If I Had A Second Chance at THIS...
If I had a chance to go back again, (I'd like many of those chances, please, Alex, for $500), I'd like a do-over in my budding rock career.
My mother had a great singing voice; I know my sister and I inherited some of that good vocal stuff, so I think I have a "pretty good" set of pipes. Not great, but good enough. I can carry a tune in a bucket, at least.
I had a shot at being a back up singer for a band once, (nothing famous, of course, local stuff), but still, I didn't take it. FEAR drove me. Didn't all those OTHER girls trying out have better voices than I'd EVER have? I was in the audition, friends with a band member, nonetheless, but I didn't even try. Never even tried it. Shot myself down before I stood up.
I had a shot at doing everything much better; I didn't often take that route. (Of course, hindsight is 20/20).
In the 1980s, I joined a band as their lead singer - very talented musicians and me. I loved the idea of singing, but the actual WORK it took I didn't take seriously enough. I was singing Pat Benatar stuff, and original songs by the guitarists, and a little Joan Jett and other things.
I had stage fright; but wanted to "belt out" songs in my heart. These things don't really mix. (Think Jim Morrison with his back to the audience in the humble beginnings of THE DOORS - I was not nearly close to that kind of talent, but drinking beer was a good idea for me). I was dying to GROOVE and MOVE; I was afraid. I let fear drive me. It was not to be; my rock star life. It was a passing phase I had. It was not my passion. I never got to the performing part (in front of an audience at a club). Hopefully those guys in that band went on and did well. I don't know.
Now, my voice is saved for "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star", while my rendition of Pat Benatar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" is just a memory.
On my 45th birthday, a friend brought a karaoke machine to my home. My husband was saying "Maureen can really sing." Everybody said, "Great!" - That's what everyone says to encourage karaoke participation.
("Next song, your turn."). Ahh, that darned karaoke anticipation!
It took me a while, but then I gained the courage.
STAGE FRIGHT BE DAMNED!
I picked the Fleetwood Mac dependable "Dreams" that I knew I could CRANK out. (I'd been singing to the CD for years! I know how good I sounded in the shower!)
I did it! The crowd liked it. They lit their cell phones (all 7 of them)! Then I gained more courage and did "FEVER" by Peggy Lee with all I had. By now, friends were saying, "YEA, GO, MO!!!" And I did. I had the fever!
What I wondered was, "Why did I wait so long?"
Everyone-at least everyone I know-wishes (for one second) to be a "rock star" at some point in their lives. (Good money, too).
I was thinking as I was singing: "Maybe I have something here! Hell, if Steven Tyler is not afraid to go sleeveless at 60; why should I worry about a little arm fat? Maybe the rock star life is for me after all!"
I'll never equal Steven Tyler or Eddie Van Halen or who-the-heck-knows-who. They are still "doing it" and entertaining the masses, and that is SO COOL. I'm already 45 an just starting out?
I think I'll quit while I'm ahead here.
We all try and fail. We all "let loose" in the way that feels best to us. Karaoke is my limit.
For me today, it is making up rhymes to the "Twinkle, Twinkle" melody in that Jane Monheit or Norah Jones or whoever's voice I claim to have inherited that day. It finds its way to me - smokey, raspy, in tune...
My kids never disappoint as an audience. Mom is singing; it's all okay. "Wow, she rhymed 'Neat' with 'Feet'? How amazing is that?"
That's all that matters. NO LIQUID COURAGE NEEDED! This audience LOVES me, NO MATTER WHAT!
If I had it all to do over again, I'd still be a wuss....but that's okay with me today. I am a rock star to my kids; that's all I need. They don't give you a Grammy for that, but they should. Every mom IS a true rock star to their kids. (For a while).
I'll take it while I've still got it.
THANK YOU; I'LL BE HERE ALL WEEK!
(I just threw the microphone off the stage, in case you were wondering)...
Cheerth!
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