As Time Goes By

Did you know that the song "As Time Goes By" featured in the 1942 film Casablanca (my favorite movie), was written in 1931 by Herman Hupfeld, and featured an introductory passage that was left out of later versions? I think this first part alters the subtext of the more familiar parts. Here's the text of the original intro:

"This day and age we're living in
Gives cause for apprehension
With speed and new invention
And things like fourth dimension.
Yet we get a trifle weary
With Mr. Einstein's theory.
So we must get down to Earth at times
Relax relieve the tension

And no matter what the progress
Or what may yet be proved
The simple facts of life are such
They cannot be removed..."

...Which is then followed by the lyrics we know so well from the film and other popular renditions:

"You must remember this
A kiss is still a kiss
A sigh is just a sigh
The fundamental things apply
As time goes by

And when two lovers woo
They still say I love you
On that you can rely
The world will always welcome lovers
As time goes by

Moonlight and lovesongs never out of date
Hearts full of passion, jealousy and hate
Woman needs man
And man must have his mate
That no one can deny

It's still the same old story
The fight for love and glory
A case of do or die
The world will always welcome lovers
As time goes by"

If you think of the familiar parts of the song as a counterpoint to the often ignored opening passage, I find that this song becomes an even more pointed reference to what it means to being human in times of great change. The backdrop of science and technology shifting the world so rapidly in 1931 is ever so present in today's world too. As we put our faces in front of glowing supercomputers (iPhones, etc.), it's still true that a kiss is just a kiss. So far.

Speaking of kissing, the year is rapidly heading toward another New Year's Eve, where kissing is traditionally done in great excess. Since I have a few things on the burner, I wanted to just drop a quick note before 2016 smacks us in the head outlining cool shows and opportunities I have in the coming months:

October 17, Crossroads Comedy Festival, Indianapolis, Indiana (performing with the N20 Sketch Comedy Team)
October 23, Five Hardcore Troubadours, Four Fathers Brewing, Valparaiso, Indiana
November 5, John Lamb's Retreat for Songwriters, Harbor Springs, Michigan (attending for the first time!)
November 14, Chillfest Chicago 2015, Wicker Park / Bucktown, Chicago
December 16, The Hideout Inn, Chicago

Thanks as always for your support. I hope to do more shows outside of Chicago next, and I'll be releasing more new music soon.

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