Delegate by Amelia Ray
This past summer, I was feeling overwhelmed trying to juggle multiple projects within the ever-changing landscape of being an independent musician. A friend suggested I focus on outsourcing tasks, and jokingly challenged me to write a love song about delegating responsibility to help me learn how to do it.
The lyrics came easily enough. I imagined someone who, after weighing the pros and cons of continuing a love affair, ultimately leaves the decision to the other party. The music was a bit harder. I knew the style of music I wanted but didn’t know how I was going to fit the elaborate Memphis soul arrangement I was hearing in my head into my limited budget.
So I decided to approach "Delegate" from a subtractive rather than additive point of view. Applying the study of triads that have been the focus of my guitar lessons for the past two years, I dissected the song into small parts that I could easily play. I came up with a naked, vulnerable arrangement that sounds unlike anything I've written before.
The exercise also helped me learn the first rule of delegation, namely, having clear explanations of the tasks to be assigned. I feel I’m one step closer to grasping the motto of successful entrepreneurs the world over: “Work smarter, not harder.”
lyrics
"Delegate"
Do I love you?
Do I trust you?
Can we start anew?
I'm in no shape to decide so
I delegate it to you
Is it springtime?
Are you all mine?
Can we make it through?
There's a feeling inside but
I delegate it to you
Could this be forever?
We might be so sad
I should walk away, however
Baby, you're the best I ever had
Are we there yet?
Are you my safe bet?
Does it all ring true?
See, I've got nothing to hide so
I delegate it to you
I should walk away, however
We might be so glad
This time could be forever
'Cause, baby, you're the best I ever had
Do you need me?
Will you deceive me?
Leave me sad and blue?
Cast my fears aside and
I'll delegate it to you
© 2022 Amelia C. Ray
Tracklist
| 1. | Delegate | 3:48 |
| 2. | Delegate (instrumental) | 3:48 |
Credits
released January 1, 2023
Written, composed and performed by Amelia Ray
Mixed and mastered by Brandon Bankes
Cover design by Daniel Cisneros
License
All rights reserved.
AMELIA RAY IS THE INTERPRETER: part storyteller, part musician, and possible spy who has performed in 25 countries and speaks seven languages. Amelia’s unique perspective and songwriting ability inspires Cultural Cohesion – a celebration of our diversity and common understanding of our shared experience through music.