Plum Crazy

Our second installment of Name that Tune stumped no one. Not that I expected it to.

Tune #1:

As the radio plays
Roy Orbison singing for the lonely
Hey that’s me and I want you only

Bruce Springsteen's "Thunder Road," as much a poem as it is a song. It wasn't until I was a year or so away from college that I got into Springsteen. Around the time he released Born in the USA. Before then, I was quite conservative politically, a mini Ronald Reagan in the making. Hard to believe I know, but ask my family. Then I got hooked on Springsteen, and his music truly played a part in my becoming the person I am today. When I realized how much his anti-establishment message and his songs of the everyman not sharing in the American dream resonated with me, I knew that my conservative politics were a simply a way to rebel against my liberal parents. I still remember the conversation with my parents when I shared this realization with them. It was a cool moment for all of us. We all saw how much I had grown to be able to take such stock of myself and to admit to being a different person than I thought I was. I really don't need to listen to the Bruce v. Bob match-up next week on WFUV radio to answer the question which artist resonates more with me. It's quite remarkable to think that a musical artist can have such a profound impact on your life.

Tune #2:

Yes, I wish that for just one time
You could stand inside my shoes
You'd know what a drag it is
To see you

Everyone knew this one: "Positively Fourth Street" by Bob Dylan. No story behind this song, except that it’s my favorite Dylan song. Those lines are not only the greatest musical put down ever, but they’re one of the best put downs period. I always smile when I hear them. (Kudos to Lesley for a great clue.)