Last week, Jim (NewEpicAuthor, A Unique Title For Me) set the subject of modal verbs (my choice). This week he gives us the subject of the verb, do.

What can I say? UK? General Election? A bit fed up with it all?
So despite several maybes this week, one song stood out. It’s kind of in-your-face obvious to me, but that’s the beauty of SLS – my choice is obvious to me, yet we all tend to pick different songs.
This song, written by Sting and performed by The Police, was released towards the end of 1980, and in Sting’s own words, the lyrics are about “banality, about the use of words”.
As politicians here of all colours make ever more ludicrous promises, which they have no chance of keeping, I hope you can spot the link. Those of you who are good at math might note that the song is coming up for its fortieth anniversary next year, and (even those who aren’t good at math) you could be forgiven for wondering just how much has improved.
A bit of a cringeworthy video – the main reason I chose it was because it actually shows the band “performing” the song – but the tune itself is second to none.
Just over three weeks to go.
Don’t think me unkind
Words are hard to find
They’re only cheques I’ve left unsigned
From the banks of chaos in my mindAnd when their eloquence escapes me
Their logic ties me up and rapes meDe do do do de da da da
Is all I want to say to you
De do do do de da da da
Their innocence will pull me through
De do do do de da da da
Is all I want to say to you
De do do do de da da da
They’re meaningless and all that’s truePoets priests and politicians
Have words to thank for their positions
Words that scream for your submission
And no-one’s jamming their transmission‘Cause when their eloquence escapes you
Their logic ties you up and rapes youDe do do do de da da da
Is all I want to say to you
De do do do de da da da
Their innocence will pull me through
De do do do de da da da
Is all I want to say to you
De do do do de da da da
They’re meaningless and all that’s trueDe do do do de da da da
Sting
Is all I want to say to you
De do do do de da da da
Their innocence will pull me through
De do do do de da da da
Is all I want to say to you
De do do do de da da da
They’re meaningless and all that’s true
I am not fed up of the election yet, Stroke Survivor.
Nor even of the debates and Question Time.
1979, yes?
Love the way Sting really excised and examined words with a surgical precision.
“Poets priests and politicians
Have words to thank for their positions
Words that scream for your submission
And no-one’s jamming their transmission”
Oh yes!
And pre- and non-verbal signals and symbols become all the more important in such circumstances.
Very big issue this freedom of speech.
And the whole summery / industrial dance feel. [silly me, that’s the Carbon Como ad – who would have thought clear back in 1979 that English; Welsh; Irish and Scottish would be WHITENING THEIR TEETH?!]
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I’m glad it is sparking your interest. For me, I made up my mind up to spoil my ballot a few years ago, and have heard no reason since then to make me change my mind.
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Do do do da da da … Sting is the coolest bass player! I once saw him live, he’s a talented man. Words can be so inspiring and meaningless, they can be all or nothing. I love words, the sound, the rythm, the possibilities. It is about the intention though, with kindness even do do do and da da da can be the sweetest words you’ve ever heard.
Thank you for the song, I really enjoy the musical tips every week!
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I always liked The Police – that kind-of post punk era is like punk itself, but with added music! I’m glad you liked my choice, I’ve been doing this for a few months now and I like it to be something people will remember, even if just vaguely. When I have posted obscure songs, the reaction is more of polite clapping that of cheering.
On a totally unrelated subject, I have a request for you! I would be interested to hear (i.e. to see a post on) how your mental health has varied with time. By that, I mean the times of life, youth, young adult etc. I’m just wondering whether this is something you ever thought about. One for your to-do list, perhaps?
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That is an interesting one. I have written about it in my ‘winding road of therapy’-series. It starts in from youth (16 y/o). It describes how I felt an what I did through my studies, when I started working etc. I’m not sure if it is something like that that you mean. You can find it under the tab ‘my story’. If I misunderstood, feel free to let me know and I’ll write a post! Thank you for my first request!
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I found it.
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🙂
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Very clever song, fab choice.
Not going to make a comment about what I think of the election build up…mainly because I don’t think of it.
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…it’s meaningless… 😀😀😀
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*smax forehead* Indeed, the obvious choice! (so why didn’t I thinka that?) 🙂
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what was your choice?
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“Do The Do” sung by Tim Hardin. Come see.
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I can’t see the link to your blog. What is it?
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fireblossom-wordgarden.blogspot.com/2019/11/do-do.html
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Here it is:
fireblossom-wordgarden.blogspot.com/2019/11/do-do.html
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found it! I used to be on Blogger, only moved over a couple of months back.
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Ever since I heard Roxanne, I have always liked Sting and the Police. He is such a cool dude.
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I liked The Police stuff particularly, although I’ve picked up bits’n’bobs since then. He definitely went through an arty-farty stage.
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Great song choice and a fun song to just enjoy. We have our own political issues here in the U.S. as the entire world knows. Good luck with yours.
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Yep, even we are entertained!
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This song makes more sense than most of the electioneering babble and humbug!
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[…] couldn’t resist posting my earlier song on Jim Adams’ Song Lyric Sunday, although the significance is probably lost if you’re […]
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Excellent choice for the prompt, stroke-survivor, and great commentary! 👍
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Excellent choice! Obvious in hindsight to me ;). Thanks for a lovely blast from the past. Ninth grade Jilly is pogoing around the dance floor with her high school chums. Sting in a sound va-va-vroom. Hottie hot stuff.
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easy, tiger 😀
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Roar. Lol
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I enjoyed your post and song choice very much. Who is that man in your top picture with the Trump-do?? Ugh. One is bad enough. Perfect song choice for these times and for the prompt!
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That’s his little brother! More ways than one.
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:-D. Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson.
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[…] week, Jim (NewEpicAuthor, A Unique Title For Me) set the subject of modal verbs (my choice). This week he gives us the subject of […]
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