radio
edit
we’ll keep it
short and sweet,
focus on the
melody
highlight the
lyrical beat.
We’ll give them
what they expect to hear
with a little
extra flourish,
a flouncing
twist of pleasure -
you’ve been here
before, you know this -
and they’ll
return time after time
to listen to our
song
but this cropped
and censored version
can’t hold you
for too long.
There will be no
lengthy intro -
a gradual build
of sounds
layering cozily over
each other
in which the
listener will lounge,
deep piles of
sirens singing
harmonies we can’t
deny;
there will be no
vocal mosaic,
divided, reapportioned,
reapplied.
Brightly coloured
tiles
bearing glorious
luscious notes,
expanding and
contracting
in a universal
flow.
There will be no
vast extensions –
a stretching out
of time,
basking in
melodic rays,
float on a sea
divine.
No waves to lift
our heart and mind
into glorious
ecstasy
where music is
the food of love -
each note a
chance to breathe.
The radio edit
will be a joy
but it will
never feel this free.
This original
extended version
plays just for
you and me.
