I’ve been reminded of my childhood lately… all because of this commercial from Target:
I grew up listening to the Free To Be … You And Me album by Marlo Thomas and Friends. The record album (cassette tapes were around, but for some reason we still listened to records in my house). My mom and I would make our weekly trip to the local public library and I would always borrow this particular album… ALWAYS. Finally, Santa Claus gave it to me on Christmas so I could have my own copy. I can’t remember a particular song or story that I didn’t like, but ‘William Want’s a Doll’ was my absolute favorite. Also, the ‘Helping’ song — which was a Shel Silverstein poem set to music (I was pretty into him too!).
But, my trip down ‘memory lane’ started because of a song I heard on TV. A song I haven’t heard in over 20 years. The funny thing is that the commercial plays 30 seconds of the song but I keep singing it out loud when the ad ends. I have never forgotten the words. So, is this what it’s like for my older clients who instantly start telling me stories after I play songs? I think so.
What do you think?
{ 4 comments }
Yes, I've been having the same feelings. We also had the record, and we had the sequel (Free to Be A Family). The track that sticks out the most for me is the sketch of Marlo Thomas and Mel Brooks pretending to be babies.
Nostalgia's a weird thing. I completely understand where you're coming from.
-Jesse
deOh my goodness! My mom continues singing the song from the target commercial! She used to be a music teacher and used Free to Be you and me. AAANND ironically still, one of my friends played a rcording of "it's alright to cry" performed by Brett Dennen and was surprised that I was singing along – it's a song I learned in 2nd grade!
YES! It's alright to cry, it might make you feel better!
Welcome to what it's like to be one of the older folks, Michelle.
My friend, Ro, introduced me to "Free To Be You and Me" in high school while we were walking to school together every day. She sang every song out of tune, and that's how I learned them. When I heard the actual album (yes, I said album) I was 1) shocked at what it was supposed to have sounded like, and 2) in love with the music.
"It's Alright to Cry" is a great therapy song, and I've used it numerous times in sessions. I'm not sure that I ever got the album, but I do have the book that goes with it (and I used to have the second one too).
"Ooo, meeeem'ries…light the corners of my miiiind…" (tee hee)