Special Poems

Last updated:
9 March 2023.

1.  Love And Marriage

(Courtesy of Frank Sinatra)

Now, I know it might sound like somethin’ stupid, and you wondering, “Is he alright?”
But I fell in love with her there and then despite us both being strangers in the night.
“Fly me to the moon,” she begged, but hey, I no Richard Branson, and quickly replied:
“How about New York, New York?” And would you know it, “Oh well, I guess that’s life,” she sighed.

Anyway,

We did things my way, I so determined to make her happy come rain or come shine,
And thus cooing, “The best is yet to come,” and, “Come fly with me,” she soon on cloud nine.
Yes, she my funny valentine, and I thus cackling, “I get a kick out of you!”
And we spending autumn in New York, but on the sunny side of the street, mind you.

It wasn’t long before I heard myself saying, “You’d be so nice to come home to,”
I thinking of a little place in Chicago, it my kind of town, and hers too.
“I need someone to watch over me,” she cried, and I replied, “Can’t live without you,”
And thinking, “For once in my life I have someone who needs me,” and yes, I her too.

So off I went to get a nice ring, and one for my baby too, and I singing:
“I’ve got my love to keep me warm,” and on the way there, some travel agent ringing.
'Cause guess what? I love Paris; and in the still of the night I whispered in her ear,
“Moonlight becomes you,” and, “It had to be you” — oh boy, it was a very good year.

By Lance Landall


This poem was tweaked on 30 August 2021.

2.  Anytime

(Courtesy of Tom Jones)

She asked me if she could use my phone, and I said, “Help yourself,” and she did so,
And I heard her enquire, “What’s new pussycat?”, and I thought to myself, “Hello?”
Well, I mean to say, how many people ring their pet, more so an answer get,
But hey, all was well, for she was simply joking with her daughter who’s a vet.

Anyway, and once off the phone, Delilah and I got talking about things,
And she told me how she missed the green, green grass of home and her sister who sings.
I responded by telling her that it’s not unusual to feel like that,
And that she could use my cell phone anytime, “And hey, my regards to the cat.”

By Lance Landall

3.  Too Bad, Too Bad

(Courtesy of Englebert Humperdinck)

It turned out to be the last waltz, ’cause shortly after, she said, “Please release me,”
And he sobbing, “What now my love, ’cause there goes my everything, don’t you see?”
But her Spanish eyes elsewhere, some secret love like no other love, sad to say,
And he shouting after her, “Answer me, Love!, but she was up, up and away.”

Oh yes, once it was, “I can’t take my eyes off you,” and, “Quando, Quando, Quando?”
But no wedding there’d be, just funny, familiar, forgotten feelings, oh.
He now a man without love, and back to Les Bicyclettes De Belsize, sadly,
And thinking, “Yes, it was too beautiful to last,” and hurting really badly.

What a wonderful world not quite so now, he no longer saying, “Call on me,”
But rather, “Am I that easy to forget?” and, “Oh, the way it used to be.”
“Yes, I’m a better man for having loved you,” he thought, but oh, now it simply
A winter world of love, but you know, hope stretching from here to eternity.

After all, another time, another place, and who knows, a new sweet lady,
Some stranger in paradise, on the dock of the bay, perhaps, where it’s shady.
And there, an unchained melody — yes, a man and a woman, stardust and all,
Another wonderland by night, and how in love again, the jilted can fall.

By Lance Landall


This particular poem was penned June 2021.





The usage of the song title "Come Together" in this poem,
simply refers to dating (lest it be misconstrued).

4.  From Me To You

(Courtesy of The Beatles)

Hey Jude, it's been a hard day's night, and I've yet to catch up with Michelle, ma belle,
So I'll be taking the long and winding road that passes the fool on the hill.
I’m no longer dating Eleanor Rigby, though I did spot her yesterday,
But only by chance as Penny Lane is usually right out of my way.

I wouldn’t mind your help to get back home if I can’t get a ticket to ride,
Though not at night as I’m a day tripper who dislikes missing the countryside.
I feel like I've been working eight days a week, have been here, there and everywhere,
And even called in to see Lady Madonna who hugged me and shed a tear.

It was pretty much a case of hello, goodbye, she being about to head out,
Off on some magical mystery tour, I think, and needed day out, no doubt.
She's still going on about the past, so I told her that she should let it be,
And do you want to know a secret? She told me she’s more than just fond of me.

Yes, “Got to get you into my life,” she said, and could we soon come together,
Ob-la-di, ob-la-da — man, how you could’ve knocked me over with a feather.
She’s quite well-off now (got lucky), but money can’t buy me love, and besides, Jude,
They've now called her Lucy in the sky with diamonds, for she has an attitude.

And I no competitor, just a budding paperback writer — skint, mostly —
So I was hardly about to say, “P.S. I love you too, dear,” believe me.
And to be honest, I've got this other girl in my life now, and I love her,
And lest somebody says, “You’re going to lose that girl,” I’m not about to err.

Yes, I saw her standing there, so none of this you’ve got to hide your love away,
Oh no, I determined to give her all my loving, and such without delay.
Yes, we may well have the odd disagreement, but we can work it out, surely
I not succumbing to Sergeant Pepper’s lonely hearts club band, believe me!

And with a little help from my friends, off we’ll go in our yellow submarine,
Complete with Maxwell’s silver hammer and that blackbird that's part of the same scene.
And when I’m sixty-four, say, I will still be sighing, “Hold me tight, love me do,”
We living in Strawberry Fields forever, and she saying, “Please please me” too.

By Lance Landall

5.  Sadder But Wiser

(Courtesy of Elvis Presley)

’Twas a sad tale that he shared, and why he’s still all shook up, a wreck, quite frankly,
And has even been seen crying in the chapel, and he praying, possibly.
Yes, his love letters to her marked return to sender, and now back in his hands,
His seemingly cosy chat with another girl torpedoing wedding plans.

Oh, the cruelty of suspicious minds, his fiancé jumping the gun, you see,
His good luck charm worthless — and in her mind, he nothing but a hound dog, sadly.
Hence his G.I. Blues (he ex-army), and his residing at Heartbreak Hotel,
And why there’s a little less conversation going down, and a ring to sell.

Oh, how he had pled with her in his letters, not that she’d read any of them,
But simply nursed moody blues, so upset that she’d missed out on a sparkling gem.
“Are you lonesome tonight?” he’d penned, and, “Will you please let me be your teddy bear?”
But no response, tragically, thus his blue suede shoes catching another tear.

Yes, he’d felt like saying, “Don’t be cruel,” and, “Please love me tender,” but all was lost,
For she now had a wooden heart, a face that rather than sunshine portrayed frost.
So, sad to say, there was no Hawaiian wedding song, nor even jailhouse rock,
And no guitar man, and why in a dark wardrobe there’s an unused wedding frock,

And he in the ghetto of loneliness,

And the latter why most can’t help falling in love again (revisiting same scene),
And why I'm sure that this chap will too when another little cutie is seen.
Hence that proverbial cry, “It’s now or never!”, for the hurting must be brave,
And in his case, grab some polish, don a clean shirt and slap on some aftershave.

(And he a little wiser now).

By Lance Landall

6.  Another Tale

(Courtesy of Cliff Richard)

I was toying with a Summer holiday ’till I spotted a living doll,
Yes, that was the day I met Marie who was an avid fan of Nat King Cole.
Oh, how she went on and on — constantly! — and this why we don’t talk anymore,
And how I nearly became a bachelor boy ’till another doll I saw.

And guess what Marie said? “The minute you’re gone you’re off with another.” The cheek!
Although she softened things by adding, “I miss you nights,” and kissed me on the cheek.
Yes, I did feel bad, but I just couldn’t take it anymore, and suddenly,
Here was this other theme for a dream and I travellin’ light, most fortunately.

She must’ve had lucky lips because I married her and promised not to roam,
We living in the country now, and a little one oft shouting, “Daddy’s home!”
She’s such a cutie (just like her mother), and why I oft have fun with Carrie,
Until she says, “Please don’t tease,” and why I stop until the next time, naughtily.

Oh, what fun we have, and why there’s a whole lot of shaking goin’ on — yes, sir —
Our home full of laughter and scuttling startled pussy cats multicoloured fur.
And more so when she says, “Do you wanna dance, Dad?”, and up gets clumsy old me,
And its be-bop-a-lula, for that’s true love ways despite one crook leg and knee.

Oh, how the young ones seem wired for sound, and I protesting, but it’s all in the game,
My howls like a voice in the wilderness, she tugging on my arms just the same.
Yes, no congratulations coming my way, but a devil woman who aids,
Until daddy-cum-hubby flops exhaustedly and further torture evades.

My, some people!

By Lance Landall


The original title of this poem has been changed to what it is now.

7.  Not So Gentle On One's Mind

(Courtesy of Glen Campbell)

By the time I get to Phoenix most folk will be asleep or stifling a yawn,
And I won’t be able to catch up with the Wichita lineman until dawn.
Chad and I going way back, and he having recently got a new job there,
Wichita having lost its shine, and Galveston… well, his reasons weren’t that clear.

A woman, I heard, Chad wanting to get hitched and she pleading, “Let it be me,”
But it all over now, and her parting words being, “Your cheatin’ heart," sadly.
And now, Chad without her, though he did holler, “Honey come back!”, but it too late,
And she replying, “You should try a little kindness,” and darting out the gate.

She off with the Rhinestone cowboy, and Chad left sighing, “Next time it’ll be less of me,”
Which was great, for after nights of tears, he met Mary in the morning, you see.
Quite chuffed, he was, their honeymoon spent under Southern nights, and soon a wee one,
And he saying, “Where’s the playground, Susie? Working on power lines aint much fun.”

Yes, Chad a changed man, and that oft being the dreams of the everyday housewife,
Who, unfortunately, can find she’s ended up with the wrong man in her life.
And as for Chad’s ex — well, women need to watch out for those Rhinestone cowboys too,
For substance is better than glitter — and those tales that such men spin, oft untrue.

By Lance Landall

8.  Such Is How It Goes

(Courtesy of Simon and Garfunkel)

I’d just got back from Scarborough Fair where I’d had words with Mrs Robinson,
She not too happy about what I’d had to say, though she took it on the chin.
But not so Cecilia who had heard about it and hence the ringing phone,
A call that I had somewhat expected given that she was good friends with Joan,

Mrs Robinson, that is.

She called me the boxer, said I shouldn’t throw such verbal punches and rang off,
I wondering how I could build a bridge over troubled water, span that trough.
Her and I going way back  — yes, we old friends, and I sure she’d get over it,
Though right then I was hardly feelin’ groovy but in fact quite the opposite.

Hence the sound of silence, I annoyed too, for she shouted that I am a rock
(Unfeeling, in other words), and that I should’ve stayed in my little town — some knock!
But I not homeward bound, for a man must do what a man must do, speak his mind,
Though I’ll still patch things up if I can, find some bookends-cum-put it all behind.

(Now there's a good chap).

By Lance Landall

9.  From Here To There

(Courtesy of The Carpenters)

“I’m tired of this masquerade,” she groaned, “I just want to be myself from now on,
No more of this touch me when we’re dancing business, all that clandestine stuff gone.
Yes, spying’s no longer for me,” she sighed, and then she handed her notice in,
Which left her feeling on top of the world, no longer drenched in adrenaline.

“Rainy days and Mondays would always get me down,” she admitted, “shadows too,"
She having to keep very quiet, couldn’t sing “We’ll have big fun on the bayou.”
Jambalaya, I’m talking about, it her favourite song, and Superstar,
And she could’ve been one for all we know, just like her country singing papa.

Yes, it seemed like only yesterday that they were singing on the old back porch,
It getting so late that it was soon yesterday once more, “And say, where’s the torch?”
Papa gone now, of course, and her mother too, and she left playing solitaire,
’Till she fill in love, and then it was, “Please Mr Postman, is there one from my dear?”

Yes, those good old dreams often come true, and so it was in her case, happily,
And thus it not goodbye to love, he having quickly said, “Will you marry me?”
Yes, they never hurting each other, and both so in love they were heard to say:
“I won’t last a day without you,” and hey, what more can this rascal poet say?

Well, there was another thing that was heard, and that was, "We've only just begun." 

Now how's that for fun?

By Lance Landall

10.  Oh, The Boat That Some Folk Row

(Courtesy of Neil Diamond)

One grey September morn I heard a Kentucky woman singing Song Sung Blue,
Her carousing hubby having spent the night with a woman from Timbuktu.
Yes, far too much red red wine, and he a sinner man if ever there was one,
So in need of Brother Love’s traveling salvation show which had just begun.

Well, last I heard he was a solitary man, she off one Chelsea morning,
And hence what goes around coming around and the truth of his folly dawning.
Yes, Shilo was as bad as he, and why he shouldn’t have left sweet Caroline,
And if what Cracklin’ Rose says is so, he’s guzzling ginger beer instead of wine.

Oh, what a beautiful noise!

By Lance Landall

11.  Pushing The Envelope

(Courtesy of ABBA)

“Ring, ring,” went the phone and it was Fernando asking for more money again,
“Yes, money, money, money,” she cried, “as if that’s all I’m good for, jolly men!”
Hence I suspected he’d soon meet his Waterloo, for Maria wasn’t happy,
Said, “Thank you for the music,” and left me to find my own way out, thankfully,

Fernando getting it in the neck for oft saying, "Gimmie, gimmie, gimmie."

Should she ask him to marry her he’d no doubt be quick to shout, “I do, I do,
I do, I do, I do, a rich woman suiting him, and she nice looking too.
But it wouldn’t be long before there’d be an S.O.S-cum-quickie divorce,
She no Chiquitita or dancing queen and “Mama Mia!” would shout midst remorse,

And, “Does your mother know?”, of course.

By Lance Landall

12.  Since You Asked

(Courtesy of songs of the century)

I was extremely tired and needed a break so it was up, up and away,
In other words, give me a ticket for an aeroplane 'round April or May.
And then off I went, nothing like leaving on a jet plane, one there in a flash,
Ready to board the Starlight Express on a trip that would soon drain me of cash.

No, I’m not really a big spender but was wanting to have fun, fun, fun, and
Was feeling like a rag doll, so relaxing dips in Moon River had been planned.
Yes, it was great feeling the wind beneath my wings, so to speak, and soon I there,
My feet on the ground and I no longer like rocket man shooting through the air.

I was hoping that I’d catch up with Maggie May at some point on my journey,
She good friends with Barbara Ann and Jennifer Juniper, incidentally.
The three having met each other on the Peace Train, and Mandy too, by the way,
Though she having taken the ferry cross the Mersey on route to Mandalay.

Last I heard she’d left the pinball wizard and married the hurdy gurdy man,
Both enlisting the help of Jumping Jack Flash as their wedding cameraman.
They’d exchanged rings in Winchester Cathedral, the organist Mr Bojangles,
Who, along with the candy man and Danny boy, yanked on the ropes of the bells.

Guess I’m digressing but that’s what friends are for given that we are family,
Are connected via humanity, and such being the rhythm of life, you see.
Yes, none of this poison ivy stuff for me, I on good terms with everyone,
And hoping that I’d meet new friends once my sentimental journey had begun.

Well, soon I was off, the tunnels a little spooky and the hill tops misty,
Though soon it was blue skies and gossamer breezes; I glad it wasn’t windy.
But I just couldn’t imagine a break without someone nice like Georgie girl,
She the daughter of Lili Marlene who had married Johnny Angel, an Earl.

It was funny how they met, he having taken the last train to Clarkesville, and
Lili too, but by mistake though, for she’d been told to take the A train as planned.
She having just come out of a bad relationship shouting, “Stupid cupid!”
And fuming over what happens when two worlds collide and someone blows his lid.

But not the gentle Earl, he having told her, “I’m a writer, not a fighter,”
And this of which she’d been wishing and hoping; she happy and her heart lighter.
He then gave her some tulips from Amsterdam, and boasted: “Isn’t she lovely,”
Hence why I’m a believer that good oft comes out of bad and amazingly.

Anyway, back to Georgie girl who was happy to join me in a heartbeat,
We both very fond of each other, but a man and a woman who weren’t complete.
And so I popped the question midst moonlight and roses and the chug of the train,
Good vibrations coming from Engine Engine number nine as it crossed some plain.

Yes, twenty four hours from Tulsa we were wed, and I conveying, “Honey,
I love you just the way you are,” she a dedicated follower of fashion,
an uptown girl, actually.
But I just delighting in her company, those magic moments that oft came,
We totally honest with each other, not subscribers to “It’s all in the game.”

Oh, we so in love that we were even singing in the rain, or come snow,
Our journey a mixture of trains and boats and planes, strolls, swims, quiet dinners or show.
Oh yes, so many moments to remember, the look of love on our faces,
And she cooing, “I love to be close to you,” as we toured many places,

And I thinking, we’ve all the time in the world.

Sometimes I’d hide and call out and she’d ask, “Is that you, Greg?”, and I would reply:
“It ain’t me babe,” and we’d giggle together as other folk would walk on by.
I remember one day in MacArthur Park where we carved something in some bark,
And she said, “Don’t go breaking my heart,” and I replied, “Why Not?”,  just for a lark.

Oh dear, my brain said,

For there’s a kind of hush, but her glare was feigned, for she laughed and then kissed me,
And then plucked some little green apples off a tree and held them out tenderly.
Later we dinned at Alice’s restaurant — I sighing, “Food, glorious food” —
And suggesting that we snuggle up on the sofa if she was in the mood.

Well, soon I had to send a message to Michael stating that we’d be home soon,
So much money having gone with the wind, and lest visa wise it be high noon.
Michael replied, “If I only had time,” and suggested Mack the Knife might help,
But the last time he helped folk they needed needles and pins and were heard to yelp,

Or something like that.

Yes, the world being full of gypsies, tramps and thieves, I mused, and muttered “Thanks Michael,”
And contacted Stan who’d just caught a fever from the folks who live on the hill.
Thus he unable to help too, though “I will survive,” he replied, positively,
And I trying Mona Lisa as a last resort who emailed “Certainly!”

“Did you know we had wed,” I asked, “Yes, I heard it through the grapevine,” Mona replied,
She saying she would pick us up downtown, gave her best wishes to groom and bride.
And true to her word, there she was — I shouting, “You’ve made me so very happy!”
Itchycoo Park an hours drive, though we riders on the storm, unfortunately,

Yes, pillion passengers.

Her friend had come with another bike (she a pretty woman named Joanna),
And I a whiter shade of pale given the state of it despite her manner.
Well, we got there in the end, I having prayed, “Please help me make it through the night,”
Yes, it unforgettable, staying alive the object, Georgie also white,

Jolly motorbikes!

But all’s well that ends well, so don’t cry for me Argentina, for we’re okay,
Tragedy averted, no ring of fire — therefore, you can send in the clowns, say.
Yes, let's not groan it’s impossible but climb every mountain, sing and not cry.
For fear’s like a candle in the wind, and to be frank, one’s trousers better dry.

I must confess that ‘Anyone who had a heart’ was going through my mind, and,
Go gently and sailing too, for I simply had no idea where we might land.
And I thus left with a portrait of my love should it be Georgie on her back,
And should she survive, patches of deep purple skin and I an insomniac.

Yes, it then a case of, “What now my love?” and possibly seasons in the sun,
And why I try to remember to make the most of each day, laugh and have fun.
And why this poem’s dedicated to the one I love, my girl whom I cherish,
And whom I’ll never stop showering with love ’till the very day I perish.

Oh, just before I go, I was having a chat with Alfie the other day,
And was saying, “Those were the days,” and, “What the world needs now is love, I say."
He agreed too and said, “You’ve lipstick on your collar,” which he thought was funny,
And I replied, “My wife likes to colour my world, give my regards to Sunny.”

Oh, what a wonderful world it is, though sometimes it's a crazy world too,
And why often I say a little prayer for those among us whose love is blue.
Yes, I wish I could sprinkle some stardust, say, and magic sad feelings away,
Or take folk from rags to riches — and hey, what about bottles of joy one could spray?

Meantime, don't let the sun catch you crying — and if you're at your wits end, take five.

By Lance Landall

13.  Thought You Might Like To Know

(Courtesy of songs of the century)

Recently I received a parcel from Russia with love, and I thought, Cindy,
Oh, Cindy, how nice of you; she having been introduced to me by Wendy.
Wendy was often in a spot and I would respond with, “Don’t worry, baby,”
And somehow I would get things sorted, she living in a town without pity.

She’s now in Brazil, but I’m sure we’ll meet again given that I get around,
Work taking me here and there, and next year I think I’m Copacabana bound.
She really appreciated my help, would say, “You’re the top,” and smile at me,
Her smile like the warmth of the sun, but neither of us thinking of matrimony.

Yes,

Her lips would brush my cheek, but what’s in a kiss? Such just her way of thanking me,
Though I thinking, now if I were a carpenter, she being high society.
In other words, would she truly be happy with me, I being no millionaire,
And probably better to look in the direction of not so well off Claire.

Anyway, back to Cindy who I hadn’t heard from for a millennium —
Well, so it seemed to me, tea for two somehow tickling my patchy memory.
Yes, it a white Christmas, a Winter wonderland, I needing to light my fire,
And in the distant background an unchained melody from some a cappella choir.

To be honest, I’m like a little yellow bird born free, too used to flitting,
And at that time, Georgia on my mind, not slippers, a rocking chair or knitting.
And I not wanting to hear someone saying, “Promises, promises,” oh no,
And hey, how can you mend a broken heart, that pain that only the lonely know?

So sometimes silence is golden, for only love can break a heart, pierce it through,
Though I guess I sound rather cynical when who knows who might come into view.
And thus I soon saying, “I feel the earth move, you’re my world,” or, “Please kiss me, Kate,”
Or singing, “O-wakka-do-wakka-day, I got you, babe, other things can wait!”

Yes, one can change in time, true love and not puppy love visiting with a bang,
And one uttering, “Hello, dolly,” bedazzled like, struck by some boomerang.
Yes, someone, somewhere, Venus in blue jeans, perhaps, she cooing just like a dove,
And I replying, “You stepped out of a dream, seems everyone’s gone to the moon,

Love.”

Oh, the power of love, it zapping one sooner or later, undoubtedly,
Hence two hearts beating in harmony, cupid having called unexpectedly.
Yes, I guess one can’t beat it, so it’s no use saying, “What’ll
I do?”
But rather, enjoying the trip, day by day, night and day, and repeatedly,

“And as for our honeymoon, my darling, what about the Isle of Innisfree?”

By Lance Landall

14.  Happiness Is

(Courtesy of songs of the century)

When it’s like a rainy night in Georgia and Moody River seems blue on blue,
And when invisible tears are present all night long, here is what you should do:
Just pick yourself up, shout, “Zippidy doo dah,” and if you can remember it,
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, I’m happy and fit!”

Yes, too bad if you aren’t, for you can trick yourself, you see — yes, it so easy,
You soon dancing in the street, (though please, not Gangnam style, but something more low-key).
And if you want, you can blow tiny bubbles, even have a lazy Sunday,
A summer breeze tickling your toes, happiness thus only a mindset away.

By Lance Landall

15.  All's Well That End's Well

(Courtesy of songs of the century)

Vincent had been warned but fools rush in where angels fear to tread, its said, and so
Off on a foggy day midst stormy weather and heatwave they were seen to go.
Yes, she mad about the boy, and he the son of a preacher man, by the way,
So he should’ve known better especially after what Jolene had to say.

Yes, she didn’t mince her words, no give peace a chance, sort of thing, but told him straight,
Said, “Something’s gotta give,” that he was slip, slidin’ away, just playing with fate.
And thus no "you’ve got a friend" response, but an I am the Walrus approach, and,
He staring at wasted days and wasted nights, misery that he’d hardly planned.

She said he was Cathy’s clown, but he replied, “It ain’t necessarily so,”
And wild horses couldn’t pull him away, so they sailed off on Calypso.
“Jingle bells!”, she shouted in frustration, and, “You’re a puppet on a string!”, which
Saw him muttering, “Ain’t that a kick in the head, she turning off like a switch.”

Well, she was right on the button for soon he was crying in the rain, sadly,
Cathy having said, “Let’s call the whole thing off, you don’t bring me flowers weekly.”
But the latter was overblown, hardly like the twelfth of never, frankly,
And he crying, “Let's accentuate the positive,” but it no love story,

And therefore, neither of them singing I Could’ve Danced All Night, regrettably.

Well, such went on all through the night, though it more a case of twist and shout, and then,
He saying to Sherry (a friend), “She’s out of my life, has had enough of men.”
“Oh lonesome me,” he grieved, “the party’s over, no milk today, my love's gone away,”
They no longer happy together, for “Bye bye love” and “Love hurts” had come his way,

Though he was so glad that he had thought to tell her about it — Sherry, that is.

Yes,

Sherry had had her eye on Vincent for some time, and said, “Hey, hang on Snoopy”
(His nickname),
“Send me the pillow that you dream on,” and on went a heartlight very quickly.
He really liked Sherry, she forever in blue jeans, kind of a wild thing, you see,
So he replied, “Well do, you little thriller, and please build me up Buttercup,
 (her nickname, incidentally).

Yes, it’s also true that love changes everything, he now over the rainbow,
Feeling good, doing a moondance and shouting, “I’m your puppet!”, quite oddly though.
Oh what a beautiful morning, he in blue velvet, and sorrow history,
She dressed in ebony and ivory, quite a sophisticated lady.

And what a reception-cum-celebration,

Billie Jean, Peggy Sue, Lovely Rita and Edelweiss singing, “Stand By Me,”
And Sir Duke singing Turn On The Sun and You’re So Beautiful, rather loudly.
But round midnight, and after all the fasinatin’ rhythm, and just in time,
They flew off to America to enjoy nights in white satin and sweet dreams,

But this time in rhyme.

Oh, by the way, I'm sorry Suzanne but he's taken.

By Lance Landall

16.  Yea, Give Me The Simple Life

(Courtesy of songs of the century)

“I can’t help lovin’ dat man,” she said, “but my heart belongs to Daddy,” and so
Geoff moved on, said “Bye bye baby,” had learnt not to waste his money long ago.
Yes, he a rags to riches story, and not short of admiring hopefuls, who,
Like Emily, made her presence known, and boldly said, “I’ve got a crush on you.”

Having lots of do-re-mi helps, but Emily’s interest was genuine,
And thus in his case, luck be a lady, for she soon had his head in a spin.
“My eyes adored you,” he said, recalling his first impressions, he so in awe,
But soon it was a case of “I’ve grown accustomed to her face,” and off he tore.

Yes, just like that, so young and foolish, hoping he’d find greater things tomorrow,
With a little bit of luck, that is, and leaving Emily with her sorrow.
Yes, one moment it was everything’s coming up roses, and then off he went,
No working my way back to you sort of thing, his gooey heart now like cement.

It’s not for me to say, you might say, but I thought it quite cruel of him, really,
He hollering “The party’s over!”, and all just because of a few tiffs yearly.
“Sit down, you’re rockin’ the boat!”, he’d shout, as if relationships always run smoothly,
And what about his own seventy six trombones? His hollers just as noisy.

Yes, no I made it through the rain attitude, no “Let’s patch things up,” but rather,
He muttering “Raindrops keep falling on my head,” and getting in a lather.
Someone should have said to him, “Hey, button up your overcoat, walk like a man,”
For it takes two to tango, and compromise should always be part of the plan.

By Lance Landall

17.  Did I Tell You?

(Courtesy of songs of the century)

Johnny was over the moon, oo-shoo-be-doo-be, so in love with sweet Lorraine,
And when spotted prancing about one day, he hollered, “Just walking in the rain!”
“You’re sensational” and “You do something to me,” he told her one evening,
Or was it, “You go to my head,” and then he produced a sparkling diamond ring.

Yes, he so in love, “She killing me softly with her song,” he told me one day,
And she “on the street where you live,” he continued, and I replied, “Oh, okay.”
I had never seen her, to be honest, said “Good-bye” and wished him all the best,
And told him he could contact me anytime, and just as well, for here’s the rest:

Yes, he thought their relationship would last forever and ever, but no, I’m afraid not,
She shouting “You took advantage of me!” not long after they had tied the knot.
Well, it might as well rain, they say, and it did, she muttering “The thrill is gone,”
And he replying “Can’t we be friends?” midst ducking a week old blueberry scone.

Now, I’ve never condoned violence, personally, but tensions can run high,
And in his case he needed to straighten up and fly right and eat humble pie.
She little girl blue now, and crying “The first cut is the deepest,” which is true,
And the song “Two different worlds” coming to mind, not oo-shoo-be-doo-be, oo.

Yes, sometimes in life smoke gets in your eyes and you aren’t seeing all that clearly,
The windmills of your mind having slowed down, and hence how one can suffer dearly.
One moment you’re thinking “At last!”, then you or someone else is singing the blues,
And its hit the road to dreamland, one wondering who’ll fill those departing shoes.

By Lance Landall

18.  Just The Other Day

(Courtesy of songs of the century)

I was thinking of far away places, but my head said, "It’s impossible,"
I short on cash, you see, and my fingers tapping mah-na, mah-na for a spell.
Yes, I rather bored, and thinking of a holiday abroad-cum-change of scene,
And perhaps love, quiet nights of quiet stars, red sails in the sunset, scrumptious cuisine.

Yes,

Such would be a lovely way to spend an evening, falling in love again,
I thinking of the most beautiful girl in the world I’d left behind, but then,
I really not having much choice given she’d said “Baby don’t get hooked on me,”
And it may not have worked out anyway, for all we know, incidentally.

But who wants to be without a song in their heart? Who would say I’ll walk alone?
Though I draw the line at that me and Mrs Jones nonsense, a no go zone!
Yes, no secret love affair for me, I stating, “It never entered my mind,”
And thus any Mrs Jones turning on her heels, I neither silly nor blind.

So, am I blue? Well, kind of, and hey, I not exactly living the lush life,
And hoping that one day I’ll hear “Never can say goodbye” from a gorgeous wife.
But single I am, and blow my foolish heart, better get back to the dishes,
For what kind of fool am I to leave them dirty? Hardly my flatmate’s wishes.

By Lance Landall

19.  Azure-Te

(Courtesy of Nat King Cole)

Come those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer and you’d see Ramblin’ Rose, who
Often caught up with Mona Lisa, Sweet Lorraine, and flirty Nature Boy too.
There were others as well, but oft it was a case of “Miss Otis regrets,” or
Someone would say, “I’m lost,” or “I’ve got it bad and that ain’t good,” and shut the door.

That last one adding, “Everything happens to me, but not L.O.V.E,
Just the game of love, all why there’s a lull in my life,” it rather sad, really.
’Cause let there be love, I say, a beautiful friendship, so pick yourself up, smile,
Thus lost April giving way to a September song, it just taking awhile.

Yes, one no longer the lonely one, solo ballerina, for all we know,
It all about being hopeful, and singing, “Fly me to the moon,” way to go!
Though sometimes it’s only a paper moon for some, not serenata de Amor,
And so, “Guess I’ll go back home,” they cry, it not but beautiful, they feeling sore.

By Lance Landall

20.  On Tenterhooks

(Courtesy of Robbie Williams)

“She’s the one,” I thought to myself, so I rang and said, “Let me entertain you,”
And Candy replied, “Oh, okay,” she living in an adjacent avenue.
So off I rushed and knocked on her door, she taking a millennium it seemed,
And then off we went to town, though I have seen better days, ’cause it really teemed.

But even so, I had no regrets, almost tripping over myself to please,
And I could feel my old heart pounding — oh, the strange mechanics of our bodies.
I worried lest my babblings be misunderstood, and somethin’ stupid come out,
’Cause you know me, ay, grab a can of fruit and it turns out to be sauerkraut.

And when I asked her, “How about tomorrow too,” she took an eternity,
Candy playing hard to get, no doubt, though I a better man, quite honestly.
Yes, no more lazy days just lying in bed listening to the radio,
I not wanting to come undone, but strong now, and hoping she’d say, “Yes,” not, “No,”

And why I thought I'd better go gentle.

Well, it clearly paid off, ’cause after talking to some Rock DJ (friend of hers),
She said, “Sure thing, but best you check the weather lest another monsoon occurs.”
“Yea, shame about that,” I replied, given how it had teemed, me and my monkey!
But I’d got another chance — and later, maybe marriage and kids, hopefully.

By Lance Landall

21.  Hope Burns Eternal

(Courtesy of Justin Bieber)

“May I sit next to you?”, I asked, hoping that there would soon be one less lonely girl,
And it a runaway love too, a roller coaster that like a bud would unfurl.
Yes, she so beautiful, and I hoping that she didn’t have a boyfriend right now,
And I not all that confident, but she certainly somebody to love, and how!

There being nothing like us.

Yes, “I’ll show you,” I said to myself, thinking of how well I would treat her, and
Hoping that she wasn’t a heartbreaker, for oh, such rejection I couldn’t stand.
“I’ll die in your arms,” I felt like saying, and hoping that she’d never say never,
In other words, “Sorry,” for when it comes to inventive lines, I’m not that clever,

And she perhaps saying, "What do you mean?"

Amazingly though, she said, “Yes,” and lights went on all around the world —
I so thrilled! —
And not exactly someone who could say, “Eenie Meenie,” and my drink nearly spilled.
But she so down to earth, great company, and catching feelings-cum-my interest,
So hold tight, I thought, don’t go overboard, no sense rushing my dying quest,

Yea, no pressure, just purpose.

And finally she softly cooing, “I’ll never let you go” — well, I hoping so,
And I replying, “And visa versa, you’re my favourite girl,” her face aglow.
And yes, hopefully we never having a bad day, for love is all that matters;
Beauty and a beat, her and my pounding heart, and thereby, loneliness in tatters.

By Lance Landall

22.  'Bout Time

(Courtesy of the Eagles)

I’d been working pretty hard, and therefore, thought it ’bout time to take it easy,
So I booked into Hotel California, the weather fine but breezy.
The food was good, the room clean, the view stunning, but things not so good service-wise,
The staff looking like they were still getting over a tough Tequila sunrise.

Well, the stay did me good, life in the fast lane having taken its toll, sadly,
Though I no desperado, and not the lyin’ eyes kind either, believe me.
Some things not paying in the long run, nor that crazy “Take it to the limit,”
Hence my resting up and feeling like a new kid in town, bright, healthy and fit.

Yes, the stress already gone, I now able to give the best of my love, so,
No heartache tonight, the sad café not on my list, I cheerful and not low.
And hence that peaceful easy feeling, all that wasted time behind me now, and,
I in the city catching the Midnight Flyer home, refreshed, relaxed and tanned.

By Lance Landall





Both Christian and secular content.

23.  It's Christmas Time

(Courtesy of Christmas songs, both secular and Christian)

Come Christmas time and folk gather 'round a table with their friends and family,
A time when no one asks, “Do they know it’s Christmas?”, it known by all and sundry.
Though some might ask, “Do you hear what I hear?”, possibly the bells of St. Mary,
Where folk might be heard singing Mary’s Boy Child, Angels from the Realms of Glory.

Yes,
“Joy to the world!”, Christians shout, “Jesus Christ is born; Go, tell it on the mountain,
Thus letting this wondrous news that's given the world hope gush forth like a fountain.
O come all ye faithful, for what child is this but the Father’s Son, Holy king,
And therefore, it hardly being a silent night, for Hark! The herald angels sing.”

Yes,

While shepherds watched their flocks by night — and in fact, once in royal David’s city,
(O little town of Bethlehem, and away in a manger), what did folk see? —
A precious babe, and why come Christmas folk deck the hall, warble o holy night,
Hence the holly and the ivy that’s seen, those Christmas trees so colourful and bright,

Both Christians and non-Christians wishing folk the best; a time of love and delight.

Such a time a winter wonderland in some countries, hence that cry, “Let it snow!”
Folk even dreaming of a white Christmas where it’s how many degrees below?
And others simply conveying, “I’ll be home for Christmas,” for one thing is clear,
Midst the ding dong merrily on high, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

And the night before Christmas? Well, it’s pretty cool too, folk anticipating,
Some dressing up Frosty the snowman, or, The First Noel or Silver Bells sing.
But be Christmas in Killarney or elsewhere, everyone saying the same thing,
“We wish you a merry Christmas," and come New Years Eve, it’s Auld Lang Syne that they sing.

Anyway, it's Feliz Navidad from me.

By Lance Landall