1.) Fading Light(4:21) (feat. Eric Quillington and Jason Smith)Background:The first track of the album, Fading Light, is a perfect start to a concept album filled with misery and mystery with its very light and spacey atmosphere. Fading Light is basically a song about moving on to the afterlife, it’s a song about the thoughts of one who is about to leave this life and move on to the next. The fading light is my own metaphor of holding on to this life but realizing that it would eventually end there, there is no delays, we all have our time to go. Originally conceived as an acoustic ballad, Troy, with the help of both co-producers Eric Quillington and Jason Smith, transformed the song to something much more exciting.
Troy wrote:“Eric thought that the song sounded too boring with just an acoustic guitar and singing, I did too but was too caught up with other songs to even try something new so I left Eric and Jason with the task to make this song better while I work with the other songs. The plan was a success; Eric added some light noises with an e-bow, something that has been a part of that Reckoner sound, while Jason on the other hand wanted to use the Theremin for the song. At first, the plan sounded kind of awkward with that combination, so we added some drums and a very simple bass line to complement the whole instrumental section lets just say the results turned out the way we wanted it to.”
Song Progression:Intro (0:00-0:42)
A simple and ear pleasing chord progression plays throughout the entire intro. After the first round of chord progression, the sliding effect of the e-bow is lightly heard as it complements the earlier riff. After the second round of chord progression, a Theremin mimics the melody of the song, adding to the light noises of the electric guitar. The full sound is now repeated for the fourth chord progression just before the first verse begins.
Verse 1 (0:42-1:10)
The drums and bass kick in as the Theremin and electric guitar fade away. Troy slowly sings with his typical high pitched voice but there is something unusual with his sound. If you listen closely there are actually three voices at work, the tenor part being sung by Eric Quillington trying to copy Troy’s singing style, the middle part being sung by Troy trying to keep his voice from soaring up, and the bass part being sung by Jason trying to sing likeTroy the best way he can, the result is a voice that actually sounds like Troy being possessed. This pattern goes on for the whole verse.
Chorus 1(1:10-2:02)
The chorus starts off with a string arrangement now replacing the Theremin, all the other instruments are still playing while the guitar shifts from just playing slides to playing a very light but quick riff repeatedly. The three voices change paths as Eric shifts to a falsetto, Troy’s voice rises up, and Jason sings different lyrics, complementing the depressing tune of the string arrangement and other instruments. The chorus ends with all other instruments fading away, followed by a barbershop quartet style “ooh” from the three vocalists, followed by the instruments coming right back in.
Bridge between Chorus and Second Verse (2:02-2:24)
This part is composed mostly of the string arrangement replacing the Theremin while the rest play the intro’s melody from the third and fourth repetitions.
Verse 2 (2:24-2:52)
The second verse sounds identical to the first verse but this time, the voices show more signs of separating as Troy sings lead vocals while Eric and Jason continue to add to the dramatic effect of the song by singing different lyrics that jive with the whole song as well.
Chorus 2 (2:52-3:44)
The Second chorus is also identical to the first chorus only this time, the tune becomes even more emotional. By the end of the second chorus, all three voices beautifully harmonize with each other as their voices dramatically soar up high. The song then slows down for the barbershop quartet style finish.
Outro (3:44-4:21)
The slightly lengthy outro is just the reverse of the intro, starting with the drums, bass, e-bow and guitar, Theremin, and acoustic, then slowly being stripped of until only the acoustic guitar is heard.
Lyrics:(Intro)
Verse:
Fading light, just another dream crushed by reality
I held you near, so close and so endearing
I never wanted to let go but fate was harsh
And now I walk alone
Fading light, please don’t go
Chorus:
Falling from the sky (Three thousand feet away)
I bid the world goodbye (I wish that I could stay)
The light is all I have in my grasp but nothing ever lasts (Holding on to what I’ve got left)
Fading away and losing hope (Help! I’m feeling cold)
I’ve had my time; I have to go (Go)
The fading light is all I’ll ever know (All I’d ever know)
Verse 2:
Fading Light, I wish that I could stay for a while (They need me right now)
She cried and never said a word, the blissful memories made it worst (Wish the pain would stop somehow)
I want to be strong, I want to hold on (They light the candles, and hand over flowers)
But I know that I’d have to move on (The weeping lasts in their hearts forever)
Fading Light, I’m coming home (But I know that tomorrow, the sun will shine)
Chorus 2:
Falling from the sky (Three thousand feet away)
I bid the world goodbye (I wish that I could stay)
The light is all I have in my grasp but nothing ever lasts (I have to accept, the pain shall pass)
Fading away but now I know (Please be strong)
I’ve had my time; I have to go (Life is too short, please move on)
But my memory will live forever on (Forever on)
