Tale 14 - There’ll be Sad Songs (To make you cry)

For todays tale, and in good teacher tradition, it may be useful to do some homework! The tale works without homework, but if you google and listen to some of the songs I mention, it will give you a deeper understanding! 

 It was a Spotify day on the way to school. 

The Sassy Princess had just listened to Olivia Rodrigo (You remember her from past tales, likes to sing about getting dumped and her weeks of misery that follow!) The Sassy Princess was also attempting a dance move which was difficult to do as she was sat down! I have since mentioned this to my wife, who has told me she is trying to perfect a move called the ‘Slut Drop.’ My daughter does not know it is called a ‘Slut drop’, or what a slut is, but obviously it is not a move I want her to perfect!

On next was a song called ‘Grocer Jack’ by Keith West. The problem with Grocer Jack is it makes the Prince of Tales cry! The song is about a grocer who everyone takes for granted. One day he fails to deliver groceries and the town get angry. They found out though that he failed to deliver the food as he had died. Everyone is then sad. A typical happy death song from the 60s and 70s which belongs in a category with  ‘Tell Laura I love her’ and ‘Honey!’

Anyway, when ‘Grocer Jack’ comes on The Prince Of Tales will not allow us to fast forward it. He must listen to it then show his tearful respect! Fortunately, it was followed by the Stock Aitken and Waterman classic ‘I just don’t have the heart’ by Cliff Richard, which The Prince of Tales  now nearly knows off by heart. Belting out the chorus in the car helped to dry the tears!

When Cliff had finished, the Sassy Princess asked;

“Can you put the rude man on?”

The Prince of Tales nodded “Yes please put the rude man on.”

This concerned me. I know that Spotify does not remove naughty swear words like Capital Radio does. However, I though I had removed anything inappropriate, or so I thought.

“Which one” I asked.

Both the Sassy Princess and the Prince of Tales smirked.

“Will we be in trouble if we say it?” Enquired the Sassy Princess.

Dad is now in a difficult position. I want to know the song, really don’t want my daughter saying something that would make my grandma faint.

“No, it’s ok. Let’s just wait until it comes on.” I said.

Disappointed sighs filled the car,  but I needed to research my tunes!

That night I went through every song. I could find nothing. What on earth was the song they were talking about! I found out the next day!

We were in the car, on the way to the supermarket. We had just listened to ‘Wake me up before you go go” by Wham when squeals of delight greeted the intro to the next song.

“This is it Dad!” Squealed the Sassy Princess.

You want to know the song. I’m sure it’s not what you are expecting! 

“What are you both talking about?” I asked. “This is Billy Ocean  and ‘When the going gets tough.’ There are no swear words in this song?”

Both the Sassy Princess and the Prince of Tales smirked. 

“He tells you to go and get stuffed!” they laughed.

“No, I smiled, he says ‘Going gets tough!’ Listen.”

We listened. 

I wanted him to say ‘When the going gets tough’ but all I can hear now is  ‘Go and get stuffed.’

I can’t unhear it. At the end of the song he repeatedly says “Go and get stuffed.” I know that’s not what he is saying, but he is!!

The Sassy Princess laughed. Her eyes mockingly saying  “You think your an 80s throwback but you don’t even know the songs from your era old man!”

The Prince of Tales was more understanding;

“Don’t worry Dad, if I ever meet Billy Ocean I will make sure he realises his song is very inappropriate. He is a very rude man!”

Billy Ocean you have been warned!

Have you ever got lyrics wrong and sang the wrong words for years? Or thought a song said one thing, but in fact said something else? Let me know!