My posts during April form part of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. My theme this year is Jazz and I've selected a variety of classics from across the board. I've mixed up the performers a bit though ... "I cain't believe you jes' said baby, I ain't misbehavin'. Oh purlease, don't make me hurl." Judy slammed down the phone, turned on her heel and left the porch door swinging behind her. Mama and Papa looked at each other over their cocoa, her with moist eyes, him with tight lips. Mama left Judy a few minutes to cool down then, with a big sigh, raised herself up slowly from the rocking chair and followed on after her. She found Judy sitting on the old swing seat on the back porch. "Baby?" she asked, indicating the spare seat by her side. Judy held out her hand and Mama grasped it as she sat beside her. They sat swinging back and forth in silence until Judy broke it: "Ain't you gonna say nothing?" Mama patted Judy's hand and said: "Nope. That man's a no good liar, but you love him. Ain't nothin' to say." Judy sat beside her Mama on the swing seat, tears falling slowly down her cheeks. © 2017 Debra Carey If this were a film, we'd close with Judy and Mama rocking back and forth on the swing seat whilst the dulcet tones of Hank Williams Jr played over the credits.
This number was originally recorded in 1929 - on 78rpm for those of us who remember such things - by it's co-author, Fats Waller. It remained instrumental until 1943, when lyrics were added for the film "Stormy Weather". Recorded by just about everyone, this version by Hank Williams Jr brings a touch of country twang and the deep voiced growl, without which this piece simply could not be performed. Ironically, Fats claimed the song was written while "lodging" in alimony prison, and that is why he was not "misbehaving". Comments welcomed! Does this song inspire you to write? Do share your your story in the comments here, either in full, or with a link back to your site.
22 Comments
1/4/2017 06:04:32 pm
So funny, I was just watching something where teenagers were using cassette tapes and saying they were "better." They're not better than anything!
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Thanks Isa, so am I. I was beginning to lose my sense of humour and perspective!
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Isa-Lee Wolf
4/4/2017 10:19:45 pm
What a fantastic image! Your Mom does know she can put the contents of the cds on the iPod, right?! That's the thing I've enjoyed most about selecting the clips for this Challenge. Whilst I've gone with the classic options, or just a slight step away, when I've found the unexpected - they've proved to be a real pleasure. My mother - in particular - is loving my enjoyment of country as I always swore off that treatment before! With age comes wisdom 'n all that I guess :o)
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1/4/2017 07:51:15 pm
This is the second post I encounter today with this song as its inpiration.
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Thanks, glad you enjoyed this version. If you get an alert, I'd love to know which is the other blog posting with the song, as I'd love to visit and I haven't fallen over it yet!
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2/4/2017 02:21:09 am
Great song! I've always enjoyed this one. Looking forward to a jazzy month!
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2/4/2017 06:14:28 am
I still remember the first time I heard this song and it blew me away.
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3/4/2017 06:21:48 am
Loved your theme for the challenge. The whole idea has such a wonderful, moody vibe to it. I am sure you're gonna have a blast writing this series! :)
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