Welcome to Birthday Thursdays! Each week I will feature someone from the world of music whose birthday falls on this day. There won’t be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures – just some great tunes (and an occasional surprise). Check it out right here every Thursday and enjoy the music.
Happy Birthday to John Williams Born February 8, 1932 – New York, New York
John Williams ~ “Star Wars Theme”
“Raiders March from Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” ~ John Williams
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If you’re on the fence about the Beatles or if you just don’t like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; it’s to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we don’t 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!
There are so many things I like about the music the Beatles made; one thing you see a lot of that isn’t very prominent in other popular music is key and tempo changes multiple times throughout an entire piece. This song is a prime example of that.
Today’s song has long been a favorite of mine and I just happened upon the cover version by doing one of the things I do best …. listening to music while driving in my car. As soon as I heard it I knew I was going to include it in my blog; it’s a very bluesy, jazzy, Gershwin-esque piece and I liked it because that’s just the kind of hairpin I am.
Let’s see what you think.
As usual, starting off is the original …. the Beatles with “Girl”
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This is the Joe Jackson Trio with “Girl”
Many of you will remember Joe Jackson for his 1978 pop song “Is She Really Going Out With Him”. He’s an interesting-bordering-on-quirky dude and an accomplished classically trained musician as you heard in the cover piece. I thought it was quite edgy/jazzy/bluesy. I’m sort of a George Gershwin freak and I heard a lot of Gershwin in this remake.
So….. What’s the verdict? Two very different styles of a solid Beatles song. I liked them both for very different reasons and for me, I’m calling this one a draw. Kudos to Joe Jackson for his creativity and musicianship.
I think we’re long overdue for a little Motown; I’ll have to rectify that tomorrow.
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.
As it’s now February, the challenge from Glyn at Mixed Music Bag is to write about a band or singer that starts with the letters C or D.
One of the greatest things about growing up Italian in the Bronx, NY (besides the food) was hanging out with my friends listening to music. We’d usually go to Sal’s Pizzeria on Belmont Avenue where the pizza was like nothing you ever tasted. It was thin and soft and light as a feather. On just about every street corner, doo-wop groups would gather and sing song after song and everyone would dance. Man, those were some of the best times.
One singer from Belmont Avenue (sadly a little before my time) was an Italian kid named Dion DiMucci. Dion’s dad Pasquale was a vaudeville entertainer and Dion would accompany him whenever he went on tour. Dion developed a love of country music, particularly Hank Williams, but he was really into the blues, doo-wop and rock and roll. His singing was honed on the street corners and local clubs of the Bronx.
In early 1957, Dion auditioned for Bob and Gene Schwartz for their Mohawk Records label. They asked Dion to sing a song but Dion refused, stating it sounded like something his old fashioned parents would listen to, but the Bob and Gene convinced him to give it a try. The backing vocals were by a group called “the Timberlanes”, some guys Dion had never met. The resulting single, “The Chosen Few“, was released under the name “Dion and the Timberlanes”, and became a minor regional hit which enabled Dion to perform the song on American Bandstand. The kids at the show started screaming during his performance and gave Dion his first impression of being a recording star. In his autobiography, The Wanderer, Dion explained that he didn’t even know who the Timberlanes were. “The vocal group was so white bread, I went back to my neighborhood and I recruited three guys and we called ourselves Dion and the Belmonts.”
The group’s initial hit was called “I Wonder Why” followed by “No One Knows” and “Don’t Pity Me”, which charted the Billboard Top 100. This success won a place for Dion and the Belmonts on the ill-fated “The Winter Dance Party” tour with Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, the Big Bopper and other performers. On February 3, 1959, after a concert stop in Clear Lake, Iowa, Buddy Holly and the others decided to charter a flight to the next venue rather than travel on the tour bus. Dion was invited to accompany the group but declined when he heard the price of the ticket was $36. That was the same amount of money his parents spent for one month’s rent for their apartment and Dion couldn’t justify the expense. The plane crashed, killing all on board; that tragic event has been referred to as “the day the music died”.
In March 1959, Dion and the Belmonts recorded “A Teenager In Love” which reached No. 5 on the U.S. pop charts and No. 28 in the UK. The group’s biggest hit, “Where Or When” was released in November of that year and reached No. 3 on the U.S. charts. Further single releases for the group that year were less successful; with musical, personal and financial differences between Dion and members of the Belmonts, Dion left the group for a solo career.
By the end of 1960, Dion produced his first solo album on Laurie Records, “Alone with Dion”, released in 1961. The single “Lonely Teenager” rose to No. 12 in the US charts. The name on his solo releases was simply “Dion“. In 1961 Dion released “Runaround Sue” which stormed up the U.S. charts, reaching No. 1 and No. 11 in the UK, where he also toured. “Runaround Sue” sold over a million copies and was followed by “The Wanderer” another big hit for Dion. By the end of 1961, Dion had become a major star, touring worldwide.
In 2024, at the age of 84, Dion is still recording new songs and his career is going strong.
This is Dion with his biggest early hit, “Runaround Sue”.
LYRICS
Here's my story, it's sad but true It's about a girl that I once knew She took my love then ran around With every single guy in town
Yeah I should have known it from the very start This girl will leave me with a broken heart Now listen people what I'm telling you Ah keep away from a Runaround Sue
I might miss her lips and the smile on her face The touch of her hair and this girl's warm embrace So if you don't want to cry like I do Ah keep away from-a Runaround Sue
Ah, she likes to travel around She'll love you and she'll put you down Now people let me put you wise She goes out with other guys
Here's the moral and the story from the guy who knows I fell in love and my love still grows Ask any fool that she ever knew, they'll say Keep away from-a Runaround Sue
Yeah keep away from this girl I don't know what she'll doe Keep away from Sue
She likes to travel around She'll love you and she'll put you down Now people let me put you wise She goes out with other guys
Here's the mora and the story from the guy who knows I fell in love and my love still grows Ask any fool that she ever knew, they'll say Keep away from a Runaround Sue
Stay away from that girl Don't you know what she'll do now
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If you’re on the fence about the Beatles or if you just don’t like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; it’s to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we don’t 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!
We’re closing out Week 1 of Feb Fab Faux Four with a beautifully intricate Beatles song written while they were in India.
I was in my car one day and, as usual, the radio was tuned to The Beatles Channel. There was a guest host talking about and playing his four favorite Beatles songs and this was one of them. Whoever the guy was, he drew me in with his description of the song, breaking down all the nuances I’d never picked up on; he spoke so eloquently that I had to pull over and listen.
This song is so involved yet so subtle, we don’t realize that each one of the three Beatles is actually playing his own individual song. No one outshines the other and it all comes together quite seamlessly and very beautifully. And, yes …. you read correctly. I wrote three Beatles; Ringo was not at this recording session in 1968. He had temporarily left the group out of protest at Paul’s non-stop criticism of his drumming on “Back in the U.S.S.R.” Ringo walked out and Paul sat behind the kit for this song.
As you can imagine, in Ringo’s absence the Beatles had to play even more instruments than usual for this song and there were numerous takes. The breakdown of who did what goes like this: John sang lead vocals, backing vocals and played rhythm guitars; Paul sang harmony and backing vocals, played drums, bass guitar, piano and tambourine; George sang harmony and backing vocals, played rhythm guitar, lead guitars and tambourine while contributing personnel Mal Evans and Jackie Lomax did backing vocals, hand claps and additional percussion.
For an amazing experience, listen to today’s original through headphones, if you can; it’s mind-blowing.
Here’s the gorgeous “Dear Prudence” by the Beatles. Listen to those layers of music!
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It’s time to bring in the ladies again, at least as lead singer. Doing their own unique version of “Dear Prudence”, here’s Siouxsie and the Banshees.
The Times called Siouxsie and the Banshees “one of the most audacious and uncompromising musical adventurers of the post-punk era.” Well, they certainly were on this cover song! Do we have any Siouxsie and the Banshees fans out there? What are your thoughts about this version?
For me, there’s absolutely no comparison to the original.
We’re going to a bluesy bar tomorrow for a very interesting tune. Bring your ID, kids!
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.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If you’re on the fence about the Beatles or if you just don’t like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; it’s to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we don’t 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
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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 – 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.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If you’re on the fence about the Beatles or if you just don’t like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; it’s to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we don’t 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”
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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 hits ”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 – 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.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If you’re on the fence about the Beatles or if you just don’t like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; it’s to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we don’t 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. I 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.
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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 – 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.
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 it’s 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 Checker’s “Twist” craze hit the scene, celebrities swarmed to the Peppermint Lounge, big names such as Audrey Hepburn, Truman Capote, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Liberace, Noël 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 …. especially after they recorded their biggest hit song “The Peppermint Twist”, written in 1961 by Joey Dee and Henry Glover.
Capitalizing on the “Twist” 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 Checker’s “The Twist” at the No. 1 position.
I was just a kid but that didn’t matter; people of all ages loved dancing to “The Twist” and still do; “The Peppermint Twist” 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 …. “The Peppermint Twist”.
And it goes like this…..
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 you’re on the fence about the Beatles or if you just don’t like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; it’s to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we don’t 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
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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 – 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.
WARNING: THIS BLOG WAS NOT CREATED FOR BEATLEMANIACS! If you’re on the fence about the Beatles or if you just don’t like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; it’s to expose you to the lesser-known Beatles songs we don’t 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”
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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 – 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.
Welcome to Birthday Thursdays! Each week I will feature someone from the world of music whose birthday falls on this day. There won’t be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures – 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 you’re on the fence about the Beatles or if you just don’t like them, this blog is for you. My goal is not to convert you; it’s to expose you to Beatles songs we don’t 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.
Let’s face it …. anyone can do a remake; unfortunately, many people have who shouldn’t have. Case in point – William Shatner’s cover of “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”. So what’s a good cover song? I don’t think there’s one definitive answer to that. When I hear a cover, I want to be able to say “Yeah! I like what they did with that!”, but it shouldn’t be so different from the original that it’s unrecognizable or worse …. boring. It’s 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 wasn’t the original. Truth be told, I’m 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. That’s something I never thought I’d say!
The Beatles songs featured here are ones that aren’t 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 – 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 …. it’s 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”
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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 you’ve reached the big time when you’ve made it into a book – never mind if the title of the book happens to be “Misheard Lyrics”!
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 ‘mondegreen’ (misunderstood lyric) from the classic song “Takin’ Care of Business”, by Bachman-Turner Overdrive …. my group for today.
Bachman–Turner Overdrive, often abbreviated BTO, was formed in 1973 by three brothers from Winnipeg, Manitoba …. 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: “Takin’ 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.” His 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 “White Collar Worker”; however, while driving to a gig in Vancouver, Bachman heard a local DJ’s catchphrase of “We’re takin’ care of business” and it stuck with him. During the concert, Bachman decided on a whim to use the catchphrase in the song’s chorus instead of “White collar worker”. After the show that night, the audience kept clapping and shouting “takin’ care of business” and the rest is history.
BTO’s 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 “gearheads” …. a term derived from the band’s gear-shaped logo.
Oh, I almost forgot about “Baking carrot biscuits”! That’s an often misunderstood lyric for “Takin’ care of business”. 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 it’s time to hear one of BTO’s signature numbers, the song that made carrot biscuits popular …. “Takin’ Care Of Business”.
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
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 we’re 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 I’ll 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 “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”, “To Sir With Love”, “Wait Until Dark”, among others. He also played movies for us in the auditorium, classics like “On The Waterfront”, “The Pawnbroker” and “Casablanca”.
It wasn’t 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: “A++ We’ll make a screenwriter out of you yet!”
Well, I never did become a screenwriter but that’s when my love of writing truly took hold and never let go. Thank you, Mr. Erdmann! I’m blogging my heart out on WordPress!
My song choice for today is “Paperback Writer” by the Beatles.
Written in 1966 mostly by Paul McCartney, the song allegedly came about when his Aunt Lil said something like “Can’t you write anything besides love songs?” According to Paul, he was thinking about his aunt’s 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 “Dear Sir or Madam” …. really quite clever, don’t you think?
The Beatles recorded “Paperback Writer” 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 Sinatra’s “Strangers In The Night”.
“Paperback Writer” 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 “Paperback Writer” 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 wasn’t 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: “A++ We’ll make a screenwriter out of you yet!Well, I never did become a screenwriter but that’s when my love of writing truly took hold and never let go. Thank you, M
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 Glyn’s 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, “For What It’s Worth”.
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 didn’t 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 Pandora’s 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 “For What It’s Worth” was mostly in response to the Sunset Strip riots. In an interview for the Los Angeles Times, Stills said “It 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 …. the term ‘riot’ 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.”
The lyrics reveal to the listener Stills’ perspective of the tumultuous time, referencing people in the street, singing songs while hoisting up protest signs. “For What It’s Worth” is on the group’s eponymous debut album, “Buffalo Springfield”, 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 Springfield’s 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, “For What It’s Worth”. 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?
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 “Out of the Blue” 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. It’s 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 “truly exhilarating”; the song would go on to be referred to as “the happiest song ever”. 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:
“It 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 sky’! For me that was a sign, a re-awakening, a chance to start over. I was so encouraged and motivated, I wrote “Mr. Blue Sky” and 13 other songs in the next two weeks.”
That’s Jeff’s great story; now here’s 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. That’s 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, he’s 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 didn’t have him and Bill, I don’t 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. There’s 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. It’s a balm for your body, mind, heart and soul. It could also mean a new lease on life.
National Depression Hotline – 866-629-4564 for free help, treatment options and support. Call 24/7.
This is “Mr. Blue Sky” 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
Welcome to Birthday Thursdays! Each week I will feature someone from the world of music whose birthday falls on this day. There won’t be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures – just some great tunes (and an occasional surprise). Check it out right here every Thursday and enjoy the music.
Happy Birthday to Bobby Goldsboro January 18, 1941 in Marianna, Florida
Live from The Ed Sullivan Show, “Everybody’s Talkin'”
From “The Best of Bobby Goldsboro”, this is “Honey”
“See the Funny Little Clown” from The Bobby Goldsboro Show
It’s week three of the Mixed Music Bag and Glyn’s theme is a solo artist or band beginning with the letter A or B.
Don’t ask me the date …. early 70s is as close as I can get …. we went to the Nassau Coliseum to see Bedlam, Badger and Black Sabbath. It was one of the most bizarre nights with a strange vibe in the place. A guy in the audience must have gotten his hands on some of the brown acid left over from Woodstock because he decided it would be cool to set his arm on fire. I can say with 100% certainty of all the many, many concerts we went to from ’67-’77, no one ever set fire to any part of their body before or after that night. What people won’t do fortheir 15 minutes of fame.
There’s no need to discuss Black Sabbath, is there? I decided to feature Bedlam in my post today; they had a good sound and the group’s members were infinitely better known than Badger’s. But the whole story about Bedlam is a bit weird.
Originally known as Beast when it formed in 1972, Bedlam was one of the UK’s least-known supergroups, a hard rock band featuring singer Frank Aiello (from Truth), guitarist Dave Ball (from Procol Harum), bassist Dennis Ball (formerly with Long John Baldry), and drummer Cozy Powell (who made his name with major rock bands and artists such as The Jeff Beck Group, Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Gary Moore, Graham Bonnet, Brian May, Whitesnake, Emerson, Lake & Powell and Black Sabbath). Wow!
In 1973 they made one self-titled album produced by Felix Pappalardi, best known as the bassist and co-lead singer for Mountain. Like I said, the lineup was a good one but in 1974, after just two short years, the group fell apart when Cozy Powell left. That one studio effort showed the band to be a talented, bluesy, hard-rock outfit in the vein of the Jeff Beck group and Rory Gallagher’s band, but without the new twist of originality that might have sustained interest.
Adding to the ambiguity surrounding this group, I was unable to find lyrics for any of Bedlam’s songs; I hope you enjoy the tune I’ve selected for you today.
For today’s challenge, Jim at Song Lyric Sundayhas asked us to write about a Scandinavian song and/or performer. This was a no-brainer for me; I couldn’t write about anyone other than the incredible Yngwie Malmsteen. Honestly, for many years I didn’t think there was any better guitarist than Ritchie Blackmore; then I heard Yngwie.
Born in 1963 in Stockholm, Sweden, Yngwie first became known in the 80s for his neoclassical playing style in heavy metal. In his career of more than 40 years (and still going), Yngwie has released 22 studio albums. In 2009 he was listed in Time magazine as #9 on its list of the 10 best electric guitar players of all time.
Really? There are 8 better guitarists than Yngwie? I wonder who they could be. Well, let’s take a look: in descending order starting with #8 they are – Les Paul, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, B.B. King, Slash, and Jimi Hendrix. I’ve got issues with this list. And where are Ritchie Blackmore, Eddie Van Halen, Matteo Mancuso, Henrik Freishlader, Tommy Emmanuel, Joe Bonamassa and Guthrie Govan, FFS?
Anyway ….
As a teenager, Yngwie was heavily influenced by classical music, particularly Paganini and Bach. During this time he also discovered his most important guitar influence, Ritchie Blackmore. Yngwie has sad that Hendrix had no musical impact on him and did not contribute to his style but seeing him on TV smashing and burning his guitar at the Monterey Pop Festival of 1967 was “really cool”.
Yngwie Malmsteen has been a member of Steeler, Alcatrazz, Hear ‘n Aid, G3 and is currently with Generation Axe. Addtionally, he has had side projects and made special appearances with many other groups and performers.
In a 2005 issue of Guitar Player magazine, Yngwie Malmsteen discussed his often-ridiculed behavior, saying that, “I’ve probably made more mistakes than anybody. But I don’t dwell on them. I don’t expect people to understand me, because I’m pretty complex, and I think outside the box with everything I do. I’ve always taken the untraveled path. Obviously, people have their opinions, but I can’t get too wrapped up in that, because I know what I can do, and I know what kind of person I am. And I have no control over what anybody says about me. Back in Sweden, I’m ‘Mr Personality’ in the tabloids, but obviously I can’t take that seriously. I know in my heart that if I do the absolute best I can do, maybe ten years from now people may turn around and say, ‘he wasn’t that bad’.”
Let’s get down to business and listen to some Yngwie tracks.
This is Yngwie Malmsteen playing “Allegro and Adagio” by Paganini with the Japanese Philharmonic Orchestra
While with Alcatrazz, here is “Lost In Hollywood” by Yngwie Malmsteen and Graham Bonnet
This is a real treat: Yngwie Malmsteen and Dio performing Aerosmith’s “Dream On”
The following is an interview with Yngwie Malmsteen and Rick Beato (the human music encyclopedia).
Welcome to Birthday Thursdays! Each week I will feature someone from the world of music whose birthday falls on that day. There won’t be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures – just some great tunes (and an occasional surprise). Check it out right here every Thursday and enjoy the music.
Happy Birthday, Clarence Clemons Born January 11, 1942 Norfolk, Virginia
“You’re a Friend of Mine”~ Clarence Clemons & Friends
“Jungleland”
“Unchain My Heart” ~ Joe Cocker & Clarence Clemons
Our host Glyn says “In the month of January, the Mixed Music Bag theme is to find a group or solo singer beginning with the letter A or B.” I missed last week so I’ll just jump in today.
When I was 14, somebody incredibly cool entered my life; he came and went for a couple of years, never really sticking around very long. He was a 17-year-old beanpole named Steven Tallarico – Google him; I’ll wait.
There were one or two times when I felt like kicking myself for not running off with him but my whole life would have turned out differently and I’m sure not for the better. On my short list of “No Regrets”, that 3-year-period during my teen years would be very near the top.
If you’ve finished Googling, you are now aware that the guy I knew all those years ago as Steven Tallarico is the legendary Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith ….that Boston band with a front man born in The Bronx, NY (my hometown).
I’ve written a story or two about Steven but I’m not here to talk about him. And there’s certainly no need to talk about Aerosmith. To paraphrase Hyman Roth in The Godfather: “They’re bigger than U.S. Steel”.
One of my favorite Aerosmithtunes is “Walk This Way”, written by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, which was originally released as the second single from their album Toys in the Attic (1975). It peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1977, part of a string of successful hit singles for the band in the 1970s.
This song is one of the reasons Toys in the Attic was a must-have for everyone growing up in the 70s. “Walk This Way” has a trademark Joe Perry riff and quite a few of Steven Tyler’s slyest lyrics; it’s a wonder some of his double entendres ever made it onto AM radio. It also became a groundbreaker ten years later when the group re-cut the song with Run-DMC.
Check out Steven’s clever and colorful lyrics as we listen to “Walk This Way” by one of the greatest bands in the US …. Aerosmith!
Lyrics
Backstroke lover always hidin’ ‘neath the cover ‘Till I talked to my daddy, he say He said, “You ain’t seen nothing ‘Till you’re down on a muffin Then you’re sure to be a-changin’ your ways”
I met a cheerleader, was a real young bleeder All the times I can reminisce ‘Cause the best thing lovin’ with her sister and her cousin Only started with a little kiss, like this
See-saw swingin’ with the boys in the school With your feet flyin’ up in the air Singin’ “Hey diddle-diddle with the kitty in the middle Of the swing” like I didn’t care
So I took a big chance at the high school dance With a missy who was ready to play Wasn’t me she was foolin’ ‘Cause she knew what she was doin’ And I know love is here to stay When she told me to
Walk this way, walk this way Walk this way, walk this way Walk this way, walk this way Walk this way, walk this way Ah, just give me a kiss
Like this
School girl sweetie with the classy kinda sassy Little skirt’s climbin’ way up her knees There was three young ladies in the school gym locker When I noticed they was lookin’ at me
I was a high school loser, never made it with a lady ‘Til the boys told me something I missed Then my next door neighbor with a daughter had a favor So I gave her just a little kiss, like this
See-saw swingin’ with the boys in the school With your feet flyin’ up in the air Singin’ “Hey diddle-diddle with the kitty in the middle Of the swing” like I didn’t care
So I took a big chance at the high school dance With a missy who was ready to play Wasn’t me she was foolin’ ‘Cause she knew what she was doin’ When she told me how to walk this way She told me to
Walk this way, walk this way Walk this way, walk this way Walk this way, walk this way Walk this way, talk this way Just give me a kiss
Prompts today from Jim at Song Lyric Sunday and Linda at Daily Prompt – JusJoJan
Today’s challenge from Jim’s Song Lyric Sundayis to write about a song that mentions clothing accessories suggested by Christine of Stine Writingand Miniatures. Now that’s an interesting topic!
I started working on this post a couple of days ago, thinking about “accessories”; at the time I didn’t have Christine’s list of suggestions and some of the items I came up with were shoelaces, hats, ties, scarves, belts, hairpins, assorted jewelry, purses and socks. And that’s where I stopped – at socks. I was curious about that because I thought socks were not considered “accessories” but rather actual articles of clothing. It’s definitely debatable and when I saw them on the list I was thrilled because I had a great song in my head.
And that song is “’I’ve Got a Feeling” by the Beatles. There’s absolutely no need to discuss the group so let’s just get into the song.
“I’ve Got a Feeling” is from the Beatles 1970 album “Let It Be” and was recorded almost 55 years ago on January 30, 1969 during the Beatles’ rooftop concert. It is a combination of two unfinished songs – Paul McCartney’s “I’ve Got a Feeling” and John Lennon’s “Everybody Had a Hard Year”.
McCartney’s unfinished song was written for his girlfriend Linda Eastman and is quite upbeat, telling her that she was the girl he had always wanted. In Lennon’s song, each line begins with the word “everybody” and isn’t as light as Paul’s. John had a bad year: he divorced Cynthia, he and his son Julian became estranged, his girlfriend Yoko Ono had a miscarriage, he was arrested for drug possession, and he was increasingly discontent in the group. Critics called it a “litany” and they were right.
So, “What’s socks got to do with this song?” you ask. Very simple: one line that goes “Everybody pulled their socks up”. Sound familiar? Let’s have a listen:
From that legendary rooftop concert, here are the Beatles with “I’ve Got a Feeling”. I honestly think this is one of the greatest things they ever did. To capture this performance on a roof with no monitors in the freezing cold with the police breathing down their necks is just incredible.
This is “I’ve Got A Feeling” from the Beatles rooftop concert
Lyrics
I’ve got a feeling A feeling deep inside Oh yeah Oh yeah, that’s right I’ve got a feeling A feeling I can’t hide Oh no, no Oh no Oh no
Yeah, yeah I’ve got a feeling, yeah
Oh please believe me I’d hate to miss the train Oh yeah, yeah Oh yeah And if you leave me I won’t be late again Oh no Oh no Oh no
Yeah, yeah I’ve got a feeling, yeah I’ve got a feeling
All these years, I’ve been wanderin’ around Wonderin’ how come nobody told me All that I been lookin’ for was somebody who looked like you
Ooh, I’ve got a feeling That keeps me on my toes Oh yeah Oh yeah I’ve got a feeling I think that everybody knows Oh yeah Oh yeah Oh yeah
Yeah, yeah I’ve got a feeling, yeah Yeah
Everybody had a hard year Everybody had a good time Everybody had a wet dream Everybody saw the sunshine Oh yeah (oh yeah) Oh yeah, oh yeah (yeah) Everybody had a good year Everybody let their hair down Everybody pulled their socks up (yeah) Everybody put their foot down Oh yeah
Yeah Woo
I’ve got a feeling (everybody had a good year) A feeling deep inside (everybody had a hard time) Oh yeah (everybody had a wet dream) Oh yeah (everybody saw the sunshine) I’ve got a feeling (everybody had a good year) A feeling I can’t hide (everybody let their hair down) Oh no (everybody pulled their socks up) Oh no, no (everybody put their foot down, oh yeah) Yeah, yeah
I’ve got a feeling (oh yeah) I’ve got a feeling (oh yeah) I’ve got a feeling Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (Oh my soul, so hard)
No one’s been messing with your devices! Each week Birthday Thursdays will now be seen here on The Elephant’s Trunk where I will feature someone from the world of music who is celebrating a birthday that day. There won’t be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures – just some great tunes (and an occasional surprise). Check it out right here every Thursday and enjoy the music
Happy Birthday to Michael Stipe Born January 4, 1960 in Decatur, Georgia
Today in Song Lyric Sunday, Jim has challenged us to write about a song by an artist or songwriter who passed away in 2023. This is my response.
Tony Bennett, 1926-2023
There aren’t too many people who haven’t heard of Tony Bennett and if you haven’t, there’s plenty of info you can find on Wiki. But perhaps you didn’t know he was born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in the Astoria district of Queens, New York. He was the son of immigrants …. John, a grocer from southern Italy, and Anna, a seamstress. Tony was the baby of the family, with older siblings, Mary and John Jr. With a father who was ailing and unable to work, the children grew up in poverty.
John Sr. instilled in his son a love of art and literature and compassion for human suffering. His father died when Tony was 10 and Anna worked all hours to support her three children. Watching her struggle, Tony made up his mind to be successful enough for his mother’s trials to end. His Uncle Dick, a tap dancer, provided an early glimpse of show business, and Tony was passionate about both singing and painting by the time he attended the School of Industrial Art (now the High School of Art and Design) in Manhattan.
Tony took bellboy jobs before becoming a singing waiter in a restaurant. He sang with army bands during World War II, but he was demoted and assigned to grave digging for fraternizing on Thanksgiving night with a black soldier who had been a schoolfriend. Twenty years after that episode, Tony was marching in Alabama with Martin Luther King. He was moved to become a pacifist following combat in Europe in 1945, an experience he described as “a front-row seat in hell”.
After demobilization, Tony took vocal classes at the American Theatre Wing School; a teacher there suggested he try imitating the phrasing of jazz instrumentalists and he began singing in nightclubs from 1946 under the stage name of Joe Bari. Comedian Bob Hope hired him in 1949 but, disliking the stage name, told him: “We’ll call you Tony Bennett.”
And so it began, the slow climb from “rags to riches”.
However, there’s something you won’t read about Tony Bennett anywhere but here. Read on.
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“Why don’t you invite Tony Bennett to the wedding?”
That’s something you might expect to hear Nancy Sinatra or Billy Joel say – certainly not me! But I did make that suggestion and here’s how it all came about.
It was probably around 2004 when my son, Bill, first met Tony Bennett. I say “first” because Bill had the pleasure of working with Tony numerous times .… at the tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center, the Grammy Awards, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and other gigs.
You see, Bill’s been a camera man/teleprompter for a lot of years; he’s had the great opportunity of working with celebrities ranging from Paul McCartney to Big Bird to Bill Clinton. His jobs are as varied as crayons in a jumbo Crayola box and just as colorful. I’m not going to bore you with names but the list is impressive. That’s how Bill met Tony.
These gigs – many of which are live – don’t happen in just one take. The crew and the performers (or “talent”, as they’re known in the business) can wind up spending a great deal of time on the set – certainly hours, sometimes days. Some performers prefer to remain aloof; others, like Tony Bennett, are the type who pull up a chair in the break room and eat lunch with the crew.
Now I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m bragging but I raised a good son. Bill is a hard worker, agreeable, unassuming, pleasant, good-looking and funny. Tony and Bill enjoyed working with each other very much – so much so that when Tony was asked to perform at the Rockefeller Center tree lighting again in 2005, he requested my son by name.
During down time at a rehearsal two years later (2007), Bill mentioned his upcoming wedding and Tony happened to be within earshot. He came over to congratulate Bill and they talked about “things” for a while. Tony wished Bill “a happy wedding day”, shook his hand and that was that – until I found out about it and I said what any mom would say:
“Why don’t you invite Tony Bennett to the wedding? He just might say ‘yes’.”
I gave Bill an invitation for him to give Tony the next day. He took it and placed it in his backpack …. where it stayed. Let’s just say my son is a bit more circumspect than me; he opted not to impose on Tony and did not extend the invitation. I was a bit bummed out but it was Bill’s decision to make, not mine, and in hindsight it was probably the right decision.
Still …. can you just imagine what a gas it would have been if Tony Bennett had shown up at my son’s wedding?
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Frank Sinatra was a good friend of Tony Bennett and he had a couple of great things to say about him, things like he was “the best singer in the business” and – my personal favorite – “that kid’s got four sets of balls”!
I saw Tony Bennett perform several times. I’ll never forget a concert we went to at Carnegie Hall about 25 years ago. A highlight of the show was when Tony sang “Rags To Riches”, one of his very early hits, without accompaniment or a mic, and we could hear him clear as a bell all the way up in the “nosebleed’ seats! What an amazing set of pipes! I was blown away by that performance.
To celebrate Tony Bennett’s life, his incredible talents and gifts to the world, I have chosen that memorable 70-year-old song. “Rags To Riches” is based on a famous Russian tune called “Volga Melody” (aka “Samara My Lovely”) by Yuri Shchetkov. Tony Bennett did the best-known version in 1953 with Percy Faith and his orchestra. It was #1 for eight weeks on the Billboard chart and became a gold record. It was also featured in the opening sequence of the 1990 film “Goodfellas”.
From 1953, this is “Rags To Riches” by the incomparable Tony Bennett.
Lyrics
I know I’d go from rages to riches If you would only say you care And though, my pocket may be empty I’d be a millionaire
My clothes may still be torn and tattered But in my heart I’d be a king Your love is all that ever mattered It’s everything
So, open your arms and you’ll open the door To every treasure that I’m hoping for Hold me and kiss me, and tell me you’re mine evermore
Must I forever be a beggar Whose golden dreams will not come true? Or will I go from rags to riches? My fate is up to you
Must I forever be a beggar Whose golden dreams will not come true? Or will I go from rags to riches? My fate is up to you
(1953)”Someone Turned The Moon Upside Down” (1953)”Rags To Riches“ (1953)”Stranger In Paradise”
Tony Bennett died at his home in New York City on July 21, 2023, – just two weeks shy of his 97th birthday – following a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His family said he kept singing right up to the end. Tony will never be forgotten and has been hailed as the “champion” and “legendary interpreter” of the Great American Songbook.
Thank you for sharing in my tribute to Tony Bennett and “Rags To Riches”. Rest easy, Tony. As Bob Hope used to say, “Thanks for the memories”.
Today at The Rhythm Section I have posted my final edition of Name That Tune. Why not stop by for one last spin of the disc? https://rhythmsection.blog//
It’s Christmastime today at Song Lyric Sunday, my favorite time of the year!
One of the greatest personal moments in music is when I hear an instrumental and the combined qualities of that piece get my imagination going to the point where I see an entire story unfolding. Surely it happens quite often with classical pieces since most are instrumental.
So where am I going with this? Well, in his post today, Jim asked what our favorite Christmas song is and mine happens to be an instrumental. From the first notes to the last, as the excitement builds, this song is, for me, the epitome of Christmas. Yes, there is a version with lyrics and they’re pretty good ones, but I prefer the original instrumental. Can you guess which song I’m talking about? Hang on a bit longer, please, and I’ll play it at the end of this post. First, I want to talk about something else.
Today in Song Lyric Sunday, the suggestion for “Anything Christmas” comes from our friend Clive at Take It Easy.
Since I’m The Sicilian Storyteller it should be obvious that I am extremely proud of my heritage. I want to say “Mille grazie, Jim & Clive” for the opportunity to play some Italian Christmas songs and to wish our readers “Buon Natale e felice anno nuovo a tutti!”
My first song for today’s “Anything Christmas” prompt is a fun Italian/American favorite Christmas song.
“Dominick the Donkey” is a novelty Christmas song recorded by Lou Monte in 1960 (written by Ray Allen, Sam Saltzberg and Wandra Merrell). This beloved Italian Christmas song describes a donkey who helps Santa Claus bring presents (made in Brooklyn, of all places!) to children in Italy “because the reindeer cannot climb” Italy’s hills. The song was listed at No. 14 in Billboard’s “Bubbling Under the Hot 100” list in December 1960.
Lou Monte was an Italian-American singer best known for a number of best-selling, Italian themed novelty records which he recorded for both RCA Records and Reprise Records in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He also recorded on Roulette Records, Jubilee Records, Regalia Records, Musicor Records, Laurie Records, and AFE Records.
Let’s have a little fun with Lou Monte and “Dominick The Donkey”.
Then, while surfing the net, I found this. There wasn’t much info, just what the composer/singer offered up. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did, even if you’re not Italian …. AYYY!
“The Other Italian Christmas Song” by Eddie Napilillo
I stayed up all night and wrote this so people could enjoy it this Christmas! It’s kind of an Adam Sandler Hanukkah Chanukah Song parody. It was fun making it and clearly expresses that everyone, all religions ethnicities and beliefs, is welcome in an Italian family home at Christmas! Merry Christmas everybody! Peace and love to you and your families! Please forgive my lyric reading and sloppy playing!!! I mispronounced some names too… lol.. No Mic, no reverb or affects, just iMovie, an iSight camera, and a $20 acoustic guitar. – Eddie Napolillo
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From the ridiculous to the sublime …. my next song for you today is a traditional Italian Christmas carol called “Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle” (“From Starry Skies Thou Comest”) or, more colloquially, “You come down from the stars”, written in 1732.
The melody and original lyrics for the hymn were written by Alphonsus Liguori, a prominent Neapolitan priest and scholastic philosopher (later canonized) who founded the Redemptorist missionary order. While staying at Convent of the Consolation, one of his order’s houses in the province of Foggia in southeastern Italy, he wrote the beautiful Christmas song, “Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle”. Over the years, this song became the most popular Christmas carol in Italy.
Many artists have recorded this carol and they are all lovely. In my opinion no one sings it more sweetly than the great Andrea Bocelli; it is his version I have chosen for you today. If you would like to follow along, I have provided the lyrics in both Italian and English.
Here is Andrea Bocelli with “Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle”
LYRICS
You come down from the stars, O King of heaven Tu scendi dalle stelle, o Re del cielo
And come to a cave in the cold and frost E vieni in una grotta al freddo e al gelo
And come to a cave in the cold and frost E vieni in una grotta al freddo e al gelo
O my divine Child, I see you here trembling O Bambino mio divino, io ti vedo qui a tremar
O blessed God O Dio beato
Ah, how much it cost you to have loved us Ah, quanto ti costò l’averci amato
Ah, how much it cost you to have loved us Ah, quanto ti costò l’averci amato
To you, who are the Creator of the world A te, che sei del mondo il Creatore
Clothes and fire are missing, oh my Lord Mancano panni e fuoco, o mio Signore
Clothes and fire are missing, oh my Lord Mancano panni e fuoco, o mio Signore
Dear chosen little child, how much this poverty Caro eletto pargoletto quanto questa povertà
The more I fall in love Più m’innamora
Since he made you poor love again Giacché ti fece amor povero ancora
Since he made you poor love again Giacché ti fece amor povero ancora
Oh, did you think I forgot about my favorite Christmas song? Never! Did you guess what that song is? Well, let’s play it now and we’ll see if you were right. Here is the incredible Boston Pops Orchestra with its awesome rendition of “Sleigh Ride”.
Seventy-five years after Leroy Anderson created “Sleigh Ride” (1948), the song is still ranked as one of the 10 most popular pieces of Christmas music worldwide!
Thanks to Jim at Song Lyrics Sunday for always coming up with great prompts and to Clive for his suggestion today of “Anything Christmas”. Merry Christmas to all; may your day be joyous and wonderful and filled with terrific music!
Today at Song Lyric Sunday, Jim is asking us to choose a song that was recorded in one take. Ok, let’s do it!
In my mind, I can’t imagine anyone not being a Beatles fan …. not to the exclusion of all other bands, mind you …. just an ordinary fan. With that thought in mind, I’m sure you’re all eager to know that the Beatles recorded not one but four songs in one take. The amazing thing about that is the lead singer for each of the four songs was a different Beatle!
Let’s see which four songs were recorded in just one take and who sang which song:
On February 11, 1963, Ringo took lead vocals for the first time on “Boys”, a hit song for the Shirelles written in 1960 by Luther Dixon and Wes Farrell. As usual, Ringo also played the drums. On that day the Beatles recorded ten songs for the first album “Please Please Me”, which was released on March 22, 1963.
Next up is Paul. On March 1, 1964, he did his greatest Little Richard impression on “Long Tall Sally” with George Martin joining in on piano. The song was written by session musician Henry Strzelecki and originally released in 1959. The Beatles version was released on June 1, 1964 on a 4-song EP that included “Matchbox’, “I Call Your Name” and “Slow Down”.
On October 18, 1964, George sang lead on a cover of the Carl Perkins song “Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby”, originally written way back in 1936 by Rex Griffin. The take was so well done, there was no need for another. That was a very productive recording session, with the Beatles completing three songs in just five takes!
The last of the songs is one by John singing “Rock and Roll Music”, which Chuck Berry wrote and recorded in 1957. George Martin once again joined in on the piano (as he often did); it was such a clean and crisp recording, only one take was needed.
Nothing new here for the Beatles; they had performed all these songs in their Hamburg days so the group was used to playing them. Yes, you’re right if you’re saying “But, Nancy … Ringo wasn’t in Hamburg– Pete Best was the Beatles drummerback then“. And I would reply that Ringo had sung “Boys” with his previous band so it was only natural that he be given the lead for that song again with the Beatles. These songs were also Rock & Roll or Rockabilly covers – a genre the Beatles loved to listen to and play, which they did with extreme ease.
Many people mistakenly believe that the Beatles routinely recorded songs in one take when in reality it happened only four times in their entire career. Let’s listen to my favorite of the four “one take” songs …. John’s version of “Rock and Roll Music” from “Beatles For Sale”.
Rock And Roll Music (Remastered 2009) The Beatles Beatles For Sale
Written by: ChuckBerry Recorded: October 18, 1964 Producer: George Martin Engineer: Norman Smith Released: December 4, 1964 (UK),December 15, 1961 (US) Available on: Beatles For Sale Anthology 2 Live At The BBC
Personnel John Lennon: vocals, rhythm guitar, piano Paul McCartney: bass guitar, piano George Harrison: acoustic guitar Ringo Starr: drums George Martin: piano
Today in Song Lyric Sunday Jim is challenging us to write about a killer album closer. Here’s my response:
Say “hello” to my little friend. This is Eddie, the official mascot for Iron Maiden. Eddie is a perennial fixture of the group’s artwork, appearing on all their album covers and merchandise, which includes T-shirts, posters and action figures. Eddie, AKA Eddie the Head, made his debut February 8, 1980.
There are metal singers and then there are METAL SINGERS. Bruce Dickinson, without a single solitary doubt in my mind, falls into the latter category. He is among the best of the best!
“Hallowed Be Thy Name,” the end track from the epic “The Number of The Beast” album, is not only one of Iron Maiden’s best songs, it’s one of the greatest metal tracks of all-time, period. The epic 7+ minute track instantly became a mainstay at live shows and has been covered by numerous artists, including Dream Theater and Machine Head.
Allmusic describes it as “perhaps the most celebrated of the band’s extended epics; it’s the tale of a prisoner about to be hanged, featuring some of Harris’ most philosophical lyrics.” Several band-members have since stated that it is one of their favorite tracks, with Bruce Dickinson describing it as “fantastic” and that performing it live is like “narrating a movie to the audience.”
On the evening of October 2, 1982, my mister and I hired a babysitter for our boys and drove into Manhattan for one of our final rock concerts. It had been a while. Now that we had kids, who knew when we would be able to have this experience again. We were all grown up with a different set of priorities but this was one event we could not miss. Performing that night at Madison Square Garden were two British groups Bill and I didn’t have a chance to see B.K. (Before Kids).
The concert tour was called “Beast On the Road” and the two groups were Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. It was incredible and the closing song sounded a lot like this:
“Hallowed Be Thy Name” by Iron Maiden
Lyrics
I’m waiting in my cold cell when the bell begins to chime Reflecting on my past life and it doesn’t have much time ‘Cause at 5 o’clock, they take me to the Gallows Pole The sands of time for me are running low Running low, yeah!
When the priest comes to read me the last rites Take a look through the bars at the last sights Of a world that has gone very wrong for me
Can it be that there’s some sort of error? Hard to stop the surmounting terror Is it really the end, not some crazy dream?
Somebody, please tell me that I’m dreaming It’s not easy to stop from screaming The words escape me when I try to speak Tears flow, but why am I crying? After all, I’m not afraid of dying Don’t I believe that there never is an end?
As the guards march me out to the courtyard Somebody cries from a cell, “God be with you” If there’s a God, why has he let me go?
As I walk, my life drifts before me Though the end is near I’m not sorry Catch my soul, it’s willing to fly away
Mark my words, believe my soul lives on Don’t worry now that I have gone I’ve gone beyond to seek the truth
When you know that your time is close at hand Maybe then you’ll begin to understand Life down here is just a strange illusion
Yeah-yeah-yeah, hallowed be thy name Yeah-yeah-yeah, hallowed by thy name
It’s only fitting that we conclude this week of “All Things George” with one of my favorite George Harrison songs.
“Taxman” was the sixth song by George to appear on a Beatles album; out of all the Beatles songs combined (not counting solo work), only 22 were written by George. “Taxman” was released as the opening track on “Revolver” in 1966. It’s a powerful piece of guitar rock with a sexy beat that dives into psychedelic rock.
Written from the perspective of a federal agent, the song sarcastically attacks the high levels of progressive tax taken by the British government of then Prime Minister Harold Wilson.
Early on, the press called the Beatles millionaires; they were so naïve, they didn’t realize their millions were earnings, not assets, and they needed to set aside a lot of those earnings for taxes. They were never happy about that and that’s why George wrote “Taxman”. They’d been poor boys who worked hard to make their money and now someone was trying to take it away …. something we can all relate to.
This song named names and pointed fingers; it’s down and dirty, gritty and sexy, and I didn’t need any more convincing that George had it going on. This song bashed me over the head like a caveman and dragged me home by the hair …. and I loved it.
From 1966’s Revolver, with superb artwork by the brilliant Klaus Voormann, this is the gritty, sexy, down and dirty “Taxman”.
Lyrics
One, two, three, four One, two (one, two, three, four)
Let me tell you how it will be There’s one for you, nineteen for me ‘Cause I’m the taxman Yeah, I’m the taxman
Should five percent appear too small Be thankful I don’t take it all ‘Cause I’m the taxman Yeah, I’m the taxman
I’ll tax the street (If you try to sit, sit) I’ll tax your seat (If you get too cold, cold) I’ll tax the heat (If you take a walk, walk) I’ll tax your feet (Taxman)
‘Cause I’m the taxman Yeah, I’m the taxman
Don’t ask me what I want it for (Ah, ah, Mr. Wilson) If you don’t want to pay some more (Ah, ah, Mr. Heath) ‘Cause I’m the taxman Yeah, I’m the taxman
Now my advice for those who die (taxman) Declare the pennies on your eyes (taxman) ‘Cause I’m the taxman Yeah, I’m the taxman And you’re working for no one but me (taxman)
After a couple of discreet contributions to “Help!”, George really started taking his revenge with “Rubber Soul” and began to show his enormous capacity as a songwriter. With this new-found theme, George was on his way to surpassing himself on each upcoming album.
I thought I couldn’t dig George any more than I already did, but when this song came out in 1965, I realized I was wrong. I was under his spell!
In his 1980 autobiography, “I, Me, Mine”, George recalls a little about the inspiration behind “Think for Yourself”. He said that his intention was to target narrow-minded thinking and identified the British government as a possible source. Partly as a result of the vagueness of his comments, the song has been interpreted as both a political commentary and a statement on a failing personal relationship.
The song reflects the influence of Bob Dylan; just as their songs had encouraged Dylan to embrace rock music, Dylan’s work inspired the Beatles (and particularly George, as a budding songwriter), to address more sophisticated concepts than the standard love song. Some critics likened “Think For Yourself” to Dylan’s “Positively 4th Street” …. not too shabby a comparison!
From 1965’s fantastic “Rubber Soul”, this is the impressive, heavy-hitting “Think For Yourself”.
Lyrics
I’ve got a word or two To say about the things that you do You’re telling all those lies About the good things that we can have If we close our eyes
Do what you want to do And go where you’re going to Think for yourself ‘Cause I won’t be there with you
I left you far behind The ruins of the life that you had in mind And though you still can’t see I know your mind’s made up You’re gonna cause more misery
Do what you want to do And go where you’re going to Think for yourself ‘Cause I won’t be there with you
Although your mind’s opaque Try thinking more if just for your own sake The future still looks good And you’ve got time to rectify All the things that you should
Do what you want to do And go where you’re going to Think for yourself ‘Cause I won’t be there with you
Do what you want to do And go where you’re going to Think for yourself ‘Cause I won’t be there with you Think for yourself ‘Cause I won’t be there with you
Continuing with my “All Things George Week”, today I have for you the 2nd of George’s Beatles’ songs. If you remember from yesterday, his first song was written in 1963; it took another 2 years for George to get the much-coveted nod from Lennon and McCartney.
Recorded in 1965, this song appears in the Beatles’ film “Help!” in a scene filmed on Salisbury Plain (a chalk plateau in southern England covering 300 square miles) where the group was under military protection from a murderous cult. Ooh, very exciting!
The song is “I Need You”, originally written by George for Pattie Boyd, the English model/actress he married in January 1966, breaking millions of girl’s hearts around the world.
From the Beatles’ album, “Help!”, this is George Harrison’s “I Need You”. There’s not a single thing wrong with a George Harrisong!
Lyrics
You don’t realize how much I need you Love you all the time, never leave you Please come on back to me I’m lonely as can be I need you
Said you had a thing or two to tell me How was I to know you would upset me? I didn’t realize as I looked in your eyes You told me, oh, yes, you told me You don’t want my lovin’ anymore
That’s when it hurt me And feeling like this I just can’t go on anymore
Please remember how I feel about you I could never really live without you So, come on back and see Just what you mean to me I need you
But when you told me You don’t want my lovin’ anymore That’s when it hurt me And feeling like this I just can’t go on anymore
Please remember how I feel about you I could never really live without you So, come on back and see Just what you mean to me
The Elephant's Trunk 