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.)

I.G.Y. stood for International Geophysical Year:

-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.