The ’80s music scene had plenty of one-hit wonders, but sometimes songs slipped through the cracks, like in the case of today’s Monthly Mixtape feature. But at COACS, we welcome the forgotten treasures!
Franke & The Knockouts found their fame in the early 1980s and underwent several personnel changes. By 1984 the band had fizzled out, but front man Franke Previte actually co-wrote “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” for the Dirty Dancing soundtrack in 1987.
The band did have a top ten hit in “Sweetheart,” which is perfect for Valentine’s month. Unlike your typical ballad, this track connects friendship and romance.
“Sweetheart” by Franke and the Knockouts
Some songs from the early 1980s still give off a ’70s vibe since the sound of the new decade was still evolving. “Sweetheart” is one of those songs that straddle the sound of both decades and doesn’t necessarily scream ’70s or ’80s.
The jazz/lounge mood of the track is uplifting and peaceful. What’s interesting about the instrumental is the contrast it has with the lyrics, which we’ll get to in a minute.
As narrator, Franke, looking a tad like John Oates, croons of being a confidant for a special lady in his life. Although he is not her lover, he implies that he’s known her from “the start.” He knows all of her broken hearts and assures her that she’s not alone.
When Franke asks, “Who treats you like a star,” he’s referring to himself, yet he’s not angry. If this were turned into an ’80s hair metal song, it would have a completely different tone, focusing on how the woman is ignorant of his love and support–plus a few hardcore guitar solos. As is, this version remains sweet, just like its title. Franke’s not mad. He’s simply an onlooker, a dear friend who has always loved this woman. She might not be able to see the value in her best male friend, but that doesn’t stop him from saying, “You’ll always be my sweetheart.”
Along those lines, consider the romantic language sprinkled throughout the lyrics. Franke calls the girl “baby”, “babe”, and even “child.” These pet words show his adoration of her, but they also show how supportive he is of her. His words remain gentle and loving. The use of “child” suggests that this song could also be told from the point of view of a nurturing father who helps dry his daughter’s eyes every time she experiences a heartbreak.
Some love experts say that friendship is the best way to start a romantic relationship! Here Franke seems to wish the relationship with the girl is something more, but he takes what he can get by continuing to value her and show her love through friendship. At the same time, there is always the fear that turning a revered friendship into a romance will lead to disaster. If the romance shatters, won’t the friendship as well?
Franke isn’t worried about that in this song. Instead, he continues to be consistent and loyal to his beloved. Hopefully she’ll see that his love is worthy of her sweet heart!
Before You Go…
Be sure to check out other songs that have been reviewed on Confessions of a Classic Soul (COACS)!
January feels like a year in and of itself; February is a 28-day period you have to simply exist through (and every four years they throw another day in); and March exudes promises of early spring…or a false hope.
Wintertime blues can wreak havoc on your mood, attitude, and motivation. The shorter days, cold weather, and darkness that accompany winter make it difficult to feel lively and excited. After the holidays, life can seem hollow and mundane again.
So how can we work to overcome wintertime blues? Consider these strategies!
Cozy Stash of Favorites
Always keep at your disposal a collection of activities that match your personality. What are your favorite shows or movies? Create a watch list of things specific to you so that you can simply hit the play button when you feel down.
Create a list of books you’d like to read in the near future. Maybe collect a few recipes you’ve been itching to try. Whatever your hobby, prepare in advance. You can even highlight these ideas in your New Year’s resolution plans when your mind feels inspired and renewed.
Winter can make you feel unlike yourself, and having a stockpile of your favorite things on hand can help boost your mood and make you smile.
The Glow-Up
The term “glow-up” is frequently used in reference to girls following a romantic breakup. If a woman changes her appearance or physically looks happier after a breakup, then she is glowing. She’s found the independence she needs to move on from her ex and live her life freely.
Everyone could benefit from a good glow-up! Whether it be a few new outfits, a fresh hairstyle, or even a trendy pair of eyeglass frames, making time for yourself can help pull you out of the wintertime slump. Changing yourself for the better, even if it’s in outward appearance, can boost your self-esteem and give you a more positive outlook on life!
Scope Out the Latest Scenes
Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, social interaction is crucial for all humans. Winter might feel like a boring time where nothing is going on, but that’s certainly not true!
Keep your spirits up by scoping out new events to go to. Maybe it’s a festival or craft show; a play or a concert; a wine tasting or museum tour. Find events that speak to your personality and hobbies. Even virtual events can make all the difference! By staying socially active, you can chase away the wintertime blues! 💙
It can be difficult to stay focused and motivated during the winter months. To beat the winter blues, keep to-do lists and physically write out goals and plans. Crossing items off a list is a great motivation booster if you consider yourself a methodical person. So go ahead and fill up those planners and calendars. These goals don’t even have to be monumental. You could set an exercise goal or a reminder to send a birthday card to a loved one. That stockpile of favorite activities we talked about earlier? You may want to even schedule them and create a fun little routine for yourself!
Stay Connected
In a society where digital communication should make social connections easier, we sometimes find ourselves feeling even lonelier. With that said, we don’t have to limit ourselves. Sure we can text and video call, but don’t forget the power of old fashioned phone calls and letters.
Make yourself a goal to check in on one person a day. If you have a small inner circle, it’s okay to only reach out to a few people. If you realize that you haven’t talked to ten people in the past few months, you may want take the time to reach out to each one in order to stay connected and maintain a positive social life.
Granted, such communication is a two-way street. Some people don’t like to reach out first because the recipient may not answer. Don’t be afraid to send the first message! You never know when that little communication can go a long way. And if the other person never answers or doesn’t keep the conversation going, then proceed to the next strategy below!
Spread Love in the Community
It’s no surprise that we feel better when we help others. We get a little boost by volunteering or sending a gift to a friend who is going through a difficult time. During the winter, such acts of love, no matter how small, can help pull you out of the depression. So step out and volunteer for the church’s fish fry or help with a donation drive. The possibilities are endless – you just may need to do some digging on nonprofit organizations in your area.
We’re creatures of habit, but we don’t have to stay stuck in the those same old habits. Especially when we feel down, we can try new styles and activities to help us get excited about change. Also, when we do something new, such as try out a new hobby, we distract ourselves from the negative, ruminating thoughts that drag us down during the winter months.
How new does new have to be? Not very! Cleaning and rearranging your house is new enough to help do the trick. You may attend a new class or restore an antique you have sitting around your house. Don’t pressure yourself. Choose whatever works for you!
Spice Up the Holidays
There are a string of holidays during winter following the Christmas season: Groundhog Day, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, etc. Although they may not be major holidays, you can still find unique ways to enjoy them.
Instead of finding yourself depressed as a single person on Valentine’s Day, try treating yourself or going out with friends. Heck, take the dog out to do something fun! You don’t have to drink on St. Patrick’s Day! You could spend your time trying out an Irish soda bread recipe or simply sipping a Shamrock Shake! The point is, you don’t have to celebrate how everyone else does, especially if it doesn’t fit your current lifestyle. Worrying about meeting the trends will only send you spiraling deeper into the winter blues.
Think Spring!
The final thing you can do to beat the winter blues is to plan for the spring. Think about what you’re looking forward to. Make a list of spring goals. Will you spend more time outside or plan a thrilling vacation? Keep your eye on the prize – which will arrive in April or May. The flowers will bloom, and you can be enjoy the new season with a fresh outlook and better you!
In a pop culture where many celebrities marry and divorce at a high rate, it’s rare to find couples who both perform together and stay together romantically. Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé were one of these legendary couples.
Sadly, Steve joined his wife after passing away in March of 2024. The light-hearted and vocally-talented duo released a Christmas album several decades ago. They’re popularsong from the That Holiday Feeling album was a cover of “Happy Holidays,” often heard by Andy Williams.
Steve and Eydie complement each other beautifully with their crooning. Today we’re taking a deeper dive into their Christmas track, “Hurry Home for Christmas.”
“Hurry Home for Christmas” by Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé
As most Christmas tunes, “Hurry Home for Christmas” is simple. It doesn’t feel like Christmas until your loved one(s) come home to help celebrate. The singers being an actual, real-life couple adds to the magic of this rendition!
Despite its simplicity and joyful notes, this song is actually quite profound in its word painting. Word painting is a technique where the musical notation directly conveys the meaning of the lyrics.
For example, “jingle bells” is repeated in a sequence of descending notes, which “paints” sadness. The notes mirror the mood of the song and tell listeners that loved ones are essential to the holiday season.
Repetition and wordplay are at the heart of this festive earworm. As words and phrases are repeated, we get a better sense of urgency. The desire to “hurry” becomes more apparent. Desperation starts to sink in.
A fun little contrast is the light-heartedness with which the lyrics play with the words “dear” and “reindeer.” Here, romance and Christmas meet at an inseparable crossroads, and Steve and Edyie’s bold voices also meld at this point in the tune.
The song’s emphasis continues to the very end, even when the song modulates into the “Don’t stop until you get here.” Listen for the pause after “stop.” In music, an abrupt pause like this is called a caesura, whose symbol (//) looks like a literal pause in time. There’s a finality to this “stop” lyric. It’s the make or break of the Christmas celebration. Either get your butt home or stand out in the snow and cold! 🥶
During a time of love and peace, it can be difficult to be without those you love. Steve and Eydie deliver that message in a beautiful, unforgettable way.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my readers! New and exciting adventures are on the way in 2025!
Sweet, creamy, and spicy! If you’re looking for a new Fall dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, then search no farther! Caramel Apple Cider Cheesecake is here to the rescue!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups diced apples (about 3 apples)
1 packet of hot apple cider mix
6 cups of boiling water
1 1/2 cups of crushed Graham crackers
1 stick of butter, melted
1 8 oz package of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup of caramel syrup/ice cream topping
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, boil the water and stir in the packet of hot cider mix.
While waiting on the water, peel and dice the apples.
Once the water boils, remove the pan from the heat and dump in the apples. Then return the pan to the stove and put it on simmer.
While the apples soak in the apple cider, prepare the crust. In a 8-inch round pie pan, place the crushed Graham crackers.
Pour in the melted butter and stir until the crackers become moist and clumpy.
Spread the cracker crust so it fills the bottom and sides of the pie pan. Then set pan aside for later.
Now prepare the filling. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, caramel sauce, brown sugar, and cinnamon. An electric mixer works best for this step.
Remove the apples from the heat and drain them with a strainer.
Simply stir the apples into the filling.
Finally, spread the filling over top of the crust. Make sure the filling is spread evenly.
This blog is no stranger to the Twilight Zone, namely the TV show that ran from 1959-1964. Creator and host Rod Serling combined fantasy, horror, and science fiction all-in-one iconic show.
Although the show has been revived through various spin-offs and other shows, such as Night Gallery and Outer Limits, that are very similar, only one revival has come in song form.
Prior to 1982, the Dutch band Golden Earring had found success with the song “Radar Love.” Flash foward 8 years and the band would find more fame with a song that aptly shares the same name as the beloved and eerie television show.
Golden Earring’s “Twilight Zone” pays homage to the show while exploring humanity through a unique rock lense.
“Twilight Zone” by Golden Earring
The echo effect that you hear throughout the song mirrors the television show in the sense that we get the feeling that we are traveling to a new dimension. In fact, the opening credits to the television show do just that by showing us a series of black and white images that makes us feel that we are traveling through time and space.
At the beginning of the song we hear narration that’s almost hard to hear at first. In this narration, lead singer Barry Hay talks about eternal fate and how it’s turned its back on him. If eternal fate is meant to be heaven or hell, then, in the Twilight Zone, anything but what we expect can and will happen. From seeing gremlins on a plane to watching scenes of your life before it happens, the Twilight Zone toys with human expectations and desires. We have no say in the outcome.
The first verse of the song presents a series of images and emotions, all of which point to chaos. For example, Hay talks about having no more fear, but, at the same time, he can’t decode what’s happening, and he feels like everything is spinning in a frenzy. When placed in a new dimension of time and space, it’s only natural that we humans would feel something like culture shock. Meanwhile, Hay mentions holding a gun. This gun seems inviting. Why? Because he can’t take feeling out of place. He can’t take the culture shock or the frenzy. He’s simply where he doesn’t belong, and it’s not meant for humans!
The echo effect is back, along with repetition. The chorus of the song is repeated many times, which could represent Hay’s feelings of chaos and insanity. He speaks of being cloned, proving that he feels like a different version of himself. He’s simply not himself. His actions and words might feel out of place. Or, he could be acting like himself, but he doesn’t truly feel like himself because he’s out of his element. He expands on this idea when he mentions that his beacon has been moved. This is a visual representation of a new dimension. We’re going beyond time and space now, beyond moon and star.
His mind is spinning, and lyrics of the chorus are at the forefront of it. He’s going insane in the Twilight Zone, and insanity can be described as doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results. He can say these words over and over, but he’s still stuck in the Twilight Zone.
A major theme of the song is the veil between humanity and immortality. At this point, Hay can’t decode what’s real. If the bullet hits the bone, then you know that you are still you! You aren’t still stuck in the Twilight Zone! When in the Twilight Zone, what you think is happening may not actually be the case. How do you know that you’re not going to wake up back in your own life, in your own dimension? You don’t! Therefore, only bullets hitting bone can give you the answer.
Hay’s reference to a downward spiral parallels the opening credits of the television show. In those opening credits, we see a black & white top that spirals. The spiraling lets us know that we are human and spiraling ourselves away as we enter that new dimension. That new dimension can seem hypnotic, especially because we don’t know what’s real and what isn’t. We’re almost in a trance and a dream like state. That certainly is Hay’s current position.
Later on in the song, he mentions that he’s alone. He even asks, “where are you?” while he’s in that new dimension. If you’re questioning your own reality, then you are alone. There is no human connection because you’re not sure if you’re even in a human dimension! Who could possibly understand things beyond the realm of time and space!
There’s another point in the song when he talks about human guilt. It only pops up towards the end. Perhaps the is guilt for deeds and crimes done while still in the human dimension. The Twilight Zone dimension could be punishment, almost like a purgatory or a hell. In fact, in many of the Twilight Zone episodes, main characters are punished for things that they have done, mostly how they’ve treated other people in their lives. This is especially seen in several war-themed episodes.
We are no doubt at a borderline. The song itself straddles the borderline between the human dimension and the so-called fourth dimension that we really don’t know a whole lot about. Could the Twilight Zone be a metaphor for literal death? Send the souls to a space where there is nothing logical. You float through time and space with no real rhyme or reason.
Finally, we can’t admire this song without taking a moment to highlight the amazing guitar solo. It’s iconic for its contribution to early 70s rock, but what does it actually contribute to the lyrics? This solo continues to play on the themes we’ve seen so far. The improvisation takes us even further into that new dimension. It helps create visuals of mystery and fear and the unknown. If you strip the lyrics from the solo, you are still left with a kick a** guitar solo! 🎸
Red and green will forever be the trademark colors of Christmas. Red and pink will always symbolize Valentine’s Day. Yet no one talks about the spookiest combination of colors.
Why do we associate certain colors with Halloween? Like most holidays, the origins date back to traditions from hundreds of years ago. Alongside those traditions, color symbolism also helps to signify colors and deeper meanings. Under color symbolism, black isn’t simply the absence of color, nor is green just the color of envy. There’s always more than meets the eye, especially during this eerie time of year!
Orange 🎃
Halloween comes from the Gaelic holiday Samhain. This annual festival celebrated the end of the Fall harvest and the beginning of winter.
The color orange exudes energy, warmth, and enthusiasm. For those who grow any sort of produce, there’s an excitement to see what the garden yields. In medieval times, people had to store the harvest in order to survive the harsh winter. A successful preparation for winter deserves celebration.
Orange is a warm color. It’s bright, but it is just as cozy as a fire. No wonder this is the time of year for pumpkin fanatics!
Fall = colorful leaves. Orange is one of the most prominent colors among Fall foliage. Why do leaves change colors?
As the days grow colder and the length of each day shortens, the green pigment in leaves called chlorophyll become less prominent. As a result, carotenoids, which make the orange and yellow pigments, become more prominent.
No matter what, you just can’t shake the color orange during the autumnal months!
Black �
Black is one of the most obvious colors of Fall and Halloween. In general, the color black is simply the absence of color, whereas white is the presence of all colors together. Yes, black refers to darkness, death, and fear.
Black also traces back to Halloween’s origins. Certain cultures believed that, during the end of the harvest season, the veil between Earth and the afterlife is thinner. This also coincides with the Christian celebration of All Soul’s Day, as well as the Mexican celebration of Day of the Dead. This time of year aims to remember lost loved ones.
But remembering them also brings about the fear of ghosts, spirits, and demons. Black, then, does indeed represent fear and death. Yet it also symbolizes the fear of the unknown. If we can’t see something, it’s usually because of a lack of light. Therefore, black represents what we can’t see or know based on our senses. Our senses are dulled. Since we don’t truly know what happens after death, black stands for the fear of death and the unknown of what happens after the last mortal breath.
Green 👽
Many colors can symbolize both positive and negative emotions. Green is one of those major colors. On one hand, green is the color of growth and renewal, especially as it relates to nature and plants. On the other hand, green can also mean envy and point to the supernatural.
Why are witches’ faces usually green? We first see a witch’s green face in Margaret Hamilton’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz film, which turns 85 this year. Witches are usually envious, just as the Wicked Witch envies Dorothy’s Ruby Red slippers.
If you look at a bubbling cauldron, what color is the liquid inside? Typically, we continue to associate witches with the color green. Whatever a witch is brewing, we assume that it’s definitely not natural. In this case, green becomes a color of disgust and anything gross.
And why are aliens usually portrayed as green? Aliens aren’t human, so how can they possibly have the same skin color as us? They are supernatural beings, so we symbolize them with a supernatural color.
Purple 🔮
Purple is one of the prettier colors of the spooky season. It exudes mystery, magic, and wonder at the same time. Purple is also a color of luxury and royalty. Although purple is not exclusively a Halloween color, at times, we do find purple as a color of wealth in a spooky situation.
Purple provides the glitter and glam of Halloween colors. Its mysteriousness is not always a bad thing. In fact, magic itself doesn’t need to be negative. How often do we see magicians wearing hats and capes that are purple? Magicians already symbolize wonder and awe. Purple, then, is not necessarily an evil color.
Yellow ⚱️
Sunshine and optimism! That’s likely what you’re thinking when you hear the color yellow. Yellow is another one of those colors that can go to extremes. On the positive side, sure, you have a brightness and energy. Hope! On the other hand, yellow can be a sickly color. It can also represent mental illness, such as in the story “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. In this famous American story, the protagonist is a woman who is suffering from PTSD and becomes obsessed and haunted with the yellow wallpaper around her.
In addition, think of yellow as a color of decay. Are Dracula’s fangs always purely white? There’s no way that zombies don’t have yellow teeth, if they have any teeth at all.
Also, consider jaundice, otherwise known as yellow coloring of the eyes and skin. Jaundice is usually always a sign of declining health. In some cases, you can go wrong with the color yellow.
Red 🩸
Red will always be the color of blood. When it comes to Halloween, you can’t really assign any other meaning to the color red, except that it can also represent urgency or warning.
Spooky Pop Culture and Colors
Let’s take a quick look at some popular Halloween characters and how they incorporate specific colors into their personality.
Naturally we must consider the Sanderson sisters. In Hocus Pocus, each of the three sisters wears a different colored cloak. Here’s how the colors symbolize each witch’s character:
Winifred (Winnie): Green is the color for the sassy ringleader. As the eldest sister, Winnie has had to take care of her sisters. Green represents growth and renewal in terms of her sisterly role, but envy soon creeps in. She’s greedy in that she’s hellbent on taking children’s lives in order to become younger and immortal. And if that’s not enough, she was once envious because Sarah had stolen her lover, Billy. We all know who it was who sewed his mouth shut out of jealously…
Mary: She dons red, which, surprisingly, doesn’t represent much in the way of blood. Mary provides a huge source of comic relief, but when she’s not doing so, she is able to “smell” children. Red, here, symbolizes urgency and warning. Mary is the child detector.
Sarah: As the youngest sister, Sarah embodies purple because she is more attractive, especially to men in the 20th century. She is also the one who sings the spell that lures children to the witches’ home. This makes Sarah mysterious and enchanting.
Meanwhile, Edgar Allan Poe’s classic short story, “The Masque of the Red Death” is full of color symbolism. You can read more about the colorful rooms in Prince Prospero’s palace here.
Finally, let’s take a look at the duality of characters who wear both black and white. Black and white together has always created an eerie mood. After all, the Addams Family TV show aired in the 1960s, when shows were now colorized. Sticking to sepia helped the show to skyrocket to its Gothic fame.
Yet some famous characters juxtapose themselves!
Starting with Art the Clown, who is the demonic slasher in the Terrier franchise, this murderer wears a black and white clown suit, as well as black and white makeup. When he’s not wielding a weapon and bathing himself in blood, the silent clown acts innocent. He can often be seen making humorous gestures, as if he were a true circus clown. His clothing suggests a dual personality. He might be literal fear and death, but there is a very, very slight part of him that deceives the viewers into believing and hoping that he’s just a normal ol’ clown. The white toys with our expectations.
Then of course there’s the one and only Beetlejuice, whose black and white pinstriped suit is a popular choice for Halloween costumes. There are so many things you could say about this demon, but his humorous side makes up a large portion of his character. Granted, he’s a selfish and manipulative demon, but the audience would like to believe that there is a slight part of him who does actually want to help others. In Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, we see that he did fall in love at one time. Does his green hair imply envy? After all, he is always trying to get a bride…
So, as you munch away on your candy corn, maybe it’s time to wonder just how Halloween colors are at play this spooky season!
Chances are you have your spare tire. Perhaps you have an auto kit with jumper cables and tools necessary for if you break down. Yes, you probably have an air freshener and snow brush, too.
You never know where life will take you, and you’ll rely on your car to take you there. Here is a list of items you may never have thought about stocking in your trunk, console, or glove compartment.
Survival Basics
First aid kit
An unopened water bottle and/or an empty cup
An extra change of clothes, shoes, and toiletries
A flashlight
A blanket
Napkins, tissues, and/or paper towels
Stuck in the City?
Umbrella
Hand sanitizer
Reusable grocery bags
Roll of quarters for street meters
Extra cash (like $5) hidden just in case of emergency
Rechargeable battery or charger for electronics
Pen and paper/notebook
Lint roller (also great if you often travel with your pets)
Car Care
Bottle or jug of window wash cleaner
Silicone spray to prevent doors from freezing in the winter
An extra rag or two, especially if you need to check your oil
A wet wipe to clean the interior
A microfiber cloth to clean the radio screen
Why Not?
To wrap up, here are a couple of things that may sound odd but could just come in handy!
Small trashcan
A paper map (vintage, I know!), in case your phone dies
A decal sticker or two for fun 😊
Whatever you choose to keep in your car, make sure you create a safe and personalized ride!
Poetry: you either love it or hate it. Those who appreciate poetry understand its beauty and how its form, rhythm, imagery, and figurative language paint human emotion and the world around us. Many forms of art can be considered “poetic.” But what is poetry?
Over time, poetry has been described as:
“The best words in the best order” – Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“The craft of making” – Ben Jonson
“The spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings . . . recollected in tranquility” – William Wordsworth
“Speech framed . . . to be heard for its own sake and interest even over and above its interest of meaning” -Gerard Manley Hopkins
Typically, poetry is written in verse, which means that song lyrics count as poetry. Whether considered lyrics or literature, poetry doesn’t necessarily have to rhyme or have a meter. In modern poetry, poets experiment with a free verse style of poetry rather than conforming to strict forms and syllable counts like with the Shakespearean sonnet.
In 1960, a song by Johnny Tillotson hit the airwaves and experimented with poetry. Aptly called “Poetry in Motion,” the song describes a woman AS poetry in motion while being, in and of itself, literal poetry in motion!
“Poetry in Motion” by Johnny Tillotson
The song begins with Tillotson singing acapella, which shows how poetry can be very simple, without any fluffy language. In this way, poetry, even as song lyrics, can be filled with raw emotion.
The lady in question is a metaphor, as Tillotson is calling her poetic. All poetry moves. When reading or hearing poetry, you should notice rhythm and pace. Rhyme and repetition can help move a poem along. Sometimes poems are sing-songy. Sometimes they can be very wordy. Either way, there is some type of movement, or meter. It’s not coincidence that music does the same. Every song has a meter and tempo.
So, when Tillotson repeatedly calls attention to the lady’s “locomotion,” he is likely referencing her physical movements and comparing them to how smoothly poetry reads. Then again, he is also likely commenting on her physical body (locomotion sounds like caboose….he’s probably staring at her butt). In 1960, however, he wasn’t going to say that straightaway!
The lady sways – again, much like the rhythm and rhyme of poetry. Even if a poem is written in free verse without any rhyme or specific meter, there is typically some type of flow. For example, there could be a back and forth of short lines and long lines to keep the reader progressing through the poem.
And that’s exactly what this lady is doing for Tillotson, whether she knows it or not!
“She’s much to nice to rearrange”
-Johnny Tillotson – “Poetry in Motion” (1960)
Perhaps one of the best lines in the song is, “she’s much to nice to rearrange.” What gets revised and edited in poetry? Much revision goes towards word choice and word order. In writing, diction refers to an author/poet’s word choice while syntax refers to how words and sentences are rearranged.
In Tillotson’s case, he doesn’t want to rearrange his lover. He likes her the way she is, which is very sweet and flattering. Yet, this song is poetry about poetry. When looking at the song itself, listeners can notice the diction and syntax within the song.
For instance, the lyrics are arranged to say “a-swinging gracefully.” This is both a syntax and stylistic choice. He could’ve stressed other syllables in the word “gracefully,” but the “a” adds extra depth to the line, as well as a little quirkiness characteristic of ’50s and ’60s music. Meanwhile, the line “wave out on the ocean” may sound a little awkward at first. Instead of singing something simpler like “ocean’s wave,” this line had to align with the rhythm of the rest of the song.
Poetry can still be flowery and embellished. Toward the end of the song, the female background vocals add an extra oomph to the optimism of the song.
To add even more embellishment, Tillotson includes a reference, also called an allusion, to another song that listeners of that time period would automatically know. “Love Potion No. 9” tells the tale of a man who becomes infatuated with everyone he sees as a result of a love potion that he drinks. Tillotson mentions the song to make a comparison. He says that a love potion couldn’t make him adore the lady more than he already does – another sweet and poetic sentiment!
Just as a frame story is a story that talks about another story, Tillotson “a-gracefully” pulls off talking about a lady who is like a poem, all while singing a poem. How poetic!
Before You Go…
Don’t forget to listen to (and follow) the Guilty Pleasures of a Classic Soul playlist, which compiles all songs featured on Monthly Mixtape reviews here on Confessions of a Classic Soul! You can listen on Spotify!
Ahoy! Summer vacation season may be coming to a quick close, but many travelers longing to get away book cruises any time of year. First time cruisers can easily feel overwhelmed by such a daunting trip, especially if they’ve never sailed before.
If I hadn’t had a veteran cruiser with me, I still might be on the ship! So if you’re considering taking a cruise for the first time, or are an expert looking for a few extra tips and tricks, read on!
Quick Plane Tips
Need to travel by plane before making your way to the ship dock? Take it from someone who would rather travel with wheels on the ground: chances are the plane won’t crash. But if you’re still paranoid…
Always chew gum when the plane ascends and descends. Your ears will thank you.
If you’re next to the window, don’t be afraid to use the blind. If you want to look out at the puffy clouds, open the blind. If you have anxiety, close it.
Don’t be rude! No need to block the aisles while everyone is trying to pile into seats while boarding. If you’re taking something into the seat with you (book, snack, etc.), have it ready so you can just load your carry-on above the seat and then sit.
Nervous? Take those deep breaths, even if you think it’s stupid. The stewardess will give you something to drink. You’ll be okay.
Stepping on the Ship
Holy Mother of Pearl! Yes, cruise ships are ginormous. If you’ve never been on one before, you will be in disbelief at how long it is and how many decks there are.
When you get to the port, be sure to listen to instructions and follow signs. For the most part, everything is labeled. Someone or something will tell you when you need your passport or where to set your luggage. From the time you arrive at the port to the time you return to go home, someone should be available to help. Hospitality is a huge characteristic among the port and ship staff. So if you’re not sure about something, ask!
What about luggage? You can have a porter take it to your room, or you can keep track of it yourself. However, unless you want to tote around your heavy luggage as you get accustomed to the ship, a porter is recommended. Just be mindful that porters expect a cash tip for transporting your luggage.
Lost Yet?
Unless you’ve been on the exact same ship before, or have an impeccable flair for navigation, you WILL get lost. Look for a map/directory on the ship and consult it often. The hardest thing to remember is what side of the ship you’re on and what side you’re trying to get to.
Also, if your cruise ship has a mobile app for you to use during the duration of your trip, consult it frequently. This will help you know what deck to go to for specific events, including your muster station in case of an emergency. Don’t worry, you can’t actually get too lost on the ship. Just head to the main deck and walk the length of it until you get to the other side. Now you’ll be turned around!
And don’t be afraid to take the steps instead of waiting for the elevator. EVERYONE waits for an elevator.
Food and Dining
You will NOT starve on a cruise ship, as there are countless options to choose from! Every ship has a main dining hall, but there are usually several other restaurants that are a bit more casual. There may be a restaurant or two that is not included in your paid dining plan. In other words, you may need to pay at certain restaurants as you would on shore. Depending on the cruise line, dinners in the main dining hall may require or suggest a specific dress code. If you’ve ever watched an episode of the Love Boat, then you probably know that formal attire can be essential. However, this is no longer the ’70s. Just check with your ship to see if you need to pack your black-tie wardrobe. In some cases, a ship may have themed dinners. One night you might dress casually and the next dress your best.
When do you grow hungry? During the booking process, you’ll likely choose when you plan to eat at the main dining hall. This does not mean you have to eat every single meal at the dining hall. You simply reserve a time slot. Perhaps you want to eat during the earlier time slot of 5-6pm. Or, maybe you have booked a lot of evening shows and want to eat closer to 8 or 9. Every ship’s dining process is different. For example, my cruise offered an option where I could go to eat anytime during a certain, extended time slot. This ended up not being the best choice because all guests who selected this option would coincidentally show up at 6:30! The line to get in was ridiculous. We were encouraged to reserve a dining time, which seemed to defeat the purpose of the anytime dining option.
Before my first cruise, family and friends kept encouraging me to try new foods. “If you don’t like it,” they said, “order something else.” I tried a number of new foods during the week, and I’ve been an extremely picky eater since age 5! But if you’re someone who doesn’t like to waste food if you don’t like something (like me), then I recommend not trying every item on the menu–unless you’re my aunt who one night seriously ordered every dessert on the menu to try!
Finally, understand that you’re on a cruise and the staff’s job is to service you. One of the biggest habits to get used to while on a cruise is being waited on. The waiter’s job is to clear the table, serve the food, push in chairs, and place napkins over laps. If you’re not used to such treatment and would rather be independent, then you might have a bit of a learning curve. It’s a nice learning curve, but definitely odd at first!
Excursions
Chances are, you’re on a destination cruise, meaning that the ship will be stopping at different ports. But what do you do once you get there? Many cruisers will book excursion activities, like guided tours, through the cruise line website. If you don’t want to get stuck doing activities with a big group of strangers, it is possible to book excursions through smaller, third-party sites. For instance, I ended up on an island tour that had four tourists from the ship present, myself being one of them. If you choose to go the third-party route, just be very careful that the details align. In some cases, you might need to break away from the ship crowd in order to get to your activity. The good news is that you can usually find someone from that excursion company holding a sign. So if you book an excursion through XYZ Excursions (yes, I made that up), you will find your tour guide holding an XYZ sign.
On the flipside, you can create your own excursion activities on the spot, especially if it’s a beach day!
Before sending you off on your ocean adventure, here are a few other pieces of advice:
Cruising days are days when the ship is sailing and not docking anywhere. Even if you don’t typically experience motion sickness, these days may make you a bit woozy.
Listen, if the pool rules tell you not to reserve seats, don’t be a jerk about it. Share the love…and fun. Everyone’s there for the same reason.
Speaking of pools…beat the massive crowds by going to early in the morning right after the pool opens, or late at night.
When at the pools, you have to rent towels from a towel station. Unreturned towels will result in a fee on your account.
Watch as many shows on the ship as you can! If you’re able to reserve a seat for free (Royal Caribbean offers this), then book the seats! You won’t find better world-class entertainment!
Tip the staff. You can automatically tip your staff when you pay for your cruise, or you can allocate higher tips to certain staff members you like best (you’re given this option at the end of your cruise). Check your cruise line’s guidelines for more instructions about tips.
Visit every deck at least once!
Keep track of your spending! Cruise lines with mobile apps let you keep track of your spending by showing you your onboard account. You may even be able to access your account information on the smart TV in your room. If a charge doesn’t look right, then go to guests services, wherever it is on the ship. I had a discount that didn’t go through on merchandise I bought, so I had to go to guest services to avoid an extra charge.
Departure is similar to your arrival. The main difference is that you will be assigned a specific group number and time slot in which you will leave the ship. Sounds more nerve wracking than it actually is!
Be courteous with the staff! They are required to be professional, but they will converse with you and ensure you’re having a splendid time!
Although you might not be a pro sailor by the time you arrive or depart the ship, these tips can help you start to mature your sea legs. Bon voyage!
Confessions of a Classic Soul 