Say What?

Growing up I considered myself cool, hip and fun because I liked all types of music. I could dance in front of a mirror to Michael Jackson (practicing the moon walk of course), tap my foot to Whitney Houston, rock with Led Zepplin or whistle to some James Taylor. To this day, I can relax to classic music in elevators, hum to Taylor Swift and recite lyrics by Train when they come on the radio. So it goes without saying, I love music. It only felt natural that this love I have had for years would manifest itself into the mind and soul of my six and eight-year-olds.  The sounds of constant music in our home, radio, or internet should have permeated their brains if not through this method than at the very least through osmosis.   Unfortunately reader, my son doesn’t get music. My hopes fizzled when I saw him attempt Michael Jackson’s Thriller dance moves. He was more focused on Vincent Prices’ ghoulish voice clips and the labored limp-walk of the undead. My son could more easily mimic the movements of the zombies in the video than catch a tune…oh well I thought.

 Then one day my daughter was in her car seat. We were headed off to one of the many errands we parents force upon our helpless children. I heard her little voice and turned down the radio so I could catch what she was asking me.

“What was that dear?  Mommy didn’t hear you over the radio.”

“Turn up the volume mommy, I just love this song!” was the answer I received.

Feelings of joy and excitement filled my heart and mind. I felt like a father that finds his son can catch a fly ball with relative ease!  Man I was on a high!

Immediately I followed her orders and turned up the volume. I don’t recall the song today but it was catchy and light and I was thrilled.

Days later, she would still hum the tune and or burst out into lyrics at the dinner table, while drawing chalk or keeping me company here and there.

Due to my eclectic love of music my daughter has heard most of the stuff I enjoy and listen to.  She requests Maroon 5 often and adores Taylor Swift. How could she not fall in love with that voice, as well as her looks Taylor has the appearance of a Barbie Doll my daughter would love to have. But the best part is she loves Queen, the band from the 70’s. Yes, I am talking about Freddie Mercury and company.  She loves my greatest hits CD and requests "We are the Champions", "We will Rock you," "Bicycle" and many more.

One evening while out enjoying a family meal at TGI Friday’s, my daughter heard the music playing on the restaurants sound system. She jumped out of the booth and started grooving…

“Mommy, they are playing Queen’s song…” I said I am sorry honey it’s loud in here I can’t hear you. What is the song that they are singing?”

“You know, the Queen Song, ‘Another Wipes the Dust’…”

While these are clearly not the lyrics, as the original title is ‘Another One Bites the Dust’, I could not correct her. Her beautiful voice was pouring out and she believed the lyrics to be true and was having fun.  So what if she thinks Queen is talking about household chores. Haven’t we all made mistakes in the past with songs? I used to belt out Phil Collins song “She’s an Easy Lover” yet instead of Lover, I used the word "Llama!”

 What was I thinking? Why would Phil Collins be talking about Easy Llamas? But hey, it sounded like it at the time and I belted it out with love.  I'm sure mom thought it was cute and didn’t want to correct me either.

Weird Al might have started his early career eavesdropping little children’s versions of favorite songs and this led him to his professional singing sensation.  So the next time your child sings a pop song incorrectly, it’s okay. It will only add a memory that you will treasure.