One-hit wonders can be like gold. The only downside is that the rest of an artist’s songs flopped, making that artist nearly invisible to listeners’ ears.
This same situation affected The Music Explosion, a ’60s band from Ohio. Besides two singles, the band virtually went unnoticed.
The band’s hit, “Little Bit O Soul,” is a natural earworm, especially as summer creeps its way in. ’60s music always reminds me of summer!
So what’s the deal with the soul?
“Little Bit O Soul”
Play the first 13 seconds of this song and pause. It’s stuck in your head now, isn’t it? This main line of rhythm is so simplistic, which makes it so effective, with its upbeat, cheerful tempo. It ascends and it descends. As we’ll see later on, the instrumentals help to enforce the song’s meaning.
Then enters lead singer of The Music Explosion, Jamie Lyons. His voice is raspy, which likely contributes to soul music, which will be explored further during the chorus.
The entire song plays on a very sucky human experience, otherwise known as a “bad day.” Like the opening instrumental shows, the song is meant to set an uplifting tone.
In my analysis, I figure “soul” has a double meaning, referring to both the music genre and a person’s spiritual core. This interpretation, however, can send us on a spiral of meanings and inquiries. If rock and roll is too loud and heavy, then how can it cure a person’s pain? It may numb it for a limited amount of time, sure, but the entire point of soul music is to, quite literally, reach the soul. It’s gentler and very reflective. Both meanings of the word soul come into play here. In order to heal and mend oneself, soul music can aid the soul.
Soul, on the other hand, can pertain to more than just a music genre. The only lyrics in this song that raise a few questions involve soul and prayer:
“You gotta make like you wanna kneel and pray / and then a little bit o soul will come your way”
-The Music Explosion
Now perhaps I’m reading too much into these lines, being a religious person and all, but how is God going to help you if you “make like” you’re going to pray? If “soul,” either the genre or the spiritual, is going to lift you up, then you can’t fake your way into it. Both provide energy, but you have to want that energy. Blessings and fortune don’t always drop from the sky.
If the spiritual “soul” is analyzed in the way that it should be, then it can definitely be noted that it has the power to encourage the downhearted and depressed. In Christianity, the Holy Spirit strengthens, guides, and comforts.
Music, by contrast, can also cause these effects and boost mood. So, either sense of the word “soul” is applicable in this song.
What about the soul, or essence, of being unique individuals? Here at Confessions of a Classic Soul, we’re all about being unique old souls. Personalities allow a person to stand out among a crowd, and all humans have specific traits and abilities that allow them to have a special place in society. Maybe, if individuals were to remind themselves of who they are (remember their soul and what is good about it), then they would receive the boost of confidence and hope they need to dive back into the game of life!
Even more, the lyrics stitch together problems and solutions. These solutions are commonplace, making it possible for the listeners to relate to the song immediately. Feeling down? Have a broken heart? This song is a reminder of the human experience because listeners heard themselves in the lines! In fact, toward the end of the song, Lyons sings “just remember what I said,” which proves that this song can be a supportive reminder of how life will improve. Just don’t forget the soul part!
Lastly, I want to touch quickly on word painting. In short, this term means that the music notation represents the actual lyrics of a song. Think back to the instrumental introduction of this song (it’s probably still stuck in your head, anyway): the simple bassline moves up and down the scale. The music is literally the soul and represents the central message of life getting better. In general, take notice how this ’60s song isn’t straight-up rock and roll. It, too, is comprised of at least small bits of its lyrical matter. SOUL!!
With all this said, have a wonderful summer, and don’t forget “a little bit o soul!”
Before You Go
Don’t forget to listen and subscribe to the Guilty Pleasures of a Classic Soul playlist, which compiles all songs featured on Monthly Mixtape! You can now listen on either YouTube or Spotify!
Ah, May 4th, the Christmas for Star Wars lovers. Have you ever considered the spiritual and religious references in the saga? What about heresy?
Although the Jedi order isn’t exactly a religion, there are several similarities between it and spirituality, or the belief in a higher presence.
First off, the light and dark sides of the force are obviously pitted against one another. Any spiritual belief typically stems from the good v. evil controversy. It’s almost like the angels in Heaven fighting the demons in Hell (I nominate Obi-Wan as St. Michael the Archangel!).
Consider the force for a moment. How would you define it? It’s not physical, although it can manipulate physical objects. We can sit and discuss midichlorians, but the force is like a essence or spirit. It is the representation of all that is good. In Christianity, the Holy Spirit is the sign of the love between God the Father and Jesus the Son. Besides, the force is supposed to be used to achieve good….unless you’re wearing a black helmet and love to choke people.
Before diving into the heresy, we must also consider the inner characteristics of both the Sith and the Jedi. Basically, each Jedi strives for peace, but in order to do so, one must first control desires and work on inner discipline. Think about it: they’re not allowed to marry; they wear certain robes; there are padawan learners; training does not begin with swinging a lightsaber–they must build their own; many leave home to become a Jedi; they must not be hasty in decisions.
Do you see it yet? The Jedi are like MONKS!! Not only do they undergo extensive training,, but they work for peace and combat injustice in society. In fact, they even develop virtues to strengthen themselves!
Qui-Gon has wisdom
Yoda can tell you right from wrong–justice and prudence
Obi-Wan is pretty temperant
Mace Windu jumps around a lot AND takes on Palpatine–if that’s not fortitude, what is? (the man is forced out of a window for heaven’s sake!)
On the other hand, then, Sith members are on the “seven-deadly-sins” route. Afterall, envy and pride lead to wrath, or hate, and hate leads to killing a previous Sith lord in order to move up the ranks.
Now comes at least one heresy. A heresy, in a religious context, is when someone spreads a false teaching about the religion. By denying the teaching and believing another theory, a heretic goes against the church, possibly taking others with him.
For example, in the history of Christianity, the first heretic was Arius, who said that Jesus was more human than divine. This teaching argues against the relationship between the Holy Trinity. So, what’s this have to do with a Death Star blowing up the galaxy?
Jedis aren’t supposed to marry because emotional attachments allow them to lose focus and discipline. Have you ever met a married monk?
Anakin Skywalker, of course, doesn’t exactly follow rules. His love for Padme quickly takes center stage (despite the incredibly awkward age difference from Phantom Menance to Attack of the Clones). He doesn’t see anything wrong with his actions. It isn’t as though their love is fake. Besides, he believes he can take care of his “chosen one” vocation and a family. He rejects the Jedi teaching and goes his own way. Anakin’s heresy only contributes to his downfall and eventual conversion to the Dark Side.
Throughout the prequels, it is clear that Anakin has his moments of pride and arrogance. He’s also not very patient and can act recklessly (hence why Obi-Wan isn’t always particularly fond of flying with him). His conversion is not a dramatic surprise. His character, over time, begins to change and unfold. Can we go far enough to say that lust led him to commit heresy?
Nonetheless, we must consider the effects of Anakin’s heresy. Without it, Luke and Leia would never have been born. What impact would this have on the future? Who could destroy the Death Star or lead the Rebel party? But would Anakin even be a Sith? How much did Anakin’s marriage push him over to the Dark Side? Palpatine promised he could help Padme and not let her die in childbirth. Anakin was tempted. He leaves the light, and Padme still dies.
Yvonne Elliman is Mary Magdalene and doesn’t want anybody else if she “can’t have you.”
Elliman is famous for her role as Mary Magadalene in Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar. Her sensational performance of “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” from the musical even earned her a Golden Globe.
In 1978, she returned to the spotlight with “I Can’t Have You” from her album Night Flight. In looking at Elliman’s discography, music lovers can’t help but realize hidden gems that deserve to be discovered.
“I’ll Be Around” is beautiful and inspirational. It follows Elliman’s typical style of ballads that feature her lullaby-like vocals.
“I’ll Be Around”
The inspirational lullaby opens with a soft and sweet piano. When Elliman enters, her deep range continues to set the gentle mood.
Although the lyrics are simple, they are far from cliche. In fact, the rhyme scheme is subtle, not cheesy or irritating. For example, “knowing” and “growing” help to build the song and its seriousness rather than tear it down. The near rhymes (like “run” and “become”) contribute to this effect as well.
Perhaps the real questions in the song are “what have we become, and why are we running?” Elliman tells us that we’re afraid of what we’ve become. Is that good or bad? If it keeps us on the run, where are we running to? Why?
As the song progresses, we learn that we’re trying to reach dreams and rise above ourselves. We’re moving out of our comfort zones. Even though she speaks of emptiness, the comfort in her voice encourages us to not worry.
At first, using the words “little fool” seem a bit insulting. However, this name is not meant to be derogatory. Instead, Elliman reminds us that our dreams aren’t over, and we have the power to press on ahead.
In considering the point of view of this song, it seems Elliman is talking to another woman or even a young girl, especially with the use of the word “little.” Regardless of the specific person she is addressing, this song may just be trying to break feminine stereotypes. Rather than be weak and sink to the bottom of her fears, a woman must realize that she has the power to be the woman she wants to become. If that woman needs support, Elliman will “be around” to help!
As humans, obstacles constantly stand in the way of our dreams and goals. At one point or another, we all cower with doubt and grow depressed at our failures. Support groups are integral to our success and mental health. Without confidence and emotional comfort from friends and family, we may never be able to save ourselves from ourselves and rise to our full capabilities. So, Elliman is showing her support–in song form!
In fact, it is possible that this song is a song of self-love. Could Elliman be addressing herself?
Finally, because this blog is all about old souls, this song represents an old soul’s loyalty. Old souls are often sought out for advice and are good listeners. Therefore, like Elliman, old souls will be around to support those who need an extra boost of encouragement!
Before You Go
Don’t forget to listen and subscribe to the Guilty Pleasures of a Classic Soul playlist, which compiles all songs featured on Monthly Mixtape! You can now listen on either YouTube or Spotify!
For Christians, Lent is a spiritual journey that lasts from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday. Jesus’ death on the cross is the climax of the Lenten season, with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as the tools used to navigate the way to the joyous Easter season.
What does Lent have to do with an Imagine Dragons’ (ID) album? Nothing. Or everything. Every listening ear brings a new perspective to music, and one person can indeed look at songs differently than others. Here at COACS, I’m that person who can analyze songs fifty ways to Sunday, and I won’t claim any analysis as absolutely correct.
Since their album debut in 2011, ID’s music has always emphasized the raw emotions of being human. As a result, I claim that the 2015 album Smoke + Mirrors can represent a sinner on a Lenten journey.
The arrangement of the album contributes to the theme of conversion. In Latin, the word conversatio refers to a person who undergoes a spiritual conversion, and Lent is the perfect time to embark on such a journey.
“Shots,” the first track on Smoke + Mirrors, is a fitting first step on the lyrical journey, as lead singer Dan Reynolds’ persona confesses guilt. He’s “sorry for everything [he’s] done” and admits that he messes up by proclaiming he’s “shot a hole through everything [he’s] loved.”
Human nature is tainted by sin, and we often “shoot holes” in everything because of it. All sin has a social dimension, meaning that sin affects others, not simply the individual who commits the sin. In “Shots,” Reynolds damages relationships despite wanting to escape sin.
Toward the end, he begs to let it all go. He wants all the evil he’s done to “drift away.” After all, he admits many times that he’s sorry. This entire album begins the spiritual transformation by admitting the frailty of human nature and the desire for forgiveness. Because God is love, He will forgive His children. During the Lenten season, Catholics are called to seek out the sacrament of reconciliation, or confession. “Shots” is a personal confession.
“At the roadside we used to know / We can let this drift away / Oh we let this drift away”
– “Shots,” Imagine Dragons
Sin can manifest itself in the form of gold, which is the name of the second song on the album. Everyone dreams of having such precious wealth, but it soon takes over and weakens willpower (as Reynolds sings, “but now you can’t tell the false from the real”). Truth is distorted, which is the affect sin has on the soul. Instead of serving God, man serves himself according to material desires. By the end of the song, human emotions are numb. The obsession with gold has clouded all judgment and concern for fellow man. All Reynolds has is gold and all he is is gold.
The title track of the album, “Smoke and Mirrors” is as mysterious as the title itself. The theme of human weakness grows stronger as Reynolds unravels truth from fiction. If the “gatekeeper”, “dream maker”, and “lifetaker” are all different names for God, then it’s no wonder why our narrator is deep in the throes of confusion. After all, our words and plans are not always the best for us, and we can only be truly satisfied by trusting in the Lord’s will. Just as the Son of God trusted His father’s plan and willing endured suffering and death, humans must also follow God’s will.
Okay, that’s all great, but now what? The one thing that the song makes perfectly clear is that we tend to lose hope when everything we’ve known and believed comes crashing down. Sometimes we fall into moods where we feel we’ve become almost nothing. We don’t understand why our brilliant plans have been ruined. Smoke gives way to mirrors, but God will lead you to see the path of the true person staring back in the mirror.
All I believe, is it a dream that comes crashing down on me? / All that I hope, is it just smoke and mirrors? / I want to believe, whoa / But all that I know, is it just smoke and mirrors?
– Imagine Dragons
Next comes more redemption with the aptly titled “I’m So Sorry.” The aggressive rock side of this album grows intense here. The gist of the track is that you have to have the humility to atone for your own sins. Only then can you love and be loved in true peace.
The rock background, combined with Dan Reynolds’ hardcore vocals show how emotional the topic of sin can be.
The phrase “son of a stepfather” might simply be a replacement for swear words (which ID have never yet included in their songs); however, it could also be an acknowledgement that God is our true father, and our earthly fathers are like stepfathers.
After this admittance of guilt, we transition back into hope and trust. In “I Bet My Life,” Reynolds mentions not taking the right path and disappointing others. If sin is the cause of this effect, then what else can a mere human do than trust or “bet” his life on God? The bridge of this track even focuses on begging for forgiveness. Now that we’ve become aware of our sins, we can work to change our life course.
“Polaroid” is nostalgic but tragic. The main focus is that love is better in pictures than in real life. At first glance, this self-condemning song doesn’t relate much to religion. However, if a printed picture is ideal, then so is God. Humans can never fully capture or give such love as God has because God is innocent and pure. So, humans on earth can never fill the “void” of God’s love.
Meanwhile, Reynolds’ persona is back to feeling guilty, empty, and worthless, especially with lines like: “I’m a reckless mistake, / I’m a cold night’s intake.” The repetition of the “start over” theme circles back to the idea of forgiveness and God’s mercy.
Alongside “I’m So Sorry,” “Friction” is the other heavy-hitting track on the album, perhaps even sliding itself into heavy metal. There is a slight change in theme with “Friction” by not focusing on forgiveness. Reynolds sings about being in the middle of things and needing to escape the pressure. The chorus goes, “You can’t fight the friction / so ease it off.”
“Friction,” if analyzed in a religious context, could demonstrate how, when the going gets tough, we need to turn to God with a childlike dependency. The line “Don’t tell me to be strong” shows that humans don’t have all the answers and can’t always solve their own problems. Sometimes it takes Divine Revelation.
Self-pity then returns in the track “It Comes Back to You.” Although likely about a romantic relationship, the song has an interesting meaning if religion is applied. It begins with uncertainty and unstable mental health. Soon, the confusion leads to the realization that “all the things that you had lost will find their way to you / it comes back to you.” The image of the Good Shepherd comes into play. As Christians, we can always find our way back to God. After all, Jesus’ death and resurrection give promise to second chances and eternal life. So, everything comes back to God. That trust that begins in “Friction” is developed more deeply here. Instead of being a “shadow [God] drew,” we also now have a purpose–to live and serve God.
“Dream” is a particularly haunting song because of its lack of hope and interpretation of reality. The song tackles the dreams of youth and how promises are not upheld. The grandiose visions we have as teens fall flat once we reach adulthood. Everything is a mess.
The imagery–darkness, cries, night, colors, paint–all centers on the loss of the ideal. On Earth, life will never be ideal because of Original Sin; therefore, we can only dream of world peace and the paradise of the kingdom of God.
Then comes “Trouble” with its lighthearted sound but serious theme. Here Reynolds calls on fellow brothers and sisters (of Christ?) to pray for him because he’s trying to find himself. The repetition of “I want no trouble” shows how honest he is being. He looks back into childhood and attempts to find his present place.
Innately, humans have to have a sense of not wanting to cause trouble, especially because they’re made in the image and likeness of God. Christians pray for themselves and each other. It is their job to pray, hope, be steadfast, and avoid trouble (AKA sin). This song echoes that struggle for a balanced Christian life.
“Summer” continues the struggle of finding one’s place in life; however, the point of view could be coming from God. He wants us to share everything with Him, even though He knows all there is to know about us. It’s in this prayerful conversation with Him that we grow closer and build that trusting relationship with Him.
"Open up your eyes / open up your mind / fall in love with who you're meant to be"
By staying open minded, we’re able to listen to God through prayer and work to transform ourselves into who He wants us to be. He gave us certain talents and qualities for a reason, and now we must decipher what to do with them. What does this have to do with summer? Not much by the religious analysis. Maybe summertime is a perfect time for a break when we reflect and change course in our lives.
The oddest-sounding track on the entire ID album is none other than “Hopeless Opus.” This song sums up humanity and reminds why humans need a Messiah. In the Old Testament God sends the flood to wipe out all of sinful humanity. Humanity let God down. We seemed like His “hopeless opus.” But, through reconciliation, prayer, good deeds, and Jesus, we are able to bring back hopefulness and work toward Heaven. All hope has not been abandoned.
Finally, “The Fall” brings the entire album full circle. Reynolds laments about feeling broken and wrong. He’s waiting for everything he knows to come crashing down. Yet, he realizes that “you’re all I know.” If the “You” were God, then Reynolds is attempting to refocus on who he knows he can rely on. Human goals and desires can sometimes be fruitless if they do not align with God’s will. In the end, we must turn to Him, pray, and act justly.
“I keep on praying to see the light / maybe I’m breaking up with myself / maybe I’m thinking I should keep to myself / to the things that I’ve been told”
-Imagine Dragons
Is It All Smoke + Mirrors?
One of the best attributes about music is that it can be perceived and understood in many ways. Although ID band members have had religion in their lives doesn’t mean the interpretations above are true. However, the beauty is in the ear of the listener.
Smoke + Mirrors can be analyzed through a religious lens, portraying raw humanity and conversion, preparing souls for the wonderful season of Easter!
And for more Lenten reflections based on popular music, read my analysis of OneRepublic’s Dreaming Out Loud.
By 1963, the Civil Rights movement was in full swing, and its message of liberation and pride impacted the music industry, namely Motown.
Fontella Bass is widely known for her hit “Rescue Me,” but her powerful and soulful voice, which at times sounded like Aretha, the Queen of Soul herself, was capable of more than what common audiences know her for. Fontella’s roots in Gospel music carried over into many of her songs.
“My Good Loving” is the perfect independence track to end Black History Month. Like “Rescue Me,” this song has grit and groove!
What’s Monthly Mixtape? Each month on Confessions of a Classic Soul, Nicole reviews an underappreciated song from decades past. Her love for underrated songs, plus her literary analysis skills and music experience, allow her to find hidden gems within songs.
“My Good Loving”
From the bongo-swinging introduction to Fontella’s exclamation of “doggone fool” at the end, “My Good Loving” is full of sass and confidence. At the song’s heart is a simple-sounding story of missed opportunities and a romance gone sour. Even though the story doesn’t have many details, the pace and flow of the song keeps the story stitched together. The first verse blends with the second, picking up the narrative of the same man who should miss Fontella’s loving.
The sass and confidence never falters because Fontella’s voice doesn’t. Just as she wholeheartedly belted out that she needed someone to save her in “Rescue Me,” here she proudly reminds the lover that he’ll miss what she could give him.
This song is no pity-party. Fontella realizes what type of person she is and is proud of it. She knows that her lover was in the wrong, and she has nothing to regret.
"If You Don't Need Me, / Then I Don't Need You"
The lines above just may be the most powerful lyrics of the entire song. Here the independence has come to its peak. Fontella comes to the conclusion that she can’t waste time on a guy who left her, even though he doesn’t yet know what he’s missing.
I love how Fontella sounds carefree when she sings this song, especially because the whole point is to say “joke’s on you because you’ll miss me.” She’s also wise enough to not fall for him when his fling his over.
The power in her voice even extends beyond the song itself. For a black woman in the 1960s to exude such confidence and independence is truly amazing. To be a different race or even a woman in the 1960s was difficult, and you don’t have to be liberal or conservative to acknowledge it. So, to reverse the role of a man and show Fontella as an empowered woman is life-changing. Even when she mentions being out and having a ball, she reverses the role of men chasing women as she is enjoying the night and her individuality.
Unlike in her hit “Rescue Me,” Fontella is not relying on the man. She doesn’t need a savior; she needs freedom and love. And by pointing out that the lover will not stay with the new fling, Fontella shows how loyal and valuable she is. She’s not a one-night-stand kind of gal, and this man will certainly miss the love she has to offer.
When it comes to loving, no one should overlook Fontella. Besides, she wants you to “rescue her” anyway. Don’t be a fool!
Before You Go…
Don’t forget to listen and subscribe to the Guilty Pleasures of a Classic Soul playlist, which compiles all songs featured on Monthly Mixtape! You can now listen on either YouTube or Spotify!
The seer of seers, the prognosticators of prognosticators. This morning on 2/2/22, Punxsutawney Phil forecasted six more weeks of winter, which is likely accurate as the northeast braces for another huge snowstorm.
Do groundhogs actually predict weather? I’m not betting on it, but I’ll wake up and tune in every Groundhog Day at 7:15 am. Then I realized that this holiday, although not federal, is a perfect holiday for old souls.
This holiday is simple, uncomplicated (unless you’re actually traveling to Gobbler’s Knob). It’s rich in history and tradition, which is right up an old soul’s alley!
Groundhog Day began thanks to German settlers who traveled to America. In conjunction with the Catholic celebration of Candlemas (honoring when Jesus was presented at the temple as an infant), Germans looked to a long-held tradition of a badger predicting an early or late spring. In fact, church candles are blessed on Candlemas day, preparing people for the darkness of winter. Their tradition allowed for hope in the season ahead. A sunny Candlemas meant more snow, just as Phil’s shadow means more winter.
Old souls are often history buffs, or are at least interested in aspects of the past. They celebrate traditions and facts that have been long forgotten or are rarely honored. Many old souls believe it is their job to keep the past alive. The traditions and history behind Groundhog Day are sure to attract an old soul or two.
But the history doesn’t stop there. The first Groundhog Day celebration was in Punxsutawney, 1887. Evidently, there was an already established group called the Groundhog Club. Instead of hunting the furry animals, the group celebrated them! This club is still in existence today, which is where the inner circle comes from. The inner circle men take care of Punxsutawney Phil all year long.
Old souls love traditions. They’re fun, and old souls see the value in them. Besides, when do old souls follow norms?
Groundhog Day traditions are even weirder than its history. Phil is said to drink an “elixir of life” that makes him live longer. And if you thought Groundhogese was a verbal language, it isn’t. As the inner circle president mentioned this morning, it’s a language of gestures and facial cues–think nose-wiggling! Only the president is “trained” in the language.
And yes, the inner circle sort of sounds like a cult, and members all have nicknames that are weather-related (ie. Iceman, moonshine, etc.).
Finally, Punxsutawney is a small town with that cozy hometown feeling. Well, I’ve been there once (bathroom break on the way to Canada!). Nonetheless, it is indeed a classic, rural Pennsylvania town. What old soul doesn’t like small towns, good food, and cozy lodgings? Plus, big statues of Phil stand outside many shops and locations in the town. For example, I remember one outside McDonald’s 🙂
Whether or not you believe in the Groundhog “magic,” there is no doubt that old souls are predisposed to celebrating such a heartwarming, traditional, and quaint little holiday. Enjoy six more weeks of snow, fires, and fuzzy socks!
Phil Connors in the beloved comedy Groundhog Day shifts from being a grouchy egotist to a considerate gentleman. At the beginning of the film when the TV crew travels from Pittsburgh to Punxsutawney, Delbert McClinton’s track “Weatherman” plays in the background.
I’ve always liked this catchy tune, but didn’t know many of the lyrics because the full song isn’t played in the movie. Nonetheless, McClinton’s song is worth a spotlight feature during Groundhog Day Week, and it even foreshadows Phil’s change.
“Weatherman”
From the beginning instrumental, it is hard not to like this song and feel the groove. The country and blues combination helps make the sound comforting and hopeful.
The lyrics, from a poetic perspective, play heavily on weather to both set the mood and move the themes that will pop up. These familiar seasons resonate with listeners. For example, the flow of the literal seasons matched with particular moods is common and cliche. Who isn’t happy in spring sunshine (except for allergy sufferers)? However, weather images are enough to draw people in. When haven’t we felt that “steady low?” Besides, winter is typically the time of year when depression spikes because of the weather and the need to remain inside.
The shift where McClinton inserts himself and sings about smiling expands on the weatherman theme, but it begins to become more personal than generic. The romance of him wanting to lift a girl’s spirits is just so…..cute? Bubblegummy? But, hey, it works! This theme reminds me of the Monkees’ “Take a Giant Step,” which echoes the desire to brighten up a discouraged lover.
Again, in the second verse, weather imagery appears, like wind, snow, and rain. Just the onomatopoeia of rain “pattering” further drives the gloomy mood we all feel at certain points in our lives. Heck, I want to call “information” and ask for the weatherman!
Clearly, McClinton’s weatherman is like the sunshine of a spring day, ushering in warmth and good vibes. Listening to the instrumental leading up to the bridge of the song, the saxophone solo adds to this idea of “brightening up.” It, like the lyrics, heats up the mood and steers listeners toward positivity.
The bridge nearly strips away the literal weather components of the song as McClinton hones in on his ability to be this girl’s “weatherman.” To be that person who can love, cherish, and protect another is no doubt heartwarming and special. Maybe a metaphorical weatherman is more accurate than a literal one!
Weatherman, Meet the Weatherman
How does the song connect to the movie? Throughout each repetition of the day, Phil gradually learns to become a better man, especially as he realizes he’s falling in love with Rita. He winds up ditching his old weatherman attitude so he can be McClinton’s type of weatherman for Rita. Maybe Groundhog Day isn’t so bad after all!
Before You Go…
Don’t forget to listen and subscribe to the Guilty Pleasures of a Classic Soul playlist, which compiles all songs featured on Monthly Mixtape! You can now listen on either YouTube or Spotify!
“Reduce, reuse, and recycle” is all the rage these days, but have you ever considered recycling your life with a new body?
In the Twilight Zone, anything is possible, of course, and the New Life Corporation offers a chance of a second life. In the 1962 episode “The Trade-Ins,” John and Marie Holt shop for new bodies, but the bittersweet results leave viewers questioning the validity of this new fountain of youth.
“The Trade-Ins”
John and Marie’s love for each other is heartwarming. When the cute, elderly couple enter the New Life Corporation, they’re greeted by Mr. Vance, the salesman. The couple explain that John has been experiencing age-related pain, so new bodies are in order.
One of the creepiest realizations of the New Life Corporation is the process behind it. Customers select which young body they’d like their memories to be transferred into. Customers select their bodies from young and attractive mannequins. These models are the actual bodies used in the process!
In little time, John and Marie decide on which bodies they would like. However, when the subject of payment arises, the couple only has enough money for one transformation.
They try to negotiate with Mr. Vance, of course, with the life savings they have. Mr. Vance responds with a very weak argument: the government does not allow us to do that. Wait….the U.S. GOVERNMENT knows about your sketchy and insanely expensive body-switching corporation!? Sir, are you working with an alien government?! While this isn’t the first red flag of the episode, it’s one of many!
The Twilight Zone has a knack for pushing normal people into bizarre situations. John and Marie are still very much in love, despite their age. Marie offers a truly heartfelt sacrifice, telling Mr. Vance that John could undergo the procedure in order to be rid of his horrible pain.
What is most amazing about Marie’s sacrifice is that she isn’t jealous. Instead of causing selfish drama because she also wants a new body, she wholeheartedly wants the best for John.
John, however, loves his wife enough to try and earn more money so she can have the procedure done as well. As an old man, he arrives to a shady gambling hideout with younger men and attempts to win more money. When he explains why he needs the money, the scummy men around the table don’t even act like the old man is out of his gourd. Perhaps the New Life Corporation isn’t so secret after all?
John, luckily, is able to win back the amount of money he started with. But now this means Marie still can’t get a new body, because he has as much money as he had before.
The next day, John has his memory transferred into a younger body. If he isn’t satisfied, Mr. Vance explains, John’s old body can be exhumed, and the memories can be transferred back (??? If only Dr. Frankenstein had this knowledge so he wouldn’t have had to compile dead body parts!).
The procedure is a success, and John, now a fit and muscular man without any gray hairs, zooms around the showroom, ecstatic. He is so impressed when he goes over to Marie and looks into her aged eyes. And then enters the silence and disappointment. John knows that he can’t live a fresh life as a young man while Marie remains old and fragile. Besides, she’d die while he relives life, unless he works to earn more money for a second procedure.
The moment is so painful, but John knows what he must do. John and Marie Holt walk out of New Life Corporation the way they came in.
What is interesting about John and Marie is that they aren’t there for a new life. They’re there for new bodies. The shot at a second lifetime seems like a bonus, but not a necessity. The thrill of cryogenics is you’ll wake up and have the chance at living a new life. Even the tales of finding the fountain of youth are motivated by wanting to live forever.
John and Marie don’t want to live forever. They simply want to escape the aches and pains of old age. They want to do that together, of course, but the couple never give the impression of being greedy. They want to ditch the declining bodies they do have.
In analyzing the psychology and logistics behind this episode, the idea of transferring one human into the inanimate shell of a body is no doubt against all pro-life principles. John is transferred into the model he saw in the showroom. The model isn’t a robot, but one can’t help but wonder what this body is made of that it can have the ability to become lifelike, human.
Yes, we never receive these explanations in the Twilight Zone (that’s the point!), but contemplating the process behind the New Life Corporation is both profound and disturbing.
Additionally, how does DNA work? The model doesn’t not change physically or even facially. John’s new face is not even close to his own. Anyone who would undergo this procedure would surely life a completely different life! Also, only so many models exist…wouldn’t everyone look nearly the same?!
Transferring memories isn’t logical. How would that even work?! When that happens, is any DNA transferred? If not, then these individuals are trapped in a body that truly is not their own. Is the brain what is being transferred? Mr. Vance forgot to provide details!
Finally, consider the emotional impact on this procedure. Marie now sees a young man who acts very much like her husband. They still adore each other, but a young man with an old woman? From a sociological perspective, this relationship would be taboo. Then again, with a young man’s hormones, could John potentially fall in love with a younger woman? This bizarre love triangle would simply fail at every angle!
In the end, John and Marie choose the right option that will allow their love to blossom until they die naturally. Both of their intentions were humbling, but not reasonable. Their love will endure in spirit, even after they’re gone.
For once, one couple escapes the Twilight Zone and lives happily ever after!
Confessions of a Classic Soul 