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.

When I was 11 years old, I learned the lyrics to a song from the radio.  I only heard it once yet I knew the words to the chorus after one listen.  Yes, I had a good memory but most of the credit was due to the unique and catchy lyrics.  Even more impressive was the fact that the part of the song I learned was in French and before that I could not recall ever speaking one word in that language.  So the next time the song came on the radio, I sang along.  And my mother thought it was adorable.  Until a week later when her cousin told her what the words in french meant.

Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?  Translation:  Do you want to sleep with me?

Even more shocking is the fact that this song was co-written by Kenny Nolan who had a hit in 1976 called “I Like Dreaming”.  How he got to that god-awful song from today’s is beyond me.  But thanks to his collaboration on today’s pick I discovered Patti LaBelle, her glorious voice and outrageous wardrobe.  Oh, and a song I was banned from ever singing again for all of eternity.  Which only made me love it that much more.  🙂

LaBelle circa 1975 (L-R):  Nona Hendrix, Patti LaBelle & Sarah Dash.  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

LaBelle:  “Lady Marmalade” (1974, written by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan).

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

Stay well.