Happy Children's Day Today: Use Your Imagination

Children will use their imagination if given the chance. This Posting is for J, J and J

OURCHESTRA by Shel Silverstein:

So you haven't got a drum, just beat your belly,
So you haven't got a horn - I'll play my nose.
So we haven't any cymbals -
We'll just slap our hands together,
And though there may be orchestras
That sound a little better
With their fancy shiny instruments
That cost an awful lot -
Hey, we're making music twice as good
By playing what we've got!

Image/Poem from: 'Where The Sidewalk Ends'
Copyright 1974 by Evil Eye Music, Inc.
HarperCollins Children's Books
HarperCollins Publishers,
10 East 53 Street, New York, NY 10022.
Andy Lim Collection.

Dr Lee's Rendition of Silverstein's 'The Giving Tree'

To all the children on Children's Day:
So you think only Singapore seniors are active? Think again. My friend Dato Dr. Lee Yan San (image 2 left) who hails from Penang is not only a good medical doctor but a great singer as well.

He has a family that backs him musically during his singing stints at home, on stage and in the recording studios. He has provided me with a few CDs and I have encouraged him to put his songs on You Tube.

Recently Yan San took a popular story/song from one of Shel Silverstein's (image 3) vast collection, recorded it with his music group and posted it on You Tube. It's called, The Giving Tree (image 1) and made popular by Bobby Bare in the 60s.

It tells a touching tale of a tree so giving with a boy that not only does it provide the child with a shade but allows itself to be cut down and be made into a boat. The song ends with the tree, now a stump. And the child? You must listen to the song to appreciate what the lyrics suggest. Actually the song reminds me of Elvis Presley's, Old Shep, with a slightly different theme of course. The Giving Tree is posted on the right bar.

Shel Silverstein was an American poet, singer, songwriter, composer, screenwriter, cartoonist and author of children's books. His books have sold over 20 million copies and translated into 20 languages (Wikipedia).

On a less serious tone here's another dose from one of Silverstein's books, Falling Up. It is called, Danny O'Dare:

"He did a dance called the Funky Chicken,/ He did the Polka, he did the Twist,/ He bent himself into a pretzel like this./ He did the Dog and the Jitterbug,/ He did the Jerk and the Bunny Hug./ He did the Waltz and the Boogaloo,/ He did the Hokey Pokey too. It's easy to see... Danny O'Dare wants to dance with me." You'll be surprised to find out who Danny is!

[About image 2: Yan San also has a knack for making friends. He met We Will Make Love 60s British megastar Russ Hamilton several years ago and they became great buddies. Russ had since passed on.]

1. If you like to read more about Russ Hamilton and Yan San check him out by clicking Labels below.

2. If you like to read Silverstein's books go to the bookshops or libraries. Tons of them around. Get Falling Up and Where The Sidewalk Ends. Read them to your children or grandchildren on Children's Day.

Images: 1) from You Tube, 2) from YS Lee Collection, 3) Google Images.

SINGAPORE CHILDREN'S DAY: FRIDAY OCTOBER 7th, 2011.

Remembering 'Nobody's Child' On Children's Day

SONGS I LOVE:

Usually Singapore celebrates Children's Day on lst October but from 2011 onwards it will be on the first Friday every October. So for this year it's on the 7th. Just as we honour the children, we must also remember the impoverished and homeless ones around the world.

The 1969 hit Nobody's Child by British singer *Karen Young (image 4) highlighted the plight of a blind and unwanted child in an orphanage. The song originally written by Cy Coben and Mel Foree was first recorded by Hank Snow in 1949 and had been covered by artistes that included George Sheridan and 3 of the Beatles.

Another group called The Traveling Wilburys that had Bob Dylan as member, recorded the song for a benefit (image 2). Asian artistes included Agnes Chan and Irene Ryder, both from Hong Kong on Life Record and Pon EMI Regal. Singapore has two versions, one on a Philips Product Long Play by 60s stars, Heather and The Thunderbirds (image 2, details below**) and the other by Lisa Lim and The Stylers on Amigo Records (image 1).
Nobody's Child: Cy Coben and Mel Foree.

(Refrain) I'm nobody's child I'm nobody's child /Just like a flower I'm growing wild/No mommy's kisses and no daddy's smile/Nobody wants me I'm nobody's child...

As I was slowly passing an orphan's home one day/I stopped there for a moment just to watch the children play/Alone a boy was standing and when I asked him why/He turned with eyes that could not see and he began to cry...

Some people come for children and take them for their own/But they all seem to pass me by and leave me all alone/I know they'd like to take me but when they see I'm blind/They always take some other child and I'm left behind...

No mother's arms to hold me or soothe me when I cry/Sometimes it gets so lonely here I wish that I could die/I'll walk the streets of heaven where all the blind can see/And just like the other kids there'd be a home for me...

**PSY 112 275 Philips: Heather - Harvey and The Thunderbirds, 'Birthday'. Side One: I'll Never Fall In Love Again, Birthday, Nobody's Child, Early In The Morning, Special Delivery, The BalladOf John and Yoko. Side Two: Wonderful World, Tracy, With A Little Help from My Friends, Train, Romeo And Juliet, Time Is Tight. To read about the The Thunderbirds click

Labels below.

Image 1, 2: Andy Lim Collection.

Image 3, 4: Google.

*There is an added Karen Young biography and connection on the Comment page. She had passed on in 1991. Click Comments below.

The Sandpipers Sing Chotto Matte, Misty Roses

THE SANDPIPERS:

Stephen Thomas Erlewine, when writing about The Sandpipers, wrote that they were a male vocal trio that recorded easy listening pop hits in the mid 60s and was "distinguished by its light, breezy harmonies, which floated over delicate, breezy string arrangements, as well as the occasional appearance of a wordless female backing vocalist who drifted in and out of the music."

Sandpipers did not manage to have a long, sustained career but had one Top Ten hit with Guantanamera in 1966 (numerous Asian versions: check 'Guantanamera' under Labels below). There were other songs like Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls, Misty Roses, Today, Chotto Matte Kudasai and covers. The group was originally known as the Four Seasons and the trio were part of the Californian Mitchell Boys Choir before they formed their own group. Famous trumpeter Herb Alpert (remember him with his Tijuana Brass), who ran his own A&M record label was impressed when he heard them and signed them to a record contract.

An added female vocalist, Pamela Ramcier, "was one of the most distinctive elements of the group's music" and with her mod outfit of mini-skirts and a-go-go boots "made her more noticeable than the actual Sandpipers."

In 1970, Come Saturday Morning became a hit when it was part of the soundtrack for the movie, The Sterile Cuckoo. The Sandpipers continued to record into the '70s but after five years without any chart success, they disbanded in the mid-'70s. (Please read the next posting below.)

Image: The Sandpipers - Jim Brady, Mike Piano, Richard Shoff.

More about Sandpipers: http://new.music.yahoo.com/sandpipers/biography/

Chotto Matte Kudasai, Excuse Me While I Cry...

SONGS I LOVE:
An English song by The Sandpipers but with a Japanese title is Chotto Matte Kudasai. In Japanese (ちょっと待ってください) it means, 'please wait a second' or 'please wait a moment.' although 'Shosho omachi kudasai' is more polite.

The simplicity and sentiment of the lyrics, possibly conjuring an image of a beautiful girl or young man (depending on the singer), make it so popular that it has been recorded in other languages. Singapore, Malaya, other Asian 60s music artistes like Frankie Cheah and Frances Yip have recorded it.

Martin Denny has quite a sugary version vocalised by an Asian lady. In the new century a Filipino group called Joey de Leon and The Sex Bombs has another. It is a lounge favourite with both pianists and night clubbers, a karaoke 'must sing' and can be heard in any building that plays elevator music.

A hit with elementary keyboard enthusiasts, Chotto Matte music notes are found within the pages of numerous books teaching children songs. Like Que Sera Sera and Annie Laurie, the melody is loved by many young 'uns. Three cheers for evergreens.

"Chotto matte kudasai
Please excuse me while I cry
Seems sayonara means goodbye
But no one ever told me why
Sakura was in the spring
When our hearts found songs to sing
But Sakura has gone away
And so has our love, so they say
Chotto matte kudasai
Please excuse me while I cry
Without your love I would die
Please don’t leave me kudasai... Quote"
Image/Original article: Andy Lim

Papa He Loves Mama: The Original by Donald Peers - Video from: loadsamusic

SONGS I LOVE:

The original is called, Papa, He Loves Mama and it's by Donald Peers. A lovely song to play for your wedding anniversary or birthday party! Come on guys. Still love each other, don't you both? And its a beautiful song to teach your children and grandchildren. Read about this particular song and a few others in the next posting below.

Lyrics:

1.

Listen well while I tell you a story

Of a boy and girl in the Spring

As the first flower burst into glory

And I heard every bird start to sing.

Chorus:

Papa he loves mama

Mama she loves papa

Papa he loves mama

Mama she loves papa

La, la, la, la, la, la...

2.

In a church far away from the city

On a morning in May they were wed

And the bride's starry eyed looked so pretty

That the world looking on, smiled and said.

3.

Just a year from the day they were married

Came a gift from the girl to the boy

Looking proud as a queen as she carried

Such a wonderful bundle of joy.

Of Wedding Bells, House, Baby, Papa And Mama

(a): 'Mama looka Boo Boo,' they shout.

Their mother tol' them, 'Shut up your mouth,

That is your daddy.'

'Oh no. My daddy can't be ugly so!'

'Shut your mouth, go away...'

(b): Somebody bad stole de wedding bell

Somebody bad stole de wedding bell

Somebody know but nobody tell

Cause somebody bad stole the wedding bell

Who's got the ding, dong, who's got the bell...

The songs I listened to during my youth are the ones I still remember today. The tunes and lyrics spin in my head all the time and can be turned on immediately. It's like clicking on to the song-list of an mp3 player or an i-phone. The explanation follows the list below:

l. Where Will The Dimple Be? - Rosemary Clooney

2. House Of Bamboo - Earl Grant

3. Looking For Henry Lee - Jo Stafford

4. High Noon - Frankie Laine

5. Ivory Tower - Gale Storm

6. Papa Loves Mama - Donald Peers

7. Somebody Bad Stole De Wedding Bell - Georgia Gibbs

8. Mama Looka Boo Boo - Harry Belafonte

Can you still remember the songs you love?

1> Rosemary Clooney (image), who is George Clooney's aunt, used to be a pop singer in the 50s and 60s and her version of, Where Will The Dimple Be (1955) was a favourite on Radio Singapore's request programme, Calling All Hospitals where Maisie Conciecao was the DJ (we use the term, 'announcer' those days). It was the most requested song for a baby dedication. And KK (Kandang Kerbau) Hospital was the maternity hospital then.

4> Tall and lanky actor Cary Cooper, the male lead in High Noon, was one of the icons for Westerns. The movie was a hit when it was shown in Singapore, drawing crowds at the cinemas. High Noon, the song (1952), by Tex Ritter, was a request favourite and played on the air everyday. The Frankie Laine version was more popular locally.

6> When Papa Loves Mama (1960) came on the air, it became the anthem for many Singapore families and a favourite for dancing the cha-cha-cha. The original and only version I know is by Donald Peers; so in this instance it's the song, not the singer. The giggling girl accompanying Peers could be Joan Regan.

7, 8> The other novelty tunes on my list, Somebody Bad Stole De Wedding Bell (1954) and Mama Looka Boo Boo (1956) must be heard to be appreciated. With humorous lyrics and a grand calypso beat, these two classics are hardly played on the radio today. The Georgia Gibbs version of SBSTWB is unavailable on You Tube. MLBB by Belafonte is on You Tube, accompanied by Nat King Cole (side-bar). Great songs for kids too!

(c): On the baby's knuckle, on the baby's knee,

Where will the baby's dimple be?

Baby's cheek or baby's chin

Seems to me it'll be a sin

If it's always covered by the safety pin...

Shall we discuss the other songs on another posting? Are you familiar with any of these songs?

'Banana Boat Song' Calypso Music 60s (Pt I)

SONGS I LOVE:

(While searching for songs to entertain my grandson, I remember The Banana Boat Song with its sunny island rhythm, bongo backing and repetitive lyrics. Up till today his, "Day-o, day-o," has kept many neighbours wide awake.)

In the 50s and 60s when calypso music (from Trinidad) made its debut in Singapore and when Harry Belafonte became a household name with his signature song, nearly every Singaporean went crazy with this Jamaican folk.

Although its origin is not completely known, it is calypso and usually sung by Jamaican banana field workers who work on plantations and banana dock workers who load the fruit on the boats. They improvise the lyrics from time to time but the most common reference is "daylight come and we wan' go home".

The first recorded version called Day De Light was found in the album, Songs From Jamaica (1952) with Trinidadian singer Edric Conner and his band, The Carribeans, with lyrics by Ivrine Burgie from the Barbados. It's been covered by other singers and parodied too.

**The YouTube animation by 'acretiansholiq', "Run Mr Taliban." composed after the 9/11 attacks, features a parody version apparently performed by Colin Powell on the microphone with George W. Bush on bongos. The main refrain is, "Come Mr. Taliban, turn over bin Laden/Payback come then we drop the bomb..."

Explanation:

1) Come Mr Tally Man, tally me banana/Daylight come and we wanna go home = when daylight comes and the shift is over, they want their work to be counted (tally) so that they can go home.

2) Six foot, seven foot, eight foot bunch = the length of banana combs.

3) Hide the deadly black tarantula = these spiders are found on the bananas.

For younger listeners the song was used in the comedy film, Beetlejuice where in the dinner scene, the possessed guests sang and danced,

*The Banana Boat Song.

Day-o, day-ay-ay-o/Daylight come and me wan' go home/Day-o, day-ay-ay-o/Daylight come and me wan' go home

Work all night on a drink of rum/Daylight come and me wan' go home/Stack banana till de morning come/Daylight come and me wan' go home/Come, Mister tally man, tally me banana/Daylight come and me wan' go home/Come, Mister tally man, tally me banana/Daylight come and me wan' go home

Lift six foot, seven foot, eight foot bunch/Daylight come and me wan' go home/Six foot, seven foot, eight foot bunch/Daylight come and me wan' go home/Day, me say day-ay-ay-o/Daylight come and me wan' go home/Day, me say day, me say day, me say day/Daylight come and me wan' go home

Beautiful bunch of ripe banana/Daylight come and me wan' go home/Hide the deadly black tarantula/Daylight come and me wan' go home/Lift six foot, seven foot, eight foot bunch/Daylight come and me wan' go home

Six foot, seven foot, eight foot bunch/Daylight come and me wan' go home/Day, me say day-ay-ay-o/Daylight come and me wan' go home/Day, me say day, me say day, me say day/Daylight come and me wan' go home/Come, Mister tally man, tally me banana/Daylight come and me wan' go home

Come, Mister tally man, tally me banana/Daylight come and me wan' go home/Day-o, day-ay-ay-oDaylight come and me wan' go home/Day, me say day, me say day, me say day....ay-ay-o/Daylight come and me wan' go home...

No underlying meaning. The slow version lulls my second grandchild to sleep. A beautiful song indeed. But maybe it's not a song for children? "Work all night on a drink of rum..." But the version by Wiggles group from Australia dismisses it all.

Image: From Andy Lim's Kitchen.

*http://www.digihitch.com/road-culture/music-lyrics/419

**http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqFSXcrPdyw