Have you ever come across a song that instrumentally sounded happy, but the lyrics were sad? This juxtaposition can be a bit jarring when you realize it, to say the least.
When I was 3 or 4 years old, I discovered “Me And Little Andy” on the B-side of Dolly Parton’s “Here You Come Again” 45.
Tangent: For those too young to know what the heck I just said (I’m almost too young to know myself, but I just barely made the cut-off), allow me to explain. A “45” was a small vinyl record with two singles, one on each side. The “A-side” was typically the popular single that people would buy the record for and the “B-side” was usually a lesser-known or unknown song.
Oh, who am I educating? The kids these days think vinyl is retro-cool. They probably know better than I do. I digress.
At that age I was quickly learning to memorize things. I would scold anyone who tried to skip paragraphs or pages when reading my bedtime stories!
So I quickly memorized this new song, not comprehending the meaning of the lyrics. Once I was ready, I called my mom to come hear me sing it.
Well folks, she didn’t hold up well at all and I couldn’t understand why such a happy little ditty was making her cry so much. Soon she had me singing it for my dad and other family members. No one could seem to hold it together. 😭😭😭 I didn’t see what everyone’s problem was.
If you want to know, just imagine this towheaded little boy singing as you listen to the song below.
Moral of the story: Don’t be deceived by a perky melody. The lyrics matter, people.
Dilly Dabbler 
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