WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youβre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donβt like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itβs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donβt hear day in and day out. These great tunes will show you just how amazing the Beatles are. Of course, if you are a Beatles fan, pull up a chair and enjoy the tunes!
My song choice today is listed as a Beatles song but is was written entirely by George Harrison. The Indian influence is instantly front and center and George’s sitar-playing is awesome. This was a love song written by George to his wife Pattie Boyd. She must have been something else, that Pattie! This is at least the fourth love song written to her that I’m aware of (and not all by George!).
Ok, let’s get this show started!
This is the wonderful “Love You To” by the Beatles
πͺ²
This version of “Love You To” was done by American singer/guitarist, Ronnie Montrose, often recognized as one of the most influential guitarists in early hard rock.
Ronnie Montrose was an American guitarist who founded and led the rock bands Montrose and Gamma. He also performed with and did a lot of session work for a number of big name musicians. His 1973 debut album has often been cited as “America’s answer to Led Zeppelin“; I’m definitely going to have to check that one out.
I must admit I knew very little about Ronnie Montrose before starting this blog and I’m getting quite an education! When I heard this song on the radio, I thought “Who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth?” I liked the sound and chose this cover to go along with the original. There were others but they tried much too much to sound like George (as did Montrose) and they failed miserably, where he did not. Side by side, Montrose’s song can hold its own …. BUT …. my vote goes to the Beatles and especially George for his fantastic sitar music. What do you think?
Tune in tomorrow to see what’s coming up next. Thanks for visiting Feb Fab Faux Four!
PS β If any video wonβt play for you, Iβve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itβs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
They lived in lush green perfection of ripe fruit and pristine water. When their misadventures and disobedience angered the Maker, they and their sons were cast out.
One son, a farmer, made an offering of paltry wheat; the Maker was displeased.
The other, a shepherd, offered his firstborn lamb, which pleased the Maker.
In a panic, the jealous farmer killed his brother.
Enraged and saddened, the Maker banished the murderer, condemning him to a life of endless wandering.
AnfractuousΒ paths covered the land. The farmerΒ roamedΒ for years, until blindly falling from a cliff to his death.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youβre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donβt like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itβs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donβt hear day in and day out. These great tunes will show you just how amazing the Beatles are. Of course, if you are a Beatles fan, pull up a chair and enjoy the tunes!
This little cover number is found on the “Dedications” album of our guest performer and was hailed one of the most successful comeback albums in rock & roll history. More about our cover singer after we hear the tunes but I’m willing to bet there will be quite a few of you who are unfamiliar with this performer.
Something I failed to mention before: lyrics. So many of the Beatles songs have the best and most poetic lyrics ever penned …. like this one. It took me a long time to get beyond the music and listen to the words and when I did, I was blown away. Yes, I’m a major fan …. with good reason. A group like this comes along once in a lifetime; I’m glad it was during mine.
Let ’em spin!
Here are the Beatles with “It’s Only Love”
πͺ²
Doing his version of “It’s Only Love”, here is Gary U.S. Bonds
I promised you something different this time around and I think you’ll have to agree this is one of most unique yet well-done Beatles covers so far.
Gary U.S. Bonds is a rhythm & blues and rock & roll singer, most well known for his hitsβ”Quarter To Three” and “New Orleans“(check them out on YT). In the early 1980s, Bonds had a career resurgence with his “Dedications” album (which I mentioned earlier), recorded with Bruce Springsteen (who also produced and arranged this version), Steven Van Zandt and the E Street Band.
My immediate reaction to this cover was “I love what they’ve done with this!” and the more I listened to it, the more I liked it. If you listen closely, the E Street Band makes a distinct appearance early on.
Kudos to Gary and crew for stepping out of the Beatles Box!
And in a case of “You can’t make this stuff up“, Gary U.S. Bond’s hits “New Orleans” and “Quarter To Three” are included on the LP “John Lennon’s Jukebox”, the compilation CD album based on the contents of John’s personal jukebox. I think that’s a pretty cool little piece of information.
PS β If any video wonβt play for you, Iβve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itβs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youβre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donβt like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itβs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donβt hear day in and day out. These great tunes will show you just how amazing the Beatles are. Of course, if you are a Beatles fan, pull up a chair and enjoy the tunes!
Today’s song is a real beauty and I don’t think there’s any way it can be improved upon. It’s the first piece I’ve featured so far by one of the Beatles during his solo career. The song serves as a confession in which the singer addresses feelings of inadequacy that resulted in pain for those he loved.
This song was never released as a single during the singer’s lifetime; there are more than 90remakes but it was this cover that became an international hit in early 1981.βI can think of another Beatles song that is one of the most covered songs of all time.
Ease into your Sunday morning with this lovely piece.
Here’s today’s lineup:
This is the beautiful, soulful “Jealous Guy” by John Lennon.
πͺ²
And this is Roxy Music with their #1 version of John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy”
Very much alike, these two versions …. and I’m glad about that. It’s too lovely a piece to be changed dramatically; I think Roxy Music knew that and chose to stay close to the original. Bryan Ferry’s voice is perfect for this tune.
Join me again tomorrow for something I’m willing to bet you never heard before.
PS β If any video wonβt play for you, Iβve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itβs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
Jim over at Song Lyric Sundayhas challenged us to write about a song that mentions a dance style or craze or a song that has itβs own dance. My choice covers all those options.
The Peppermint Lounge was a popular disco on West 45th Street in New York City from 1958 to 1965. The club had a lengthy mahogany bar running along one side, many mirrors and a dance floor at the back, a capacity of about 180 people, and a large gay clientele. It was a happening scene.
As Chubby Checkerβs βTwistβ craze hit the scene, celebrities swarmed to the Peppermint Lounge, big names such as Audrey Hepburn, Truman Capote, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Liberace, NoΓ«l Coward, Frank Sinatra, Norman Mailer, Annette Funicello, even the elusive Greta Garbo had a swinging time there. Jackie Kennedy was such an enthusiast that she arranged for a temporary Peppermint Lounge to be mounted in the White House.
The Beatles were filmed visiting the club during their first U.S. visit in 1964. Artists who performed at the Peppermint Lounge include the Beach Boys, the Ronettes (who made their professional debut there in 1961) the Crystals, the Isley Brothers, Chubby Checker, Liza Minelli and the Four Seasons. But the crowds loved to dance to the house band, Joey Dee and the Starliters β¦. especially after they recorded their biggest hit song βThe Peppermint Twistβ, written in 1961 by Joey Dee and Henry Glover.
Capitalizing on the βTwistβ dance craze started by Chubby Checker and the name of the nightclub where Joey Dee performed, “The Peppermint Twist” hit No.1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in early 1962. The song was a huge hit, replacing Chubby Checkerβs βThe Twistβ at the No. 1 position.
I was just a kid but that didnβt matter; people of all ages loved dancing to βThe Twistβ and still do; βThe Peppermint Twistβ was no different. It was lots of fun, easy to do and had a great sound. Get ready to start cutting the rug. Here are Joey Dee and the Starliters with their biggest hit β¦. βThe Peppermint Twistβ.
And it goes like thisβ¦..
Lyrics
Well they’ve got a new dance and it goes like this (Bop shoo-op, a bop bop shoo-op) Yeah the name of the dance is Peppermint Twist (Bop shoo-op, a bop bop shoo-op) Well you like it like this, the Peppermint Twist
It goes ’round and ’round, up and down ‘Round and ’round, up and down ‘Round and ’round and a up and down And a one two three kick, one two three jump
Well meet me baby down at 45th street Where the Peppermint Twisters meet And you’ll learn to do this, the Peppermint Twist
It’s alright, all night, it’s alright It’s okay, all day, it’s okay You’ll learn to do this, the Peppermint Twist Yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah Ey yeah Ey yeah Ey yeah Ey yeah Ey yey yeah Ey yey yeah Ey yey yeah
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youβre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donβt like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itβs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donβt hear day in and day out. These great tunes will show you just how amazing the Beatles are. Of course, if you are a Beatles fan, pull up a chair and enjoy the tunes!
Before we go any further, I want to acknowledge and thank my friend Misky for her incredible AI graphic. I love this funny Fab Faux Four! Thanks, Misky!
Let’s continue with the music. It’s time for the ladies to take the stage! This cover was done by a number of groups including Aerosmith and Cheap Trick but I wanted to shake things up a bit by brining in a true rock goddess. Let’s see what you think of this one; it’s bound to give your Saturday morning a good kickstart!
Here’s a song many music critics consider the first heavy metal song …. it’s “Helter Skelter” by the Beatles
πͺ²
Check it out! This is Pat Benatar with her rendition of “Helter Skelter”
Clearly, I need to bring more ladies into the mix; I hope you liked this one by Pat Benatar. Share your thoughts with me …. the good and the bad!
I’ll be back tomorrow with something smooth and laid back for your Sunday morning. There’s more coming up this month so stick around!
PS β If any video wonβt play for you, Iβve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itβs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
Three years ago my darling Nina, my life-force, my soulmate, was killed in a ghastly accident while riding her bicycle to the library. Iβd offered her a lift but she declined; Nina hated my motorcycle, calling it a deathtrap.
I remember the call, the ambulance and police, the excruciatingly long ride to the hospital, the lonely wait in the eerily quiet emergency room, the surgeonβs voice .β¦ his words that torment me day after day after day. My wife is dead, our all-too-short marriage erased.
I am lost, blindly wandering Gehenna. I shut myself off from everything. Well-meaning friends brought Ninaβs bicycle to the studio where she taught ballet. I heard itβs a lovely memorial but I canβt bring myself to go by.
Itβs time for me to leave, escape the painful memories and the desperation. Our friends stopped calling long ago and thereβs nothing left to do. Itβs time for me to go.
I remove my wedding band and place it on the dresser next to my phone and wallet.
βWill my motorcycle start up?βΒ I wonder βOr has it died, too?βΒ I grab my helmet and walk to the garage. My bike stands in the corner, covered by a tarp now buried under three years of regret and bitterness. I strap on my gloves, open the garage door and climb on my bike.
It is pouring rain; I have no idea where I am going. It doesnβt matter; I’ve stopped caring. Now I need to stop the heartache.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youβre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donβt like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itβs to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we donβt hear day in and day out. These great tunes will show you just how amazing the Beatles are. Of course, if you are a Beatles fan, pull up a chair and enjoy the tunes!
I had a request for today’s song (that’s right; I take requests!), so rather than risk forgetting to follow through, I rearranged today’s line-up to feature this number.
Honestly, I can’t think of another Beatles cover that could sound any more different than the original. One is a chipper, happy-go-lucky number while the other is a banging, bluesy rock anthem.
Have you figured out which song this could possibly be? Well, let’s not waste another second. Here we go!
Here are the Beatles with Ringo singing lead on “With A Little Help From My Friends”
πͺ²
And here is “With A Little Help From My Friend” by the one and only Joe Cocker
Well, not much to say here other than the song speaks for itself!
Happy to oblige my friend’s request; if there’s a song you’d like me to feature, leave a message in the comments and I’ll be sure to fit it in.
PS β If any video wonβt play for you, Iβve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. Itβs a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
Hard to imagine life without her. When the hell did everything start to unravel?
He sat alone in the shell of their apartment nursing his second Dewars. Once upon a time this place was alive with people enjoying one of their famous dinner parties. He could hear the sound of her spirited laugh when someone told a dirty joke.
They were the perfect couple, the envy of all their friends. Theirs was an easy, comfortable marriage. They were in sync in their choices of restaurants, paint colors and the biggest decision of all .β¦ neither one wanted kids.
Welcome to Birthday Thursdays! Each week I will feature someone from the world of music whose birthday falls on this day. There wonβt be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures β just some great tunes (and an occasional surprise). Check it out right here every Thursday and enjoy the music.
Happy Birthday to Don Everly Born February 1, 1937 in Brownie, Kentucky
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If youβre on the fence about the Beatles or if you just donβt like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; itβs to expose you to Beatles songs we donβt hear day in and day out. These are treasures. Of course, if you are a Beatles fan, pull up a chair and enjoy the tunes!
Welcome to Feb Fab Faux Four, my new blog for the month of February featuring Beatles songs and their cover versions, also known as remakes.
Letβs face it β¦. anyone can do a remake; unfortunately, many people have who shouldnβt have. Case in point β William Shatnerβs cover of βLucy In The Sky With Diamondsβ. So whatβs a good cover song? I donβt think thereβs one definitive answer to that. When I hear a cover, I want to be able to say βYeah! I like what they did with that!β, but it shouldnβt be so different from the original that itβs unrecognizable or worse …. boring.βItβs a very personal thing.
The idea for this blog came about one day when I flipped on my car radio and a Beatles song was playing; I knew right away it wasnβt the original. Truth be told, Iβm rather unforgiving when it comes to Beatles remakes but there was something special about the song that was on and I was looking forward to hearing more good Beatles covers.
As luck would have it, that song was the last one in the line-up so I missed all the other songs that had already played. However, since it was SiriusXM, I was able to listen to the whole show later that day and there were some good covers. While doing my research over the last few weeks, something really surprised me: there are quite a few remakes I actually liked better than the originals. Thatβs something I never thought Iβd say!
The Beatles songs featured here are ones that arenβt played every day so if you’re hoping to hear “She Loves You” or “I Want To Hold Your Hand”, you’re out of luck. FYI β the format of my blog will never change: the original will always be played first, followed by the cover. And here’s some good news: my future posts will be much shorter than this one; less talk and more music!
The remake you’re about to hear is the one that was playing that day in my car. It was rather unexpected to find out who did this cover. Even though this artist has been around for a long time, he may be new to some of you. This is definitely not the genre he’s known for. I really like this remake β¦. itβs edgy, with a very cool arrangement and his guitar-playing is kick-ass.
OK, let’s get it on! First, here are the Beatles with “Things We Said Today”
πͺ²
And here is country music legend Dwight Yoakam with his remake of “Things We Said Today”
One thing’s for sure: we all have different likes and dislikes. I really dug this Dwight Yoakam cover but when I played it for my husband, he wasn’t crazy about it.
So, which one did you prefer? Audience participation is not required but if you’d like to share your comments with me, please do; I read and answer all of them.
I’ll be spinning another set of tunes tomorrow; I hope you’ll stop by. My wish for you during this month is for you to be able to say “Yeah! I like what they did with that!”
PS – If any video won’t play for you, I’ve provided the name of the song and who did it so you can find it on YouTube. It’s a pain in the ass but it does happen from time to time. My apologies.
For the month of January, Glyn at Mixed Music Bag is challenging us to write about a group or solo artist beginning with the letter A or B. Here’s my group.
You know youβve reached the big time when youβve made it into a book β never mind if the title of the book happens to be βMisheard Lyricsβ!
What do you think of when you hear the phrase: “Baking Carrot Biscuits”? It’s not from somebody’s recipe book. It’s actually a βmondegreenβ (misunderstood lyric) from the classic song “Takinβ Care of Businessβ, by Bachman-Turner Overdrive β¦. my group for today.
BachmanβTurner Overdrive, often abbreviated BTO, was formed in 1973 by three brothers from Winnipeg, Manitoba β¦. Randy, Robbie and Tim Bachman. At the suggestion of Neil Young, fellow Winnipeg bassist and vocalist Fred Turner was brought on board.
Randy Bachman said: βTakinβ Care Of Business is a song about the every day routines and processes it takes to live this thing we call ‘life’ through daily work.”βHis original idea was to write a song about a recording technician who worked for the Guess Who (Bachman’s former group) who would take the 8:15 train to get to work, a fact which inspired the opening lines of the song.
The original working title of “Takin’Care Of Business” was actually βWhite Collar Workerβ; however, while driving to a gig in Vancouver, Bachman heard a local DJβs catchphrase of βWeβre takinβ care of businessβ and it stuck with him. During the concert, Bachman decided on a whim to use the catchphrase in the songβs chorus instead of βWhite collar workerβ. After the show that night, the audience kept clapping and shouting βtakinβ care of businessβ and the rest is history.
BTOβs 1970s catalogue included seven top-40 albums (five in the US) and eleven top-40 singles in Canada (six in the US). They have six certified platinum albums and one certified gold album. BTO has sold nearly 30 million albums worldwide and their fans are affectionately known as βgearheadsββ…. a term derived from the band’s gear-shaped logo.
Oh, I almost forgot about βBaking carrot biscuitsβ! Thatβs an often misunderstood lyric for βTakinβ care of businessβ. If you want a good laugh, do a Google search on “misheard lyrics“; there are quite a few links, including a couple of videos on YouTube. I’ve provided one link to a very funny video about misheard song lyrics.
But now itβs time to hear one of BTOβs signature numbers, the song that made carrot biscuits popular β¦. βTakinβ Care Of Businessβ.
LYRICS
You get up every morning from your alarm clock’s warning Take the 8:15 into the city There’s a whistle up above and people pushin’, people shovin’ And the girls who try to look pretty And if your train’s on time, you can get to work by nine And start your slaving job to get your pay If you ever get annoyed, look at me I’m self-employed I love to work at nothing all day
And I’ll be taking care of business (every day) Taking care of business (every way) I’ve been taking care of business (it’s all mine) Taking care of business and working overtime, work out
If it were easy as fishin’ you could be a musician If you could make sounds loud or mellow Get a second-hand guitar, chances are you’ll go far If you get in with the right bunch of fellows People see you having fun just a-lying in the sun Tell them that you like it this way It’s the work that we avoid, and we’re all self-employed We love to work at nothing all day
And we be taking care of business (every day) Taking care of business (every way) We be been taking care of business (it’s all mine) Taking care of business and working overtime
Mercy Whoo All right
Take good care of my business When I’m away, every day Whoo
They get up every morning from their alarm clock’s warning Take the 8:15 into the city There’s a whistle up above and people pushin’, people shovin’ And the girls who try to look pretty And if your train’s on time, you can get to work by nine And start your slaving job to get your pay If you ever get annoyed, look at me I’m self-employed I love to work at nothing all day
And I be taking care of business (every day) Taking care of business (every way) I’ve been taking care of business (it’s all mine) Taking care of business and working overtime, take care
Takin’ care of business, whoo Takin’ care of business Takin’ care of business Takin’ care of business Takin’ care of business (every day) Takin’ care of business (every way) Takin’ care of business (it’s all mine) Takin’ care of business and working overtime, whoo
Takin’ care of business Takin’ care of business We be takin’ care of business We be takin’ care of business Takin’ care of business Takin’ care of business Takin’ care of business
After receiving the diagnosis “ULCER”, Brian’s wife Ali had been lovingly, carefully packing his lunches. He checked the contents of his bento box: plain broiled cod, boiled cauliflower and coconut milk. βThis must be her White Periodβ,Β he thought, wistfully.Β
Sensitiveand embarrassed coworkers averted their eyes as they passed Brianβs cubicle on their way to lunch. Gone were the cheerful calls βCβmon, Brian! Weβre going to Smokinβ Joeβs Hot Wings for lunch!β or βSalsa and nachos in the hospitality room, guys!β Oh, the humanity!
Brianβs computer pinged. It was an email from Ali: βHi, hon. Hope youβre having a great day. Did you find the Maalox I put in your backpack? Weβre having something special for dinner tonight …. poached chicken, brown rice and garbanzo beans …. hope youβre hungry! Love ya, babe! xoβ
βAh, Aliβs Beige Period.β Brian stared blankly at the computer screen. βI wonder how many beige foods there are …. oatmeal, boiled potatoes, matzoh….β
Depressed, fatigued and hungry, Brian put his head in his hands; a solitary tear fell through his fingers onto his khakis. Slowly the wet spot morphed into the shape of a slice of pizza. βWhat the …. ?!β Incredulous, Brian blinked and wiped his eyes. βWhatβs happening to me?!β Images of devilish, cramp-inducing, bowel-seizing delicacies danced βround his head …. jalapeΓ±o poppers, tacos, barbecued ribs.
The dreaded hunger hallucinations!Sweating, Brian texted Ali. βBabe. Last minute meeting with the deputy mayor. Sorry, Iβm gonna miss dinner. Love ya!β
Brian lied.
Grabbing the bottle of Maalox and a Smokin‘ Joe’s menu from his desk drawer, Brian bolted from his cubicle, giddy as a school girl at her first dance.
βOutta my way, boys, outta my way!!β
Brian knew he was taking a big chance but he just didn’t care. He was starving, dammit! And out he ran, laughing and joyfully shouting, “JalapeΓ±o-effing-poppers, baby!!”
7:30 AM Friday, Drew texting: “Hey, sorry! I know it’s early. Got any plans this weekend?”
[OMG! My heart starts racing. My biggest crush in forever is asking me if I have plans this weekend. OK, get a grip. I donβt want to appear too anxious; after all, we’ve never actually dated β just the occasional coffee and walks in the park with our dogs, Arlo and Dexter.]
[Alright. A sufficient amount of time has passed.]
7:40 AM, me texting: “This weekend? Um …. I don’t think so. What’s up?”
[Just the right tone. Cool and calm …. which I’m neither at the moment. Gotta love texting. It’s so impassive when necessary.]
7:42 AM, Drew texting: “I scored two ticketsto Springsteen for Saturday night in …. are you ready for this? Vegas!”
[Vegas! I love Vegas! I love Springsteen! I’m practically hyperventilating. Settle down and take a deep breath. Remember …. cool and calm.]
7:44 AM, me texting: “Wow! That’s fabulous! Let me just check my calendar.BRB“
[Exit text, count to 30.]
7:46 AM, me texting: “Hey Drew, my weekend’s open.”
7:47 AM, Drew texting: “Excellent! Even Arlo’s excited!And Amy, listen …. it’s an overnight trip; we’ll begetting back late Sunday. I don’t want to push you. Are you cool with this?”
[Am I cool with this?? It IS a bit sudden but I have to admit it’s what I want. Go for it.]
7:50 AM, me texting: “I won’t lie, Drew …. it is kinda sudden but I’m ready; it’ll be fun.“
7:52 AM, Drew texting:“This is gonna be an amazing weekend, Amy. I’m so happy you said ‘yes’.See you at yourplace tomorrow morning at 8:00.The flight’s at 11:00.”
7:54 AM, me texting: “Perfect!See you then.”
My head’s spinning. This is really happening! So much to do before tomorrow! Skip lunch today and go to Victoria’s Secret. Get a bikini wax on the way home from work. Pack tonight.
I couldn’t concentrate at work and excitement kept me awake most of the night; I finally gave up at 5:30. Time for coffee and a shower.
A quick glance at the clock …. ten minutes before Drew gets here. I place my carry-on bag on the bed, toss in my toothbrush and zip it up.
The sudden shrill ring of the doorbell startles me. Forcing myself not to lunge for the door, I pace myself, smile and casually open it to see Drew smiling back at me, one arm cradling Arlo, his other arm around the shoulder of a stunning brunette in tight jeans and a Springsteen tank top. My smile freezes in place.
“Hi, Amy! This is Charlotte. I’m so glad you can take careof Arlo this weekend; we’re really looking forward to this trip. Anyway, the routine is the same as the last time you watched Arlo. We’ll pick him up Sunday night.Thanks, Amy. Sorry about the short notice. You’re a real pal!”
Taking the pup, I manage a “Have a great time” and watch Drew and Charlotte walk down the hall and head for the elevator. They are laughing in that carefree way. Slowly I close the door, my stupid grin gone as I snuggle Arlo.
Two prompts today: Weekend Writing Prompt and Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge ~ to include the words ‘bridge’ & ‘turmoil’, all in 53 words. Here is my story.
There are certain lines that exist in society, even among the closest of friends, lines not meant to be crossed.
She not only crossed the line β¦. she hurtled the bridge and jumped the shark.
And why? Sheβs only human and carelessly, regrettably didnβt think things through; now her brain is in turmoil.
Today on Song Lyric Sunday, Jim is asking us to write about a song that mentions a profession; thanks to Di for the suggestion. Since weβre all here on WordPress writing about something, it seemed only logical that I would choose a song about writers/authors.
My sophomore year of high school was one Iβll never forget. Our teacher, Mr. Erdmann, took his show on the road, so to speak, and brought our class on field trips into Manhattan where we saw movies such as βGuess Whoβs Coming to Dinnerβ, βTo Sir With Loveβ, βWait Until Darkβ, among others. He also played movies for us in the auditorium, classics like βOn The Waterfrontβ, βThe Pawnbrokerβ and βCasablancaβ.
It wasnβt a year of just fun and games, though; we had to write reports on the movies and held discussions in the classroom. I loved writing those movie reports almost as much as watching the movies! It was a real thrill when I got one of my papers back with a note from the teacher in big bold letters: βA++ Weβll make a screenwriter out of you yet!β
Well, I never did become a screenwriter but thatβs when my love of writing truly took hold and never let go. Thank you, Mr. Erdmann! Iβm blogging my heart out on WordPress!
My song choice for today is βPaperback Writerβ by the Beatles.
Written in 1966 mostly by Paul McCartney, the song allegedly came about when his Aunt Lil said something like βCanβt you write anything besides love songs?β According to Paul, he was thinking about his auntβs question while backstage at a concert venue when he spotted Ringo reading a book and something clicked. The beginnings of “Paperback Writer” were already forming in Paul’s head.
The lyrics are in the form of a letter from an aspiring author addressed to a publisher. It starts off βDear Sir or Madamβ …. really quite clever, donβt you think?
The Beatles recorded βPaperback Writerβ at EMI Studios in London on April 13-14, 1966. The song was released in May 1966 as the A-side of their 11th single and topped the singles charts in the UK, the US, Ireland, West Germany, Australia, New Zealand and Norway. The song was at #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for two non-consecutive weeks, being interrupted by Frank Sinatraβs βStrangers In The Nightβ.
βPaperback Writerβ was the last new song by the Beatles to be featured on their final tour in August 1966 where they performed 16 shows across the US and 2 in Toronto, finishing up at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on August 29.
Here now is βPaperback Writerβ by the Beatles.
Lyrics
Paperback writer (paperback writer)
Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book? It took me years to write, will you take a look? It’s based on a novel by a man named Lear And I need a job So I wanna be a paperback writer Paperback writer
It’s a dirty story of a dirty man And his clinging wife doesn’t understand His son is working for the Daily Mail It’s a steady job But he wants to be a paperback writer Paperback writer
Paperback writer (paperback writer)
It’s a thousand pages, give or take a few I’ll be writing more in a week or two I could make it longer if you like the style I can change it ’round And I wanna be a paperback writer Paperback writer
If you really like it you can have the rights It could make a million for you overnight If you must return it you can send it here But I need a break And I wanna be a paperback writer Paperback writer
It wasnβt just a year of fun and games, though; we had to write reports on the movies and held discussions in the classroom. I loved writing those reports on the movies almost as much as watching the movies! It was a real thrill when I got one of my papers back with a note from the teacher in big red letters: βA++ Weβll make a screenwriter out of you yet!Well, I never did become a screenwriter but thatβs when my love of writing truly took hold and never let go. Thank you, M
When I first started writing on WordPress, I printed out every story I wrote along with its accompanying graphic.
I filled five of the largest 3-ring binders I could find at Staples.
I was so enthralled with the fact that I was actually a βpublished authorβ! I felt my work needed to be immortalized in plastic.
For what? My 15 minutes of fame? To prove I existed and to share my brilliant thoughts with the world? To have something to pass on to my children and their childrenβs children?
Who the hell do I think I am?
Then the stark reality hit me: who cares? No child of mine is going to want these tomes cluttering their shelves; besides, theyβll never find the time to sit down and read them. Theyβll get tossed in a basket next to the recliner, with all the other good intentions. Soon theyβll be relegated to the basement or worse, the attic β¦. the black hole in every home.
I know what youβre thinking: βWhy not self-publish on Amazon, Nancy, and have pretty books to keep on your shelf (or in a box) instead of unwieldy, unattractive 3-ring binders?β Honestly, I know me and it wonβt get done. I just donβt give a rat’s ass and those pretty books will end up as kindling or more βstuffβ to be disposed of when I croak.
I suppose I can have them buried with me so Iβll have something to read as I become one with the earth. Thatβs a thought.
And so I made the call. Sometime during the summer of 2023 I stopped printing out my stories. I now have a little more free time not to mention plenty of ink for my printer.
Anyone interested in five 3-ring binders of my stories? Theyβre going cheap.
βHold it right there, Everett! Iβll not be fooled again by the likes of you! My own twin brother! Who ever thought it would come to this? You always hated me, didnβt you, Everett? Even as a child you were a malicious, jealous little bastard, like the day you started the fire in the gatehouse. You knew Iβd be nearby working the horses and the first to see the smoke. And what happened? I got blamed for the fire! Everything I ever had, you wanted. You stole my darling Clarissa just weeks before we were to be married, then you forced yourself on her, all the while pretending you were me. She could never forgive me. She left town, a bitter, broken woman. My reputation was ruined and the only woman I ever loved was gone because of you. Now itβs down to our inheritance. You just couldnβt be satisfied with half, could you? You had to have it all. You think I donβt know it was you who took a shot at me the day we were out hunting with Father and Uncle Wyatt? Good thing for me you missed your mark that day. Well, Iβll not miss mine, you rotten, scheming son of a bitch. Thatβs right, this is the end, brother. Iβm going to enjoy watching you beg for mercy. Good riddance, Everett. See you in hell.”
βAnd β¦. Cut! Great job as always, Bobby. Thatβs a wrap. This oneβs got βAcademyAwardβ written all over it!β
We never went on vacation when I was a kid; that was for βrich peopleβ.
You can imagine my unbearable glee when it was decided in the summer of β59 that we would leave The Bronx for five glorious days in a place called Sunny Hill Farm.
Looking at the brochure we declared it to be βperfectβ with lush rolling hills, horses, swimming, picnics, barbecues, fresh air and sunshine everywhere.
We loaded up the car, singing all the way to our vacation nirvana β¦. where it poured and poured for days.
“Good morning, Sunshine! Did you notice the wildflowers? It’s like they sprang up overnight. Itβs awfully stuffy in here, don’t you think, Charlie? I’ll open the window a crack for some air if you promise to behave. One little yell from you and Iβll be forced to put your gag back in. Do you want that, Charlie? Ah, that’s a lovely breeze, isnβt it. Oh, now Charlie! You really shouldn’t have hollered like that! Just when I was gonna untie you. Why can’t you follow orders? That makes me angry. You remember what happens when Iβm angry, donβt you, Charlie?”
Welcome to Birthday Thursdays! Each week I will feature someone from the world of music whose birthday falls on this day. There wonβt be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures β just some great tunes (and an occasional surprise). Check it out right here every Thursday and enjoy the music.
Happy Birthday to Etta James Born January 25, 1938 in Los Angeles, California
From the album “Etta James”, this is “A Sunday Kind Of Love”
This is “I’d Rather Go Blind” from the album “Tell Mama”
From the album “Etta James – At Last”, this is “At Last”
Denise at GirlieOnTheEdge is challenging us once again to create an amazing Six Sentence Story, this time using the word “access”; this is my response.
Due, no doubt, to the cold weather, I have been doing a lot more cooking indoors, eschewing the barbecue grill for simmering pots of tomato sauce, bubbling trays of lasagna and stews roiling in slow cookers β a skill which comes naturally to me since, as I have mentioned many times recently, I hail from a long line of talented cooks, with my mother topping the list; she instilled in me at an early age a love of hearty and delicious home-cooked meals and the know-how to prepare them.
Mom was a Sicilian immigrant who attended school only until the age of 9; with her own ailing mother unable to maintain their home, my mother assumed the role of nurse, cook and maid …. devastatingly unfair, but thatβs the way it was in 1925 β kids forced to abandon their childhood, growing up in a hurry.
My mother and her cousins did not have access to YouTube or TikTok or cooking channels on TV; there were no cookbooks in her small apartment …. just recipes galvanized in her brain from watching her grandmother and her aunts holding court in the kitchen.
Many of the ingredients my mother used were home grown, such as vegetables, herbs and fruit, and the items that didn’t come from the ground were all bought from the local grocer and butcher, the price haggled and haggled once again until my mother was satisfied; her purchases were of the finest quality and she always returned home with change in her purse.
When I, as a kid, would come home from school or a day outside with my friends, I would always be greeted with the sublime aromas of something magical cooking; I would float into the kitchen as though carried by angels, my nose twitching, and I would dreamily ask βWhatβs for dinner?β
Sammi at Weekend Writing Prompt is challenging us with the word βnoteβ; in exactly 72 words, this is my response.
My mother was a terrific cook; her specialty was, of course, homemade Italian food β manicotti, arancini, etc.
She left me her βrecipe book, which was really nothing more than scribbled notes. Her ‘detailed‘ cooking instructions read: βsome cheeseβ and a βglassβ of water.
I can remember the glass she used to add water to whatever she was cooking; it was an old Flintstones jelly jar.
Glyn Wilton is our host at Mixed Music Bag; the theme this month is groups or solo artists that start with the letter A or B.
Before there was Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, there was Buffalo Springfield, my group of choice for Glynβs MMB challenge.
Buffalo Springfield was formed in 1966 in Los Angeles by Canadians Neil Young, Bruce Palmer and Dewey Martin and Americans Stephen Stills and Richie Furay. The group released three albums and several singles in the two years they were together. Their music combined elements of folk and country with British Invasion and psychedelic rock influences and was key to the early development of folk rock. The group became widely known for their protest anthem, βFor What Itβs Worthβ.
The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood was a gathering place for hippies and followers of the rock and roll culture. Young people would congregate nightly, disrupting the flow of traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian. Local business owners had enough of it and petitioned town officials to impose a curfew. Well, that notion didnβt sit right with many of the young people.
On November 12, 1966, fliers were distributed inviting people to join demonstrations that night to protest the curfews. Several of Los Angeles’ rock radio stations also announced a rally outside Pandoraβs Box on Sunset Boulevard, a club where groups like the Beach Boys and Sonny & Cher had performed over the years. That evening, as many as 1,000 young people, including future celebrities such as Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda (who was handcuffed by police) gathered to protest. Although the rallies began peacefully, trouble soon followed. The unrest continued the next night, and periodically throughout the rest of November and December, forcing some clubs to shut down. It was against the background of these civil disturbances that Stephen Stills recorded “For What It’s Worth” on December 5, 1966.
Despite having a reputation as being an anti-war song (as it was also written during the Vietnam War) Stephen Stills said that βFor What Itβs Worthβ was mostly in response to the Sunset Strip riots. In an interview for the Los Angeles Times, Stills said βIt was really different things intertwined, including the war and the absurdity of what was happening on The Strip. But I knew I had to get out of there fast before the cops nabbed me. I headed home where I wrote my song in about 15 minutes. For me, there was no riot; it was basically a cop dance β¦. the term βriotβ is ridiculous. They were demonstrations and the song was written in response to them but it was big, man. It looked like a goddamn revolution.β
The lyrics reveal to the listener Stillsβ perspective of the tumultuous time, referencing people in the street, singing songs while hoisting up protest signs. βFor What Itβs Worthβ is on the groupβs eponymous debut album, βBuffalo Springfieldβ, released in December 1966 on Atco Records and has been covered by a vast number of recording artists over the years. In 1977, Crosby, Stills and Nash – along with Tom Petty – performed the song at Buffalo Springfieldβs induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
After several drug-related arrests and line-up changes, the group disbanded in 1968. Stephen Stills went on to form the supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash (CS&N). Neil Young launched his solo career and in 1969 became a member of CSN&Y. The group briefly reunited for a comeback tour in 2011.
Wars are still raging, people are still protesting and the world keeps on spinning. In some ways, not much has changed.
Here is Buffalo Springfield with their epic tune, βFor What Itβs Worthβ. Listen for the dissonant chords when the words “paranoia strikes deep” are sung; little things like that make a great song even better.
Lyrics
There’s something happening here But what it is ain’t exactly clear There’s a man with a gun over there Telling me I got to beware
I think it’s time we stop Children, what’s that sound? Everybody look, what’s going down?
There’s battle lines being drawn Nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong Young people speaking their minds Getting so much resistance from behind
It’s time we stop Hey, what’s that sound? Everybody look, what’s going down?
What a field day for the heat (Ooh ooh ooh) A thousand people in the street (Ooh ooh ooh) Singing songs and they carrying signs (Ooh ooh ooh) Mostly say, “Hooray for our side” (Ooh ooh ooh)
It’s time we stop Hey, what’s that sound? Everybody look, what’s going down?
Paranoia strikes deep Into your life it will creep It starts when you’re always afraid Step out of line, the men come and take you away
We better stop Hey, what’s that sound? Everybody look, what’s going down?
You better stop Hey, what’s that sound? Everybody look, what’s going down?
You better stop Now, what’s that sound? Everybody look, what’s going down?
You better stop Children, what’s that sound? Everybody look, what’s going down?
It’s a fiver today, including prompt words from FOWC with Fandango and Weekly Prompts Wednesday.
βDebonair, sophisticated and charmingβ sighed Alice Carter. βI just love that movie. Cary Grant is so good-looking and classy. They donβt make movies like that anymore, you know?β
βAnd that Ingrid Bergman is some beauty, tooβ replied Aliceβs husband Ralph. βThose smoldering eyes, high cheekbones, graceful neck β a real looker, that one.β
βAnd so chic, too, Ralph. You always knew a real lady when you saw one. Well, I better start dinner. Iβm making your favorite β sausage and potato casserole.β
βI hope you made a lemon meringue pie for dessert.β
βOf course! Have we ever celebrated your birthday without your favorite pie? I know what you like, Ralph.β
“No, we have not, Alice. The kitchen is your milieu and no one makes a lemon meringue pie like you, my little chickadee!” Alice blushed with delight; Ralph’s compliments were rare these days.
Returning to the den after starting dinner, Alice found Ralph was watching the weatherchannel. “My goodness! That weather girl’s pants are awfully tight! They’re a bit unseemly for TV, I think. Don’t you agree, Ralph?“
“Oh, I don’t think so at all, Alice. She’s got a lovely figure; she probably works out every day. I’m sure her parents instilled in her an excellent work ethic. You know, I remember reading in some countries the TV weather girls are topless.”
“Topless? Why, I never” Alice declared indignantly; Ralph switched the channel to the news.
Alice clucked her tongue. βWhy arenβt there more delightful men on the news, men like that handsome Peter Jennings?β
βBecause heβs deadβ replied Ralph.
βHow about Mike Wallace? He’s so dapper.β
βAlso deadβ Ralph reminded Alice.
βLook at that clown, Glenn Beck, wearing jeans and sneakers on a TV news show! Give him a beanie and heβd look just like one of those little rascal kids. What ever happened to that nice Matt Lauer?β
βFired for overt misconduct and sexual harassmentβ replied Ralph.
βGood Lord! I donβt believe it! Well, what about Bill OβReilly, Eric Bolling and Charlie Rose?β
βFired, fired and, oh yeah .β¦ fired. Alice, can I please have a moment of peace and quiet to watch the news?β
βWell, pardon me for living! No need to be rude, Ralphβ she sniffed. βIβm going to check on the sausage casserole.β
When she returned Alice stopped dead in her tracks. βOh my God, Ralph! What on earth are you watching now?β
βItβs still the news, Alice. In fact, itβs called βThe News Channelβ. News all day, every day.”
βThe βX Rated News Channelβ, you mean! No wonder those poor men got fired. What red-blooded guy could resist floozies like that showing off their goods on national TV? They look like hookers! And look at you sitting there in your underwear all bug-eyed. Disgusting!β Alice harrumphed.
βPut a lid on it, Alice! You donβt have the slightest idea what youβre talking about. These women are professionals. Theyβre lawyers, professors and judges, not some bimbos with sketchy qualifications who just walked in off the street.β
βYeah, theyβre highly qualified alright β¦. as adult entertainers!β Alice snapped. βTake that one on the end with the dyed blonde hair and skirt so short I can practically see Niagara Falls! What happened …. did they run out of fabric? And the other one with the dark hair. Who is she …. one of the Kardashians? With those spike heels and implants, I’m sure she can get a job as a pole dancer!β
βWoah, woah, woah! Thatβs enough, Alice! Look, this here is Megyn Kelly. She has a law degree, is a journalist, an author and a world-famous political commentator as well as a news anchor. The dark-haired one is Kimberly Guilfoyle. Sheβs a political analyst, an attorney and former First Lady of San Francisco. Now sheβs engaged to Donald Trump, Jr.β
βWell, big whoop!! If you think Iβm impressed, Ralph, youβve got another thing comin’. Youβre delusional!β
βI donβt care what you think, Alice. Iβm sure their families are very proud of them. Besides being absolutely stunning, they are brilliant. Now why donβt you just run back into the kitchen and let me enjoy my one indulgence.β
βIndulgence??β Alice countered. βSo you admit itβs all about cheap thrills and nothing to do with the news. Youβre such a pig, Ralph!β
“Alice, your ignorance is showing. Can we please stop talking about this? Howβs that sausage coming, anyway? Iβm starving!β
Alice saw red. βHereβs an idea for you, Ralph. Get Kimberly whatβs-her-name to see to your sausage. Iβm sure sheβs highly qualified! And one more thing …. Happy Effin’ Birthday!β
Sammi at Weekend Writing Prompt is challenging us with the word “note”; in exactly 72 words, this is my response. πΈ
After thirty minutes and two martinis I began feelingΒ paranoid. It was painfully obvious, at least to me, that everyone who saw me sitting by the bar thought I was either an elegant call girl just past her prime or a lonesome, tedious housewife who had beenΒ stood up.Β
I became aware of someone approaching. I looked up expectantly, smiling; it was just the concierge. Whispering discreetly, he handed me a note.
Today Jim at Song Lyric Sunday is challenging us to choose a song dealing with mental health. This is a double edged sword; it’s wonderful that there are so many songs about this subject to choose from but it’s a shame that there are so many troublesome issues (and troubled souls) to write songs about.
I chose this one because it’s a tremendously uplifting song, I love the group and I feel a personal connection as well. When you’re talking about a song, it’s great to have something that ties you to it. It may not always be something positive but that’s just the way life is. The beautiful thing about music is there’s something for whatever is going on in your life. I hope you enjoy my selection today.
“Mr. Blue Sky” is a song by the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), featured on the band’s seventh studio album βOut of the Blueβ written and produced in 1977 by front man Jeff Lynne. Promotional copies were released on blue vinyl, like the album from which the single was issued. Due to its popularity and frequent use in multiple television shows and movies, it has sometimes been described as ELO’s signature song.
I have loved this song since the first time I heard it. Itβs a happy and fun tune about a make-believe superhero, inspired by a silly TV show Jeff Lynne loved as a child. It was recorded with percussion played on a fire extinguisher, for crying out loud, and was so powerful and singable, astronauts would use it as an alarm clock in space! Reaction by critics and the public was a definite thumbs up, calling the tune βtruly exhilaratingβ; the song would go on to be referred to as βthe happiest song everβ. Sorry, Pharrell!
In 1977, Jeff Lynne and the other members of ELO rented a place in the Alps to work on music for their new album. Jeff was trying to write songs but the weather was so dark and dreary around him, he went into a funk. So how was it possible for Jeff to have written this fun, happy song?
During a BBC Radio interview, Jeff Lynne gave this account of how it all went down:
βIt had been dark, wet and dreary for more than two weeks, and I didn’t come up with a single thing for the new record. I started going to the local pub, getting drunk, and spending more time there than back at the studio with my mates. Here we were in a house in the Alps and I was totally spiritless. I had writer’s block and fell into an ugly depression. Those two weeks felt more like two years! Finally one morning the sun suddenly came out and shone brilliantly. It shook me from my gloom and I felt inspired for the first time in weeks. It was like, ‘Wow, look at those gorgeous mountains, that beautiful skyβ! For me that was a sign, a re-awakening, a chance to start over. I was so encouraged and motivated, I wrote βMr. Blue Skyβ and 13 other songs in the next two weeks.β
Thatβs Jeff’s great story; now hereβs my story.
Over a span of 8 years, 2011 to 2019, I had two major surgeries on the same knee. It was not fun but what surgery is?
After operation #1, a total knee revision, I was in a lot of pain and my recuperation did not go well. I fell into a major depression. I lost my appetite, suffered panic attacks and shut myself off from everyone and everything. All I wanted was be left alone and sleep. I was convinced I was going to be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life, unable to play with my young grandchildren. I began seeing a psychologist. And I was taking anti-anxiety meds and pain killers.
My husband Bill was my biggest supporter, a shoulder to lean on, my rock. He took me to physical therapy 3 times each week and stayed with me. He drove me to see the psychologist and sat in the waiting room. He took me out for drives just to get me out of the house. He set up FaceTime with our sons. He arranged for someone from the nail salon to come to the house to give me a mani/pedi. He helped me shower and wash my hair. Family and friends brought over prepared meals which Bill warmed up for me, even though I had little interest in eating. He was worried about me, scared for me but never let it show; he was a saint.
One day Bill came into the bedroom and said he had something to show me. He switched on the TV and inserted a DVD; it was the “Concert for George” and it was the first thing in months that held my attention. That’s the day I started listening to music again. Bill and music were the major factors in getting my mental and emotional recovery into motion. I put on my headphones and listened to all my favorite tunes. I started feeling better and eventually got myself to the point where I felt before the urgent need for surgery …. but I still had nagging pain in my knee. X-rays revealed something wrong with my replacement and I needed to have a total revision …. a complete do-over of the first operation. All that suffering between 2011 and 2019 because of something that could and should have been avoided.
The 2nd surgery was in early December 2019, just before Covid. I had great hope this time around but my recovery turned into the perfect storm. A visiting nurse came to see me five times and Bill brought me to have my staples removed. I started physical therapy but that lasted only about two weeks before everything came to a halt. I was left to my own devices as far as physical therapy was concerned and I had a wave of anxiety wash over me thinking “here we go again” …. but this time I sort of knew what to expect. I had an exercise routine from my first round of PT 8 years earlier which I did on my own as best I could. Being your own physical therapist after major surgery is far from ideal. By the grace of God, I did not hurt myself or fall into another depression. Once again music and Bill were my constant companions. I’d also begun to write again.
Long story even longer, when lockdown was lifted, I went back to therapy. Thatβs how I met the therapist who literally saved my life and I still see him when I have a flare up. Besides being a great therapist, heβs an incredibly good person who loves what he does …. helping people recover and feel better. And he always has music playing during his sessions! If I didnβt have him and Bill, I donβt know where I would be right now. And I’m also no longer taking meds.
Depression is serious business. As hard as it may be, we need to try to let people into our life. We need to talk to someone, anyone who will listen and be a good friend. Thereβs no shame in being depressed; it’s an illness and needs to be treated as one …. not covered up like a dirty secret.
I’m one of the lucky ones and I have music, my therapist and Bill to thank for helping me on the road to recovery.
Take good care of yourselves, my friends, and try to listen to music every day. Don’t underestimate it’s powers. Itβs a balm for your body, mind, heart and soul. It could also mean a new lease on life.
National Depression Hotline β 866-629-4564 for free help, treatment options and support. Call 24/7.
This is βMr. Blue Skyβ by ELO
LYRICS
Sun is shinin’ in the sky There ain’t a cloud in sight It’s stopped rainin’, everybody’s in the play And don’t you know It’s a beautiful new day? Hey
Runnin’ down the avenue See how the sun shines brightly in the city On the streets where once was pity Mr. Blue Sky is living here today, hey
Mr. Blue Sky, please tell us why You had to hide away for so long (so long) Where did we go wrong?
Mr. Blue Sky, please tell us why You had to hide away for so long (so long) Where did we go wrong?
Hey you with the pretty face Welcome to the human race A celebration, Mr. Blue Sky’s up there waitin’ And today is the day we’ve waited for
Oh, Mr. Blue Sky, please tell us why You had to hide away for so long (so long) Where did we go wrong?
Hey there, Mr. Blue We’re so pleased to be with you Look around, see what you do Everybody smiles at you
Hey there, Mr. Blue We’re so pleased to be with you Look around, see what you do Everybody smiles at you
Mr. Blue, you did it right But soon comes Mr. Night creepin’ over Now his hand is on your shoulder Never mind, I’ll remember you this I’ll remember you this way
Mr. Blue Sky, please tell us why You had to hide away for so long (so long) Where did we go wrong?
Hey there Mr. Blue (sky) We’re so pleased to be with you (sky) Look around see what you do (blue) Everybody smiles at you
βWhat does it look like Iβm doing, Morris? Iβm going to go sing with that band.β
βYou canβt do that. Youβre almost 73 years old!β her son replied. He was becoming impatient.
βWhat the hell does my age have to do with anything? Tony Bennett, Tina Turner, David Crosby were all in their 80s and still going strong.β
βMother, youβre not exactly in the same league as Tina Turner!β
βThank you for pointing that out to me and the family, Morris. Youβve turned into a self-righteous little prig β¦. certainly not how I raised you.β
βWell, one of us had to grow up, Mother. Youβre not going to sing with that band. I wonβt allow it. This isnβt Woodstock!β
βGrammy? Whatβs Dad talking about? You were at Woodstock?β Dina asked her grandmother in disbelief.
βAs a matter of fact, I was! You know, I wasnβt always your grandmother! I lived a whole other life before your father was born.β
βGrammy, why am I just hearing about this now? Iβm 22 years old and never knew this! How is that possible? Dad, how come you never said anything?β
βYouβre fatherβs embarrassed by me, Dina. I was always a very free spirit; I met a lot of incredible people before and after Woodstock.β
βGrammy, were you a groupie?β Dina asked conspiratorially.
βOh, Dina! Lets just say I had great fun.β
βMother, this conversation ends now!β
βOh, shut up, Morrison!β
βMorrison?β Dina whispered knowingly, eyes wide.
The Elephant's Trunk 