The Fab Four
By Judy Berman
Your first crush? No need to ask: “What’s your name?” You do remember the time … and you remember it well. How the fragrance of his cologne lingered long after he’s gone.
Looking over the music of several decades, the songs I recall tell a story of puppy love, heartbreak, exuberance, questioning, self-examination, hopes, dreams and fond memories.
1. Puppy Love by Paul Anka (1960) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efycf_CGmiM
My first love was a shy guy from Colorado, a real gentleman. When I asked him to go with me to a Girl Scout ice-skating party, he didn’t tell me he didn’t know how to skate. He twisted his ankle when he was practicing on borrowed skates, but he went anyways. I was the envy of a lot of girls that night.
- Paul Anka’s inspiration for this popular song was Annette Funicello, whom he was dating at the time. Annette, one of the most popular Mouseketeers on the original Mickey Mouse Club, died April 18th at the age of 70. I adored both Paul Anka and Annette Funicello.
2. Why Do Fools Fall in Love? by Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers (1956) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sAHiR0rkJg
Ah! The dating years. I introduce my friend to my date, and he winds up dating her. So many cads, so little time.
- Frankie Lymon was only 13 when he wrote this song, but this is one question I’m sure many of us have asked ourselves at one time or another. (The song was in the movie “American Graffiti.”)
3. She Loves You by The Beatles ( 1963) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOuu88OwdK8
That magical, incomparable feeling. I was so ecstatic when I discovered my crush felt the same way about me.
4. How Deep Is Your Love? by The Bee Gees (1977). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwZhAP4Uiqw
It seemed so right at first. Then, unsure of where we were heading, I began to question if our love would last for the long haul.
- This song was used as part of the soundtrack to the film, “Saturday Night Fever”
5. What Have I Done to Deserve This? by The Pet Shop Boys (1987) – featuring Dusty Springfield http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn9E5i7l-Eg
Now the angst begins. Where did I go wrong? We planned a future together, then it was over. I briefly wallowed in self-pity before I picked myself up, brushed myself off and moved on.
6. Where Did Our Love Go? by The Supremes (1964) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izzKUoxL11E
So what happened? It seems our love was over before it even began.
7. Do You Want to Dance? by Bette Midler (1972) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV5KGvQGaMY
Let’s face it, Bette is talking about much more than a stroll across the dance floor. Her message: you’re back … and you’ll be fine. I was and I am.
8. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? by The Shirelles (1960) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIP6FSYx0LQ
This is question that goes beyond whether what happened was a one-night stand. It’s one you’ll ask throughout life. We all seek reassurances from those we love whether it’s our parents, spouses, children or those we admire.
- Some radio stations had banned this record when it first came out because they felt the lyrics were too sexually charged, according to wikipedia.
9. Remember the Time? by Michael Jackson (1992) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeiFF0gvqcc
The lyrics recall a youthful love affair, a sweet look back at happier times, of the one you wish had not gotten away. Or, better yet, it’s a bit of nostalgia that you savor and share with the one you love.
These are just a few of my favorite tunes. What songs would be on your playlist?
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Photo: The Beatles – as they arrive in New York City in 1964.http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/The_Fabs.JPG/600px-The_Fabs.JPG
