Hello, Scary_Soldier_Mike,

Here is a review for your "Choppin' in a Baseball Hinterland"  that Read & Review sent my way.

Comments and Observations:

Such a darkly comic baseball satire! It reminded of the days, that is before the 1990's, when my family and I were Yankee fans. Somehow, old age does away with any fandom.

Here, you came up with a fascinating set of lyrics. They are playful, biting, and slightly unsettling. Taking the structure and possibly the rhyme scheme of "Winter Wonderland," a holiday tune, and warping it somewhat is humorous and such fun! Although no music is involved, inside my mind, I could hear the cheerful, sing-song tempo. Added to this is the imagery of fan disillusionment, management cynicism, and even violent fantasy. Something like a gallows humor.

Your wordplays got my attention the most; bluebird and “boo bird,” for example. The humor is in the contrast for making us expect lightness, instead sending us frustration.

Then, step in the fans or rather their disillusionment. The cycle of hope, disappointment, and bitterness defines many fan bases. And yes, I can remember those, more from my sons than me, with the Yankees, still. You also refer to the baseball culture with overpaid but underperforming pitchers, booing crowds, and winter meetings. Don't I know these, too!

The refrain “Choppin’ in a baseball hinterland” works as a chant-like hook perfectly. It is also some kind of a comic, sing-along nonsense, giving the piece a positive energy.

I loved reading your light-hearted fun lyrics, and frankly, I have no idea about how to improve the lyrics of this song or if it can be improved at all. When all is said and done, though, I think it was brilliant to mix a sports satire with a holiday-song.

Very nice work, I think.

Suggestions on the text as to grammar, usage, and punctuation

I saw no problems in this area.

Best wishes with your work.



My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .