We were driving home today when a song came on the radio and in a knee-jerk reaction I busted out singing along, even though I had no freaking idea how I knew the words. Ever since the stroke (wrote about it here and here if you missed), when I know I should remember something but can’t, my brain does this thing where it combs my mind trying to find the memory. I wish I had better words to describe it. It’s like I watch my brain scan through files up there while the other part of me sits, quietly waiting to see if it will be able to find what it’s looking for. Sounds weird, but it’s true.
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Suddenly I could see myself as a little kid bellering out, at the top of my lungs, ‘Top Of The World’ by The Carpenters while swinging super high on the ‘big kid swings’ at afternoon recess in grade two. There was this song + Up, Up With People + I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing that were my regular swing jams. That day a substitute teacher was standing off to the side watching me with a big smile. She came over to tell me I sounded great, and asked how I knew the words. As a very shy kid who really only let my vocal chords rip on the swings when no one else was around, I remember feeling equal parts embarrassed, flattered and liberated; like maybe I would be brave enough to try it in front of someone again sometime. Let it all hang out, kiddo!
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Isn’t it funny how I can remember something from 30+ years ago but, try as I may, can’t recall where I parked my car 10 minutes ago? My brain doesn’t seem to have a file for that stuff anymore. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to it. BTW these songs ARE the 70’s. Man I’m glad I grew up in that decade, there will never be another like it.
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Jen, I was reading this last night in bed and it made me laugh out loud. THANK YOU!!!
Hell Carrie, I can NEVER remember where I’ve parked my car AND I certainly can’t remember squat about what I did 30+ years ago. I haven’t got a single excuse except old age brain. You’ve got this!! Xoxo!
Karen Carpenter’s voice was so pure and good ~ I remember when she passed my Dad was so upset as he said it was such a loss. I love quite a few of their songs ~ I will have to go and download some now! Love the 2nd song as well ~ of course I remember it the most from the Coke commercials ~ a fav for sure. 70’s music was awesome ~ I love Edward Bear ~ Last Song and Close Your Eyes ~ both classics. I downloaded a bunch of 70’s stuff one night ~ do you remember Michel Pagliaro ~ What the Hell I Got? Love it!
Dude. How could I forget that one?? Did you ever listen to the Five Stairsteps? I wish I could insert a video here for Ooh Child. That one is an all time favorite.
Music died after the 70’s.
Except for George Michael, the Pretty in Pink Soundtrack, and one other I was thinking of telling you about the other day, but of course I forgot. I’ll add it when I remember. (But don’t hold your breath just in case…)
I’d Like to Teach the World To Sing…am I the only one who remembers the version of this song for the Coke commercial also? 70s were the best!!
I totally remember it and almost put the video up. Dang that was a good commercial!!
Haha, woohoo for the Carpenters! My mom used to play that album all the time. I loved Sing best…. XD
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Oh dear God I’M AS OLD AS YOUR MOTHER (maybe). LOL!