For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a rock star. When I was a kid I made up this sweet song called, “You Left Me At the Taras” which was a classic, run-of-the-mill, broken-heart love song, set in a less than classy (think Moe’s Tavern) real-live establishment in my hometown. The song was more than vaguely spirited from a tune (which does have a name although it eludes me right now) by Connie Francis, who, given my time-warped childhood was like my version of Lady Ga Ga. The song told the sad tale of a lady who took her lover to the Taras and introduced him to her best friend…. Ahh what the hell, let me share some of my 8 year old lyrical genius with you, you’re clearly dying to hear it, but please don’t take advantage of the fact they have not been copyrighted (seriously, be prepared to be blown away):
“You left me at the Taras, at the Taras, at the Taras, You left me at the Taras, on a Sunday afternoon/
We were dancing, we were dancing, we were da-a-ancing, then I introduced you to my best friend./
Then you were dancing while I was crying, cry-y-ying. You didn’t love me anymore, so I walked out the door.”
Simple, straightforward and just speaks to you right?
I hope you realise my face is all hot and blushing just from writing that.
The (only) other ditty in my 8-year-old repertoire included the much more trivial song entitled: “When you’re Feeling Glum (Feeling Like a Plum)” which was directly inspired by the time my mum gave me vegetables for lunch (for lunch! I know! What was she thinking?).
Next weekend is my Grandma’s birthday. We lost her not that long ago and she was (to say the absolute least) the matriarchal queen of our family; I miss her infinitely. She encouraged all of us to love and enjoy music and was famous for holding concerts where we would perform a song or a dance for the eager and adoring audience of cousins, aunts and uncles.
So in honor of those awesome memories and of her, (of course) we are holding a family concert in ONE WEEK.
Yes I’m singing and yes I’m nervous.
I know what you’re thinking- how could someone with such raw, natural talent be nervous? Well, this may be hard to believe but other than the occasional drunken sing-along, this will be the first time I am to officially entertain people with my (what hopefully vaguely resembles a) singing voice.
The Canadian and I have teamed up to do a couple’a numbers, no big deal, but I have been practising the cake-walk from ‘Meet Me in St Louis’, just in case I chicken out.
I may or may not let you know how it goes.
Heyo.
I enjoyed your song, and I applaud your bravery in sharing it. There are a lot of things from my childhood in that vein... but I am far too ashamed to share them...
BTW: I have had a busy and what some might describe as "stupid" day but i was excited to receive your e-mail this morning and will respond as promptly as possible.
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