On December 8, 1980 John Lennon was shot and killed outside his and Yoko’s NYC apartment. I remember where I was when I heard the news – in my morning Geometry class, freshman year of high school. How the word spread that quickly without electronic media I’m still not certain. We were all stunned, in a state of disbelief that a Beatle was dead.
In “The Ballad Of John & Yoko” he sings the somewhat prophetic words:
Christ, you know it ain’t easy You know how hard it can be The way things are goin’ They’re gonna cruify me
john lennon – the ballad of John & Yoko
The song provides the theme for this week’s blog called “The Name Game” highlighting songs featuring peoples’ names in their titles. There are so many that the lists could go on forever, but included are some of my very favorites in the first Spotify playlist, and some honorable mentions in the second, no less great, and still very worthy of a listen. The lists could go on with hundreds more, but these are songs that I enjoy and felt worth sharing.
Some songs of note:
A few of my favorite songs of all-time: Elton John’s “Levon” and “Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters,” Dire Straits’ “Romeo & Juliet,” Rush’s “Tom Sawyer,” and Hall & Oates’ “Sara Smile” though I much prefer the guitar work of Monte Montgomery’s version, which my uncle Joey, who played guitar in bands his whole life called one the the best guitar performance he had ever heard.
Chris Cornell’s cover of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” I had first heard his version on American Idol, sung by David Cook, who did it proud. I remember listening, and not quite able to place the song initially, though I was certain I knew it. Then it dawned on me – such an amazing interpretation of MJ’s hit pop song. I couldn’t wait to give Chris’ original interpretation a listen.
Again an American Idol reference, one of my faves, Crystal Bowersox, covering Janis Joplin’s cover of “Me and Bobby McGee.”
Red Sox fans can’t pass up a rousing rendition of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” which has become a Fenway Park tradition.
Some trendy name songs over the years include Dexy’s Midnight Runners “Come On Eileen,” Tommy Tutone’s “867-5309/Jenny,” Toni Basil’s “Hey Mickey.”
There are 3 versions of “Gloria” between the two playlists, because how can you decide between versions by Van Morrison and Them, Jimi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison (who’s 80th birthday is today) and the Doors??? I love ❤️ them all!
And such a classic memory of one of my favorite Police songs “Roxanne” was provided by Eddie Murphy in the 1982 movie 48 Hrs.
And who knew that one of my idols, Stevie Ray Vaughan, provided a public service announcement before his passing, after achieving sobriety, offering “It’s real necessary to make sure that the kids understand that drugs and alcohol have nothing to do with what Rock & Roll is about. It’s really the downfall of Rock & Roll. I’m trying to get that across.”
Yet I can’t get beyond they’re cutting his song and guitar solo short, so here he is performing the song in its entirety in Daytona Beach, 1987.
And considering the death of rock idols beyond John Lennon, I remember the day I heard that Stevie Ray died in a plane crash, on my drive into medical school in the summer of 1987 (08/27/87). Tragic 😢
A few songs of note made the list without a name in their title, as the name is such a prominent part of the song, truly what many think the song is called, with David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” aka “Major Tom” and The Moody Blues “Legend Of A Mind” or “Timothy Leary.” They seemed worthy additions.
Billy Joel (10), The Beatles (10), and Elton John (9) appear most frequently on the two lists, perhaps a testament more to my musical tastes than their penchant for writing songs with names in them, or more likely a mixture of both.
And for those interested in trying to apply the name game rules to any name to make it rhyme, here are the lyrics to the song. Good luck – well beyond my brain power…
Come on everybody I say now let’s play a game I betcha I can make a rhyme Out of anybody’s name The first letter of the name I treat it like it wasn’t there But a “B” or an “F” Or an “M” will appear
And then I say “Bo” add a “B” then I say the name Then “Bo-na-na fanna” and “fo” And then I say the name again with an “”f” very plain Then “fee fi” and a “mo” And then I say the name again with an “M” this time And there isn’t any name that I can’t rhyme
Arnold! Arnold, Arnold bo-bar-nold Bo-na-na, fanna fo-far-nold Fee-fi-m-mar-mold Arnold!
But if the first two letters are ever the same I drop them both, then say the name Like Bob, Bob, drop the “B’s”, Bo-ob Or Fred, Fred, drop the “F’s”, Fo-red Or Mary, Mary, drop the “M’s”, Mo-ary That’s the only rule that is contrary
Okay? Now say Bo Now Tony with a B Then “Bo-na-na fanna” and “fo” And then you say the name again with an “F” very plain Then “fee fi” and a “mo” And then you say the name again with an “M” this time And there isn’t any name that I can’t rhyme
Everybody do Tony Tony, Tony, bo-bo-ney Bo-na-na fanna, fo-fo-ney Fee-fi-mo-mo-ney Tony!
Pretty good Let’s do Billy! Billy, Billy, bo-gil-ly Bo-na-na fanna, fo-fil-ly Fee-fi-mo-mil-ly Billy!
Very good, let’s do Marsha! Marsha, Marsha, bo-bar-sha Bo-na-na fanna, fo-far-sha Fee-fi-mo-ar-sha Marsha!
A little trick with Nick! Nick, Nick, bo-bick, Bo-na-na fanna fo fick Fee-fi-mo-mick Nick! The name game
the name game – Shirley ellis
So without further ado the playlists:
I hope that this music and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to the music of your youth, or perhaps to find artists you want to discover anew. Rediscover the passion of music in your life.
Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother figure in a family as well as motherhood itself. Celebrated on different days in different parts of the world, in the US it is celebrated the 2nd Sunday of May. The modern American holiday had its origins in response to the Civil War, with peace activist and suffragette Julia Ward Howe, the writer of The Battle Hymn of the Republic, urging in 1870 the creation of a “Mother’s Day For Peace” to promote peaceful solutions to disagreements and disputes so that husbands and sons would no longer be killed in wars.
Anna Jarvis, another peace activist and suffragette, almost 40 years later in 1907 organized the first Mother’s Day service of worship and celebration at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, WV, which today serves as the International Mother’s Day Shrine. In 1910 West Virginia was the first state to observe Mother’s Day, and a year later all states observed the day, some declaring it a state holiday. In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother’s Day, held on the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honor mothers.
By the early 1920s Hallmark Cards among other companies started selling Mother’s Day cards. Not surprising, Jarvis believed that the companies had misinterpreted and exploited the idea of the day, and protested their commercialization of the holiday. Regardless of her efforts, the holiday remains and flourishes, commercial or not.
Mother’s Day is the centerpiece of my blog this week – mothers, women from whom we were all born into this world. Though not all mothers give birth. Some are mother through adoption, fostering, or just serve as a mother figure. But what is a mother figure? Someone who nurtures us, cares for us, loves us, guides us, shaping our hearts, souls, and minds, often by placing our needs above hers.
Some famous mother quotes further suggest what embodies motherhood:
“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”
abraham lincoln
“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her.”
George washington
“When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth.”
mitch albom
“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”
cardinal mermillod
“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.”
rudyard kipling
“A mother’s arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them.”
Victor hugo
“The best place to cry is on a mother’s arms.”
jodi picoult
“Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love, and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love.”
Stevie wonder
“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.”
Unknown
The Spotify playlist started as a word playlist of songs containing the words Mother and Mama, such as Paul Simon’s “Mother & Child Reunion,” The Rolling Stones’ “Mother’s Little Helper,” John Lennon’s “Mother,” Pink Floyd’s “Mother,” Genesis’ “Mama,” Ozzy Ozbourne’s “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” Elton John’s “Mama Can’t Buy You Love,” Loggins & Messina’s “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” Three Dog Night’s “Mama Told Me Not To Come,” Abba’s “Mamma Mia,” the Shirelles’ “Mama Said,” But given the theme, the playlist evolved to so much more.
The beginning of the playlist is songs in celebration of mothers and their significance in our lives. Many of the songs contain Mother, Mom, or Mama in the title, but several do not. The first 20 songs are truly a celebration of what mothers are and can be. Several of my favorite American Idol alums are featured, including Kellie Pickler, Crystal Bowersox, Carrie Underwood, and Lauren Alaina. I’ll let the lyrics of some of these beautiful songs about mom do the talking:
What I Never Knew I Always Wanted – Carrie Underwood
Never was the kind to think about dressing in white Wasn’t waiting on a prince to come riding into my life Thought I was happy on my own ‘Til you came and proved me wrong
I finally found what I never knew I always wanted I couldn’t see, I was blind ’til my eyes were opened I didn’t know there was a hole Something missing in my soul ‘Til you filled it up with your love, yeah (Yeah, yeah)
Never pictured myself singing lullabies Sitting in a rocking chair in the middle of the night In the quiet, in the dark You’re stealing every bit of my heart with your daddy’s eyes What a sweet surprise
And now I’m holdin’ what I never knew I always wanted I couldn’t see; I was blind ’til my eyes were opened I didn’t know there was a hole Something missing in my soul ‘Til you filled it up, oh, with your love
Life has a way of showing you just what you need And who you were made to be, yeah
The Mother – Brandi Carlisle
Welcome to the end of being alone inside your mind Tethered to another and you’re worried all the time You always knew the melody but you never heard it rhyme
She’s fair and she is quiet, Lord, she doesn’t look like me She made me love the morning, she’s a holiday at sea The New York streets are as busy as they always used to be But I am the mother of Evangeline
The first things that she took from me were selfishness and sleep She broke a thousand heirlooms I was never meant to keep She filled my life with color, cancelled plans and trashed my car But none of that is ever who we are
Outside of my windows are the mountains and the snow I hold you while you’re sleeping and I wish that I could go All my rowdy friends around accomplishing their dreams But I am the mother of Evangeline
They’ve still got their morning paper and their coffee and their time They still enjoy their evenings with the skeptics and their wine Oh but all the wonders I have seen I will see a second time From inside of the ages through your eyes
You were not an accident where no one thought it through The world has stood against us, made us mean to fight for you And when we chose your name we knew that you’d fight the power, too
You’re nothing short of magical and beautiful to me I would never hit the big time without you So they can keep their treasure and their ties to the machine Cause I am the mother of Evangeline
I Got You – Ciara
Hush little baby don’t you cry Momma’s gonna love you all your life And if you ever need a friend Momma’s right there till the very end And if you’re feeling down or weak Momma’s gonna give you all the strength you need There’s nothing in this world that I wouldn’t do For my little Future ’cause I love you
It all can get so out of control sometimes You can lose your faith, you can lose your mind Lose your grip, get stripped of your pride Till you don’t know how you’re gonna stay alive And this world can throw you over the track sometimes Your friends can stab you in the back Sometimes you just break down When this life tries to wreck you, I protect you yeah
I got your back, I got you I take your side, I lay my life down for you I’ll crawl over broken glass, I will stand in the flame Take the bullet, take the blows, I would take all the pain Anything, anything that you gotta get through Hey, hey, I got you Hey, hey, I got you
It all can push you over the edge sometimes Make you wanna jump off the ledge sometimes Make you wanna stand up and scream Make you feel like there is no one listening This world can put a hole in your soul sometimes Put you at the end of your road Sometimes you just break down When this world tries to end you, I defend you yeah
I got your back, I got you I take your side, I lay my life down for you I’ll crawl over broken glass, I will stand in the flame Take the bullet, take the blows, I would take all the pain Anything, anything that you gotta get through Hey, hey, I got you Hey, hey, I got you Hey, hey, I got you
I’ll be there to stop the bleeding I’ll be there to start the healing I will give you what you’re needing I’ll be right there
Like My Mother Does – Lauren Alaina
People always say I have a laugh Like my mother does Guess that makes sense
She taught me how to smile When things get rough
I’ve got her spirit She’s always got my back When I look at her I think, I want to be just like that
When I love I give it all I’ve got Like my mother does When I’m scared, I bow my head and pray Like my mother does
When I’m weak and unpretty I know I’m beautiful and strong Because I see myself like my mother does Like my mother does
I never met a stranger I can talk to anyone Like my mother does
I let my temper fly And she can walk away When she’s had enough
She sees everybody For who they really are I’m so thankful for her guidance She helped me get this far
She’s a rock She is grace She’s an angel She’s my heart and soul She does it all
I hear people sayin’ I’m starting to look like my mother does
Somebody’s Hero – Jamie O’Neal
She’s never pulled anybody from a burning building She’s never rocked Central Park to a half a million fans screaming out her name She’s never hit a shot to win the game She’s never left her footprints on the moon She’s never made a solo hot air balloon ride around the world No she’s just your everyday average girl (but)
She’s somebody’s hero A hero to her baby with a skinned-up knee A little kiss is all she needs The keeper of the Cheerios The voice that brings Snow White to life Bedtime stories every night And that smile lets her know She’s somebody’s hero
She didn’t get a check every week like a nine-to-fiver But she’s been a waiter and a cook and a taxi driver For twenty years there at home Until the day her girl was grown Giving all her love to her was her life’s ambition But now her baby’s movin’ on and she’ll soon be missin’ her But not today Those are tears of joy runnin’ down her face
She’s somebody’s hero A hero to her daughter in her wedding dress She gave her wings to leave the nest It hurts to let her baby go down the aisle She walks right by Looks back into her mother’s eyes And that smile lets her know She’s somebody’s hero
Thirty years have flown right past Her daughter’s starin’ at all the photographs Of her mother And she wishes she could be like that Oh but she already is
She’s somebody’s hero A hero to her mother in a rockin’ chair She runs a brush through her silver hair The envy of the nursing home She drops by every afternoon Feeds her mama with a spoon And that smile lets her know Her mother’s smile lets her know She’s somebody’s hero
Mother Like Mine – The Band Perry
She’s the sky that holds the clouds She’s the lady of the house A blind believer in all I dare to be There’s no safer place I’ve found Than the shoulder of her white night gown Oh I’ve got the best and the worst of her in me And I’d share her if I could
So the wars would all be over ‘Cause she’d raise us all as friends And no one would ever wonder if somebody wanted them We’d walk on grass that’s greener And our cares would all be freer If the world had a mother like mine
She’s our father’s one great love She’s the one he wanted most She’s the light in the window of the house I grew up in She takes the midnight call She’s the bravest of us all Still she sings in the garden she lets her hair down in
Oh the wars would all be over ‘Cause she’d raise us all as friends And no one would ever wonder if somebody wanted them Tonight would be easier And our dreams would all be deeper If the world had a mother like mine
Don’t go away Don’t go away from me Oh I understand She is a helping hand Still I have to say
She’s the sky that holds the clouds She’s the lady of our house We all need her But no one more than me
Oh the wars would all be over ‘Cause she’d raise us all as friends And no one would ever wonder if somebody wanted them We’d walk on grass that’s greener And the dishes would all be cleaner If the world had a mother like mine
Mother – Sugarland
There are other songs that less pertain to motherhood itself, but instead reference mothers. Some might not even include mother in their titles, such as The Miracles “Shop Around” – “my mama told me you gotta shop around…” or perhaps most famously Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody” – “Mama, just killed a man… Mama, life had just begun… Mama, oooh, didn’t mean to make you cry…”. Some songs lament a life unfulfilled by all that a mother could be. While they can be so heart wrenching to listen to, I think they further highlight the importance of a loving, caring, nurturing mother in our lives, and the sadness and emptiness felt in the absence of such a figure to turn to and rely on.
Kellie Pickler has openly shared her heart and emotions related to the abandonment by her parents, splitting up a day after her 2nd birthday, her mom then disappearing, her dad often incarcerated. Fortunately she had loving, caring grandparents who served as her surrogate mother and father. I loved her for her story, her talent, her beauty, her personality, and for the woman she was becoming when she appeared on American Idol. Her ability to move beyond her hurt, disappointment, and sense of abandonment and find purpose and let her talents shine has been inspiring.
Mother’s Day – Kellie Pickler
I try to sleep as long as I can I pull the covers over my head I pray that there’s some way That life could skip a day to Monday
I try to count my blessings It’s a long, long list For a girl who has so much There’s so much that I miss on days like this
I wish I could go to town, buy you a card That says “I love you” inside a heart And one that makes you laugh Pick you flowers from our yard You can set ’em in the window in a mason jar Dad will take our photograph One two three Smile, say cheese Oh I wish it could be that way Every mother’s day
Maybe someday I will let go But right now I’m still hanging on Maybe one day God will bless me With a daughter of my own I’ll have love I’ve never known
She could go to town, buy me a card Says “I love you” inside a heart One that makes me laugh She’ll pick me flowers from our yard I’ll set ’em in the window in a mason jar And dad will take our photograph One two three Smile, say cheese Oh I wish it could be that way Every mother’s day
One two three Smile, say cheese Oh I wish we could be that way Every mother’s day
I Wonder – Kellie Pickler
On a more uplifting note, though I must admit I just cried while watching the video, as it is just so beautiful, Kellie’s winning freestyle performance with Derek Hough on the 16th season of Dancing with the Stars is just breathtaking:
And now on to the playlist. Consider sharing the playlist and this blog with the mothers in your life.
I’d like to honor and express my love and thanks to inspirational mother figures in my own life: my mom, Noreen, my wife Regina (the loving, caring mother of our children), my mother-in-law Carol, my sister-in-law Pam (who not only had abundant love for her biologic children, but also for her adoptive girls from Guatemala), my grandmothers Beatrice and Jean (Nonny), my great Aunt Kiki (a loving mother figure for my mom by brothers and me, and even my own children), my cousin Sheila (a fierce momma bear who takes great care of her cubs and grandcub, even amidst the pain and heartbreak of losing her own mother bear just a year ago), my friend Vicky (though more the age of an older sister to me, still an inspiring mother figure in my life), my friend Tammy (a single mom who has dedicated her life to caring for her boys, grandkids, and ailing parents, her father just passing, not to mention being an inspiration of faith to me and all she served in youth ministry), and Julie (from afar, loving, caring for, and supporting not only her children, but her husband Sean and his mission in Haiti and ministry, and having courage and grace in the face of the tragedy of multiple miscarriages, enduring and continuing on to bring 3 loving children into this world).
And if you missed my blog about my own mom, check out February 6th’s blog post “Seasons of Love – A Tribute to Mom on her 80th Birthday.” On this Mother’s Day, please reach out to your mother, or those who have played a mothering role in your life. Let them know how important they are to you, how much you appreciate them, care about them, and love them. From one of my favorite Garth Brooks songs, “if tomorrow never comes will she know how much I love her?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwb9dCEnyds
Reach out to those moms in your life, and let them know how you feel, how much you care, how much you love them. And if your mom, grandmother, or other mother figure has left this world, say a special prayer, while recalling the wonderful memories of times spent together. If you have strained or estranged relationships, try to mend them as able. If they are broken beyond repair, work on forgiveness or at least finding some semblance of peace and acceptance.
I hope that this music and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to the music of your youth, or perhaps to find artists you want to discover anew. Rediscover the passion of music in your life.
American bandleader Glenn Miller was the superstar of his era. From a modest start he became one of the best-selling artists of his time. 81 years ago this month he was awarded the the first gold record for his single “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” Despite his wealth and fame, the attack on Pearl Harbor inspired him to join the U.S. armed forces where he supported the war effort through his music. His tragic disappearance over the English Channel on December 15, 1944, remains one of World War II’s unsolved mysteries. Over nearly a century his music has touched people and inspired musicians.
His “Chattanooga Choo Choo” lends to this week’s music blog theme, songs about US cities and states.
Songs on the list either contain a city or state in their title, or featured prominently in their lyrics. Songs range from “Sweet Home Alabama” to “Hotel California,” “Hollywood Nights,” “Midnight Train To Georgia,” “Sweet Home Chicago,” “Please Come To Boston,” “Carolina In My Mind”, “Philadelphia Freedom,” “Walking In Memphis,” “Graceland,” “El Paso,” of course “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” and the playlist’s title song “New York State Of Mind.” There are some songs that don’t have a city or state in their title, but feature a city or state prominently in their lyrics, such as “Dancing In The Streets” (multiple: Chicago, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, WDC, Detroit), “Take It Easy” (Winslow, Arizona), “Rock ‘N Me” (Phoenix, Arizona, Tacoma, Philadelphia, Atlanta, L.A.), “Rocky Mountain High” (Colorado), “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” (Chicago), “Dirty Water” and “Rock & Roll Band” (Boston), and “Deacon Blues” (Alabama), among others.
Some great videos of songs feature on the playlist include:
So the playlist opens with Martha Reeves & The Vandellas “Dancing In The Streets.” While many artists have covered this classic song from the 60s, this version, released for the first time at the Live Aid Concert I attended in Philadelphia in 1986, is so quintessentially 80s:
Stepping back a decade, this song epitomizes southern California folk rock of the 70s. Co-written by Eagles Glen Frey and roommate Jackson Browne, it was the Eagles first release.
Continuing on in the mellow 70s with one of my favorite Billy Joel songs “You’re My Home.” Billy was my first concert, and I’ve since seen him several times more, including a college tour as well as performing with Elton John.
And back to the 60s with The Mamas & The Papas signature song “California Dreamin’”:
And back to the 70s with one of the biggest hits of the decade, “Hotel California”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ1RP84QLdY
This fan made video of “L.A. Woman” is a great insight into The Doors as well as the 60s and 70s:
And while the video is poor, it’s still worth a watch to see Johnny Carson at the helm of The Tonight Show in the early 70s introducing John Denver, singing “Rocky Mountain High,” such memories from my childhood:
And a bit better preserved performance of “Take Me Home, Country Roads”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LfjdfOFCVY
And bouncing to the 90s for one of my favorite city songs, Marc Cohn’s “Walking In Memphis”:
And I can’t pass up a chance to give props to one of my favorite American Idol alums, Crystal Bowersox. I’ve seen her a few times, and she never disappoints. Here is a “double shot” of Crystal:
Crystal reminds me of Bonnie Raitt, a blues rock goddess here singing “Angel From Montgomery”:
And while not the version included in the playlist, this cover of “Sweet Home Chicago” is pretty ridiculous, with rock and blues guitar royalty, including Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter, Hubert Sumlin, Robert Cray, and John Mayer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEmvBdRLg4k
Here is my Uncle Joey performing in San Diego with his band The Hip Replacements covering “Viva Las Vegas”:
And closing out the set is Billy Joel’s “New York State Of Mind,” doing his best to write a Ray Charles sort of lounge singer standard:
So let these songs take you around the country on a musical journey. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
I hope that this music and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to the music of your youth, or perhaps to find artists you want to discover anew. Rediscover the passion of music in your life.
