After the gaffe the other day with my choice of song for the headline I’ve concluded two things. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for me to come up with a song. It’s also -fairly obviously to you and me alike- that I’m not that competent at remembering which ones I’ve already used.
So in an attempt to make things easier for me and less repetitive for you I’ve come up with an idea – I do still occasionally (very occasionally I must admit) have my moments.
It looks to me that I can manage one of these tasks on a consistent basis but managing the two of them now appears to apparently be beyond my diminishing capabilities. Oh for the days when I felt like I could remember everything (and more often than not did) . And have memory space to spare for colleagues (you know who are) whose memories weren’t as good.
What’s the purpose of all of this you’re thinking. Get on with the good stuff (who do I think I am kidding). Well after this self-appraisal I’ve decided that action is urgently required (looks like I can still be decisive though). It’s obvious that I need help.
No, not a visit to the doctor or, worse still, a psychiatrist. Absolutely not. I’d have to pay for that! No, what I’m looking for is far simpler than that (AND far cheaper). I’ve decided that I need help from my audience – I think that’s how the people that analyse ‘reach’ for social media offerings such as this would describe you.
So what do I want you’re thinking. Don’t worry it’s not money (although if you want to send some feel free!), so (please) keep on reading. I’m looking for audience (that’s you remember – oh you did, didn’t you. It’s me that has the memory problem) participation.
All you’ve got to do is let me have song titles that I have to use in an edition and subsequently in the headline. Simple, isn’t it? Well apparently not for me, hence this cry for help.
The only stipulations are:
the song must have been recorded in English
it must have charted (either as a single in its own right or as a track on a charting album)
AND
I must have a ‘fighting’ chance of being able to use it. So nothing like the following examples (please):
“De Do Do Do De Da Da Da ”
“You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly”
“A Lap Dance Is So Much Better When The Stripper Is Crying”
“Why Does It Hurt When I Pee”
“Every Time I Eat Vegetables It Makes Me Think Of You”
There were far better (???) ones I wanted to include in the list of ‘no-nos’ such as “Don’t Drop The Soap (For Anyone Else But Me)”, “Put Your Big Toe In The Milk Of Human Kindness” being two examples, but they didn’t chart so I haven’t included them . Oh I just did!
Given THE memory problem I will record (I don’t normally make notes for this blog – yes I know its obvious sometimes) all submissions and cross them off as I use them. Well as long as I remember where the list is!
So get the ‘requests’ in and normal service will return. You know, coffee on the veranda, me painting the fence, breakfast at Estel’s Dine By the Sea, photos, etc.
Come on, I’m not asking for a lot. Just a little help.
The headline for today’s edition is based on the single released in 1965 by The Beatles which reached number one in both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100.
Belize- building a new life . A Belize blog. 
As a lurker who has TRULY enjoyed your blog its only fair that I say “Thank You” for your efforts. Believe it or not there are some of us out in the intertubes that in a few years (to close to retirement to just up and do it) will likely try something similar to what you’ve done. You may think of some of your experience of being retired in Belize as being not worth writing about but I for one look at them as a base for what I might expect and as educational.
As for a song…one of my favorites “Come Monday”.
Hi AKMando. Thanks so much for the feedback. Any feedback is good but when it is positive/complimentary it is more than welcome.
Pleased that my musings/ramblings are of interest/potential help.
Thanks also for the song title. On the list.
I know one that is very appropriate and meets your criteria. It got to UK number 22 in 1978 and was recorded by ‘Ivor Biggun and the Red Nosed Burglars’. I’ll let you look up the title and play it on You Tube. Thanks for the opportunity to contribute.
Thanks for your contribution Harry. I’ll give thought as to how I can include you in a future edition so that I can use your suggestion. Did Ivor have you in mind when he wrote the song?
No need to be so modest John. Ivor was surely thinking about you when he penned this wonderful song all those years ago. I am sure it is just as appropriate to you now as it was then. Happy Easter!
Thank you for your ‘kind’ note “Harry” . Understand that John Lydon used you as the ‘inspiration’ (sic) for his stage name.
Love this idea John!!!! How about tunes from Simon & Garfunkel? Bridge over troubled waters, The sound of silence, Mrs Robinson
OR
Moon Shadow, Peace Train or Morning has broken by Cat Stevens?
Oh, and John, how long will this fence stay in good condition after you’ve painted it? With all the salt and heat, it may become a nightmare that reoccurs every couple of years 😦
I say, “No Bueno” lol
Thank you for so many suggestions, the list has really grown.
As to the fence, it will need coating again but it won’t be me that does it next time. I’ll be a couple of years older and wiser. Or I’ll forget it needs doing!
What about these ones ….
Wild Rover (Dubliners)
“And it’s Arrrrrseeeenal! *clap-clap-clap*
Arsenal F.C.! We’re by FAR the greatest team the world has ever seen!”
Que Sera Sera (Doris Day)
“Que sera sera! What ever will be will be! We`re going to Wemberly! Que sera sera”
What did she wear ??
She wore, she wore,
She wore a yellow ribbon,
She wore a yellow ribbon,
In the merry month of May!
And when, I asked,
Oh why she wore that ribbon,
She said it’s for The Arsenal,
And we’re going to Wembley!
Wembley,
Wembley,
We’re the famous Arsenal,
And we’re going to Wembley!
And they are real and quality songs ;0)xx
May 17 or 18 editions. Cup Final weekend.
Here’s one we both may be able to use John,
Communication Breakdown
Led Zeppelin, 1969
Hope all is well
Erik
True so true Erik.
How about “I’ve got a bad liver and a broken heart by Tom Waits or Mr Bad Example by Warren Zevon
Do you know me Daddywags? You seem to know my ailments! Seriously though, thanks for the submissions. They are on the ever growing list.
Dark Side of the Moon is full of charted titles. Love your blog John.
Is this because I show the dark side of me Jim? I’ll take a look at the album tracks and make a selection.
No John I merely came about the idea because of the blood moon of last night. Haven’t seen a dark side of John yet but it could make for a twist on the blog.
How about:”What A Wonderful World” – fits you to a “T”, wouldn’t you say? And Andy William’s:”Days of Wine and Roses” ??
And finally: B. J. Thomas’ -” I Just Can’t Help Believin'”
Have fun… we’ve got many more!!
Another two for the ever growing list Julian. Thanks.
How about SITTING ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY? Or RAMBLiNG ROSE, or YES, We HAVE NO BANANAS.
Hi Rose. The first one I can probably make use of the next time I go to Chetumal. Now your second choice may put me in real trouble. I will have to think (very, very carefully) how I use it. As to the third one I will have to wait until supplies are unavailable on the island.
Thanks for the suggestions.
How about “Walking on Sunshine” not sure the year, but it was a chart topper.
Thanks Patty. Shouldn’t be difficult to use your suggestion. It’s to like we have to wait a long while for the sun to show itself.
“Calling occupants of inter planetary craft” in Belize
Thanks for that one Bob! Does my golf cart count? Hope all is good for you.
What about “Do You Believe In Magic” is a song written by John Sebastian. Not for any reason other than its a great song. “Do You Believe in Magic” reached No. 9 on the Hot 100. Again I went with my two sisters to the “Free concert in Hyde Park”.
Come on you must be able to put this in your blog….. :0) xx
Alright already. You must know by now that anything you say ‘goes’. If not I will probably have to (go, that is). How about “Go Now”?
This could become infectious.
Yes I do. Believe in magic that is. I met you didn’t I. Now that has me feel sick let alone the readers.
Good morning what about
Good morning star shine, the earth says hello
You twinkle above us, we twinkle below
Good morning star shine, you lead us along
My love and me as we sing our
Early morning singin’ song
Gliddy glub gloopy nibby nabby noopy
La la la, lo lo
Sabba sibbi sabba nooby aba naba
Lee lee, lo lo
Tooby ooby wala
Nooby aba naba
Early morning singin’ song
You must be able to do something with the second verse ;0)
The song Good Morning Starshine” is a song from the second act of the 1967 musical, Hair. My sister Margaret took me and my other sister Pat to see Hair when I was at school, there was naked people in it ‘YIKES’.
It was a #3 hit in the United States in June 1969 for the singer Oliver.
Job done ;0) xxx
What can I say (if I want dinner tonight) apart from WOW. What a tremendous suggestion.
Yes, it did come from my wife and YES I am a crawler.
How about Sounds of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel. What better way to describe your getting up at 4am.
Sorry, if you have already used that title.
What did you say Paul? Couldn’t ‘hear’ you.
Excellent suggestion for inclusion. Don’t know if I’ve used it though! Help.
Fun idea, John! How about a cut from an album that charted? First thing that popped into my head was “The Painter” from Deep Purple’s 3rd album, titled … wait for it … “Deep Purple.” The album reached a humble 162 in the US and, like a lot of Deep Purple, didn’t register at all back home (not to my knowledge). Once you get that boat and light up your first victory cigar at sea you could use the much more popular Deep Purple tune “Smoke on the Water”! Bonus round: Did you ever use Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’ “? Because you’ve got a whole bunch of us who look forward to your blog — I’m a believer!
Thank you Bob. ‘In’ to Deep Purple in your younger days obviously. I did have one of their albums (“Machine Head”) which I used to play loudly (very loudly) when I drove through the picket lines (sometimes as many as 3,000 people) at Wapping ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wapping_dispute) when it was opened.
Bit worried about “Smoke On The Water” though. It might mean the engines on fire!
Well, John. This is definitely NOT my forte, but if I remember anything at all, I’ll let you know. “Sweet Little Shiela” is my era. 🙂
So do you know anyone in San Pedro whose name is Sheila? Is she sweet? Or little? Preferably both.
GIMME SHELTER by the Rolling Stones. I enjoy your blog every time you post one. Who cares if you reuse a song title, life is short to worry over this one John. Keep up the good efforts. Now go finish painting the fence.
Well thank you Guy. Making a mistake doesn’t keep me awake at night but it (it shouldn’t I know) still irritates me.
Gimme Shelter is on the list. As to the fence, tomorrow -I have lunch to go to whilst watching Arsenal play against West Ham. It’s all go!