top of page

videos

"Songs for Emily" - Bob McCarroll
41:03

"Songs for Emily" - Bob McCarroll

Song Markers: 0:00 Songs for Emily / Song List 0:04 I’m Nobody! Who Are You? 2:19 I Lost a World the Other Day 5:08 So Bashful When I Spied Her 7:42 My Life Closed Twice Before Its Close 10:49 The Skies Can’t Keep Their Secret 13:13 On Such a Night or Such a Night 17:44 If I Should Die and You Should Live 20:32 While I Was Fearing It It Came 23:26 To Learn the Transport by the Pain 26:10 My Wheel Is in the Dark 28:54 There Is a Word Which Bears a Sword 31:53 A Bird Came Down the Walk 34:05 Sleep Is Supposed to Be 37:00 South Winds Jostle Them 39:12 A Train Went Through a Burial Gate McCarroll’s New Album, "Songs for Emily" Reimagines the Poems of Emily Dickinson as Modern Americana During a difficult, pandemic spiked winter, Bob McCarroll is releasing an album that offers solace through introspection. The 15-song independent release is a collaboration of sorts between McCarroll and mid-19th century poet, Emily Dickinson. Each song is an interpretation of a Dickinson poem, setting its words to a variety of arrangements tinged with Jazz, Folk, and Americana. Given the unique, fatigued moment in American history, his use of modern American music marries well with a fatigue of a different American era. McCarroll is a multidisciplinary artist, whose body of work spans the mediums of photography, film, writing and music. A true citizen of the world, Bob was born in Canada, raised in Scotland and has been living in the United states since 1970. “I started playing guitar at 10,” says McCarroll. “I always had a strong passion for melody. I prefer composing to writing the lyrics. That’s partly what got me looking through these poems.” Bob was introduced to Dickinson’s work by an English professor in college. At the time the poems seemed unremarkable. But he found with time that the words would come back to him. “Phrases would just echo in my head” said McCarroll. “I found myself remembering her words against my will.” He contacted Harvard University Press, who hold the rights to most of Dickinson’s work to see how he might use them. He discovered many of them were in the public domain and available for such a novel project as his. The result is the album Songs for Emily, each track using a poem as lyrics set to original musical compositions carefully composed to reflect the feel of the poem. McCarroll has adapted some of Dickinson’s most notable poems, pairing I’m Nobody! Who Are You? with a deadpan jazz that often feels ironic set against the sullen lyrics. The more folksy melodies of A Bird Came Down the Walk and the melancholic ballad While I Was Fearing It, It Came build emphasis to Dickinson’s darkness and magnify it. Dickinson, an eccentric who was never celebrated in her lifetime, and who lived a largely secluded life, is perhaps the perfect choice of poet for us to explore as we’ve spent much of the last year in lock down. “My hope is to bring the wonderfully sensitive and insightful poems to modern audiences,” says McCarroll. This is such a bizarre and divided time in the country, it kind of feels right to look back. To see how an artist dealt with pain and solitude and try to marry that to what we’re going through today. We have something to learn from her.” With his album, Bob McCarroll has delivered a profound investigation of her work using his own uniquely American musical traditions. The result is a distinctly American album for distinctly difficult times. Songs for Emily is available now on iTunes, Amazon and through Bob’s own website; www.bobmccarroll.com, where you can learn more about his creative process while composing the album and explore his eclectic portfolio of creative work. You can learn more about Emily Dickinson and her writings by visiting the Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_Dickinson To learn more about Bob McCarroll's and his music visit his website at: www.bobmccarroll.com. You can also purchase his music at all major online stores: iTunes https://music.apple.com/us/album/songs-for-emily/1543030401 Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PG2K6LF/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Bob+McCarroll+songs+for+emily&qid=1606952930&s=dmusic&sr=1-1 Purchase from Bob's Website https://www.bobmccarroll.com/songs-for-emily All poems/lyrics by Emily Dickinson. All musical compositions, arrangements and performances by Bob McCarroll. Jerry Donato plays saxophone on I’m Nobody! Who Are You? Thank you to Evelyn McCarroll for her voice-over contribution on On Such a Night or Such a Night.” A debut performance for her, I might add. Nice job, Evey. ​ All Emily Dickinson poetry used under Public Domain permissions. Produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered at OneStop.Studio, Phoenix, AZ (www.onestop.studio) ©2020 - 2021 Bob McCarroll. All rights reserved (BMI) Unauthorized duplication, broadcasting, or streaming is prohibited.
No More Sunshine - Bob McCarroll - from "Outside the Music Box"
04:24

No More Sunshine - Bob McCarroll - from "Outside the Music Box"

Okay, so this happens to be a little bit of a "dark" tune - although the interpretation can be taken many ways. I won't go into my views and what I think, but I hope you'll give it a listen and draw your own views. Thank you for giving this song a listen and I hope you like it. Recorded, mixed, and mastered at http://www.OneStop.Studio Music video and time-lapse photography by http://www.OneStop.Studio --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Links to my music and other pertinent information: • Personal website: http://www.bobmccarroll.com • Live music project: http://www.liveatbobs.com • Recording studio: http://www.onestop.studio --------------------------------------------------------------------------- No More Sunshine (B. McCarroll - 2019) No more sunshine - warm upon my skin Nor the sweet scent - of rain as it begins Or the soft taste - of your lips pressed to mine wrapped together - forever intertwined No more you or us - we knew it had to end As each day passes - we pray our hearts can mend Oh, so crazy - how we just carry on And all our past lives - are reflected in our songs ©2019 Bob McCarroll --------------------------------------------------------------------------- My CDs for sale on iTunes: Autonomous: https://www.bobmccarroll.com/copy-of-outside-the-music-box Outside The Music Box: https://music.apple.com/us/album/outside-the-music-box/1498289837 Vehicles: https://music.apple.com/us/album/vehicles/1407830941 Down in the City: https://music.apple.com/us/album/down-in-the-city-ep/1444537249 Sixty: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/six... These Few Moments: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the... Now & Then: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/now... That Old Feeling: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tha... Songs for Low Light Conditions: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/son... In Your Dreams: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-... Secret Obsession: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sec...
Did I Get The Day Right - Bob McCarroll - from "Outside the Music Box"
03:42

Did I Get The Day Right - Bob McCarroll - from "Outside the Music Box"

This is kind of a "sorted" and whimsical song about two people rendezvousing at a hotel location. Sadly, only one of them shows up for the affair and the lyric is from his or hers perspective. That's it! No deep meaning here just a fun little tune. Recorded, mixed, and mastered at http://www.OneStop.Studio Music video and time-lapse photography by http://www.OneStop.Studio --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Links to my music and other pertinent information: • Personal website: http://www.bobmccarroll.com • Live music project: http://www.liveatbobs.com • Recording studio: http://www.onestop.studio --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Did I Get the Day Right? (B. McCarroll - 2019) (Capo at 4th fret play in G) Verse I I called head - Made a reservation Checked-in - well, right about four Looked at my phone - But still no message Now here I sit all alone Verse II But later on - About an hour or two I tried your phone - but nothin’ new I can’t believe - That you’re not here Confirms my own worst fears Chorus I Now, did I get the day right Oh, Dear, did I do something wrong Just say why you won’t take my calls And Honey, why you didn’t come along Solo I: Slide Guitar Chorus II Solo II: Slide Guitar Verse III Well, Next morning - I packed my bags No need just to hang around I checked out - paid my bill and left and hit the road with my regrets Chorus III & IV Oh/so…Did I get the day right Oh, my, did I do something wrong Just say why you won’t take my calls And Honey, why you didn’t come along (Repeat x 2) Outro: 4 bars ©2019 - Bob McCarroll ________________________________________________ Check out some of my websites: http://www.bobmccarroll http://www.onestop.studio http://www.liveatbobs.com ________________________________________________ My CDs for sale on iTunes: Autonomous: https://www.bobmccarroll.com/copy-of-outside-the-music-box Outside The Music Box: https://music.apple.com/us/album/outside-the-music-box/1498289837 Vehicles: https://music.apple.com/us/album/vehicles/1407830941 Down in the City: https://music.apple.com/us/album/down-in-the-city-ep/1444537249 Sixty: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/six... These Few Moments: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the... Now & Then: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/now... That Old Feeling: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tha... Songs for Low Light Conditions: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/son... In Your Dreams: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-... Secret Obsession: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sec...
When Skies Are Blue - Bob McCarroll - from "Outside the Music Box"
02:31

When Skies Are Blue - Bob McCarroll - from "Outside the Music Box"

I wrote When Skies Are Blue in the hopes of conveying a happy and joyful feeling of love and that no matter what, be it weather, or whatever, I will always love you. The feeling throughout the song is "light-hearted" and melodic. (I hope you like. Comments welcome! :) Recorded, mixed, and mastered at http://www.OneStop.Studio Music video and time-lapse photography by http://www.OneStop.Studio --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Links to my music and other pertinent information: • Personal website: http://www.bobmccarroll.com • Live music project: http://www.liveatbobs.com • Recording studio: http://www.onestop.studio --------------------------------------------------------------------------- When Skies Are Blue (B. McCarroll - 2018) (Capo at 3rd fret and play in C - 72 bpm) Verse I: When skies are blue Your dreams come true your cares they slip away. Once those clouds disappear then the world seems so clear and your heart is above your head Verse II: When skies are blue and romance is new there’s a skip underneath your step and that smile in your eyes offers little disguise when your love reaches out to you. Piano Solo Bridge: Gray skies won’t always make your day. Here’s a little trick to keep them at bay One thing leads to two and two can work for you Take a chance and love wash away your blues Verse III: When skies are blue I think of you The colors of your hair What a wonderful day and it’s fair to say I’ll still love you when skies are gray ©2019 Bob McCarroll ________________________________________________ Check out some of my websites: http://www.bobmccarroll http://www.onestop.studio http://www.liveatbobs.com ________________________________________________ My CDs for sale on iTunes: Autonomous: https://www.bobmccarroll.com/copy-of-outside-the-music-box Outside The Music Box: https://music.apple.com/us/album/outside-the-music-box/1498289837 Vehicles: https://music.apple.com/us/album/vehicles/1407830941 Down in the City: https://music.apple.com/us/album/down-in-the-city-ep/1444537249 Sixty: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/six... These Few Moments: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the... Now & Then: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/now... That Old Feeling: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tha... Songs for Low Light Conditions: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/son... In Your Dreams: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-... Secret Obsession: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sec...
Oh, How I Need Your Love - Bob McCarroll - From "Outside The Music Box"
02:19

Oh, How I Need Your Love - Bob McCarroll - From "Outside The Music Box"

A simple wee love song waltz that I composed for my upcoming (2020) CD, "Outside The Music Box" Recorded, mixed, and mastered at http://www.OneStop.Studio. Music video by http://www.OneStop.Studio ________________________________________________ Links to my music and other pertinent information: • Personal website: http://www.bobmccarroll.com • Live music project: http://www.liveatbobs.com • Recording studio: http://www.onestop.studio ________________________________________________ Oh, How I Need Your Love (B. McCarroll - 2019) (Capo at 3rd fret play in C - 96 bpm) Verse I: Oh, how I miss your touch. Oh, how I miss your touch. With your loving caress and your gentleness Oh, how I miss your touch Verse II Oh, how I loved your smile. Oh, how I loved your smile. In my heart, now and then, I can see it again. Oh, how I loved your smile. Instrumental Bridge (16 bars) Solo Section (violin & guitar for 16 bars) Verse III: Oh, how I need your love. Oh, how I need your love. But it’s gone far away, it won’t come back today. Oh, how I need your love. ©2019 - Bob McCarroll _______________________________________________ My CDs for sale on iTunes: Autonomous: https://www.bobmccarroll.com/copy-of-outside-the-music-box Outside The Music Box: https://music.apple.com/us/album/outside-the-music-box/1498289837 Vehicles: https://music.apple.com/us/album/vehicles/1407830941 Down in the City: https://music.apple.com/us/album/down-in-the-city-ep/1444537249 Sixty: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/six... These Few Moments: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the... Now & Then: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/now... That Old Feeling: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tha... Songs for Low Light Conditions: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/son... In Your Dreams: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-... Secret Obsession: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sec...
That Perfect Place - Bob McCarroll - From "Outside The Music Box"
02:26

That Perfect Place - Bob McCarroll - From "Outside The Music Box"

I had great time writing and recording this, kind of silly, tune. It's a bit of a "Country / Americana" flavored composition, but fun all the way. :) I hope you like. Comments welcome! :) Special thanks to my great friend, Michael Hummel for helping me out and adding his wonderful vocal harmony abilities. Recorded, mixed, and mastered at www.OneStop.Studio --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Links to my music and other pertinent information: • Personal website: http://www.bobmccarroll.com • Live music project: http://www.liveatbobs.com • Recording studio: http://www.onestop.studio --------------------------------------------------------------------------- That Perfect Place (B. McCarroll - 8/2/19) Capo at A and play in C Verse 1A: If I could find that perfect place Oh, to share with you High up on the mountain ridge with that perfect view Verse IB: In a little cottage shack Away from all that rage We could live that sweet-dream life in That Perfect Place Verse IIA:Maybe by the oceanside We could settle down Sand an sea and you and me Baby makes us three Verse IIB: A cozy little family life Live without a trace We could live that sweet-dream life In That Perfect Place Bridge: In That Perfect Place We could settle down In that special place Far away from town We will never be found. Check out some of my websites: http://www.bobmccarroll http://www.onestop.studio http://www.liveatbobs.com ________________________________________________ My CDs for sale on iTunes: Autonomous: https://www.bobmccarroll.com/copy-of-outside-the-music-box Outside The Music Box: https://music.apple.com/us/album/outside-the-music-box/1498289837 Vehicles: https://music.apple.com/us/album/vehicles/1407830941 Down in the City: https://music.apple.com/us/album/down-in-the-city-ep/1444537249 Sixty: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/six... These Few Moments: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the... Now & Then: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/now... That Old Feeling: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tha... Songs for Low Light Conditions: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/son... In Your Dreams: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-... Secret Obsession: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sec...
When You Close Your Eyes - Bob McCarroll - from "Outside the Music Box"
02:03

When You Close Your Eyes - Bob McCarroll - from "Outside the Music Box"

I like to first thank my friend Nicole Pesce for the amazing piano work on this tune. She's amazing! This is a song I wrote for my new Granddaughter, Evelyn Vera McCarroll. I wanted to write her a song in the spirit of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and the Beatles' Goodnight...and with the flavor of the Great American Songbook. Thank you for giving this song a listen and I hope you like it. Recorded, mixed, and mastered at http://www.OneStop.Studio Music video and time-lapse photography by http://www.OneStop.Studio --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Links to my music and other pertinent information: • Personal website: http://www.bobmccarroll.com • Live music project: http://www.liveatbobs.com • Recording studio: http://www.onestop.studio --------------------------------------------------------------------------- When You Close Your Eyes (For Evelyn Vera McCarroll) (B. McCarroll - 2018 - Sept 13, 2019) Verse 1: My Darling, go to sleep at tonight Knowing I’m always there Close your eyes and keep them tight And let your dreams appear Verse 2: Hush, my Dear while I sing goodnight Lull’bies to help you sleep As Bluebirds will fly across the sky Of green fields with flowers and trees Bridge: When you close your eyes Wonders await you, little one When you close your eyes You’ll find puppies, rainbows, and fun Verse 3: The moon and stars all gather ‘round Shine on you while you’re away Skies of blue will soon abound And bring you a brand new day ©2019 Bob McCarroll --------------------------------------------------------------------------- My CDs for sale on iTunes: Autonomous: https://www.bobmccarroll.com/copy-of-outside-the-music-box Outside The Music Box: https://music.apple.com/us/album/outside-the-music-box/1498289837 Vehicles: https://music.apple.com/us/album/vehicles/1407830941 Down in the City: https://music.apple.com/us/album/down-in-the-city-ep/1444537249 Sixty: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/six... These Few Moments: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the... Now & Then: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/now... That Old Feeling: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tha... Songs for Low Light Conditions: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/son... In Your Dreams: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-... Secret Obsession: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sec...
  • Facebook Clean
  • White YouTube Icon
  • White Instagram Icon
  • LinkedIn Social Icon
bottom of page