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*Song Description By Noles*

"Luck" is perhaps the most sentimental ballad from the Mission Of Mercy album. While the album predominantly has an alt blues rock sound to it, "Luck" tells a song tale from an indie folk perspective. I wrote the music for "Luck" late at night on July 18, 2012 on an acoustic guitar. With a capo on the 3rd fret, I played an Am7 to C movement. In actuality, the chords are Cm7 to Eb. It sounded to me like something Arcade Fire would do. In fact, I wrote the rest of the music for "Luck" in the style of Arcade Fire. The Canadian indie rock outfit has influenced my music quite a bit over the years. Their 2010 album The Suburbs left a big impression on me. I think it's one of the best concept albums ever. "Luck" is probably more inspired by Arcade Fire's 2007 album Neon Bible. Featuring songs like "Intervention" and "My Body Is A Cage". I'm so glad I finally got to see Arcade Fire in concert at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on November 3, 2017.

The lyrics for "Luck" were written on July 22, 2012. At the time, I was transfixed with the concept of luck. They say that luck is when opportunity meets preparation. The words "opportunity" and "preparation" are even in the first verse of "Luck". In those days, I had a sign on the back of my door that said "Opportunity Meets Preparation". I figured as long as I was prepared for luck, I would be given an opportunity to receive it. The lyrics for "Luck" also address lucky overachievers of the world. I was so obsessed with catching a lucky break, that I lost sight of the big picture. Years later, I have a lot more perspective. And I've come to the conclusion that there really is no such thing as luck. It's just fairy dust. An illusion to put one's mind at ease. When the truth is, we make our own "luck" through our actions and intentions. But I still feel like the lyrics to "Luck" have the ability communicate with people who are seemingly down on their luck.

I began recording the Mission Of Mercy album on September 4, 2012. On October 3-7, 2012, I attended a music symposium called IMS in Cathedral City, California. Performing as a solo acoustic act 3 times on the trip, I played "Luck" every time. After I returned to Canada, I continued producing the Mission Of Mercy album. I started recording "Luck" on November 7, 2012. It might be the only song on Mission Of Mercy without any lead guitar. However, there is a lead instrument being played through the whole song. The MIDI software instrument I used on "Luck" is actually a guitar effect that sounds like strings plucking. But in this case, it has more of a harpsichord sound to it. And in the bridges, it sounds like flutes are playing. Because of this aesthetic on "Luck", I classified the style as baroque pop to go with indie folk. "Luck" has lots of layered backup vocal harmonies.

The recording of "Luck" was completed on November 16, 2012. 16 songs later, I released the entire Mission Of Mercy album on May 20, 2013. I performed "Luck" regularly in solo acoustic sets in those days. Here's an acoustic version of me performing the tune... youtu.be/L6FzdrPmMTM I've never played "Luck" with a band, and I never will. The song doesn't have any drums, and I've basically put a stop to performing the tune. But "Luck" will always live on as the 13th track from the Mission Of Mercy album.

lyrics

Words and music by Nolan Randall

Looking for an opportunity
Something that would fit me suitably
Criticize the radio station
We devise our own preparation

Answers to the questions you don't know
Middle class suburban in the snow
Playing for what you may never show
Same idea many years ago

Feeling lucky, make me feel fine
Go to the right place at the right time
Never will I deviate the plan
Waiting to become a lucky man

Answers to the questions you don't know
Middle class suburban in the snow
Playing for what you may never show
Same idea many years ago

Simple people with their shirts untucked
Don't deserve these things the world is stuck
I don't care about making a buck
I just want a dose of your good luck

Things that we want and the things we need
Not the same you follow your own lead
Four-leaf clover in another trance
I just wanna have another chance

Answers to the questions you don't know
Middle class suburban in the snow
Playing for what you may never show
Same idea many years ago

Simple people with their shirts untucked
Don't deserve these things the world is stuck
I don't care about making a buck
I just want a dose of your good luck

credits

from Vol. II: Mission Of Mercy, released May 20, 2013

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Plaid On Flannel Toronto, Ontario

Plaid On Flannel is an alternative indie blues rock act from Toronto, Canada. With 80+ original songs recorded since 2011, singer-songwriter Nolan Randall has remained the sole constant member of the band. POF's music is known for guitar riffs/solos, memorable hooks, catchy melodies/harmonies, evocative lyrics, & superb musicianship. While keeping a focus on originality and songwriting quality. ... more

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