Phonological Loops’s take on “Breakfast in America” got me thinking about Supertramp in general and that album in particular. And, as you can see from previous entries, I’ve already been thinking about my friend Leyla, and she’s the one who introduced me to Supertramp. She gave me Even in the Quietest Moments, which she had pronounced “a good make-out album.”
Breakfast in America was hot off the press when I went to visit Leyla, who was in grade 11 in Toronto. It must have been springtime. It was 1979, and Pierre Trudeau, campaigning hard to stay in power, was speaking at her high school. She got permission for me to come to the school to hear him speak. Security was high. I had to leave my glasses case at the door.
I was the only one in the room who didn’t know the words to “O Canada.” (Now I know some of them.)
Mr. Trudeau was about to get ousted, but only for nine months.
Leyla was dating this guy Bill, and Bill had this friend Kevin. This really cute friend Kevin. This really cute socialist friend Kevin who was working to make sure Mr. Trudeau did not win the election. The four of us went to the top of the CN Tower one night. It was breezy and beautiful, and cute Kevin actually kissed me. I wonder what ever happened to him?
I had Supertramp so associated with Canada that it took me awhile to figure out they were British.
“The Logical Song” is perfect for the teenager about to get out in the world, that cynical warning of all that is to come.
But then they sent me away to teach me how to be sensible,
Logical, responsible, practical.
And they showed me a world where I could be so dependable,
Clinical, intellectual, cynical.
I am many of those things.
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6 comments:
But you're so much more!(in a good sense).
I really enjoy reading your stories that go with the songs you're writing about.
I have vertigo so I've never been to the top of the CN Tower. I live in the east end but I can still see it from my livingroom window.
I've never been up the CN Tower either. I keep telling my kids it's too expensive, but I don't think I've ever actually looked up the cost.
Helen: I sure hope I'm so much more. It's hard to know.
Del and mm: I'm not sure I've even been to Toronto since this trip. Those high-building things are a little freaky. I bet it costs more to go up the tower now than it did in '79...
I still associate Supertramp with my high school years. Good times.
Indigo I want to you to plume out your feathers now. Be proud. Yep' that's right. You turned me on to Citizen Cope and I'm going to see him in concert next month. Wahoo! I've since read he's kick-a in concert. My hubbie and I listened to that CD in our hot tub the other night over some wine and a full moon. Very romantic. So thank you so much.
You logical, dependable, intellectual little Indigo.
LO: OMG! I am quite envious. I better take a look at the guy's tour schedule, like now. So glad you're happy with the discovery. I should turn around now and thank the woman who turned ME onto him (she was the one who knew about my secret Peppermint Pattie thing too). And it turns out I like how all those adjectives sound with Indigo!
Do report back after the concert.
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