It’s been some time since I took part in the Song Lyric Sunday Challenge, in fact, it was even longer ago than I realised! I’ve not taken part since the 13th of February. Time flies by, it’s about time I took part again. It’s a fantastic challenge, hosted by Jim Adams.
The Last time I took part, the theme was songs that feature lyrics with the contractions of Can’t, Don’t, Shouldn’t, Won’t.
So, in my usual way, I turn to a golden oldie rather than something that’s been in the charts recently. This one is probably a very obvious one considering the prompt and I probably won’t be the only one to choose this song but I had to choose it. It dates from 1971.
The sone, The Candyman, was written for the film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Anthony Newley had been a child actor in the UK and had also written songs and released singles and had been in the Rex Harrison version of Dr. Doolittle. He had also been married to the actress of Dynasty fame, Joan Collins. He co-wrote this song but was not happy with the version sung in the film and he released his own version shortly afterwards.
Then the following year, Sammy Davis Junior released his version of this song and it became a huge hit for him.
I tried to find these three versions for you so you can compare and contrast them.
I hope you enjoyed these contrasting versions. Oh, and if you are interested my favourite candy bar is called a Crunchy. I don’t know if that is available in the US, but it’s fantastic.
It’s Valentine’s Day again, gosh that comes round quick. I cherish people every day of the year and not just today but it’s hard not to get swept up in the vibe.
I wanted to share a link to a post, a comedy poem I wrote a couple of years ago that hopefully will make you chuckle. 🙂
I had a good think about the theme this week, and like others was torn with angst about trying to choose something less obvious. In keeping with my usual taste in music, which is towards those golden oldies of the past, I have chosen a song that encapsulates the theme, and also it’s a song that may not be that well known but is beautifully poignant. A song made famous by Gerry and the Pacemakers in the 1960s in the UK with the apt title “Don’t Let the Sun Catch you Crying”, and the soulful melody and lyrics often mean you’re in danger of doing that very thing. It’s a definite tear-jerker. You’ll catch the thread of the story the lyrics convey, it’s basically that rubbish things happen, have a good cry but don’t cry for too long, pick yourself up and then keep on living. It’s a good message but not one we are always in a good place to hear.
Lyrics
Don’t let the sun catch you cryin’ The night’s the time for all your tears Your heart may be broken tonight But tomorrow in the morning light Don’t let the sun catch you cryin’
The night-time shadows disappear And with them go all your tears For the morning will bring joy For every girl and boy So don’t let the sun catch you cryin’
We know that cryin’s not a bad thing But stop your cryin’ when the birds sing
It may be hard to discover That you’ve been left for another But don’t forget that love’s a game And it can always come again Oh don’t let the sun catch you cryin’ Don’t let the sun catch you cryin’, oh no Oh, oh, oh
Songwriters: Fred Marsden / Gerry Marsden / Les Chadwick / Patrick Maguire
The Song was written by the members of the band in 1964 and originally released in February by another artist but it failed to chair, then in April 1964 the Band released it themselves and it went to number 6 in the UK charts.
Gerry and the Pacemakers performed the song on their first US television show, The Ed Sullivan Show on 3 May 1964. The group’s earlier UK hit singles – “How Do You Do It?“, “I Like It“, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “I’m the One” – were then reissued in the US to follow up its success, but “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” remained their biggest hit in the United States
I have to say, the theme this week is absolutely brilliant! It sent my mind whirring as there are so many great films with some fantastic music. I was faced with a quandary. Should I go with something more traditional, like Moon-River by Henry Mancini, sung by Danny Williams for the film but also performed brilliantly by Andy Williams? Or Should I go with Ennio Morricone and use Gabriel’s Oboe from the Mission? Then I remembered one of my favourite Actresses who is also a Singer, someone who I have been surreptitious about being a fan of in the past, has often sung a song in a film that has become a hit. The person I refer to is Cher.
When this particular song came out, I used to dance along to it, secretly in my room, watching like a hawk to make sure no one could see me. I was never the cool kid at school, but my one consolation was I had no pressure to act cool, if I did something weird like sing along to Cher, then I had no street cred to lose.
The one i’ve chosen is The Shoop Shoop Song, that was featured in the film “Mermaids”.
The film came out in 1990 with Cher in the main role along with Bob Hoskins. Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci played her daughters. Set in the 1960’s the film was about a young single mother with two kids who move to Massachusetts.
The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss) was written by Rudy Clark and first released in 1963 by Merry Clayton but it didn’t chart. It was later recorded by Betty Everrett in 1964 who had a hit. It was later recorded by other artists and then Cher’s version for the film Mermaids became a number one hit in the UK, only her second since Sonny and Cher “I’ve got you, Babe”. Apparently in the US, it did not do quite as well. It may not be a majority view, but I consider Cher a fantastic actress. Her performance in the film Tea with Mussolini is my particular favourite of her roles.
The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)
Does he love me, I wanna know How can I tell if he loves me so?
Oh, no, you’ll be decieved (Is it in his sighs?) Oh, no he’ll make believe If you wanna know (Shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop) If he loves you so (Shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop) It’s in his kiss
(That’s where it is, oh yeah)Oh no, it’s just his charms (In his warm embrace?) OH no, that’s just his arms If you wanna know (Shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop) If he loves you so (Shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop) It’s in his kiss (That’s where it is) Oh, it’s in his kiss
(That’s where it is)Whoa, Hug him and squeeze him tight Find out what you wanna know If it’s love, if it really is It’s there in his kiss
Oh no, that’s not the way You’re not listenin’ to all I said If you wanna know (Shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop) If he loves you so (Shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop) It’s in his kiss (That’s where it is) Oh, It’s in his kiss (That’s where it is)
Whoa, Hug him and squeeze him tight Find out what you wanna know If it’s love, if it really is It’s there in his kiss
Oh no, that’s not the way You’re not listenin’ to all I said If you wanna know (Shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop) If he loves you so (Shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop) It’s in his kiss (That’s where it is)
Oh, It’s in his kiss (That’s where it is) Oh, yeah it’s in his kiss (It’s in his kiss) (That’s where it is) Ooh, it’s in his kiss (It’s in his kiss) That’s where it is
It’s in his kiss That’s where it is Ooh, it’s in his kiss That’s where it is Ooh, oh it’s in his kiss Oh, oh, it’s in the kiss That’s where it is That’s where it is
I must admit that the theme for this week forced me to think about a topic I try to ignore, that of death. It was quite debilitating but with dogged determination, I considered the options that were out there. Songs about death often come at the topic in a gentle, euphemistic way, describing someone resting or asleep. The emotions expressed often comprise an element of regret or a wish to see that person again in the future. I finally chose a song that doesn’t skimp on tugging at those heartstrings. “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor was written in 1969 and released in August 1970.
The song follows Taylor’s reaction to the suicide of Suzanne Schnerr, a childhood friend, and his experiences with drug addiction and fame.
Lyrics
Just yesterday mornin’, they let me know you were gone Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song I just can’t remember who to send it to
I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend But I always thought that I’d see you again
Won’t you look down upon me, Jesus? You’ve got to help me make a stand You’ve just got to see me through another day My body’s aching and my time is at hand And I won’t make it any other way
Oh, I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend But I always thought that I’d see you again
Been walking my mind to an easy time My back turned towards the sun Lord knows, when the cold wind blows It’ll turn your head around Well, there’s hours of time on the telephone line To talk about things to come Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground
Oh, I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend But I always thought that I’d see you, baby One more time again, now Thought I’d see you one more time again There’s just a few things coming my way this time around, now Thought I’d see you, thought I’d see you, fire and rain, now
Last week I took part in this fantastic challenge, the theme was songs that feature lyrics of Concern, Fear, Fret, Worry suggested by Fandango of This, That and the Other.
The first song that came to mind, and I’m sure will come to others, is that perennial Karaoke classic song recorded in December 1967 by Tom Jones, entitled “Delilah”. The lyrics were written by Barry Mason, and the music by Les Reed.
I had the pleasure of going to a University in Wales and every weekend you could hear this song being played or sung and it was a great crowd-pleaser. Everyone sang along to it.
Lyrics
I saw the light on the night that I passed by her window I saw the flickering shadows of love on her blind She was my woman As she deceived me, I watched and went out of my mind
My, my, my, Delilah Why, why, why, Delilah I could see, that girl was no good for me But I was lost like a slave that no man could free
At break of day when that man drove away, I was waiting I crossed the street to her house and she opened the door She stood there laughing I felt the knife in my hand and she laughed no more
My, my, my, Delilah Why, why, why, Delilah So before they come to break down the door Forgive me Delilah, I just couldn’t take anymore
She stood there laughing I felt the knife in my hand and she laughed no more
My, my, my, Delilah Why, why, why, Delilah So before they come to break down the door Forgive me, Delilah, I just couldn’t take anymore Forgive me, Delilah, I just couldn’t take anymore
The second song that came to mind, was the song by a group called Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark, entitled Enola Gay. Now you may think “What on earth has this song got to do with the theme”, but the song was actually an anti-war/anti-nuclear weapon song. I think you can glean the message from the words, particularly once you know that the Enola Gay was the name of the plane that dropped the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima and the “little boy” mentioned in the lyrics was the code name for the bomb itself. It sends shivers down your spine the instant when you become fully aware of the meaning behind the words, doesn’t it?
I can’t believe it but even though the Song Lyric Sunday Challenge is one of my favourite challenges, I’ve not taken part since the 12th of December! How very remiss of me.
The Last time I took part, the theme was songs that include nonsense lyrics suggested by Amy Braun, ai love music aisasami.
The Song Lyric Sunday Challenge this week the theme is songs that feature lyrics of Concern, Fear, Fret, Worry suggested by Fandango of This, That and the Other.
Click on the link below to see Jim Adam’s post and to take part in the challenge.
Anyone who knows me knows that my musical tastes tend towards the old-fashioned or classical. If I can thrust a musical song into my posts then I tend to do so with gusto.
For the theme of Fear, Worry, Concern, Fret. I instantly thought of two musical numbers that have the same theme, feel the fear but don’t let it rule you or stop you from setting out to explore the possibilities out there. Coincidentally they were both written by the same artists, the brilliant writing due to Rodgers and Hammerstein who were clearly at the top of the pole when it came to musical writing talent.
The first song I’ve chosen comes from the musical The King and I and is entitled “Whenever I Feel Afraid”.
The Musical first appeared on stage in 1951 and the role of Anna Leonowens was performed by Gertrude Lawrence. When it transferred to film in 1956, Deborah Kerr was chosen and is often attributed as the singer of this song. However Hollywood had a habit of choosing leading ladies for their acting ability and their public profile rather than their singing ability and simply secretly dubbing their voices. Marni Nixon was the voice of Deborah Kerr here. She was also the voice of Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady and Natalie Wood in West Side Story. Deborah Kerr actually spilled the beans about Marni Nixon’s fantastic contribution to musical history.
Whenever I feel afraid I hold my head erect And whistle a happy tune So no one will suspect I’m afraid
While shivering in my shoes I strike a careless pose And whistle a happy tune And no one ever knows I’m afraid
The result of this deception Is very strange to tell For when I fool the people I fear I fool myself as well!
I whistle a happy tune And ev’ry single time The happiness in the tune Convinces me that I’m not afraid
Make believe you’re brave And the trick will take you far. You may be as brave As you make believe you are
You may be as brave As you make believe you are
[Louis]
While shivering in my shoes I strike a careless pose And whistle a happy tune And no one ever knows, I’m afraid
[Louis and anna]
The result of this deception Is very strange to tell For when I fool the people I fear I fool myself as well!
I whistle a happy tune And ev’ry single time The happiness in the tune Convinces me that I’m not afraid
Make believe you’re brave And the trick will take you far You may be as brave As you make believe you are…
The second song that I’ve chosen is surely the Maximal when it comes to big musical numbers. It was so powerful that it’s been adopted as an anthem and a theme, including for Liverpool Football Club. It speaks of holding your head high as you walk through a storm. I imagine someone about to walk through flames and rather fearing they are inflammable, believe themselves impervious, and walk through safely encased in an armour of their own self-belief.
Written for the musical Carousel in 1945 by Rodgers and Hammerstein. The film version came out in 1956. It is unusual for a big musical number that it wasn’t sung by the main character. In the film, it was sung by Americal Contalto Claramae Turner who played the role of the main character’s Cousin, who is an older, motherly figure to Julie Jordan (played by Shirley Jones), a young girl who has fallen for a bit of a rogue.
You’ll Never Walk Alone
When you walk through a storm Hold your head up high And don’t be afraid of the dark
At the end of a storm There’s a golden sky And the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind Walk on through the rain Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on With hope in your heart And you’ll never walk aloneYou’ll never walk alone
Walk on, walk on With hope in your heart And you’ll never walk alone
She sat upright on the sofa, as was her habit. Her mother had always made her sit upright and at moments like these, she was grateful. It helped keep her together, keep her from slumping down into a heap. In one hand she grasped the photo frame. It was an old photograph of her husband and no one would have recognised him from it, but she remembered. In her mind, he hadn’t changed, not until the very last.
She had put on the old record. It was an old song, but it had meant so much to them both. It had been their first dance at their wedding, and just last year at their golden wedding anniversary they’d danced it again, not quite a deftly, but with just as much love in their eyes. It was their song.
Johnny Mathis’s golden tones rang out from the speakers, singing “Chances Are”.
She held the photograph to her heart and said a final goodbye.
This story was written for the Word of the Day: Chances and the Ragtag Daily Prompt: Song
Last week I took part in Jim Adam’s Song Lyric Sunday Challenge, the theme was songs that are about House, Room, Kitchen, Shower, Attic also suggested by Paula of Light Motifs II.
When thinking about the songs that are out there with unintelligible lyrics I wanted to post something a bit different, something profound, something Christmassy, except I couldn’t think of anything. I did remember that I was introduced a while back to the extremely unusual vocal talents of Yma Sumac, who could sing 5 octaves! She sang with lots of growling and strange sounds, some of which are possibly Quencha, as she was known as the Peruvian Songbird. She also had a distinctive look, I can’t make up my mind if she looks frosty or smoldering?
I couldn’t find any website that showed the lyrics and so I’m inclined to think that there aren’t any real lyrics, it certainly sounds like nonsense but it is also strangely compelling. The word Obfuscate, meaning unclear, obscure or unintelligible certainly applies to this!
Tales from the mind of Kristian 