I wrote this song in 1998 on an inexpensive Yamaha classical guitar. I was working for State of California at the time and my wife had a restaurant. As I recall I was very depressed about the quality of my life. I was unhappy with the work I was doing, I absolutely hated the restaurant - its demands of our time and the insane costs keeping it going, and as usual, questioning why I was doing what I was doing.
It always seems to boil down to money (doesn't it always?).So, a blues song was in order. This tune started as a riff in a minor mode. I liked the way it felt and I wanted it to sound a bit "off" - just the way I felt. I worked out the three chord progression riff before writing the lyrics.
I recorded the lead guitar on a Fender Strat, which I had recently purchased, to get a real plucked sound. I used the first track I layed down. I wish I was a better picker - always meaning to redo it or, better yet, get a GREAT guitarist to put down the track.
In any case, I was satisfied with the overall feel and tempo.
PickinAtThePain.mp3 Copyright©Worldwide 1998-2006 Steven Marcus