OK, so this isn’t the official fourth song. Because the last release was delayed, and due to a dense schedule for the week, I haven’t been able to work much on the new track. Though not all is lost, because the new track and this meta-release both have the same sound: that’s right, we’re entering R&B territory! (and I’m also singing this time!). Here’s the song:

You’re Just a Girl by Endy Daniyanto

Music and lyrics by Endy Daniyanto

The story behind the song:

This is the first song from an entire collection that could span more than an album’s worth (also one of the reasons I’m doing this project: to finish this collection of songs, all inspired by the same person). I wrote this song because I was heavily inspired by someone, but at the time I had just broken up from a two-year relationship (there’s a song about this love story too, but you’ll have to wait for it!). Because I kept telling myself that I was in a transition phase, I didn’t want to enter any relationships yet. So I kept the relationship between her and I strictly casual.

What I didn’t expect was, how much different she was from all the other love interests I knew. That’s why I call her a “premium babe” (because she means trouble – or at least she did at the time). I didn’t intend on having a rewarding relationship with her before, but all it took was one spontaneous phone call, and I was charmed and disarmed. As always (and I expound about this in my autobiography), her honesty, authenticity, and openness inspired an empire of dreams in me (which leads to a longer, more substantial story and becomes the foundation of what I write today).

Although this song is an R&B number, it was originally made on acoustic guitar. The original version was a rock song, because that’s how I think she inspires me: when I write songs about her, I can’t do it on the piano – the sound that fits her is the sound of acoustic guitar! (Adit says this is the result of me listening to Busted, at the time) Which also lead me to start playing and writing songs on the guitar more often. So as you can see, the transformation I experienced wasn’t only a personal one, but also a musical one. I could go on and on the back story for this song, but let’s leave it for a more relaxed time (or, you could go over and read my autobiography here).

This is the original song, played live during the “Festival Lagu Buatan Sendiri” held by the Psychology major of Universitas Indonesia, in 2003 (we aced this one, but it didn’t make it to the finals – the one that did was, well, that’s also another song you’ll have to wait for!):

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During my early foray into recording music, I arranged this song into another version, that has a slightly jazzy feel (this one in 2008):

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So as you can see, “You’re Just a Girl” is a landmark composition, from the storyline point of view, and also from the musical point of view (first song on guitar, also first song in R&B production).

The lyrics

(The chorus needs two people to sing it. Bring a friend!)

You’re Just a Girl

I wake up and you’re the first thing on my mind
I go to sleep and I dream of you I don’t know why
Why you’re here why I can’t stop thinking about you
Why I see you when I close my eyes I don’t want to

‘Cause I don’t know what I’m supposed to feel can’t you tell me?
I don’t want to fall in love with you not today

(You’re just a girl)
You’ve got a style that’s kind of funky
(You’re just a girl)
You’ve got a smile that drives me crazy
(You’re just a girl)
The way you move is really sexy
(You’re just a girl)
For God’s sake! You’re just a girl

I see you in a party damn you look so hot
In that dress I can hardly believe that it’s you
So I bring a glass of wine and you’re laughing at my jokes
We start to dance around the room and everyone is staring

Why do I want to be with you now how can this be
We’ve grown so close I think I’m falling for you falling for you

(You’re just a girl)
You’ve got a style that’s kind of funky
(You’re just a girl)
You’ve got a smile that drives me crazy
(You’re just a girl)
The way you move is really sexy
(You’re just a girl)
For God’s sake! You’re just a girl

‘Cause I don’t know what I’m supposed to feel can’t you tell me?
I don’t want to fall in love with you not today

(You’re just a girl)
You’ve got a style that’s kind of funky
(You’re just a girl)
You’ve got a smile that drives me crazy
(You’re just a girl)
The way you move is really sexy
(You’re just a girl)
For God’s sake! You’re just a girl

You’ve got a style that’s kind of funky
(You’re just a girl)
You’ve got a smile that drives me crazy
(You’re just a girl)
The way you move is really Oh sexy
(You’re just a girl)
For God’s sake! You’re just a girl

The geeky stuff

I recorded this under a blanket! There, enough said!

In more technical terms, I recorded the vocals underneath a blanket in order to achieve a clearer vocal (reduce the amount of natural room reverb). It was hot, but I think the vocals do come out clear. Yes, I know the proper way is to set up a vocal booth, or use a reflection filter, but hey, musician on a budget here!

Thank you and credits:

For the inspiration. For Busted who started my musical journey into more rough music (I listened to boybands exclusively before them). And to the smooth and sexy sounds of R&B: you’re gonna hear more like this from me in the upcoming songs!

Cheers and thanks for the ears,
Endy