Friday, February 19, 2010

Downtown


My sister Hipee, the high powered executive, was born in 1961. Petula Clark’s Downtown was released in 1964 and hit number one on the charts in the USA in January of 1965. It was Hipee’s favorite song as a child. It had to be the music because the lyrics themselves would have had no meaning for a young child as far as I can tell.

Let’s look at some of the lyrics:


“When you're alone and life is making you lonely you can always go – downtown”


“When you've got worries, all the noise and the hurry seems to help, I know – downtown”


“Don't hang around and let your problems surround you, there are movie shows – downtown”


“Just listen to the rhythm of a gentle bossa nova…”


“The lights are much brighter there, you can forget all your troubles; forget all your cares…”


What troubles? What cares? What problems? Hipee couldn’t drive and was never alone - unless she wandered off. Her only worries would be wondering where her bankee was or perhaps getting into trouble for talking during naptime at kindergarten. The only movies she’d be watching were released by Disney or nature movies shown at Dad’s Seratoma club family movie night. And let’s face it, she didn’t even know what a bossa nova was, let alone how to dance it. Her love of Downtown is unfathomable.

But the most amazing thing about her love of Downtown is that her funny, kind, generous, loving husband also loved Downtown as a child. That two such people could find each other is extraordinary.


May Hipee’s husband rest in peace. And may the Lord continue to hold Hipee in the palm of His hand, wiping away all her tears.

7 comments:

raidergirl3 said...

Lovely tribute.

Anonymous said...

I guess it could also have been the beautiful voice of Petula Clark, which attracted me as a child because of it's purity and perfect pitch.

Gorgeous, lovely Petula Clark, a good but not great song, a perfect arrangement... et puis voila!

Memories of yesterday said...

((((hugs))) and prayers for you and yours.

Lori L said...

Thank you Raider Girl and Stacey.
Tris, I imagine that Petula Clark's voice could have been the attraction for two children. That they subsequently found and loved each other as adults who grew up in very different parts of the country is more amazing.

Anna said...

So sorry for your family's loss. ((HUGS))

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Lori L said...

Thanks, Anna.

Scottie said...

HEY!!! Watch it!!!!! That was a fav of mine too! 1 of the 1st pop songs I remember & loved too! Was sooo happy when Petula re-released an updated version in the late 80's or early 90's...VERY nostalgic!!! What is WRONG w/ you, girl? NO heart? No memory? No fuzzy feelings...? Really??? lmao!!!

(Right up there w/ 'Sugar, Sugar' & 'These Boots Are Made for Walking'!!!!!)