Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

My elementary school gym teacher was very progressive for her time.  She realized that dance and choreographed routines were excellent forms of exercise.  Every spring she had us perform to two different songs.  Today’s pick was one of them and from the first time I heard it I adored it.  This song had come in and out of my life for years until I heard it at the end of a “Mad Men” episode in 2013 when I finally added it to my Spotify & YT favorites list so I would not lose track of it again.

Although the version we used in gym class was the instrumental one, the song was recorded with its full lyrics in 1968 by Italian crooner Al Martino (also known as  Johnny Fontane in “The Godfather” movies).  I was also very surprised to learn rock guitarist Jeff Beck did his own version of this song using only  the lyrics from the chorus interspersed between his guitar solos.  But to me, the best version is by this French conductor.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Paul Mauriat:  “Love Is Blue” (1968, music written by Andre Popp with french lyrics by Pierre Cour and English lyrics by Bryan Blackburn).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.