Yes, but what are the lyrics?

On two occasions this week I’ve learnt new lyrics in 2 different songs.

For years I’ve not known what the words were in one line of the first song and in the second song it would seem that I was taught the “wrong” words or maybe an alternative version.

The first mysterious line, that is now clear to me, is from the song “Down on the Corner” by Credence Clearwater Revival. This puzzle was solved when we were watching the current television programme “The Sing Off”. I love this programme that is made in America and features very talented groups singing Accapella in a competition setting.

One of the groups sang “Down on the Corner” with such technique and clarity that I heard the actual words “Bring a nickel, tap your feet” as the final line in the chorus.

Then, at my grandson’s Parent as First Teachers yesterday I read the words of the children’s song “Galoop, went the little green frog.” And I discovered that the line I had been taught was NOT “The all-night frogs go [Clap] La de da de da” but “We all know frogs go [clap] La de da de da.”

I had always imagined a funky group of frogs, who clapped and sang all night when I was singing this ditty.

I think I prefer the version I learnt but I did have to laugh over this confusion and if my grandchildren learn a version different to “my” one I’ll swap to that.

Do you have a funny story to share about song lyrics gone wrong or not understood?

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End of year report

Most noted award goes to Mother Nature in 2011. Relentless earthquakes continue to rock Christchurch. One major quake claimed a large number of lives, while many have caused extensive damage and destruction.

In NZ we also experienced volcanic ash clouds, flooding, tornadoes and we watched in horror as tsunami killed tens of thousands in Japan. On the flip side it has been a surprisingly calm year where I live with gale force winds being much rarer than usual.

One word to describe 2011 = Draining – mentally, emotionally and physically.

Achievements of the year:
 Beginning to blog again and meeting friends from other blogs. Sort of cyber pen pals.
 Decluttering a junk room which is now a bedroom of sorts
 Learning more about digital photography
 Pursuing creative hobbies, such as knitting, sewing, family heirloom recipe books and gardening
 Strengthening relationships

Music award for 2011 goes to the community group we sing with. The fun, fellowship and joy of sharing our singing has helped fill our tanks.

Academic awards go to three family members this year: a Certificate, a Diploma and adjunct Certificate and a Degree were all completed.

The Courage award is shared this year by 2 family members. One who recovered from major surgery and the other who faces more surgery in 2012.

It is also awarded post-humously to our cat who had had frequent visits to the vet, tests, scans, interventions, and medication but whose life was ended with mercy and love on December 22, 2011.

The “take courage” baton is now resting with our other cat as he comes to terms with the loss of his brother and constant companion of 13 years.

Highlight of the Year has to be the 4 days of family, fun and excitement in December. Our youngest son married on Xmas eve in the most beautiful weather – hot, sunny and calm. You will note the cabbage trees in the photo taken at the Reception venue are not moving. That is the rarest of rare things!

We spent Christmas and Boxing Day with family and new family by marriage.

And in the wee small hours on December 27th our new granddaughter was born. Mum and baby well.

Works in progress for 2012:
 More tidying and Decluttering
 Income generation based from home for me
 Keeping resolve, resilience and relationships to the fore.

Happy New Year everyone!

Happy Birthday Bob and some nostalgia

I see by the news that it is Bob Dylan’s 70th birthday today and also that a friend on Facebook asked the question today: “What was the first piece of music that you bought for yourself?”

I think I bought a 45rpm record of Bobby Vee singing “The Night has a Thousand Eyes”……some time in 1967 when I had enough money to pay for it myself.   I recall the Big girls at primary school dancing to the early Beatles hits and Bob Dylan’s “Blow’in in the Wind” was around too.

I also remember more vividly my younger brother buying “On the Road again”, by Canned Heat in 1967 or ’68.  He used some money he had been given for his birthday.  Our mother was horrified at his purchase and marched him and the record back to the shop and insisted that it be returned.  She very obviously felt that a 10 year old did not need “pop” music at that age!  We were so disappointed as we loved that song.

I also recall listening on my small transistor radio at night to Pirate Radio station, Radio Hauraki which was the one place we could hear all the latest music off the Pop Charts.

What songs did you grow up listening to?  And do you recall the first piece of music that you bought for yoursef?

Fun and Games

A few years ago I was challenged by someone to consider how I played and had fun.   I had a few ideas about what I did but the question piqued my interest about what other adult women did to play and have fun.  I sent this question to 18 women of varying ages and I received 10 responses.

Many women reported the following as ways to play and have fun:   Music, singing and dancing; reading books or magazines; playing with their own children or other people’s children;  enjoying pets; nature based activities, such as beach walking, picking flowers, skipping stones; shopping both browsing and purchasing; spending time with others, having a meal together, sharing experiences, new places to visit, visiting friends, playing tricks and pranks on friends, or simply blobbing out with a preferred person.

Being able to feel free enough to really express ourselves in a joyful happy way without the burden of responsibilities and worries, even for brief moments is a healthy thing to do for ourselves.

Tomorrow I will post a list of other fun and playful things the women mentioned in their replies.

If it is Tuesday it must be singing

I belong to a local singing group.  We meet for 8 weeks every school term and there are four of those.  We meet from 7.30 until 8.45pm on a Tuesday night.  The only requirement for joining this group is that you like to sing.  No auditions, no ability to read music, just a desire to sing with others.  So for a nominal fee, around $6 per session I get to sing a range of  music with a great group of people, led by a talented and funny guy.

The age range in the group is from 12 to possibly 80 years of age.  Our musical leader has the group divided into those who like to sing high, or low and then the rest of us are middles.  Keep it simple and it works brilliantly.   He adds in “keep it friendly” and every session we have a couple of short breaks from singing to say hello and catch up with the people sitting near by.

Twice each term we sing while enjoying supper together.  We also get to sing out in public.  The group sings once at year at the Wellington Railway Station for the evening commuters.  This term we are scheduled to sing at the Wellington Airport for those flying at dinner time.  Other singing get-togethers in various locations and for various reasons are also arranged.

Do we sound good?  Yes, a lot of the time.  Do we make mistakes?  Yes, especially when a song is new but also when we have practiced and practiced.  Do we laugh a lot?  Oh yes!!!

Most people in the group would say that singing each week is the highlight of their working week.  For 75 minutes on a Tuesday night all the stresses, troubles and cares in our lives evaporate and we leave feeling relaxed and much better prepared to face the world.

It is a very simple formula and it works a treat.