Original Music From Keith Livingston

Robots

Keith — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:59:55 +0000

OK, so I was fooling around one day learning some music software I’d just gotten.I came up with this instrumental. Later, I decided to add some images of robots to it. It was a lot of fun.

I decided on robots and the musical style because I really liked the Animusic video I’d seen recently on PBS. Awesome stuff! Even though I don’t have their budget or skill in computer animation, I thought I’d do something in the same vein. I did my best to capture a light-hearted spirit in the video.

Even though I was just fooling around, I like this song. Sometimes it happens that way. Because you’re not sitting down with the intent to write a song that’s going to go out publicly, you’re relaxed and that can allow the creativity to flow. Anyway, enjoy. And beware the robots.

My YouTube Music Channel

Black Is

Keith — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:13:56 +0000

Black Is

I recorded Black Is in Tom Dyer’s 8-track basement studio in 1989 or so. Using a drum machine (except for a track or two) and playing many of the instruments myself, it was a labor of love. I’ll fill out the full credits in a bit–I don’t have them with me at the moment.

The Black Side

Black Is
The Dream
Given Any Heart
Stanislaw Lem
One Last Chance

The Blues Side

Freedom
Letting Go
4th Of July
The Blues
The River

Black Is was a cassette release (those were the days). I’d like to thank Tom Dyer for his graciousness, support and help during those times and beyond. Vicki Dyer deserves sainthood I believe for putting up with us all. Tymber, Don Lange, Håkan Svensson, Tim Gibson, Rod McCarvel–thank you.

Black Is

Keith — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 07:15:19 +0000

From inside the abyss, the world looks like an abyss.

Keith

Jaqueline Grad: Keyboards
Keith Livingston: Guitar and all vocals

If you’ve ever been to a dark place, you may find yourself connecting with this song. Even though this song came from me during a time of hopelessness I like to listen to it. There’s a resiliency to having survived this particular turmoil. And sometimes, a sad song helps you feel connected to the human experience.

And although my life is not perfect now, I can see that just as I was responsible for my plight then, I am now responsible for my life–the good and the bad. It’s much more empowering to know that you are largely at cause for your own life. If you are listening, remember that. And remember the human spirit is remarkable.

One chance
is all you get
but I don’t know
if I’ve given up yet.

The last time
that I fell down
It seemed too easy
to stay there on the ground.
On the ground.

And there’s a cold wind blowing from somewhere
… I feel so cold
and it searches me and finds me wanting only you.
Was it only yesterday
… just yesterday that I called
that I called an you came willingly?
Now you’re running away
from me.

The sight of you grows small
and as you leave
your shadow grows tall

I’m bursting at the seems.
Black is anger
only red redeems.
Red redeems.

And what if god is wrong?
… God can’t be wrong
Can I stand up by myself
and tell him face-to-face?
And what if god is wrong
… God can’t be wrong and my love
and my love is filled with hatred
and the weight is dragging me down.