Bridget the Labrador Retriever:  Hey, Mr Human Guy!
Me:  Yes my pup. What can I do for you?
Bridget: Can we take a break from all this 'political musical comedy' stuff?
Me:   Oh yes. I'm tired of it too. I just want to relax.
Bridget:  Can I hear that one song again? You know...
Me:  Up On The Woof? You got it.

"THE GIRL FROM SLOVENIA"

​Sing along! ​
to the tune of "The Girl from Ipanema"
Lyrics and Vocals by M. Berliner

Tall and tan, she made quite a bargain
The girl from Slovenia goes a-struttin
And when she passes
Each one she passes
Goes … “Hm.”

When she walks it’s like a samba
And when she talks it’s... Ay Caramba!
And when she passes
Each one she passes
Goes  “…Wait.. what?”

Be best, Melania
Soon you can say 'hasta manana'
No more Putin up with the Cheeto
Once the voters show Donald the door
You can move on without him, mi amor

Tall, tan, kind of scary
You defy the dictionary
Just keep on walking
It’s sure to be over soon
It's gotta be soon
We hope real soon
​
Vote real soon.

                                             Sung to the tune of “If I Only Had a Brain”                                                   

Let’s take Jared and Ivanka, and ship them to Sri-Lanka, with all their gear in tow,
​Let’s go get Stephen Miller and lock him in the chiller,
‘Cause the Donald’s gotta go.

Let’s get Rudy Giuliani, and send him off to… Yanni, in boats so very slow,
White House staff was so excited until they all got indicted,
Cause the Donald’s gotta go.

Oh Stormy you’re the one, who gave the Donald lots and lots of fun,
And then you had your moment in the sun,
Just like the rest, who all confessed!

Well, it’s time to stop emotin’ and tend to early votin’, in places high and low,
And right here, I’m confidin’ that I’m votin' for Joe Biden
‘Cause the Donald’s gotta go.

One of my favorite songs to sing is "Try a Little Tenderness." Before the Otis Redding version eclipsed all others, "Try a Little Tenderness" was just a simple ballad. 
   I love any opportunity to sing a duo, just voice and acoustic guitar. Back in 1973, Mr. Sinatra did just that at the White House, with his long-time guitarist, Al Viola, at his side. 
   Here for your consideration, a version with my long-time guitarist :) Rick Keena at my side. Virtually, that is. Me in my home studio and Rick in his. 
   Here's a little mashup of Al & Frank and Rick & me. I hope you enjoy.
   And like the song says, "It's all so easy... try a little tenderness..."

Back in the shoulder-padded '80s, this Paul Simon hit was a catchy, funny song. Listening now, it's still funny and catchy, and maybe more pertinent than ever!

I don't know about you, but for me in COVID times, being out in the world doing formerly simple tasks like grocery shopping always poses some level of mental/spiritual/emotional challenge. 
   Some times are easier than others, like when an employee goes the extra mile to be kind. That's pretty common at Trader Joe's. After some time shopping there, the employees come to recognize you, even with masks on. They're mostly friendly people, and you can tell by the expression in their eyes that they are missing simple human connection just as much as you are.
   Some times are harder, like when people will obliviously cut into your path, reach right across you like a vulture, and grab some item, instead of giving you space for 10 seconds to do what you need to do. You try and just "bless them on," but when it's all over and you're back in your car, you feel exhausted. 
   I find the lyrics and music and overall vibe of this song speaks to the ennui of our current world. There's pain in the song, and, I think, hope as well. Enjoy: