Sam Cooper

Sam Cooper

SELF PRAISE

Story Behind The Song

Something that my dad used to pound in my head. He never liked "I, me, my" words.

Song Description

This song and production shows a little of Creedence Clearwater Revival's influence on me. Kurt Fortmeyer may or may not be proud it, but I think it's a pretty accurate reflection of some of my upbringing. Kurt Fortmeyer and I wrote it upon talking about something my old man used to pound into my head as a kid. Dad hated first-person words--I, me, my, mine, etc... I get it now, even though it kind of messed up my self-esteem in several ways. If you don't have someone who gets you and is willing to stick their necks out for you on your behalf, it's an uphill battle to sell people on you by yourself. THAT is one reason why it's hard for so many fine songwriters to become a big deal in the music business--it has little to do with the actual songs more often than should be the case.

Song Length 2:34 Genre Blues - Modern, Country - Americana
Tempo Slow (71 - 90) Lead Vocal Male Vocal
Mood Congenial, Jovial Subject I, Me, Mine, Other
Similar Artists Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Band Language English

Lyrics

SELF PRAISE
By Kurt Fortmeyer and Sam Cooper © 2011
615-469-4067 jericat@yahoo.com

Self praise is like no praise at all,
Self praise is like no praise at all,
Don't waste your breath on me, might as well talk to the wall,
Self praise is like no praise at all.

Self praise won't get you very far,
Self praise won't get you very far,
If you're tryin' to sell me on just how great you are,
Self praise won't get you very far.

The wheel that squeaks the loudest is the one that gets the grease,
Don't go smearing that stuff on me.

Self praise is just a loser's game,
Self praise is just a loser's game,
It's who you are, not who you know, don't keep dropping names,
Self praise is just a loser's game.

Nobody else is toasting what you claim you have achieved,
Your boasting is too much to believe.

Self praise is like no praise at all,
Self praise is like no praise at all,
Don't waste your breath on me, might as well talk to the wall,
Self praise is like no praise at all.

I love the message! Telling a story that we all can relate to. Good vocal delivery. The instruments are all clear and recorded well, I love it. So, you had me at "self praise", I just love the hook! Then the bridge... haha, you're killin me!!! I like the simple guitar comping and the fills are nice too. Good pannig and the mix is pretty good.

This country blues tune has a unique tone and quality. The lead vocals has this great Tom Waits like characteristic, and the backing musicians have a really nice 2 step steady groove. The music is recorded and produced well.

Lyrics Sam Cooper, Kurt Fortmeyer Music Sam Cooper, Kurt Fortmeyer
Producer Sam Cooper Publisher Jerricat Music, Kurt Fortmeyer
Performance Sam Cooper Label Red Heart Records

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