The musical production Route 66 at the Barnyard Theatre Boksburg on Sunday promised a nostalgic trip down memory lane. And it most certainly did not disappoint.
Stage banner
The cast of 10 instrumentalists, singers and dancers were pretty accomplished, and produced an electrifying reproduction of the songs I grew up with. It didn’t matter that they presented songs from more than the recognized Route 66 states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California – it was an added pleasure to see songs from Tennessee and Kentucky thrown into the mix.
The drummer
What a pleasure listening to the music of Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, John Denver, Dolly Parton, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, Shania Twain and The Dixie Chicks, ZZ Top, Guns N’ Roses, Kid Rock and Bon Jovi, being performed right in front of you.
I must be turning into a sentimental old fool for digging up this song, but there you have it. I really like I’ve Never Been To Me by Charlene, full name Charlene Marilynn D’Angleo Oliver.
When first released in 1976 it did not make much of an impression, but when a disc jockey on a radio show played it in 1982, it became a hit. A one-hit wonder, off course.
Some of you may remember the song from the opening titles in the hit 1994 film Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, being mimed by a drag queen.
Lyrics: I’ve Never Been To Me
Hey lady, you lady, cursing at your life
You’re a discontented mother and a regimented wife
I’ve no doubt you dream about the things you’ll never do
But, I wish someone had talked to me
Like I wanna talk to you…..
Oh, I’ve been to Georgia and California and anywhere I could run
I took the hand of a preacher man and we made love in the sun
But I ran out of places and friendly faces because I had to be free
I’ve been to paradise but I’ve never been to me
Please lady, please lady, don’t just walk away
‘Cause I have this need to tell you why I’m all alone today
I can see so much of me still living in your eyes
Won’t you share a part of a weary heart that has lived million lies….
Oh, I’ve been to Niece and the Isle of Greece while I’ve sipped champagne on a yacht
I’ve moved like Harlow in Monte Carlo and showed ’em what I’ve got
I’ve been undressed by kings and I’ve seen some things that a woman ain’t supposed to see
I’ve been to paradise, but I’ve never been to me
Hey, you know what paradise is?
It’s a lie, a fantasy we create about people and places as we’d like them to be
But you know what truth is?
It’s that little baby you’re holding, it’s that man you fought with this morning
The same one you’re going to make love with tonight
That’s truth, that’s love……
Sometimes I’ve been to crying for unborn children that might have made me complete
But I took the sweet life, I never knew I’d be bitter from the sweet
I’ve spent my life exploring the subtle whoring that costs too much to be free
Hey lady……
I’ve been to paradise, (I’ve been to paradise)
But I’ve never been to me
(I’ve been to Georgia and California, and anywhere I could run)
I’ve been to paradise, never been to me
(I’ve been to Neice and the isle of Greece while I’ve sipped champagne on a yacht)
I’ve been to paradise, never been to me
(I’ve been to cryin’ for unborn children that might have made me complete)
I’ve been to paradise, never been to me
(I’ve been to Georgia and California, and anywhere I could run)
I’ve been to paradise, never been to me
According to Harold Camping who predicted that all righteous Christians in the world will be Raptured on 21 May 2011, 6PM is the magical hour when it will start.
While Camping didn’t elaborate in which time zone it would occur, we would have to assume that he either meant 6PM local time California where he is based, or 6PM simultaneously around the world. I’m sure all of you who don’t qualify to ascend to Heaven on May 21 because you’re ridiculously rational, will immediately see the problem with the magical hour put forward by Camping. Those of you who are non-Christian believers shouldn’t even bother.
But rather than spoil the last moments on Earth for the selected few by posing these scientific questions which you no doubt have no appreciation for, I would just like to wish you well on your flight upwards to Heaven. May you get great service and an open bar.
I would like to dedicate the song Rapture, by Blondie to all you good Rapturees. I hope you take one last listen to some good earthly tunes before you subject yourselves to an eternity of harp music. This particular version which is a clever mix of Blondie and Jim Morrison of the Doors, may not be to your purist tastes, but just live a little before you depart.
I’m sure those of you who will remain behind like me to face the Tribulation, will appreciate this too while we party on regardless.
Lenny Says 