Just a Couple of Covers

Artist:
M.James

Recorded:
September 2012

Release Date:
September 26th 2012 - Independently

Personnel:
M.James - Guitar, Vocals, Piano

Tracklisting
1. Chasing Cars [Snow Patrol Cover]
2. How to Save a Life [The Fray Cover]
3. Small Bump [Ed Sheeran Cover]

How To Save A Life [The Fray Cover]

Lyrics
Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it's just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you've told him all along
And pray to God, he hears you
And pray to God, he hears you

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you've followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he'll say he's just not the same
And you begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

How to save a life

How to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life

How to save a life


Description

The piano introduction starts, it is soft and airy which helps to draw the listener in to the song. It doesn’t take long before M.James’ raspy vocals are whispered over the music, gently contradicting the soft piano creating a strange effect which helps to make the song different from the original. The piano playing speeds up slightly as he nears the end of the verse. A guitar comes in just as he starts to sing the chorus and strums to support his strong vocals.
The chorus finishes and the guitar quietens down and now supports the piano which leads the music forward. M.James’ vocals are stronger now than they were at the start of the song, he is starting to show off his range slightly more now. This second and third verses continue in much the same fashion, with the chorus in the middle being much the same as the first.
After the third verse, M.James steps it up more on the guitar and starts to thrash around at the strings, allowing the guitar to take the lead for the final chorus with the piano supporting that now at this stage. His vocals are now much harsher and raspier than at any other point in the song.
The music dies down at the end and he just whispers the final line.

Small Bump [Ed Sheeran Cover]

Lyrics

You were just a small bump unborn, four months then brought to life,
You might be left with my hair, but you'll have your mother's eyes,
I'll hold your body in my hands be as gentle as I can,
And now your scan on my unmade plans,
Small bump four months then brought to life

I'll hold you tightly, I'll give you nothing but truth,
If you're not inside me, I'll put my future in you

You are my one, and only
You can wrap your fingers round my thumb and hold me tight
Oh you are my one, and only
You can wrap your fingers round my thumb and hold me tight
And you'll be alright.

You're just a small bump unknown and you’ll grow into your skin
With a smile like hers and a dimple beneath your chin
(Oh) Finger nails the size of a half grain of rice
And eyelids closed to be soon opened wide a small bump,
In four months you'll open your eyes

I'll hold you tightly, I'll give you nothing but truth,
If you're not inside me, I'll put my future in you

You are my one, and only
You can wrap your fingers round my thumb and hold me tight
Oh you are my one, and only
You can wrap your fingers round my thumb and hold me tight
And you'll be alright

You can lie with me, with your tiny feet when your half asleep,
I'll leave you be
Right in front of me for a couple weeks
So I can keep you safe

'Cause you are my one, and only
You can wrap your fingers round my thumb and hold me tight
Oh you are my one, and only
You can wrap your fingers round my thumb and hold me tight
And you'll be alright

You're just a small bump unborn just for four months then torn from life
Maybe you were needed up there but we're still unaware of why


Description

A gentle guitar introduction starts the song, it repeats and then the vocals begin. M.James’ vocals aren’t quite so raspy at this point in the song; they are clear and to the point. The guitar progresses as the vocals remain strong. The song reaches the pre-chorus and he taps the strings rather than strumming, keeping the beat going until the chorus actually starts and then he starts to play away again.
His vocals are stronger again at this point, and the raspiness shown in the previous two songs is barely audible now, the guitar is also picking up pace at this stage too. The chorus finishes and he quietens down and so does the guitar. M.James continues strumming and singing, and the song continues in much the same fashion. As he reaches the final lines, he stops playing and just starts to slap the guitar again like he has done several times earlier in the song. He sings the final lines and his voice cracks on the final word.