19 October 2009

I.G.Y.

The other day, I was in the Brazen Chariot rumbling across the rolling amber hills of the Mississippi Valley when I actually heard a song I'd not heard in a long, long while-not in any quantity since about 1982. That song was I.G.Y., from Donald Fagen's album The Nightfly (Fagen is, of course, one-half of pop/rock/jazz duo and classic-rock staple Steely Dan).
You can hear the song here (and check out the old cabinet stereo system! My folks have one exactly like this-turntable, AM/FM, cassette, 8-Track, speakers, and wood cabinet-all in one convenient 800-pound package! You remember those.)



-and was an event that all the nations of the world were to participate in to advance the understanding of our planet and its systems. The song itself was written, probably from the optimistic viewpoint of a child or young teenager growing up in late 1950s America, about all the wonderful gadgets we'd have in the World of Tomorrow-jetpacks, personal helicopters, and condoes overlooking Mare Imbrium or Mons Olympus or the Marianas Trench.

Didn't quite make it-I suppose we should be pleased enough with the Internet and microwave ovens, though I'd've liked to own a GM-Lockheed Super Ventura Family Rocket with lotsa chrome, big fins, and nose-mounted ray gun!

Anyway, I thought I'd post my vision of the song. Because I like that tune-it has some pleasant memories attached. And it is, after all, my blog. So there.

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Standing tough under stars and stripes,we can tell
This dream's in sight
You've got to admit it














At this point in time that it's clear
The future looks bright





















On that train all graphite and glitter,
















Undersea by rail















Ninety minutes from New York to Paris















Well, by seventy-six we'll be A.O.K.














What a beautiful world this will be
What a glorious time to be free













Get your ticket to that wheel in space
While there's time
The fix is in
You'll be a witness to that game of chance in the sky
You know we've got to win












Here at home we'll play in the city
Powered by the sun




















Perfect weather for a streamlined world
















There'll be spandex jackets one for everyone














What a beautiful world this will be
What a glorious time to be free




















On that train all graphite and glitter
Undersea by rail
Ninety minutes from New York to Paris
(More leisure for artists everywhere)






A just machine to make big decisions












Programmed by fellows with compassion and vision
We'll be clean when their work is done

















We'll be eternally free yes and eternally young



















What a beautiful world this will be
What a glorious time to be free

yankeedog out.

6 comments:

  1. I want to come and live in your 21century

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  2. Barnesy-That fanciful 21st Century has no zombies, though. Or if it does, they're clean, neat, and wear snazzy one-piece outfits.

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  3. That's better than The Jetsons!

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  4. Therbs-Hey, how'd you get on here? Last I heard you weren't able to. Welcome back!

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  5. I don't think I'd want to ride on a train that utilizes JATO rockets.

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  6. Steve-The New York Central actually did try this-a jet pod on a Budd Rail Diesel Car-as an experiment. It might have worked, at least on a long straight stretch of track, but the thing would be a terrible fuel hog. Looks neat, though!

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