This is NOT an analysis of a song, merely personal observations about a song that I love. Enjoy. "They Don't Know" by Kirsty MacColl This song formed the part of the back bone of the soundtrack to a road trip I had with school friends David Rice and Lee Horton together with another pal of David's to Yorkshire in 1979. Other tunes were "Cars" by Gary Numan and "Up The Junction" by Squeeze. I A song about a girl who hears from lots of people that the guy she's seeing isn't right for her. They just don't understand, as they've never heard of love. I just love Kirsty MacColl's voice (I always have) - it is like sunshine, and have written elsewhere on this site about her <more here> Because of poor marketing and promotion and issues with the record company, this version never became a hit but did reach #2 in the radio playlist chart. In 1983, Tracey Ullman recorded a version of "They Don't Know" (with Kirsty on backing vocals - notice particularly the instantly recognisable "Ba-by"). This version reached #2 in the UK and was also a hit in the USA), but I know which version I prefer. "You've been around for such a long time now Oh Maybe I could leave you but I don't know how" "'Cause they don't know about us And they've never heard of love" "Baby..." "They Don't Know"
Written by Kirsty Maccoll Copyright © BMG Rights Management US, LLC You've been around for such a long time now Oh Maybe I could leave you but I don't know how And why should I be lonely ev'ry night When I can be with you Oh yes You make it right And I don't listen to the guys who say that you're bad for me And I should turn you away 'Cause they don't know about us And they've never heard of love I get a feeling when I look at you wherever you go now I want to be there too They say we're crazy but I just don't care And if they keep on talking Still they get nowhere So I don't mind if they don't understand When I look at you and you hold my hand 'Cause they don't know about us And they've never heard of love Why should it matter to us if they don't approve? We should just take our chances while we've got nothing to lose Baby There's no need for living in the past Now I've found good loving gonna make it last I tell the others Don't bother me 'Cause when they look at you They don't see what I see No I don't listen to their wasted lines Got my eyes wide open and I see the signs 'Cause they don't know about us And they've never heard of love No I don't listen to their wasted lines Got my eyes wide open and I see the signs 'Cause they don't know about us and they've never heard of love
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25/6/2019 0 Comments It's been a while...It has been a while - work and just being busy have delayed this update. Cup of tea, a biscuit and a sit down, Dear Reader. Here is the craic... The first weekend was spent making the LEGO London Architecture model - a nice bit of Landan Town - The National Gallery and Trafalgar Square, The Millennium Eye and Tower Bridge, open for a yacht. I had my mothercare weekend "off" and on 13 May took the opportunity during a nice patch of weather to visit Sheffield Park in Sussex. The blooming Rhododendrons and Azaleas did not disappoint. <More Here> 18 May was a slightly bitty day. I visited the Smoke and the Duchess in the morning, while Jenny enjoyed a picnic at Wisley with her Mum, Sarah and Matt, Molly and little James Henry. I got back to Surrey and gave my grass it’s first (very late) cut of the year. Jenny and I popped down to Brighton for a Fish and Chips on the Beach treat in the evening. The next weekend (25 May) it was more seaside fun, this time Southsea. A nice day strolling and mooching along the Millennium Trail which runs along the front from Southsea Castle to the Portsmouth Dockyards. Very chilled and relaxing, and another fine picnic from Jenny ! < more here > Between 21 May and 4 June, I was pleasantly distracted by the Brick again, and completed the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express model. Once more there are very nice details and it is a good one ! Thursday 6 June 2019 is not only the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day Normandy Landings, but also a very sad day at Canon UK in Woodhatch. Coordinated meetings were called with all Canon staff and contracted services staff. Long story short (details can be web-searched), business necessities require streamlining and outsourcing of some functions, together with closure of the current Canon UK headquarters in Woodhatch. This means that about 450 staff being made redundant, together with those who work there for the soft services (cleaning, catering and post room). Very sad times, as there is genuine love for the Woodhatch site. Some jobs are “safe” but will be relocated to the Europe, Middle East and Africa HQ at Stockley Park in Uxbridge, which in itself has inherent transport problems to reach (M25, trains and buses etc) so will suit few people. “Normal” carried on... Saturday 8 June featured Mothercare and the bonus of Trooping the Colour Flypast. The flypast of Buckingham Palace first follows the Thames and then takes a right turn over Trafalgar Square and straight down The Mall. I discovered a good vantage point on the walkway above my Mum’s flat a couple of years ago and it served me well again, even though the numbers of aircraft were minimal. Only the Red Arrows played the game and stayed in the viewfinder as I wanted. The following day Jen, Layla and I had a cracking day at the Brooklands Museum. Although it had for various reasons passed me by in the past, we will be back. <More Here> The following weekend, Jen and I had a chilled weekend in Staffordshire. We visited my family graves and and holiday haunts and spent a nice morning at Biddulph Grange. < Photos here > Last weekend, I did more mothercare on Saturday, but on Sunday 23 June, we visited the revamped Wisley Gardens. As always it did not disappoint <Photos Here> All of which brings us pretty much up to date.
Until next time, Dear Reader. Adieu. Let's be safe out there... Ian This is NOT an analysis of a song, merely personal observations about a song that I love. Enjoy. "Mr Blue Sky" by the Electric Light Orchestra This is a plain brilliant pop song. From the 1977 double LP, "Out of The Blue", "Mr Blue Sky" was the final part of a suite of four songs subtitled "Concerto For A Rainy Day" which comprised side 3. "Mister Blue, you did it right But soon comes Mister Night creepin' over Now his hand is on your shoulder Never mind I'll remember you this I'll remember you this way" "Hey there Mister Blue We're so pleased to be with you Look around see what you do Everybody smiles at you" "Mr Blue Sky"
Songwriters: Jeff Lynne © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC Sun is shinin' in the sky There ain't a cloud in sight It's stopped rainin' everybody's in a play And don't you know It's a beautiful new day, hey hey Runnin' down the avenue See how the sun shines brightly in the city On the streets where once was pity Mister Blue Sky is living here today, hey hey Mister Blue Sky please tell us why You had to hide away for so long (so long) Where did we go wrong? Mister Blue Sky please tell us why You had to hide away for so long (so long) Where did we go wrong? Hey you with the pretty face Welcome to the human race A celebration, Mister Blue Sky's up there waitin' And today is the day we've waited for Oh Mister Blue Sky please tell us why You had to hide away for so long (so long) Where did we go wrong? Hey there Mister Blue We're so pleased to be with you Look around see what you do Everybody smiles at you Hey there Mister Blue We're so pleased to be with you Look around see what you do Everybody smiles at you Mister Blue Sky, Mister Blue Sky Mister Blue Sky Mister Blue, you did it right But soon comes Mister Night creepin' over Now his hand is on your shoulder Never mind I'll remember you this I'll remember you this way Mister Blue Sky please tell us why You had to hide away for so long (so long) Where did we go wrong? Hey there Mister Blue We're so pleased to be with you Look around see what you do Everybody smiles at you Mister Blue Sky Hi there, Dear Reader, Take a deep breath and grab a cuppa... Holidays and web updating problems have meant a delay so just hang on ! Following the excitement of last month, this one started quite tamely. First up came Mother’s Day. I went up to visit my Mum on "Mothering Saturday" 30 March and served up a very nice fish and chip lunch from The Rock and Sole Plaice close by in Endell Street. Mum did well. The following day, I was with Jenny and her Mum for Mothering Sunday celebrations at The Beehive in Woodhatch. A very good roast 😊 The following weekend, I was on a weekend off from London visits. Jenny and I did some Easter related shopping, chilled out and did some housekeeping at mine. 28 March - I have been on Blood Pressure meds for a year now (yup, time flies when you are enjoying things 😊), so it is time for a review- no change. This was followed on 2 April with blood tests as I am at an awkward age ! No news regarding the bloods received after two weeks, so I guess I am not on the scrap heap just yet. On Saturday 13 April Jenny, Layla and I were invited to her nephew’s 21st and niece’s 5th birthday party at a local sports hall. Now I am not good at these things and find them bamboozling to say the least. Jenny’s extended family extends to seemingly hundreds - the Ratcliffe clan has less than 20 living members. Still, it is always nice to get an invite 😊 The following day, we had a nice catchup with James, Tara, Chris, Charlotte, Theo and Jack at a Brazilian BBQ restaurant. Many cooked meats kept coming and it was pretty good. The next day (15 April), it was my own birthday. Jenny, Layla and I went and took a look at Windsor Castle - almost 900 years of history and 10 monarchs buried on site. The restoration which followed the fire of 1992 in the St George’s Hall is really something to see, but photography is taboo inside the palace. The only mar on the day was the M25 being at a standstill because of a lorry and bus crash. <More Here> On 16 April, we popped up to London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket to see the musical show, ‘Where’s Peter Rabbit?’. Very enjoyable, if a little short at just over 60 minutes for essentially 5 Beatrix Potter stories. The puppetry was fabulous, and we saw Jemima Puddleduck fly <More Here> After a quiet restful Wednesday, on Thursday 18 April we went down to Southsea with Molly, Jenny’s niece - another lovely and interesting day out. <More Here> On Good Friday, 19 April, Jen, Layla and I went down to Crawley and stopped off at Tilgate Park on the way. <More Here> On Saturday 20 April, I went up to town to check on Mum and drop her Easter present. She lasted at least 50 minutes before she broached her chocolates ! St George's Day saw a return to work after Easter for a short week. My supervisor was on holiday, so it was a fairly quick return to speed. The weekend of 26/27/28 April was an interesting one - Jenny's sister Sarah and Matt were due to have their second child and James Henry Taylor arrived on Sunday 28th. We were looking after Molly while Sarah was in hospital, and dropped her at St Peter's Hospital in Chertsey to meet her new brother after lunch. On Saturday 4 May, I went up to London to visit Mum and we had visitors during the morning until after lunch. Chris and Charlotte brought Theo up on the train to visit Great Grandmother Rose. This was the first gathering of the 4 generations ! Due to her condition, Mum seemed unsure who all the characters were, but it was a nice visit with another Fish and Chip lunch from the Rock and Sole Plaice around the corner went down well. So, the mighty Arsenal have done better than expected this year, but like at least two other clubs stuttered and failed to take advantage of slip ups and take 4th place. Manchester City seem to be in driving position to be the Premier League Champions. Liverpool pulled off an amazing result against Barcelona in the Champions League. I am not too bothered who wins that trophy as long as it is not Tottenham Hotspur. ... ... Spring has sprung but temporarily reverted to Autumn and Winter.
Here's to the next month or so... Take care -- Pip pip !! Until next time. Adieu... 23/4/2019 0 Comments I love that song #24 - "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) by R.E.M.This is NOT an analysis of a song, merely personal observations about a song that I love. Enjoy. "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) by R.E.M. A bit of a thrash from the 1987 album, Document. The song uses the same list technique in the "tradition" of Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues". I find the concept of it being the End Of The World and it really not being bothered by the idea oddly amusing. Either way, it is a good old romp! "That's great, it starts with an earthquake Birds and snakes, and aeroplanes And Lenny Bruce is not afraid" "Six o'clock, T.V. hour, don't get caught in foreign tower Slash and burn, return, listen to yourself churn!" "It's the end of the world as we know it It's the end of the world as we know it It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine" "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)
Written by John Michael Stipe, Michael E. Mills, Peter Lawrence Buck, William Thomas Berry • Copyright © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group That's great, it starts with an earthquake Birds and snakes, and aeroplanes And Lenny Bruce is not afraid Eye of a hurricane, listen to yourself churn World serves its own needs, Don't mis-serve your own needs Speed it up a notch, speed, grunt, no, strength, The ladder starts to clatter With a fear of height, down, height Wire in a fire, represent the seven games And a government for hire and a combat site Left her, wasn't coming in a hurry With the Furies breathing down your neck Team by team, reporters baffled, trumped, tethered, cropped Look at that low plane, fine, then Uh oh, overflow, population, common group But it'll do, save yourself, serve yourself World serves its own needs, listen to your heart bleed Tell me with the Rapture and the reverent in the right, right You vitriolic, patriotic, slam fight, bright light Feeling pretty psyched It's the end of the world as we know it It's the end of the world as we know it It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine Six o'clock, T.V. hour, don't get caught in foreign tower Slash and burn, return, listen to yourself churn Lock him in uniform, book burning, bloodletting Every motive escalate, automotive incinerate Light a candle, light a motive, step down, step down Watch your heel crush, crush, uh oh This means no fear, cavalier, renegade and steering clear A tournament, a tournament, a tournament of lies Offer me solutions, offer me alternatives and I decline It's the end of the world as we know it (I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone) I feel fine (I feel fine) It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone) The other night I drifted nice continental drift divide Mountains sit in a line, Leonard Bernstein Leonid Brezhnev, Lenny Bruce and Lester Bangs Birthday party, cheesecake, jellybean, boom You symbiotic, patriotic, slam but neck, right, right It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it It's the end of the world as we know it It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone) One which passed me by until I heard Everything But The Girl's 1992 CD EP, "Covers". It turns out that the original version was written in 1956, but became a crossover hit by American rhythm and blues duet Mickey & Sylvia, which was released in late November 1956 by the Groove record label. The song was written by Bo Diddley under the name of his wife at the time, Ethel Smith and has been recorded by many artists: Bo Diddley in June, 1956, Mickey & Sylvia a few months later, Lonnie Donegan, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly (released 10 years after his death), Paul McCartney and Wings, Dolly Parton and Kenney Rogers, and Everything But The Girl among others. A very beautiful and simple song, outlining what love and being in it are about and just how awkward things can be if you are smitten. "Love, love is strange A lot of people take it for a game Once you get it you're in an awful fix After you've had it you'll never wanna quit" Love is Strange
Love, love is strange A lot of people take it for a game Once you get it you're in an awful fix After you've had it you'll never wanna quit Many people , don't understand They think loving is money in the hand Your sweet lovin' is better than a kiss When you leave me sweet kisses I miss Love, love is strange A lot of people take it for a game Once you get it you're in an awful fix After you've had it you'll never wanna quit Many people , don't understand They think loving is money in the hand Your sweet lovin' is better than a kiss When you leave me sweet kisses I miss 27/3/2019 0 Comments A quiet March ... ?Welcome back, Dear Reader. This has been a quiet month by normal standards, but enjoyable and thought provoking none the less. On 2 March - about a week after our first visit, we took in another trip to see the Great Lego Safari at RHS Wisley. As it was the penultimate day, the site was heaving - we had never known so many visitors at Wisley. Pre-booking an entry time meant a walk straight to the Glasshouse, and in truth it was hard not to look smug again as we walked past the very long ad-hoc entry queue. We left shortly after seeing the Lego Safari exhibits, but went back a couple of weeks later <more details here>. The following weekend (9/10 March), the weather was not too good with high winds and rain, so we chilled and had an easy one. Nice !! On 17 March, Jenny, Layla and I popped back to Wisley to have a Spring Stroll <More Here> Then, seemingly out of nowhere (I had forgotten the date due to workplace shenanigans), on 22 March I went up to the Barbican Centre in London to witness James' Graduation with the OU - he is now a BA (Hons.) Engineering. Brilliant and thought provoking ! <Photo Gallery Here> <Blog Here> Of less interest and entertainment is the Brexit Fiasco trundling on and on. I just can't see how or why this is happening or how the outcome is going to beneficial to any one, let alone the UK. The elected officials all seem to have agendas, none appearing to even want to help sort the Cameron/Johnson/Farage derived mess out. Hopefully, by the time I continue with this Blog string, something will be finalised. Until then, take care Dearest Reader. Adieu and pip pip !! I was preparing my monthly Diary Update style blog and a WhatsApp message from James stirred me into action on Thursday evening: In truth, following staffing issues at the office, I had clean forgotten that I had scheduled an afternoon off probably 2 months ago to attend what was to be a pretty big thing - the first graduation on my side of the family tree - possibly ever. James had been studying for a while (I thought 3 years, but subsequently found out that it was actually 5 years) for his BA in Engineering with the Open University. Not only had be passed the Beast, but had done so with Honours. After hurriedly confirming the time with my supervisor, I put on my smarter clothes and went up to the Barbican Centre in the City of London. I arrived at the Lakeside Terrace at about 13:00 and mooched about until James, his wife Tara and Mum, Jo arrived. James picked up his rented gown and we had some compulsory photos and he went for his “official” paid for portrait. There were a lot of gowns milling about and a lot of certificates to give out and applause to give as speeches were given and the long line of graduates walked across the stage with broad smiles - great achievements all. The Open University is a great body, providing academic possibilities to any one who is ready to put in the time and effort to complete the course work. It is very humbling to hear the stories of people studying for so long while holding down full or part time jobs, raising families, being a carer for someone or even being in custody on Her Majesty’s Pleasure. I take my hat off to them, one and all. Respect. This is a hard gig, and as one child being carried while her Mum got her certificate told the Chancellor lady, “It was boring when Mummy was doing her work”. Without support from spouses, partners, friends and family these achievements would be even harder. Plaudits to everyone involved. James says that he is going on to get his Masters in about 3 years, so watch this space. To say that I am a #ProudDad is an understatement, but these are the simplest words to describe this feeling. <MORE PHOTOS HERE> This is NOT an analysis of a song, merely personal observations about a song that I love. Enjoy. "Jealous Guy" by John Lennon I first heard this shortly after John Lennon's death in 1980 by Roxy Music, and Bryan Ferry was (as often the case) mesmorising. John Lennon's version was released as a single 4 years later. The original was released on John's 1971 LP Imagine. A song of reflection and apology. "I was dreaming of the past And my heart was beating fast I began to lose control" "I was feeling insecure You might not love me anymore I was shivering inside" "I didn't mean to hurt you I'm sorry that I made you cry Oh my I didn't want to hurt you I'm just a jealous guy" "Jealous Guy"
by John Lennon I was dreaming of the past And my heart was beating fast I began to lose control I began to lose control I didn't mean to hurt you I'm sorry that I made you cry Oh my I didn't want to hurt you I'm just a jealous guy I was feeling insecure You might not love me anymore I was shivering inside I was shivering inside Oh I didn't mean to hurt you I'm sorry that I made you cry Oh my I didn't want to hurt you I'm just a jealous guy I didn't mean to hurt you I'm sorry that I made you cry Oh my I didn't want to hurt you I'm just a jealous guy Hi there again, Dearest Reader. Dramatic events which occurred shortly after my last Diary Blog was published are featured in my earlier update <Two Hospitals on a Day Off and a Stolen Car ?> 9 February - A "Non-Birthday" meal at my Mum's Feb hit the spot! Happy 86th to the Duchess on 12 February. This was rapidly followed on by a Sunday gathering to celebrate grandson Theo's first birthday on Monday 11 February. With St. Valentine’s Day falling on a “school night”, Jenny and I spent a quiet evening in. Remember, Good People that loving someone is every day, not just one random one. One gushing outpouring of sentiment over the Social Media on 14 February is nothing against showing love for someone each day. Schools locally broke up for half term on Friday 15 February. Jenny (who caters in a school) and Layla were obviously off, but I followed suite and took 3 days holiday during the week. We had a very enjoyable and busy time : <16 Feb - Bushy Park> <18 Feb - Petworth Park> <20 Feb - Scotney Castle and Hastings> <21 Feb - Whipsnade Zoo> Layla was at her Dad’s for the next weekend, but Jenny and I carried on : <23 Feb - Herne Bay and North Kent> <24 Feb - Great Lego Safari at Wisley> Click on any of the above links to see more details. "The Rattys Do The Great Lego Safari" A nice photo by Jenny As a side issue, on Friday 22 February, I managed to achieve validated membership at Costco on the basis of being a Banking Pensioner ! Not much to brag about, I know - but I have tried to get one of those cards for years ! This last month has been a little harder at work.
Not because of increased work loads, rather staff being out of position from necessity and staff sickness and holiday. This is being addressed, so should resolve soon. I can’t think of too much else, so for now that is about it until next time. Good luck, take care and... Pip, pip !!! |
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