When I write I often have to draw from my vivid, only-childlike imagination. Especially if I wander into the topic of romantic relationship drama. Why? Because I have been happily married for 35 years. The relationship my wife and I have is unsullied by drama and trauma. It is wonderfully boring. Just beautiful. Which of course means if a song calls for a storyline filled with romantic angst and conflict I only have my imagination to rely on.
So that’s the framework here. This song is out of my head. It’s not terribly original in the sense that I think most songwriters get one of these songs thrust upon them by the universe that is geographically based. Think of the Johnny Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere” or any number of Glen Campbell tunes mentioning cities and literal / metaphorical journey’s. Well this is what I harvested from that sub-genre. I give you MY GREAT ESCAPE.
This song was written and recorded in about two hours. Crazy, right? Sometimes that’s how these things happen. Spewed right out of me like a firehose of music and words. What you are hearing here is the original recording. I tried some other variations but something in that original take just worked. I did add some melodica and tambourine and some backing vocals. Certainly it was a matter of choice to limit the production. I think this is where I am for the moment with music – being antithetical to the current barrage of AI and slick production by stripping things down.
As for the above video, I shot the highway while riding on paratransit to work. Can you figure out where (Find me, Jose Monkey)? But yeah, I like motion videos from cars, trains and such. The noise wall provided a perfect canvas for words. Not planned initially, but that sometimes delivers. Sorry for the use of the pedestrian IMPACT font, Elle.
So that’s the background. I hope you enjoy!
MY GREAT ESCAPE
Words & Music by George Zhen
Every love story is a journey
But not every love story is great
After a couple of concerning conversations
I knew I had to make my great escape
It’s not as if I never loved her
It’s not as if I didn’t care
Affection turns to suffocation
I knew I had to get right out of there
All I know is I can hardly wait
To finally make my great escape
So I went to California
A fresh start in a new place
At baggage claim I caught a reflection
I turned around to see her face
I hopped a bus out to Nevada
Figured I’d lose myself and all those neon lights
Stayed at some off the strip Ramada
She found me after only one night
All I know is I can hardly wait
To finally make my great escape
There’s a place up in Wyoming
Wild horses run -fresh mountain air
Rented a cabin for the weekend
Went to town – found her motorcycle there
I took a train out to Long Island
I stayed in Massapequa with some friends
Across the street hiding in the bushes
She was there behind a telescopic lens
And all I know is I can hardly wait
To finally make my great escape…
So I went back home to Florida
Went through the process of changing my own name
Stayed in a mobile home in Opa-Locka
She hooked a tractor trailer to the frame
So now I’m volunteering for a mission
They’re sending me off to the planet Mars
That way if she ever wants to find me
All she has to do is look up at the stars (it’s a planet)
All I know is I can hardly wait
To finally make my great escape
I’ll finally make my greatest escape
And all I know is I can hardly
Hardly wait
Start the countdown now!
(9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, blast off)
