It's a tiny little mistake that anyone can make. And my excuse was that I was too young to know any better. I'm talking about that famous little scene in the movie "Big" where Tom Hanks and his boss (player by Robert Loggia) jump in a huge floor piano and play 2 tunes... Here's a reminder:
For zillions of years, I used to believe that the title of the first song they played was "Adolescence". It's what Tom's boss asks (or so I thought) when Tom begins to play the tune and he joins in... Naturally I thought that was the title of the song (remember, I was 12 at the time, so my English was not extremely good yet).
The scene is absolutely breathtakingly sweet and its charm affected me so that I looked for the song "Adolescence" everywhere and couldn't find it anywhere. Now, remember, it was a time before internet, before all these huge databases, and VHS was the modern medium. So naturally I almost ran down the tape of this scene trying to learn the melody and practised it whenever I had a chance, no matter where I was or when..
This video reminded me of what I kept trying to achieve and failed miserably at. But I would never give up. Nothing could dissuade me from my obsession, and there are quite a lot of people who have been marked by this psychotic tendency of mine. Raine and Christina are the two that spring to mind, that suffered the most! (Sorry guys! But remember, I Love Ya :-))
It used to drive people insane (especially the two sweethearts I mentioned above). But the tune held me captive so I had no choice but to keep tormenting them with it. I couldn't help it. I loved it so much, and still do, after so many years, every time I hear it, it runs shivers up and down my spine, as if by its sound I magically become a boy again. Funny thing about memories. Some are completely forgotten and some stick with you forever. And of course I had endless versions of it in my head and now I see people have actually done the same over the years (glad to see I am not the only freak in the world).
Anyway. I digress.
Tonight, as I was just watching some reruns of old "Ellen" episodes on TV (the one where her friend ALMOST gets married), right there before the end of the episode, and leading right into the end credits, they all burst into song, singing a peculiarly familiar song, with a melody I adore, but they all seemed to be saying "Love & Soul"... And immediately it hit me!!! It wasn't "Adolescence?" that Robert Loggia asked Tom Hanks all those years ago. It was "piano lessons?"
I overheard.
And I obviously spent 20 years thinking the title to this song was something completely different.
Stupid. I know, I know. NOW I know.
But hey, it's like a huge weight has been finally lifted off my shoulders and a huge smile will now follow me into my dreams, as I hum this same melody into my pillow in about 10 minutes from now. For the rest of you psychotic individuals out there (who consider my 20 years of waiting as something entirely normal without thinking I'm completely nuts), here is the original 'Heart & Soul' song, recorded in the 1930's (1938). The music was written by Hoagy Carmichael, the lyrics were written by Frank Loesser, the song was performed by Larry Clinton & his Orchestra, featuring Bea Wain.
Larry Clinton & His Orchestra with Bea Wain - Heart And Soul
Here's even a gorgeous version of it in French, by Léo Marjane with Wal-Berg and his Orchestra.
Even The Spaniels had a cover of it.
As I just read (and heard) the actual lyrics to the melody that has held my heart for so many years, a lot of the questions I've had about the origins of the (OVERLY) romantic side of my personality were answered.
Everything DOES happen for a reason after all.
And that same night when I first saw that beautiful "Big"movie, at those same early beginnings of MY adolescence, both my heart & my soul were filled with a melody that has affected (and even shaped) a lot of what I am today.
Here's the version that made me fall in love with that same melody all over again. Hope it touches you too, even a little bit.
Enjoy & a good night to all...
Heart and soul, I fell in love with you,
Heart and soul, the way a fool would do,
Madly...
Because you held me tight,
And stole a kiss in the night..
Heart and soul, I begged to be adored,
Lost control, and tumbled overboard,
Gladly...
That magic night we kissed,
There in the moon mist.
Oh! but your lips were thrilling, much too thrilling,
Never before were mine so strangely willing.
But now I see, what one embrace can do,
Look at me, it's got me loving you,
Madly...
That little kiss you stole,
Held all my heart and soul.
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