Thanks to Crazy Sam for today's questions. You can join in HERE!
Big, Bad John
August will be devoted to story songs. Here's the first:
Big, Bad John (1961)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) This song tells the story of a stern, enigmatic miner. None of the other miners knew much about him. When people first meet you, do you think they see you more as mysterious or straightforward? I am not mysterious and I don't play games so I guess I am more straightforward. I'm the wrong person to ask, I think!!
2) During a serious accident, many of the miners panicked. But not John. Think of your family, friends, and acquaintances. Who would be the most dependable in a crisis? My sister, Patti. My two sons. My BFF, Elaine. My boss, Danon. My neighbor, Susan. My friends, Wilma and Cindy. There are lots of dear people in my life upon whom I can depend!!
3) His heroism allowed 20 miners to escape but cost John his life. According to the lyrics, there's a marble slab on site of mine that honors him. Is there a memorial to a local hero in your town? A wall of honored heroes in front of the police station; memorials in our Veterans' Park. We have a street named after George Jenkins (founder of Publix). He and his entire family are philanthropic heroes here in Lakeland!!
4) This song was written and performed by Jimmy Dean. He began composing it on a flight from New York to Nashville. How do you amuse yourself while traveling? I am usually driving but IF I am on a plane, I would be reading or sleeping.
5) Jimmy Dean hosted a long-running variety show on CBS, which is best remembered today for introducing Jim Henson's puppets -- especially Rowlf, a dog who sang and told jokes. While Rowlf didn't make it to Sesame Street, he was a recurring character on the Muppet Show. Are you a Muppet fan? I wouldn't call myself a Muppet fan, but I always enjoy seeing them on TV. I like Kermit and Miss Piggy.
6) Jimmy found success in business with The Jimmy Dean Sausage Company. He sold the company to Sara Lee in 1984 for $80 million. Today Jimmy Dean breakfast products are still popular in grocery stores all over the country. What's your favorite breakfast? I like a "big" breakfast and sometimes that includes Jimmy Dean Sausage!! I buy the ones that are cooked and just need to be warmed in the microwave. Yum!
7) In 1961, when this song was popular, Vogue asked if fashion sense is inborn or could a woman could learn to be chic. What do you think? Do you think style is either something you have, or you don't? I don't know that it is "inborn" and I for sure think a woman can learn to be chic but it has more to do with funds available, peer pressure, current fads, and what is seen on TV and in magazines/online.
8) Also in 1961, Ernest Hemingway took his own life. Did you read Hemingway in English class? I don't think so but it was over 50 years ago. Can you recall any other novels you read for school? I don't think I have ever read a book by Hemingway.
9) Random question: Think about the last "white lie" you told. Was it to make your own day easier or spare someone's feelings? Not a practice I embrace. I'm sure I have but nothing comes to mind (and perhaps that is to spare someone's feelings)!!
Peace & hugs!!
Proverbs 12:22 The Lord detests lying lips,
but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
I, too, love a 'big' breakfast. Those pre-cookies JD patties are a staple in our fridge; I like putting a couple of soft-scrambled eggs atop and covering the whole shebang with sharp cheddar. Yum! I think style's so much more than clothing - like Audrey Hepburn's perfect posture, her grace. Heck, I'm 72 and still working on it. LOL.
ReplyDeleteI do love a big breakfast, Terri. And I certainly remember this song - loved it!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I have to be in the mood for a big breakfast. I usually like that kind of meal later in the day. I have to tell you, since you mentioned the breakfast in your comment on my post...if you like sausage gravy and biscuits, Libby's makes in a can. Our Walmart started carrying it when Covid first hit and the stores were empty of everything. Anyway, it is surprisingly good. Tim is super picky these days and even he likes it.
ReplyDeleteI will have to look for the Libby's gravy!
DeleteI remember that song! I like Jimmy Dean sausage too - may be time to get some again!
ReplyDeleteI believe you are right, funds available, peer pressure, current fads, and what is seen on TV and in magazines/online affects us so much more than a lot of people realize. Whatever we allow into our lives shapes us; and what we deny also affects us. We try to instill that in our young people.
ReplyDeletehmm on the style...I have none, lol...and always seem to be lacking or being behind everything. LOL
ReplyDeleteI've never considered myself to be a style setter or even much of a follower. I had to sew my own clothes in high school, and my budget has always been very very tight, so clothes are not really high on the list. I like what is comfortable and also what doesn't make me look too fat. LOL> I loved the song "Big Bad John". Of course I am married to a man named John, and he's big, but not really too bad. LOL. I do love Jimmy Dean Sausage. However, I buy the kind already in patties or links that still have to be cooked. Actually, I think I buy more Johnsonville sausages nowadays, or whichever is on sale. We occasionally have biscuits and sausage gravy, when I am really in a good cooking mood. LOL. Enjoyed your answers as always.
ReplyDelete