It’s also funny how this demo was created. I seem to remember that it was my first time really using Reason (on a PC!) for anything, and I basically made Finale channel MIDI into Reason’s factory sounds. All things considered, it’s actually decent-sounding, especially since it was 2007. My, how things have changed.

If you’re interested, you can also see the woefully under-marked PDF of the score. It’s cool-looking, if nothing else. And of course, if you want to actually perform it or something, just let me know before you do!

This was a collaboration with the very funny Jim Merritt, a fellow member of the BMI workshop.  The song was our submission for an assignment.  We were to write a charm song for a musical adaptation of “It’s A Wonderful Life.”  This song is for Clarence, the guardian angel, when he gets to Earth.  Perhaps it’s not the most appropriate music for Clarence, but it’s a heck of a lot of fun.  And I’m particularly fond of the piano part.

“Very Last” - Download the MP3

I wonder what they’re talking about
It must be important, I guess.
They used keep me more in the loop,
And as a conversation starter, baby, I was the best
But the times have changed
And I sit here alone
Begging for change
From my little glass home
With a big yellow book
And a soft inviting dial tone

Cause I’m the
Very last phone booth in New York.
I may always be vacant,
But I swear I still work.
If you remember the number
And have a quarter to spare
Why don’t you gimme a ring?
Cause I’m the last phone booth in…
New York.

I just don’t get it; where’s the appeal?
These people walk around on their cells.
Call me old fashioned, but I can’t help but laugh,
‘Cause these jokers with the headsets seem to talk to themselves.
So you can walk on by,
I’m sure your Blackberry’s fine.
But come and open my door,
You can see there’s no line.
Cause I’ve been left in the dust
By a public who won’t even try…

To save the
Very last phone booth in New York
I may be outdated,
But I swear I still work.
If you’ve got no more bars
Or your battery’s dead
Give my rotor a spin
‘Cause I’m the last phone booth in…
New York.

I remember the day when Sally and Bill
Carved their names in my glass.
Their monogram’s in a heart
But it’s fuzzy and marred
From the years that have passed.
Sometimes I wonder how they’re doing today,
Since they haven’t stopped by,
Pob’ly moved far away
From the landline that started their life,
But it’s fine.
I never cared for them much anyway.

Yeah I’m the
Very last phone booth in New York
I may always be vacant,
But I swear I still work.
It’s a matter of time
And I’m on my last legs,
So won’t you gimme a ring?
Cause I’m the last phone booth in…
New York.