They’re Playing My Song

Most people have a song with which they identify. Like when Aunt Delores hears her song, “Baby Got Back,” at a wedding and jiggles across the dance floor.

For my one-year-old son, Johnny, that song is the Our Father. That’s right. Not the "Hokey Pokey." Not "Bust A Move." The prayer, set to music, like in church. For some reason, when Johnny hears “Our Father,” he reacts like Pavlov’s dog and dances as if he “art in Heaven.” I have video evidence:

All In Good Taste
The other day, my daughter Belle said, "Daddy, I think Johnny likes Simon and Garfunnnklllrrlll."

Poor Art Garfunkel. Tallest man in rock history and always the shortest end of the stick.

Young children cement my belief that there’s something intrinsic to good music. Sure, everyone has musical taste. Sure, parents indoctrinate their children. But there are timeless songs that can’t be denied.

It’s fun to put on a classic like “All You Need Is Love” and watch even little kids stop what they’re doing and perk up, like a rabbit who heard you open a screen door.

I read a Rolling Stone article about a researcher who discovered mathematical similarities to hit melodies by Mozart, U2, Bach, The Beatles and others. Can you see Bono in one of Mozart’s wigs?

Bonzart.

Johnny has never heard "Amazing Grace." But I bet when he does, he'll bust a move from “Flashdance.”