The chopper roared to life. He did love this new four-stroke engine although performance remained to be seen. He put his old touring jacket in the saddle bags along with the floor plans and his lunch. Cucumber sandwich, one hard-boiled egg and an apple. Had he remembered his heart medication? So it’s finally come to this, he shook his head.
Pulling into the drive-thru he heard himself order a decaf latte and low-fat muffin. He scoffed but followed the doc’s orders. At least he still had his tunes. Oldies, as they call it these days. They wouldn’t know good music if it bit them in the ass, he grinned and turned up the volume.
Sugar, oh, honey honey
You are my candy girl
And you’ve got me wanting you
She dropped the garbage bag at her feet. She stretched as she waited for the light to change. She was tempted to retrieve her red velvet mini-dress from the bag. Her favorite shouldn’t go to a consignment shop. No, no, she told herself for the tenth time — you’re too old. Accept your age gracefully. Sigh. Who made these rules, anyway?
Honey, ah, sugar sugar
You are my candy girl
And you’ve got me wanting you
She didn’t realize she was humming along to the song as she concentrated on ignoring the revving engine. The faded blue jeans. Also not noticing. His hair that curled beneath his helmet and reflected silver in the sunlight.
I just can’t believe the loveliness of loving you
(I just can’t believe it’s true)
He smiled and returned his latte to the cup holder. She must feel his gaze yet she was determined to stare at the ground. He honked. Still nothing. Was it him? Oh that’s right, he caught his reflection in the chrome. I shouldn’t honk at women anymore.
I just can’t believe the wonder of this feeling too
(I just can’t believe it’s true)
Her summer dress gathered around her calves. Her hair tied back with a scarf. He used to love that style. She looked a little…tired? Hey, who doesn’t, he shrugged.
When I kissed you, girl, I knew how sweet a kiss could be
(I know how sweet a kiss can be)
He smiled and waved as he cruised through the crosswalk. Okay, maybe he was too old for this. Have your decaf latte and knock it off, he muttered.
He glanced in his rearview mirror. Her smile sent a buzz through him. Damn. The shy ones got him every time.
Like the summer sunshine pour your sweetness over me
(Pour your sweetness over me)
He turned left. He laughed at himself.
Sugar, pour a little sugar on it honey
Pour a little sugar on it baby
He turned left again. Hold up, cowboy. Yeah…no, not today. The day I’m too old to invite a pretty lady to dinner is the day you can feed me to the fish.
I’m gonna make your life so sweet, yeah yeah yeah
______
[Lyrics in italics from, “Sugar, Sugar,” by The Archies. Written by: Andy Kim and Jeff Barry. Vocals: Ron Dante; Andy Kim; Toni Wine; Ellie Greenwich; Ray Stevens. Original release: Everything’s Archie, 1969.]
Video posted to youtube by user Brian Sam
I believe The Archie’s were a one hit wonder and they were brought together just for this song… I remember this one like it was testerday.. Oh God I’m old….
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I love this song and have to dance whenever I hear it. Even if the dancing is only in my head. Juan, you’re not old. You’re awesome! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you’re surviving the heat and being Toonce-less.
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You’ve really outdone yourself with this one, Danica. I can picture both of these people very clearly and I know precisely how they feel, perhaps due to the fact that I’m just over a year away from hitting the half-century mark. Of course, my wife constantly tells me I act like a 15-year-old so I like to think my actual age is somewhere in the middle of 15 & 50. Your song choice was perfect. For some reason I envisioned the song morphing into Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me” in the man’s head toward the end as he circled back to the woman (at least, I think he was heading back to her…did I read that correctly?).
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Thanks so much, Rich. I really appreciate your kind words. Somewhere between 15 and 50 is a perfect place to be!
Now, that is uncanny. Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me” was running through my mind as I was writing this. That’s exactly where the man’s thoughts were going as he circled back to the woman.
I was also entertained by what we do and where we go with music. How this song fast-forwards to Def Leppard’s Sugar Anthem. The Archies’ Sugar Sugar must have been an influence, whether conscious or not.
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Interestingly, this fits into Act 5 of Meals: The Musical …. curtain up in about 4 hours.
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Hi Frank! I’m on my way….
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🙂 I was surprised the song went so quickly, so good job finding another one.
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So many songs, so little time 🙂
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Hi friend
So funny, that’s marriage for you, or me at least. Sometimes I feel to old and I don’t leave the house. There is never enough time for sure.
🙂
M
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My Dear M,
I hope you never have another one of those days. It’s true about time. Some moments it’s so tangible. What can we do but savor every moment of goodness….
D
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Hi friend
I try to savor every moment. There are more bad days when you have a chronic illness. One thing I can always count on is music. I adore Josh Groban his voice is soothing.
Thank you for the kind thoughts.
🙂
M
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I can only imagine what you must go through. Stay strong, my friend. I agree with you about music and Josh Groban’s beautiful voice. I’m glad you’re able to find some soothing respite :).
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Nicely done. Indeed. Regards
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Thanks very much! I’m happy that you like this one. Thanks also for stopping by, I always appreciate your visit.
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