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Hard Edged World

by Stephen Schijns

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about

“Hard Edged World” is a lament of sorts, commenting on the way that the crushing forces of commerce and conformity and fear have nearly obliterated the human qualities of wonder, belief, and acceptance of the unknown. What were once widely held ideas in the power of the supernatural and belief in mysteries are now treated as childlike naivety that will inevitably disappear as a person “grows up” to become wise, cynical, and consumption-focused. The song uses the examples of Easter, Hallowe’en, and Christmas to make its point. The song suggests easing back on consumerism and rediscovering a softer, more open and natural view of the world – softer and less harsh.

Unlike most of Stephen’s furiously upbeat and catchy rock songs, “Hard Edged World” is given a quieter finger-picked acoustic guitar treatment, in order to focus on the lyrics via his relaxed singing voice.

lyrics

It’s a hard edged world now
No shamans, dreams or elves
It’s all about the money now
We’ve done it to ourselves
And it’s a hard edged world now


Easter’s based on a powerful story
Of life and death and hope
But now it’s more about selling chocolate
And purple easter soap

Hallowe’en was a great excuse
To dress up and meet your neighbour
Now a costume might offend someone
And a treat could hide a razor

Christmas is birth and Santa Claus
A joyful time indeed
Poisoned by Black Friday
To sell you what you don’t need


Where is the joy?
Where is the fun?
Where are the dreams?
What have we done?
We’re not going back
We’re moving ahead
Look out for the children
And not for the dead

So make a soft edged world now
Full of shamans, dreams, and elves
Forget about the money now
Forget about ourselves
And make a soft edged world now

credits

released December 5, 2020
“Hard Edged World” is produced by Andrew Smith at Lake Studio in Kelowna, BC. Andrew created the guitar sounds, with percussion support from his son Zachari Smith (in Lake Studios’ Montreal site) and provided some understated background vocals to Stephen Schijns’ comfortable lead vocals. Music and lyrics by Stephen Schijns.

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Stephen Schijns Kelowna, British Columbia

From 60s singles to CFRC/CKCU DJ to garage band archivist to chart documentarian to songwriter and guitar player, Steve Schijns (pronounced "Skines") has soaked up classic influences over several decades to begin building his recording career as a mature and distinctive pop-rock creator. He is based in Kelowna, BC, Canada. ... more

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