Selfishness
The song Selfishness started on the acoustic guitar. At the time of writing I listened a lot to Mark Tremonti of Creed and Alter Bridge, and if you listen well, you can hear some influences from Creed's song 'Faceless Man' in the softer guitar parts.
I glued this together with the drum parts that I had already written separately and it worked out pretty good.
Since it is a dramatic song that requires a substantial vocal range I knew I had to find a world class singer. I had admired Göran Edman ever since I first heard him in Madison, and later Yngwie Malmsteen, so I just gave it a try. And he did it! Incredible job, amazing singing on this song.
In 2017-2018 I spent significant time in India for business purposes, and I was heavily impressed by the country, culture, music and it's people. So when finalizing the song I added some Indian instruments to the song and i think that worked out pretty well.
In the finalizing stages, when the song was already in the mixing process, I asked Joey Concepcion to play the guitar solo. He replaced my own guitar solo that I had worked on for quite a while, but I had to admit the song deserved the best solo possible, and that was Joey's, without a doubt.
Selfishness
You’re standing there, by yourself, worries on your mind
Just waiting there, thru' the night, trying to unwind
I can feel your pain, deep in my soul, it’s time, I know
What you felt is my desire, yeah
What you saw is not who I am, today
You are the crown on my creation, that’s right
Don’t run away, you are mine tonight
I see your eyes, I see them shine, afraid somehow
And I hear your heart, beating loud, I am the owner now
I took your life into my hands, oh yeah
And I’ve defied the proper care, yes I have
So don’t resist, cause I’ll decide for you, this time
Within my reach, now say goodbye
O, can you feel the force,
Within my selfishness, within my righteousness
Oh yeah within my selfishness
Yeah within my righteousness
Guitar Solo: Joey Concepcion
Keyboard Solo: Ron Coolen
Oh, can you feel the force, I took the core of you
Within my selfishness, within my righteousness
Within my selfishness
It’s all I can, it’s all I live for, can’t you see?
Within my righteousness
Within my selfishness
All I ever did, decide for you, where you should end
Watch me peel your skin, I love its smell, oh I know it well
All I need to do, yes I am allowed
Is to wear you now, your hide’s so fine, now it’s mine
Music: Ron Coolen
Lyrics: Francoise Vaal
Vocals: Göran Edman
Guitar Solo: Joey Concepcion
Rhythm Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards: Ron Coolen