For A Dollar

Missing image
"Hey, Paul!" I said as he came inside my modest three bedroom home. "I'm glad you came by."1

"Why, what's up?"2

"I've been kicking around some ideas for a song."3

"Let's jam a little first," said Paul and he picked up one of my guitars and sat on the sofa.4

"Sorry about you and Heather," I said lamely.5

"You said that last time," he smiled.6

"I know, but I'm still sorry," I said as I got a guitar and sat on a chair across from him.7

"How about 'Eleanor Rigby' to start," said Paul.8

"That will be great."9

Paul sang the verses and we both sang the chorus and the bridge. Next we sang 'Nights in White Satin', 'Taxi', and 'I Don't Know How To Love Him'.10

"How about 'Strawberry Fields Forever'?" I asked. "I've written a couple of new verses to go with that one." He had originally composed that song with John.11

"What have you got?" he asked me.12

I handed him a copy of the two new verses. They read:13

Heaven may come, but I don't know when
I know I won't waste time to see
I'll not spend my life on things that may never come
That will not be my destiny14

Who's to say they're a better soul
Than the one that I seem to be
You can't see inside my heart, look but you won't see
I make no effort to deceive15


"I think you caught the spirit of it, I like it," said Paul. We played that song.16

"I'm glad you like the new verses."17

"You wanted to start on a new song. Let's see what you've got," Paul offered.18

"I have a chorus in the key of G." I handed it to him. I also handed him a pencil and a note pad. The chorus read:19

Look what you do for a dollar
Driven like a leaf in the rain
You're not your own you're a coward
You can't break away from the chain20

"This is good," he said openly. He began to write. I played the chorus a couple of times for him.21

"I have in mind a country flavor. I know that is not your forte, but I think it would be good for this song."22

"How do you like this?" He asked and he played the following:23

Working everyday for another man's money
Ain't it tragic that there's not another way
Doing everyday things you don't want to do
And all you get's another day's pay24

I sang the chorus again. "That's fantastic!" I told him.25

I wrote for a few minutes and then I sang this:26

I wish I had been a man born of wealth
With all the freedom power and privilege that it brings
Destined by my fate to be known and respected
A man of independent means27

"Isn't there something in the Bible about money being the god of the world?" I asked.28

Paul replied, "Yeah I think St. Paul and maybe Jesus said that."29

"Hmm," I said and started writing again. Paul was busy writing, too.30

I picked up the guitar and sang:31

'Money is the God of this world,' said Paul.
There's nothing in this world that it won't buy
Bow down and worship on your hands and your knees
Don't doubt, don't ever question why32

We sang the chorus. "This one is coming easily," said Paul. "It's a good one."33

A few minutes later Paul came up with the last verse:34

I don't want to live for the buck anymore
I want to choose my own direction and be free
Follow my heart where my dreams lie within
And money has no rule over me35

"Let's go over it a few times and then we can make a rough recording in my studio." I had a small recording studio in one of the bedrooms.36

"Okay. I'll schedule the band and we will record for release at the main studio in a few days," said Paul. We had an album in the works and this song would fit nicely.37

"Have you heard from Ringo lately?" I inquired.38

"No, but I am sure he is doing well."39

We went into my studio, turned on the drum machine, keyboard, preamp, amplifier, digital eight multitrack recorder and the CD burner. I didn't have a computer in my system, but it was not bad for a personal studio. We ran through the song a few times and then laid the drum and rhythm tracks. Paul added lead guitar track. Next we did keyboard and then finished with the vocals. We mixed down what we had and it sounded great.40

"I think that ought to do it," I said.41

"Yes, it's a winner. I'll give you a call when the band is ready."42

I made a quick CD of the song and gave it to Paul. "What should we call it," I asked him.43

"How about, 'For A Dollar'?"44

"Hasta la vista, Pablo."45

"Adios, Andresito."46

Author notes

Juliet Turner - The Song is 'For A Dollar' performed by Andy Stephenson.

My favorite song is 'The Actor' by the Moody Blues. My favorite book is 'Glory and the Lightning' by Taylor Caldwell.

Listen to 'For A Dollar' at this link:

http://www.garageband.com/artist/TheStephensonCompany

Paul McCartney is my favorite Beatle. This is a fan-fiction about Paul McCartney and the Beatles' song, Strawberry Fields Forever.

Username: Andy Stephenson

If you didn't catch on, this is fan fiction about Paul McCartney.

The songs mentioned are:

Eleanor Rigby and Strawberry Fields Forever - Lennon & McCartney
Nights In White Satin - The Moody Blues
Taxi - Harry Chapin
I Don't Know How To Love Him - Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber
For A Dollar - Andy Stephenson

All the lyrics in this story are mine.

In a list

A contest entry

Please tell me what you think

    : , Your review:

    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression?
    : Cost: 0 free left 0 points, You have 0. (?) (Line numbers)
    Ratings:

Comments

1 - 58 of 58

  • SEA angel
    October 10

    Edit | Reply

    I hope your dream comes true.

    Your words provide a KODAK moment where your readers can visualize too. I went to a concert of Paul when he was in Dallas and was up by stage. So loud caused excruciating, debilitating pain in my ears. I was unaware you are suppose to wear ear plugs when that close... I was later told by more experienced concert goers.


    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      October 10
      Edit | Reply

      Hi there!

      Thanks for commenting. I love Paul, Ringo, John, and Goerge a lot, in that order.

      Andy


  • diamonds.R.forever
    September 19

    Edit | Reply
    Cool story. To tell the truth, I was kind of expecting something different. I liked it though!!!!
    Clara

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      September 19
      Edit | Reply

      Hi Clara!

      Thanks for dropping by my story and for reading and commenting. I appreciate it. I'm glad you like this story. What were you expecting?

      Did you listen to the song? The link to it is in the author's notes.

      Andy


  • iCats gold member
    September 10

    Edit | Reply
    Hey Thanks for entering! I really liked this, it was really unique. Great song to!

    Thankd for entering and best of Luck

    Staci

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      September 10
      Edit | Reply

      Hi Staci!

      Thanks for hosting this contest and for reading, commenting, and applauding. I appreciate it. I'm very pleased that you like this story and the song 'For A Dollar' as well.

      May you have many good entries and much fun.

      Andy


  • CinnaAgent11
    August 30

    Edit | Reply
    Not exactly what I was searching for, but nonetheless anjoyable to read. I get the music part of this piece, but not the 'love' part. Either way, this was still easy on the mind, not something where you have to think incredibly hard. Thanks for entering. Keep writing!


  • caitecola
    July 23

    Edit | Reply

    Okay, now that was really something! You have a good tone to you, it's an easy flow, easy dialouge which makes it seem very real. Another good aspect in this story is your use of history with this genre, that band, and you put it into a context not a lot of people think about (how they created the songs, what happened).

    The last think I want to add is how you added in songs that most can familarize with, and also you put the WHOLE song into the story. So the song, lyrics verse by verse, tells a story through the poetry and words, while you, yourself weave into a larger story. I congratulate you.
    Caitecola

    • Hi Caitecola!

      I'm very pleased that you like this story. Paul McCartney is my favorite male artist. Have you seen 'Give My Regards To Broad Street'?

      This is a fantasy of mine as well as fan-fiction of sorts. I would very much love to work with Paul McCartney.

      Did you listen to 'For A Dollar'? The link to hear it is in the author's notes.

      Thanks for hosting and for all the applause.

      Andy

  • Wow!!
    The lyrics in it were really good, and you didn't have any grammer mistakes.
    I really liked it well done!!

    • Hi Ms. Hilton!

      I don't suppose you have 1.7 million you could spare?

      Thanks for hosting this contest and for reading, commenting, and applauding. I appreciate it. I'm glad you like this story.

      Did you listen to the song at the link in the author's notes?

      May you have many good entries and much fun.

      Andy


  • ForThePlague
    June 17

    Edit | Reply
    Ah. I was about to say...'what kind of music inspired you' then I remembered that you used Strawberry Fields Forever...I'm a little hairbrained

    Actually, I read this in your 'Several Options' contest. I don't remember if I entered in that, but when I read this, I was amazed.

    As I am now. Definitely got my attention with Paul McCartney...and the Beatles...I them. I love the song, and the way that this is set up is awesome. I forgot what I was gonna say next, so keep writing and keep smilin'.

    Haha! I remember now. I love the song...I just had to listen to it again

    • Hi!

      Thanks for hosting this contest and for reading and commenting. I appreciate it.

      In the story, Paul and I jam with some new lyrics that I've written for 'Strawberry Fields Forever'. Those two additional verses actually work with the melody of 'Strawberry Field Forever'. I wrote them. 'For A Dollar' is a song for which I wrote both melody and lyrics. In the story I have Paul helping to compose it. If you'd like to hear it, it's at the link in the author's notes. If you like 'For A Dollar', you should be able to download it.

      I felt you might like the Beatles a little based on all the Beatle songs you listed in the contest. I was pleased to see 'Strawberry Fields Forever' there.

      Have you seem Paul's movie 'Give My Regards To Broad Street'? I love that movie. It's available at Amazon.com.

      Andy

      • ForThePlague
        June 17
        Edit | Reply
        Of course.

        Yeah, I listened to it the first time I heard this, then I decided to listen to it again. It's awesome.

        I love the Beatles! They're like...the best ever. Of course STrawbery Fields Forever is there. It's one of the best ones by them. One of the many. I've heard of the name, I've just never gotten around to seeing it. I'll have to rent it sometime...Along with Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts . . .I forgot the rest of the title...

        • Hi FTP!

          I believe that 'Give My Regards To Broad Street' is by far the best of the Beatle film productions, though the focus is on Paul, primarily. It also stars Linda McCartney and Ringo and his wife.

          It is a combination of fantasy and reality and it's an entertaining look into the life of Paul McCartney. It's not a documentary, yet in many ways it's kind of an autobiography built around a mystery. I love it. I wish I could loan you my copy. If I were richer, I'd buy you one.

          Andy

          • ForThePlague
            June 17
            Edit | Reply
            . . .Even better than Yellow Submarine??? That must be pretty good.

            O.o Whoa...that's...that sounds...ab...so..lute...ly...AMAZING!!!!! Lol thanks for the thought. Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. That's what it's called. (Thank you Google)


  • Donkey
    May 28

    Edit | Reply
    i like it its so easy to really picture the scene, and the music itself is great
    thanks for entering!

    • Hi!

      Thanks. I'm really glad that you like it. It's sort of a fantasy of mine.

      Thanks for hosting, reading, and commenting.

      Andy


  • Carina.J.LR
    April 26

    Edit | Reply

    I LOVE YOU

    very well written, i must say i might be a little biased towards you because i absolutely LOVE Paul McCartney
    Thanks for entering >smiles<

    • Hi Carina!

      Thanks for hosting this contest and for reading and commenting. I appreciate it.

      Have you seen Paul McCartney's movie, 'Give My Regards To Broadstreet'? It's one of my favorite movies. Supposedly it shows an average day for him during that period, combined with a little fantasy here and there and a mystery. I think it's a excellent movie. It's available from Amazon.com, I believe.

      It has always been a fantasy for much of my life to work with Paul McCartney. This story captures a bit of my fantasy. The Beatles are much of the reason that I became a singer/songwriter myself.

      I have published two CDs and I'll be reposting some of my music on the internet soon. The site I was using before has been sold and apparently my files there have been lost.

      May you have many great entries and much fun.

      Andy

      • Carina.J.LR
        April 28
        Edit | Reply
        Thanks for writing. Unfortunately, I have not seen "Give My Regards To Broadstreet" but I hope to soon.

        I admire the fact that you have been inspired by Paul mcCartney. I myself have been playing guitar since the age of six, but only truly became interested when I discovered the Beatles. I am just beginning to learn to play piano as well, but unfortunately, I cant read music that well. The beatles are the only music I listen to besides those posted on my profile.

        I myself am more visual arts, ranging from various types of mediums. And I'm happy to say that half of my art focuses around Paul McCartney and the Beatles.

        >smiles<
        Keep writing
        Carina


  • iliad
    April 26

    Edit | Reply
    I liked this. Very ballsy to have a conversation with such a famous person.

    However, Strawlberry Fields Forever was in no way written by Paul McCartney...he may have helped a bit with the arranging, and he may have added a few flourishes of sound and instrumentation, but that song was all Lennon. Around the "Fields" time, Lennon and McCartney would mostly write songs on their own, with few exceptions. Generally you can tell who wrote what, because they would be the only one's singing on it. The reason they all say Lennon/McCartney on the credits, is because when they first formed the band as a sign of respect, they agreed that no matter who wrote the song, they would always share credit. Strawlberry fields forever was originally meant to be on Sgt. Peppers, in fact, it pre-dates Pepper, but they didn't put it on the record because it just didn't "fit", so they released it as single instead, but on the anthologies there is a track of "Fields" with just John and guitar. Killer cut.

    Interesting fact: In the the Beatles Anthologies, John Lennon tells a story of how people would come up to him telling him what a great song "Yesterday" was, and how it was their favorite song, and thought it was John's best song. It bugged him, because Yesterday was pure Paul, John had no part in writing it. Then Paul goes on to describe how some time in the eighties, he asked Yoko Ono if they could have the credits changed for Yesterday, so that it read McCartney/Lennon instead of Lennon/McCartney so everyone would know it was his song. Yoko Ono, of course, refused.

    I did enjoy this though. I would like to think it would be that nice working with Paul.

    -iliad-

    • Hi Iliad!

      Thanks for reading, commenting, and applauding. I really appreciate it. I've noticed from time to time you drop by one of my writes, but you don't always comment. I'm pleased by your interest in any case.

      I knew that John had more to do with 'Strawberry Fields Forever' than Paul. I also knew that all the songs composed by them during the Beatles era were credited as Lennon and McCartney regardless of who was the predominant writer. However, and I could well be wrong, I didn't think that Paul would mind jamming with the new lyrics I wrote. He does have quite an ego, though, and he might have refused.

      I've also written additional lyrics to 'Ticket To Ride' which I believe is mostly one of Paul's and 'I Don't Want To Spoil The Party'. It's fun to do that sometimes. I don't know who had the greater influence in the latter song.

      I didn't know that Paul had tried to change the credit as shown with the song, 'Yesterday'. That's an interesting tidbit. I'd always thought it was Lennon and McCartney because it was alphabetical. I've co-written many songs and usually I am the dominant writer, but I always list the names of the other writers before my own.

      When the Letterman Show asked to use one of my songs, I asked if they'd try to get Paul McCartney to perform it. Of course, that was quite unrealistic, but I was and still am something of a novice to the real workings of the music and entertainment industries.

      Andy

  • I've already read this, so there's no need to make any further comments, bbut one thing: How is this romance?

    • Hi!

      I didn't think you'd seen this story. I guess I should have checked. The reason I entered this story is because I misunderstood this prompt, "Something that is based around music."

      Andy

      • Haha that's my fault.Oopsie daisy. But since it was my fault, I'll consider it just like the others


  • ManualLoveLetter
    February 20

    Edit | Reply
    I really like your own writing of songs.
    But I Think you could have made it much better with MORE description, made it a bit more flowery! It was a bit dull, with to much speech, and as i've said not much Description.

    Other wise it was Good
    Good Luck in My Contest
    !!

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      February 20
      Edit | Reply

      Hi!

      Were you able to hear the song at the link in the author's notes?

      I didn't go into great detail, but I may rewrite this at some time later and expand on it.

      Thanks for hosting this contest and for reading and commenting.

      I hope you have many good entries.

      Andy


  • LadyLionnir
    February 11

    Edit | Reply
    I've never read a fanfiction about music artists, but this was definitely interesting and I would most likely read more. I like how the writing goes so smoothly and the way they conversed and helped each other with ideas!

    The only thing I would point out is that it's pretty vacant of physical description. I get a sense of what's going on, but you could make it "prettier" with other descriptions.

    Great work, though! Thanks so much for entering my contest.

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      February 12
      Edit | Reply

      Hi!

      Thanks for hosting this contest and for reading and commenting. I appreciate it. I hope you like this story.

      In the author's notes is a link to hear the song, if you're interested.

      Andy

  • Paul gets all the attention!

    Very nice, man. And very different. A little odd, but that's why I like it.

    Stories like these are the best, though they never get too much attention. Stories that just tell stories are hard to come by, especially on here.

    I mean, here's a story that presents no action but tells a fairly complicated story without ever being complicated. There's a lot in there to pick up on, if the reader's watching.

    You like Hemmingway? Ever read 'Old Man at the Bridge'? That's my favorite.

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      January 25
      Edit | Reply

      By the way,

      I really like Hemmingway's style, but I've only read For Whom The Bell Tolls, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

      Andy

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      January 25
      Edit | Reply

      Thanks

      I'm very glad you like this story. I hoped that you would. Thanks for hosting this contest and for reading, commenting, and all the applause.

      I love all the Beatles. My favorites were Paul and Ringo. Paul, however, I think has made the biggest mark.

      This is really fantasy as well as fan-fiction. I've always wanted to meet Paul. It has basis in fact in that I'm somewhat familiar with recording and I am a singer/songwriter. I've also produced a CD/cassette release of my music and another CD that is available at Lulu.com.

      I finished the CD in my home studio and did much of the recording in it. I published this last CD over the net at Lulu.com with artwork provided by Paul Yardley in Australia. It's interesting what can be done over the net.

      These days, musicians and artists can record from studios linked together over the internet. Some may not even leave their homes, as in my case for much of the work.

      Thanks again.

      May you have many good entries and much fun.

      Andy


  • Dawn Bon
    December 3, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Yea i caught on by the picture first this was really good and i really like Paul McCartney. My favorite song by him Is Indeed Strawberry Fields Forever so that's brownie points.
    I like when he says Pablo, just i like that name
    Thansk for entering, Good Luck!

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      December 3, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thanks

      Did you listen to "For A Dollar" at the link in the author's notes?

      Thanks for hosting this contest and for reading and commenting. I appreciate it. I hope you have many good entries and much fun.

      Andy


  • Orimis gold member
    December 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Yay! This is actually the first Beatles fanfiction I've ever read, and I must say I enjoyed it. This came at a splendid time: I recently watched the "Yellow Submarine" movie and fell in love with them all over again.

    Although I can't speak for the accuracy of your portrayal, for obvious reasons, but I felt that it was fitting.

    The lyrics were great, and I kept laughing at myself everytime one of the boys mentioned a song. I should have been born a few decades ago.

    Thank you for entering!

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      December 2, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thanks Orimis

      Thanks for hosting this contest and for reading and commenting. I appreciate it. I'm very glad you like this story.

      Paul McCartney is my favorite male performer.

      I hope you have many good entries and much fun.

      Andy


  • LivingDeadGirl56
    November 16, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    I love The Beatles! Well done.

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      November 17, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thanks

      Thanks for reading. Paul McCartney is my favorite male artist, but my favorite group is the Moody Blues.

      Andy

  • sugarrrainbow
    June 1, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Well, this was not really my taste, but I liked it.
    The lyrics were really good and I am very impressed that you came up with them yourself.
    However, the parts that weren't lyrics were awkward and kind of bland. Some people like that, it's kind of Ernest Hemmingway, but again, not my taste.
    It's cool though, writing with Paul McCartney is just far-fetched enough to be amazing (even if I don't personally like him).
    Good job and good luck in the contest!

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      June 1, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thanks

      Thanks for hosting this contest and for reading, commenting, and applauding. I appreciate it. Paul McCartney is my favorite Artist. 'For A Dollar' is a real song. If you'd like to hear it, I can email it to you.

      I like Ernest Hemmingway. Thanks for comparing me to him. Sorry that the story wasn't more exciting. It was supposed to be understated and laid back.

      Andy


  • JessicaMadden
    November 9, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    I like the lyrics that you have used. Great work.

    beginning: 5, language: 5, plot: 5, ending: 5, dialog: 5, characters: 5.

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      November 9, 2007
      Edit | Reply

      Thanks

      Thanks for hosting this contest and for reading, commenting, and all the applause. I appreciate it. I'm glad you like this story. I hope you have many good entries and much fun.

      Andy


  • Mel-the-Believer
    July 19, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Hey, I really loved this. It was amazing. Very nicely written. Thank you so much for entering. Good luck. God Bless!

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      July 19, 2007
      Edit | Reply

      Thanks

      Thanks for hosting this contest and for reading and commenting. I really appreciate it. I'm greatly pleased that you like this story. I hope you have many good entries and a great time.

      Andy


  • Violet Moodswing Greeters member
    May 27, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for your entry. I like your approach to your topic. What better way to interact with a musician than to sit down and write a song

    Nice lyrics too.

    Best of luck in the contest.

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      May 27, 2007
      Edit | Reply

      Thanks

      Thanks for hosting this contest and for reading and commenting. I really appreciate it. This is my first attempt at fan fiction. I'm not certain I do well with it.

      Andy


  • Cyber Artist Moderators member
    May 25, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    very cleaver and a unique entry well done all the best with this

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      May 25, 2007
      Edit | Reply

      Thanks, Paul

      Thanks for reading, commenting and applauding. It does not seem that I am doing very well in this contest. I'm not sure what fan-fiction is. I thought that this was it, but from the response I've been getting I'm not certain. Can you explain the genre?

      Andy


  • Kari gold member
    May 22, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    oooo I've never heard of some of the songs you've mentioned here. I'll have to make sure to check them out. You've done a great job and I wish you the best of luck in the contest!

    - KariKaRama -

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      May 22, 2007
      Edit | Reply

      Thanks

      Thanks for reading and commenting. They are good songs, well worth a listen. I don't think I'm doing very well in the contest, but thanks for the good luck wish.

      Andy


  • sodancewithsoda silver member
    May 20, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I'm not sure if it was intended, but I didn't "feel" anything from the story up until the lyrics got weaved into the paragraphs that's how music can be to some people - they can enliven things and just make things more colorful. ^_^ Few entries dealt with a famous person in their fanfics, and I commend you for taking "the road less traveled"

    Thank you for sharing this with us ^_^
    Good luck with the contest

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      May 20, 2007
      Edit | Reply

      Hmm.

      Thanks for reading and commenting. I wasn't really trying to evoke emotion. It doesn't seem that I am doing very well in this contest. I thought fan fiction was writing about someone or something famous. I guess I don't understand the genre. I am glad the lyrics appealed to you.

      Andy


  • Barbara Moderators member
    May 20, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    This is an interesting take on one of the most famous person in recent history. Although, I found that the posting of lyrics was more of a filler to make the story longer, but, I could totoally see it happening this way during brain storming for a song.

    Thank you for entering, and good luck with the contest

    beginning: 3, ending: 3, characters: 3.

    • Andy Stephenson gold member
      May 20, 2007
      Edit | Reply

      Nah.

      Thanks for reading and commenting. I felt that there should actually be a song composed in the story, it was not intended to extend the length. I was satisfied with the length. I'm not sure what fan fiction is, but this has always been a dream of mine. I've always wanted to work with McCartney. I'm certain that there are millions who would like that opportunity.

      Andy

1 - 58 of 58