It gives me no small amount of sadness that two voices that I've known and appreciated for years have been stilled even though the women who utilized these instruments are still alive.
Both sang a wide variety of songs-- my next favorite karaoke tune is one they both have performed.
The song is "Someone to Watch Over Me" and the vocalists are Julie Andrews, who no longer sings as the result of a botched vocal cord surgery, and Linda Ronstadt who no longer sings as a result of Parkinson's Disease.
The first time I recall hearing "Someone to Watch Over Me" was in this scene from Woody Allen's "Manhattan":
https://youtu.be/AsbdW6ZTFBs
The beautiful imagery of this scene was perfectly underscored by an orchestral arrangement of George Gershwin's poignant melody which I instantly loved.
I had no idea at the time that I would become as fond of Ira Gershwin's lyric.
Andrews's performance of STWOM is from her much-lambasted Gertrude Lawrence biopic "Star".
I've seen the film (or some chopped up version of it) on TV; generally, I'd describe the film "huh" dragged out past the point of "meh".
Below is a link to a clip of her performance of STWOM.
Honestly, while I recall Andrews-as-Lawrence's performance of Kurt Weill & Ira Gershwin's "The Saga of Jenny", I have no recollection of her rendition of STWOM, or even the scene's context in the film.
Ronstadt's version is from her first album of standards, conducted and arranged by Nelson Riddle.
Over their careers, the performances of both artists have demonstrated great technical skill but inconsistent emotional expression.
For example, Andrews's "Feed the Birds" from "Mary Poppins" and Ronstadt's "Love Has No Pride", among other performance" genuinely move me.
Sadly, neither of these takes on STWOM feels right to me.
I invite you however to give both performances a listen. Please share your opinions of either or both recordings. Maybe I'm
missing an epiphany....
Inconsequential and Possibly Gratuitous Personal Note: When I sing STWOM
, I make one lyric change. The idea of referring to myself as a "lost lamb" feels ridiculous, so this Aries pronounces himself a "lost ram".
Same species; approximately equivalent pathos.
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I don't own the rights to this song or these performances.
These links are offered to facilitate an appreciation of the song. named.
Someone to Watch Over Me - Julie Andrews
https://youtu.be/QKvnUGSNbys
Someone to Watch Over Me - Linda Ronstadt
https://youtu.be/_wzuAyAdecc
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Self Assessment
This post went in a much different direction than I first planned and took far too long for me to complete.
I attribute this to my focusing on preparing some dishes around the Thanksgiving holiday and my inability to focus on two endeavors simultaneously.
Nevertheless they're done now.
If “So I Heard” exists to present songs that I especially admire, I guess the best indication of my admiration of a song would be the fact that I attempt it or assail it when at Karaoke.
So that is the meaning of “Karaoke Tunes”.
I love both the lyric and the melody of J.D. Souther's “You're Only Lonely”.
If the KJ can modulate the key of a song, this song is absolutely one that I ask to be taken down at least three keys-- or else my rendition of it is far less than lovely.
This song should not be confused with Roy Orbison's “Only the Lonely” which is an anthem for every lonely soul.
While “You're Only Lonely” has a sound-alike title, the lyric is a heartwarming and tender address from one vulnerable person to another pledging understanding if contacted for the mere reason of loneliness.
The original performer, J.D. Souther, has a estimable body of work. Though possibly largely unknown to most pop and rock followers, he is by no means obscure.
Souther may be regarded as a one hit wonder. “You're Only Lonely’ is his only solo recording to chart in the Top 40, but he can be heard dueting with James Taylor on 1981’s “Her Town Too”. He also co-wrote an Eagles hit or two including "Best of My Love", "Heartache Tonight", and "New Kid in Town".
(An Indugence While on This Topic/Tangent: I must note that another karaoke fave of mine is “Best of My Love”.
Once, when I put in that song title for karaoke, when I got the mic I was surprised to discover that-- while the karaoke book listed the Eagles song-- the track that came on was the Maurice White-penned “Best of My Love” performed by the Emotions.
Unfazed, I performed the lyrics of the Eagles song--as I remembered them-- to the tune of the Emotions song.
The refrain of both is the same:“Oh-oh-oh-OH! You got/get the best of my love, etc.” The one difference; the Eagles say “Sweet darling”.)
J.D. Souther
You're Only Lonely
https://youtu.be/quglprlSQ8k
I don't own the rights to this song or performance.
The link is offered to facilitate an appreciation of the song named.
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Self Assessment
This post gestated a long while in concept so was relatively easy to write given my connection to the song. As with the previous written posts, I imaging some cleanup will be necessary
