The Music of My Soul: the Early Years

Mom bought records of the classic Disney films; each song
was played again and then again; we all sang along.

Mad Hatter singing he was late, Snow White singing too, 
and seven whistling dwarves kept us from feeling blue.

Yes, those were our “Wonder Years” with my family.
Also we watched musicals as re-runs on TV.

Fiddler on the Roof ; The Sound of Music - pure delight!
West Side Story thrilled me with “Maria” and “Tonight.”

I began collecting records; my first idol’s name
was Herman.  With his Hermits, he enjoyed brief fame.

Older kids were listening to whatever gave a shock:
Dylan, Hendrix, Joplin, Stones, or psychedelic rock.

I preferred the “bubblegum” - Grass Roots, Tommy Roe,
and all the Top Forty Hits on my radio. 

Also there were songs of novelty, a different sort,
“A Boy Named Sue” and that “Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport!”

Some songs linger with nostalgia: gems like “Close to You”
or “Johnny Angel.” Those recall special boys I knew.

In the 1970’s, it was clear I was
A fan of pop rock music, simply just because!

I love songs with beat that make me want to sing or dance,
but sometimes I’m inclined to hear soft songs of romance!

Though I'm busy now with many other things, I strive
to hear what’s new on TV music shows or when I drive.

But what’s the music of my soul? In all honesty,
I must say my early years most affected me!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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12
A  Avatar
October 29, 2015 at 8:55 PM
Andrea, Congrats! :)SKAT
Tor Avatar
October 26, 2015 at 9:51 PM
Andrea another win!!!!!!!!!!!!
Allison Avatar
October 26, 2015 at 4:50 PM
Many congrats Andrea am lowing these reads:-) hugs Jan xx
Konos Avatar
October 26, 2015 at 12:15 PM
Congratulations....another winner for Andrea....very good ....very....
Negron Flores Avatar
October 26, 2015 at 10:03 AM
Congratulations in your win Andrea.
Horsman Avatar
August 29, 2012 at 9:06 AM
Always the innocence of the early days, Andrea, just like poetry really, just love that early stuff, whether it is music or poetry, there is something that gets to me, somehow sophisication does not always cut it with me. that not to say i don't like what folk do now. afterall take you for example, your the best thing in my life since slice bread.
A   Avatar
May 16, 2011 at 1:19 AM
Y thanks Andrea,...this makes me react. Only cause linda and constance.. Don't need this.. And I can't believe all the b.s. spoken.. Here by poets who are not innocent at all... I have much too say.. Here... But ,, ill save it for email... Im heading to bed already... Good night andrea... P.d.
Brown Avatar
April 19, 2011 at 6:46 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved win in Kristen Bruni's contest "Soul Tunes" Andrea. Love, Carol
Susan Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 2:12 PM
Congrats on your win! A very nostalgic look back and a great ending. You are one of fav poets
George   Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 6:57 AM
I commented on this earlier, Andrea. It brought back such great memories. Many congrats on your WIN! Love, Lainie
Haick Avatar
April 17, 2011 at 2:19 PM
Congratulations on your deserving win in the contest, Andrea. Annalise
Neels Avatar
April 17, 2011 at 10:07 AM
Congratulations Andrea, on your win in Kristen's contest, love wilma
Guzzi Avatar
April 17, 2011 at 9:05 AM
Awww Andie such a well written romp through musical history and life in my mind a diffinite top five, really enjoyed this Congrad's on your WIN! Light & Love
Horne Avatar
April 17, 2011 at 4:52 AM
Many congrats, Andrea : )
Fraser Avatar
April 17, 2011 at 4:13 AM
Wonderful read Andrea, I love reading about peoples music tastes. Good luck in Kristen's contest....:)
Mehta Avatar
April 16, 2011 at 7:10 PM
Congratulations on the win in the contest, Andrea
Sweetheart Avatar
April 16, 2011 at 4:57 PM
Congrats Andrea on your wonderful win in the soul Tunes contest my friend.. another brilliant piece and wonderful win to enjoy with luv..
Haick Avatar
April 15, 2011 at 3:30 PM
Thanks for bringing back old memories with this wonderful poem, Andrea! Truly enjoyed! Best wishes for a grand win in Kristen's Contest! Thanks for the kind comments, always. Annalise
George   Avatar
April 14, 2011 at 2:10 AM
You brought back such great memories, Andrea. I still have the video of Snow White and love that scene where they are dancing and I love that music. Lainie
Foulk Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 2:20 PM
wow, this took me back, really loved this piece of wonderful poetry. Tommy Roe, sound like Buddy Holly and Herman's Hermits Mrs. Brown you have a lovely Daughter what a song. those were some great groups, even though i was in my 20's during the sixies still love those songs. this was a great one i will put it in my favorites. thank you for your comment for Fort Sumter.
Kendrick Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Interesting idea..Good couplets..Enjoyed reading about some of the old songs..I am glad that I chose this one to read this afternoon..Sara
Austin Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 9:59 AM
Do you know who my early pop artists were - Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and even earlier, Paul whiteman. I met and talked with Benny Goodman once. what a great guy! Love your nostalgia. Your soul tunes are not my soul tunes, but I understand very well what goes into a life's makeup. Love, Dave
Babcock Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 9:47 AM
I think the best music was back in the days when we were growing up. Somehow today's music doesn't compare to the old days. Yes, Bon Jovi, Bee, Gees, Air Supply, Stones kept those feet a dancing. Fantastic music for this rocker chic oh must not forget Guns N Roses or Abba. Wonderful music to drive with. love phyl
Brumley Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 8:20 AM
We're definitely kindred souls, and now I know why. I am a big fan of music, my favorite genre is pop rock also. Actually I collect music, all music, and have 75,000 songs in my computer. I have playlists for every possible mood that a Gemini could ever feel. I wear it like clothing & I could talk about this for hours on end, but I'll spare you. As to "Little Warrior", my son is 28 yrs old and has temp. forfeited his freedom. Thank you for your lovely comments.
Horne Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 7:49 AM
A lovely nostalgic write, Andrea. I can still remember some of those Disney songs too : )
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