a little “catch up” . . . I understand that moving from one day on the calendar to the next is not like moving from New York City to Albany, but the move from December 31 to January has made a difference in my outlook. I still need cataract surgery, I still need to rent the upstairs half of my duplex, I still need to find funding for the aviation museum so I can part company with my sanity-challenging employer for the past five years, but with my engagement to play and sing for a visual arts gallery reception January 8, I’ve again engaged the arts side of me, and that has somehow given me confidence to deal with the rest of it. It is so strange to think that two people (the two that have engaged me for the gig and voiced approval that I’ll be “entertaining” again for the first time since an area festival of sorts last September, can turn me around. I concede that more than that has been involved in the transformation. One element is my catching up with some sorely needed sleep yesterday. I was overwhelmed by the gloomyness of harsh, cold wind and rain that persisted all day at the airport. I had a hard time concentrating, making the most of the hours. So, I went home early and shamelessly napped in the living room recliner with a blanket over my head, listening to AM radio (the Best of the Jim Leach Show, fyi). Then I arose, ate dinner with iced tea and went to bed. And when I awoke this morning at about 3 am, I practiced guitar for the first time in four months. I also decided that I would post again here at H & Q, which leads us to . . . . the first lyric in my thres-song Jingle Bell Trilogy, all of which I will perform Thursday downtown a Gallinas.
Years ago, I considered what traditional winter tune might serve as catalyst to create new winter tunes. I read the lyrics:
“Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh”
and realized those three lines were the titles for my next three winter songs. They would use as much of the melodies as accompanied the specific lyrics. I wrote the songs in a little more than a day and since, have performed them regularly in succession wherever anyone would let me. I’m pleased to share the first with you now.
Jingle All the Way
by Job Conger
(verse)
It’s that special time of year
When people wear warm coats
Stocking up on anti-freeze
And growing beards like goats.
Gone is the fragrance of burning leaves
As big brown bags crowd curbs
Air legislated pure by rich
Asthmatics from the burbs.
so
(chorus) When I leave home with pocket change I
Jingle all the way,
And oh what fun at the laundromat with the
Quarters that I pay.
If you try to take a shower with a plugged in shaver you will
Tingle all the way,
But you must be clean for a winter scene to go
Riding in a one-horse sleigh.
(Verse) Cold temperatures incite
Long faces, dour and grim,
The ennui of dark nights
And heart-fires growing dim.
The harvesting is done.
Lawn chairs hibernate in the shed.
It’s time to find a consenting friend and . . .
Bake some home-made bread,
so
(Chorus) When I go shopping for my friends I
Jingle all the way
Because a writer’s time is nickle and dime
When they don’t like what you say.
To heck with Halloween and Turkey Time —
Kris Kringle all the way —
At least until I over-do the swill
And I revive on New Year’s Day.
(verse) The dreaded bitter angst
From saturated feeze
Brings introspection’s truths
And renewed resolve to please
The icons of what’s right —
Whether Yahweh, Mohammed or your wife.
May the bitter winter’s loss bring sweet
Renewed resolve for life.
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand
(chorus) We all have things in belfries that will
Jingle all the way,
And the music made in the brash parade
Lends a spark to what we say.
Go get yourself a bob-tail nag
And take him out to play
Hitched up to a bridle
And the thing you’re inside ‘ll be
A one-horse open sleigh,
. . . . and you’ll jingle all the way,
you’ll jingle . . . . all . . . . the . . . . . way.
——————–
Live long . . . . . and proper.
(chorus)
Job, this song is just so good. I just had to tell you that. I love it! And we are the merrier for your songs.
Thanks, Belinda! Number two of the Jingle Bell Trilogy will post Thursday morning. 🙂