When the Woods Whisper (2023 Single Version)

by Jake Gussman

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about

This was my first real finished song and is still the most dear to me. I still don't think I've topped the overall magic of the sound either.
That being said, It was my first time really producing a song and it had room for improvement. I released the original version on bandcamp in 2016 when I thought I'd be done the album - my grand statement - in a month or two. I was kidding myself.
So here we are exactly 6 years and 11 months later rolling out the song with improvements to the mix and the lead guitar part. I think it's perfect now which is how the album is shaping up to be - at least in reference to my little vision.

Original 2016 notes:

For better or for worse, Childhood was a special thing....

Thanks to Matthew Montagano for providing drums to this recording on short notice. It really helped fill out the mix.

Thanks to my brother Steven Gussman for being this songs champion from its conception. For keeping me keen to what it was about, for always being around for a listen, and for some last minute 4:00 am cover shots.
Brothers. They're the best thing to be made. With similar DNA. baby.

lyrics

[Verse 1]
When he was young the world was small
The people and places seemed so tall
Riding home in your car, head out the window and hair on the wind
The evening leaves they seemed to call him

Through winding streets and neighborhoods
He pedaled; he pushed as fast as he could
Trusting only tires and steel to hold his weight
If he could move fast enough, he’d be safe

[Chorus 1]
Garages and basements and trees are the most accepting place that a boy will ever see
‘cause the people may scream but the woods only whisper

[Verse 2]
He heard the crashes in his dreams
But he woke up to a louder reality
In bed he tried to sew the seams
He thought if these sheets could only swallow me

In old photos he’d never smile
Sometimes he could only be a problem child
Behind these walls or off for miles
Doesn’t matter sometimes these things just take awhile

[Chorus 2]
Garages and basements and trees are the most accepting place that a boy will ever see
‘cause the people may scream but the woods only whisper

[Bridge]
He’s all alone in the forest
He wonders if they’ll even notice as the roots let loose that he’s falling down

[Chorus 3]
Garages and basements and trees are the most accepting place that a boy will ever see
‘cause the people may scream but the woods only whisper
The people may scream but the woods only whisper [x3]

credits

released September 8, 2023
Vocals, Guitars, Bass, and Cappuccino bottle- Jake Gussman
Drums- Matt Montagano
Written by Jake Gussman
Self produced In my home.

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all rights reserved

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Jake Gussman Medford, New Jersey

My New Album: I Can Sincerely Say I've Tried has been in the works for my entire adult life and I really think you'll love it.
I tried so hard to tell the story of suburban youth and adolescence and tell it beautifully.
Album out Friday Nov 10th
Singles out now.
Princeton EP out now.
I hope you like it ... more

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