On Saturday, I completed the first annual Boot Camp at The Pavilion. Not only did I get to see a side of the trainers I’d never seen before, but my butt was thoroughly kicked by the time it was all over at 10:30 am. I’ve got a nice certificate hanging on my wall as proof of my accomplishment.
I watched Shadow of the Vampire the other night. Man, that was intense. The plot revolves around John Malkovich as German filmmaker FW Murnau, making his version of ‘Nosferatu.’ Willem Dafoe plays Max Schreck, the person hired to play the vampire in the movie. A lot of drugs, drinking, and between-war German attitude with a couple freaked-out Czechoslovakians tossed in for color. Malkovich is always good, especially when he’s playing off-center characters (has he ever played one that isn’t?) and Dafoe is completely unrecognizeable as Schreck.
Today’s lyric comes from one the first LPs I ever owned, Elton John’s “Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only The Piano Player.” The song is “Teacher I Need You.” There’s no particular reason for its being posted here, other than the fact that I can’t get the song out of my head.
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TEACHER I NEED YOU
(Elton John – Bernie Taupin)
I was sitting in the classroom,
Trying to look intelligent
In case the teacher looked at me.
She was long and she was lean.
She’s a middle-aged dream,
And that lady means the whole world to me.
It’s a natural achievement,
Conquering my homework
With her image pounding in my brain.
She’s an inspiration
For my graduation,
And she helps to keep the classroom sane.
Oh teacher I need you,
Like a little child.
You got something in you
To drive a schoolboy wild.
You give me education
In the lovesick blues.
Help me get straight come out and say,
Teacher I, teacher I, teacher I,
Teacher I need you.
I have to write a letter,
Tell about my feelings,
Just to let her know the scene.
Focus my attention
On some further education
In connection with the birds and the bees.
So I’m sitting in the classroom.
I’m looking like a zombie.
I’m waiting for the bell to ring.
I’ve got John Wayne stances.
I’ve got Erroll Flynn advances,
And it doesn’t mean a doggone thing.