I wrote the lyrics and melody for The Band Plays On, but did not record my own version of the song. Instead I paid Chris Davidson to record it for me.


Video by Eric Borgos and Eno Productions. Photo Credits: See the bottom of this page.
Click Here to download the MP3 file for The Band Plays On

The Band Plays On


Verse 1:
Tell me all lives matter
we're part of the same plan
a teacher and a soldier
police or homeless man

Some so filled with hate
each day an endless fight
some just close their eyes
and dance the rhythm of the night

Chorus:
There's a river flowing red
where battle lines are drawn
but the stars still shine
and the band plays on

Verse 2:
Judge not one another
by the color of our skin
shine a light of kindness
on fear that lies within

When viscous words spew forth
like bullets from a gun
suffer not our children
those wars they can't be won

Chorus:
To the lost souls in darkness
who may never see the dawn
the stars still shine
and the band plays on

There's a river flowing red
where battle lines are drawn
but the stars still shine
and the band plays on


-----------------------------

Reviews of The Band Plays On on ReverbNation.com (song score: 7.9 out of 10):

  • The intro seems happy and light-hearted. This is the first song that I've wanted to sit here and dance in my seat to. I love the artists vocals, they're clean and controlled. He knows what he's doing, his voice is confident but also has a softness to it that makes the lyrics sound better. The length of the song was about average, and it definitely wasn't drawn out except for the outro where the little riff with every section was repeated. The tempo of the song was appropriate, and sounded like it was made for a spring day when everything's coming alive again.
  • Very nice easy listening to music. I like how the song does talk about real life struggles that we all face. The artiest is very easy to understand and to follow. Watch on the repeating of the "band plays on". Also would like to hear one more verse put in so it doesn't seem like you are trying to make the song long enough by just repeating the same phrase.
  • The preppy opening guitar into the tambourine have a very festive and upbeat sound. The male vocalist also has the same tone and mood of light-hearted tone of companionship. The mood reminds me of the disney Robin Hood, in the scene where they are celebrating as a unit of the rebels to the tyrannical leader.
  • I loved the opening to this song, it was so sweet and beautiful in it's own original way, the tune and melody would be stuck with you for a long time. I loved the vocals too, very strong and attractive to listen to. The lyrics send out a strong message.
  • The vocals are so impressive with warm, thick, professional voices and beautiful chorus. Lovely lyrics together with slow, gentle and melodious rhythms just make me flowing along and enjoy the cool music river. Vocals and instruments are in great harmony. Are you guys professional artists?
  • I really like the sound of this song. The lyrics sent a good message out there and the voices on the singers were professional quality. I thought the production was great too and I liked the instruments that were chosen for this track. I would play this one again.
  • Very smooth and simple song in my personal opinion. You did a really good job when it comes to the melody and the production. I like how you were able to keep the instrumental beat very simple. I also think that your voice sounds really good here, especially since it is a duet. You have done a good job and I think this is definitely a good start for something brighter in the future. If you continue with this type of vocals, and instrumentals, you will see something amazing.
  • The guitar in the intro was wonderful. It worked stunningly with the voice of the artists. The lyrics were solid and liberating. This song has commercial potential! I like that the vocals were balanced with the instrumentals but still felt like they were highlighted. The tempo was slow but enjoyable.
  • Charming bluegrass-tinged track! A kind of song that has these lyrics that stand true and proud and almost patriotic. Mandolin is so cool in this very bright arrangement. Inspiring sound with these suave backing harmonies as a brilliant addition. This is a strong song all the way through. Great feel!
  • The arrangement of a couple of instruments may seem very simple but it helps to bring out the quality of the vocals. The harmonization of the vocals is absolutely perfect and wonderful to listen to. I love the simplicity and the production of this song is really nice.
  • The instrumental of this song is a chill and happy one.The verses are like a story and the message very beautiful, the refrain make the song to sound good like the entire song.The vocalist song very well that song and i give to that song a 8/10.
  • Very soft and relax song. The instrumentals are simple but all fits together to make a great music background. the lyrics are good and full of meanings. But i would say it's a good song to fall asleep... The beat could be a little bit less repetitive though.
  • I really like this song the introduction is great. The bells could be a little louder. This sounds like a Black Lives Matter Song though. I don't like how the same harmony is repeated throughout the song. I think this song is positive and uplifting for everyone.
  • I like the heavy acoustic right of the beginning. The singer has a deep soothing voice. The story is really good. the rhythm needs to be a little but faster along with the music and vocals. It never repeats itself much. It also impeaches peace and calmness.
  • The overall structure of this song is immediately appealing. The artist seems to be very creative and skillful with witty lyrics and captivating vocals. The song progesses in such a way that I'm curious to hear the next verse to hear the remainder of the story. The message that the song conveys is rich, warm and powerful.
  • Very nice instruments sounds. It's very moving and relaxing. His voice is very sexy and and deep. The words are so cute and love how they kinda rhyme. Rythem of the night what a great line. This is a very well written song with great production and vocals and great wording. Love It!!wow
  • the introduction is very soothing and relaxing. the melody is tunefuland he has a calming, distinctive voice. the lyrics are original and meaningful. i can imagine myself listening to this in a rainy day or on a video about peace. the lyrics are clever and thoughtful.
  • The melodic introduction of the acoustic guitar and the soft percussion are enough to get my attention. It's relaxing to hear, and so is the singer's voice. He has great tonality and beautiful phonation, though he is a bit breathy. However, listening further to his words makes the song seem less relaxing. He is offering a tone of peace by making the very relevant point of equality. The way the singer makes this instrument is lovely. It is a very poetic song, and it's very mellow. The piece does not really rely on instruments to carry the song, but it works for this song. It never becomes boring, and it beautifully makes its point. Altogether, I think this song is very well done.
  • This song is very calming and nice to listen to. The guitar and subtle drum blends perfectly with the vocals. The harmony in the background also works well to create a very calming, almost country tone. It had a very smooth introduction and a smooth fade out. A very nice listen!
  • I love how the guitar is well composed in the intro of the track. It makes it sound really chill and cool. The singer has great vocals and I can definitely understand what he is saying. The production is really well composed and mastered, which makes the song 10x better. I also like how the guitar keeps being part of the song.

Photo Credits for the music video at the top of this page:
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
Jimmy Lau
JLS Photography - Alaska
Michelle Robinson
Nicholas Upton
Ella
Ella
Wilton Blake
Jim Killock
christopher finke
Tina Leggio
Avery Smith
Avery Smith
Dennis Hamilton
Fibonacci Blue
The All-Nite Images
Johnny Silvercloud
The All-Nite Images
Stephen Melkisethian
Amir Aziz
B.C. Lorio
Stephen Melkisethian
Joe Brusky
Justin Norman
Tina Leggio
Johnny Silvercloud
Justin Norman
Stephen Melkisethian
The All-Nite Images
Arash Azizzada
Justin Norman
Tim Pierce
Joe Brusky
Joe Brusky
Tim Pierce
Stephen Melkisethian
Village Square
Village Square
Village Square
UU World
The COM Library