Gentle As Bayou Wind

Style: female vocal Deeply emotional Southern Bayou love ballad sung by a woman who is completely and genuinely in love with her man. The emotion must feel REAL and intimate, not theatrical. She is singing about a strong, proud, powerful man who makes her feel cherished, protected, beautiful and safe. admires his strength, but what melts her heart is his gentleness toward her. Warm, smooth female vocal with a soft Southern/Bayou character. Let her voice sound like she is remembering the night she fell completely in love with him. Gentle smiles in the voice, occasional breathy “oooh” moments, and subtle emotional cracks when the feeling becomes overwhelming. Slow, flowing rhythm with a romantic Bayou atmosphere. Soft acoustic guitar, gentle banjo, mournful fiddle, subtle accordion and delicate harmonica touches. Dancing fireflies, pale moonlight, cypress trees and still Bayou water should be felt in the music. Build gradually rather than becoming loud. The chorus should feel like she cannot help repeating the words because she is still amazed by how completely this man has captured her heart. The central emotional contrast is important: he is strong enough to be dangerous when pushed, yet with her he is as gentle as a summer breeze. By the final chorus, make it feel as though she is smiling through tears because she knows she has found the man she loves. No pop gloss. No country-rock stadium sound. No heavy drums. No aggressive vocals. Keep it organic, intimate, romantic, Southern and timeless. The listener should finish the song believing: this woman doesn't merely like this man — she truly, deeply loves him.