TUNAGE – SLS
As a child, I had the hardest time learning to whistle. So, when I saw the theme for this week, I had a nice flashback to that time. Oh yeah, this week’s theme is songs with whistling in them. Thanks to Jim Adams for hosting every week. Here are two of my favorites in this category.
“Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” by B.J. Thomas
“Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” performed by B.J. Thomas, is a classic song that epitomizes the easygoing, optimistic spirit of late 1960s pop music. Written by the legendary songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the song was released in 1969 as part of the soundtrack for the film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
The song’s light, breezy melody, accompanied by Thomas’s warm and soulful vocals, conveys a sense of resilience and cheerfulness despite life’s inevitable challenges. The lyrics, which speak of a carefree attitude in the face of adversity, perfectly complemented the film’s whimsical tone and became an instant hit.
“Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1970 and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, capturing a universal sentiment of maintaining a positive outlook no matter what obstacles come one’s way. The song remains a beloved classic, frequently covered and featured in various media, bringing listeners a sense of joy and optimism worldwide.
Lyrics:
Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head
And just like the guy
Whose feet are too big for his bed
Nothin’ seems to fit
Those raindrops are fallin’
On my head, they keep fallin’
So, I just did me some talkin’ to the sun
And I said, I didn’t like
The way he got things done
Sleepin’ on the job
Those raindrops are fallin’
On my head, they keep fallin’
But there’s one thing I know
The blues they send
To meet me won’t defeat me (aah)
It won’t be long till
Happiness steps up to greet me
Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head
But that doesn’t mean
My eyes will soon be turnin’ red
Cryin’s not for me ’cause
I’m never gonna stop the rain by complainin’
Because I’m free, nothin’s worryin’ me
It won’t be long till
Happiness steps up to greet me
A raindrops keep fallin’ on my head
But that doesn’t mean
My eyes will soon be turnin’ red
Cryin’s not for me ’cause
I’m never gonna stop the rain by complainin’
Because I’m free, nothin’s worryin’ me
Songwriters: Burt F. Bacharach, Hal David.
“Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” by Paul Simon
“Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” is a lively and infectious song by Paul Simon, released in 1972 on his self-titled solo album. Known for its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, the song showcases Simon’s distinctive storytelling and musical style, blending elements of folk, rock, and Latin rhythms.
The song narrates the adventures of the narrator and his friend Julio, who get into some unspecified trouble “down by the schoolyard.” The playful and somewhat mysterious lyrics have sparked much curiosity and speculation over the years about the nature of their mischief. Despite the ambiguity, the song’s joyful energy and whistling sections create a carefree and nostalgic atmosphere.
“Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” became one of Simon’s early solo hits. It was celebrated for its unique blend of musical influences and whimsical yet relatable narrative. The song remains a favorite in Paul Simon’s extensive catalog, capturing the essence of youthful exuberance and the timeless appeal of friendship and misadventure.
Lyrics:
Mama pajama rolled out of bed, and she ran to the police station
When the papa found out he began to shout
And he started the investigation
It’s against the law, it was against the law
Oh, what the mama saw, it was against the law
Mama looked down and spit on the ground
Every time my name gets mentioned
The papa say, “Oy, if I get that boy
I’m gonna stick him in the house of detention”
Well, I’m on my way
I don’t know where I’m goin’, I’m on my way
I’m takin’ my time, but I don’t know where
Goodbye to Rosie, the Queen of Corona
Seein’ me and Julio down by the schoolyard
Seein’ me and Julio down by the schoolyard
Whoa, in a couple of days
They come and take me away
But the press let the story leak
And when the radical priest come to get me released
We was all on the cover of Newsweek
And I’m on my way
I don’t know where I’m goin’, I’m on my way
I’m takin’ my time, but I don’t know where
Goodbye to Rosie, the Queen of Corona
Seein’ me and Julio down by the schoolyard
Seein’ me and Julio down by the schoolyard
Seein’ me and Julio down by the schoolyard
Songwriters: Paul Simon.
Memoirs of Madness 