Sunday was old movie day. Actually, many of my days off tend to turn into old movie days. There is just something about old movies, especially ones from the 30’s and 40’s. Love had nothing to do with sex. Language was eloquent, poetic and filled with romance, as opposed to being inarticulate, prosaic and laced with profanity. Ladies carried themselves with elegance and grace, and the men were gentle and chivalrous. Our society would be well served to watch a few of these movies and learn some lessons, men especially!
Of all the movies, and all the genres, I find myself most drawn to the musicals. I work in radio, yet, most of today’s music does nothing for me. So much of it really has nothing to offer me. I don’t mean to paint it all with a wide brush, but I don’t think it would be a stretch to say that the vast majority of today’s popular music revolves around sex and self. There is certainly a lack of romance!
During my movie day, two songs in particular spoke to me. Oddly enough, they’re on the opposite ends of the spectrum from each other. Yet, as I listened to them, I could relate. On a personal, emotional level, I connected with the lyrics. That doesn’t happen to me very often, if ever, when I turn the radio on today!
The first was from “Easter Parade” with Fred Astaire (whom is one of my favorites) and Judy Garland. Judy sings a song called “Better Luck Next Time.” This one nearly made me cry. It was her performance as much as the lyrics. As I listened to her sing, I could feel exactly what she was feeling.
For ev’ry rose that withers and dies
Another blooms in it’s stead.
A new love waits to open its eyes
After the old love is dead.That sounds alright in a careless rhyme
But there’s seldom a second timeBetter luck next time
That could never be
Because there ain’t gonna be no next time
for me – no sireeMade up my mind
To make another start
I’ve made my mind up but I can’t make up
my heartI’d like a new lucky day
That would be nice
But this comes just once in a lifetime
not twiceSo don’t say better luck next time
That can never be
Because there ain’t gonna be no next time
for me.
The second song was from “On The Town” with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra (two more of my favorites). It’s called “You’re Awful” and Frank sings it with Betty Garrett. As I watched them perform, all I could think to myself was that one day I can only hope to be so lucky as to have someone that has this effect on me. Someone I could sing this song to.
Gee I don’t know, I’d like to whisper sweet nothings
Those words that everyone knows
But my thoughts gets mangled,
And all the words get tangled,
But since you asked me, here goes:You’re awful, awful good to look at,
Awful nice to be with, awful sweet to have and hold.
You’re nothing, nothing if not lovely,
Nothing if not dazzling, nothing but pure gold,
You’re frightening, frightening me when you say
That you might go away,You’re boring, boring into my heart to stay.
You’re cheap, dear, cheap at any price, dear,
Cheap for such a diamond,
Cheap for such a pearl,
What I said before, I’ll say again,
You’re awful, awful nice to be my girl.You’re old, dear, old with worldly wisdom,
Old like Gordon Soda, old like finest French champagne,
You’re so-so, so-so, so-so kinda charming,
So-so kind of witty, so I can’t explain,Can’t stand you, I can’t stand you giving some fellow the eye,
Can’t stand you in the arms of another guy,
Who needs you? Need you to distraction,
Need you too this crazy, need you rain or shine,I’m the one who needs you,
And I think you’re awful, awful nice to say you’re mine.
Maybe it’s the old fashioned, hopeless romantic in me. Maybe I was just born in the wrong era, I don’t know. I just know that seldom do they make them as good as these anymore!
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