Traditionally, my Mom has marked milestones in people's lives by re-writing a popular song for them, changing the lyrics to reflect their stories. Traditionally, I have helped her. My Dad turns 50 this year and we threw a surprise party for him this afternoon. Our song choice was ambitious: "One Week" by the Barenaked ladies. Mom, Bethany (my sister) and I performed it at the party.
Of course, much of this will make little sense to the people who were not a part of it. But I want to share my Dad's story and our love for him.
One Life
Debbie:
It’s been 33 since you smiled at me,
Asked me to dance and wrapped your arms around me,
32 since you sang to me,
Walked with me and made me glad you found me
31 since the rowboat date,
You rowed a heart shape ‘round a pumpkin and it seems like
Yesterday when we said, “I do”
27 years flew by in just a heartbeat.
All:
Hold me now; you give the best hugs.
You’re giving back rubs.
You’re the coffee in the morning man.
You summon fish to the dish, although I like the partridges,
But not the groundhog, that’ll never touch my frying pan!
Hot like Jack Sparrow when you’re on board.
A Cabin Boy, sure,
But you be talkin’ like on Pirates
That movie’s got the best lines.
[Music stops] Mom: Where is the rum? Beth: Where did the rum go? Erin: Why did the rum… [Music starts]
You know someday you’re gonna get it right.
Gonna take a break and make some weekend pampakes,
I like the waffles that you make me on my birthday, too.
Gotta see the show you sing solo
To dreamer Joe when he was low,
You know, that technicolour
Dreamcoat would look good on you.
Refrain:
How can we tell you all the ways you’re a great guy?
Can’t understand what you mean to us—don’t try.
You’re the kind of guy who takes care of everyone.
‘Cept when you’re sailing off into the setting sun.
You have a tendency to talk about boats a lot.
You have a history of buying old boats.
Erin and Bethany:
It’s been twenty years since you swaddled me,
Taught me to walk and talk cast a fishing line.
Fifteen since you read to me
Curious George, Dr. Seuss and Pat the Bunny,
Five/Two years since I moved away
Funny how I’m livin’ in the city you were born in.
Yesterday you were missing me,
So I packed up and drove back home to tell your story.
All:
Empty nest, but you’re still good lookin’
You have a sugar bush and the sap is cookin’
Watching NASCAR in the man cave.
Hey, that’s a close shave.
And Tony Stewart wins this one.
Laptop in hand, you’re workin’ late night
To get your talk right
Because you’re all about LiDAR
Like Stephen Page, you’re writin’ great songs
Okay, you don’t write songs
But you sometimes make the words up.
Here’s a little French pour vous,
I’m asking you, Ou est Pitou?
Pitou est sous le cami—Maybe you should just sing
Gotta get in tune; you’re starting soon.
You know your wife is gonna swoon when your guitar
Strums her fav’rite old thing.
Repeat Refrain
Debbie: It’s been too long since we sang this way,
All four together, one happy family.
Erin: Two days since you texted me, saying
Get out of the city, come back and see me.
Bethany: Ten months since I’ve been back home,
Though you know that I always call you on the telephone.
All: Yesterday we were lonely, so we
Called all your friends to come make a party.
…
Wanted to say how we love you at the party.
…
Hey, did we fin’ly surprise you with a party?
You Might Also Enjoy:
I Feel Clever (with apologies to West Side Story)
Variations on Cinderella
Waiting: poetry for impatient people
That is pretty awesome.
ReplyDeleteI love it!!!
ReplyDelete