I listen to song lyrics. Hard Rock. Soft Rock. Lite Rock. It doesn’t matter. I believe that the lyrics are important.
This month’s column is going to be a contest. I went into my album collection and found the first lines of ten songs. All of these came from albums that included printed lyrics so that I couldn’t screw up.
To enter: Identify the song and performer. Each is worth one point. Mail your entry to: Lyrics, 673 East 185th Street, Euclid, Ohio 44119. The entry with the most correct answers will receive a CUT AND STYLE at CHAZ HAIR OF LAKEWOOD (good for men or women). Second prize is a gift certificate for EXCUSES, the new pastry shop on Larchmere by Shaker Square. Everyone who enters will be eligible for a free PERSONAL AD donated by OHIO’S FINEST SINGLES. The decision of the judges (me) is final. Please enter. No one will get them all. I promise.
1. We’d like to know
A little bit about you
For our files.
We’d like to help you learn
To help yourself.
2. If I leave here tomorrow
Would you still remember me?
For I must be traveling on, now,
Cause there’s too many places I’ve got see.
3. There’s a black man with a black cat
Living in a black neighborhood
He’s got an interstate running through his front yard
You know he thinks he’s got it so good.
4. It’s nine o’clock on a Saturday
The regular crowd shuffles in
There’s an old man sitting next to me
Making love to his tonic and gin.
5. Stone love-she kneels before the grave
A brave son-who gave his life to save the slogan
That hovers ‘tween the headstone and her eyes
For they penetrate her grieving.
6. Blue Jean baby,
L.A. lady, seamstress for the band.
Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you’ll marry
A music man.
7. Just yesterday morning they let
Me know you were gone
Susan, the plans they made put an
End to you
8. New York New York is everything they say
And no place that I’d rather be
Where else can you do a half a million things
And all at a quarter to three.
9. Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day
You fritter and waste the hours in an off hand way
Kicking around on a piece of ground in your new town
Waiting for someone or something to show you the way.
10. When you’re down and troubled
And you need some loving care
And nothing, nothing is going right.
Bonus Question
Name the song and writer and earn 4 points and my undying admiration.
Ride with me, Fly with me, Teach me how to care
I’ve been alone for too long
I’m already half way there
Ride with me, Fly with me-anywhere.