Day 30: Negro League Baseball

In reflection of Black History Month, today's BSOD looks upon why according to The Institute for Diversity and Ethics and Sport (TIDES), that the percentage of black major league players (from the 2006 rosters) is now 8.4 percent (this number does not include those who are foreign born). By comparison, in 1997 the percentage was double that - at 17 percent.

A recent article from MLB.com, sheds some light on the subject of baseball, black youths, hip hop and the perception of the game. From the article titled, "Hunter on a mission to revive interest" (Angels outfielder leading peers in targeting black community)...

Torii Hunter is passionate about bringing young African-Americans back to baseball, and he's leading a movement of peers to reinvest the black community in a game once deeply ingrained in its culture.

A seven-time Gold Glove-winning center fielder with the Twins, about to embark on a new journey with the Angels, Hunter devotes time, energy and money to the task, spreading his gospel: Baseball is a wonderful life, if you give it a chance.

"I talk to kids in the neighborhood," Hunter said, "and they'll say, 'Baseball's a white sport. I'm into the NBA.' I ask them if they know about Jackie Robinson, and they say, 'Yeah, heard of him.' 'What about Hank Aaron?' They'll get this look and say, 'Who's he?'

"Man, that kills me. Our kids have lost touch with our history, our heritage. They don't know we had our own league, the Negro League, with all those great players. Something's got to be done. You have to start somewhere -- reach one kid, two kids. All you can do is your part. That's something I would love for the players to do. This is definitely a big issue."

...the article continues...

"When you look at basketball, you see LeBron James, you see how they are living and all the things that basketball does for them," he (current Twin Craig Monroe) said. "They are promoting them and showing them the 'good life.'

"That's what we are -- we are visual people. And when you see them on TV, you want to be like them."

Adding a modern beat to the game wouldn't hurt, Monroe added.

"When people talk about hip-hop music, it's like it's ghetto," he said. "But it's universal. Blacks, whites, everybody likes the music. If you watch football, like when I went to the Cowboys-Bears game in Chicago, before they kick the ball, they are playing Soulja Boy. If you try to do that in baseball, it's looked down upon.

"We've got to change the perception that because it's hip-hop music, it's not right for baseball."

Sabathia expressed the proactive theme resonating among players when he said, "We can all do more. Talking about the problem isn't going to solve it. It's time to do something."

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Today's Baseball Song of the Day is the hip-hop song titled, "Negro League Baseball" by Natural Resource from Brooklyn, NY.

Natural Resource's talent consisted of turntablist James Hassan Barrett (DJ Aggie), and rappers Tsidi Ibrahim (What? What? aka Jean Grae) and Kobie Jawara Dixon (Ocean).


BSOD 30: Negro League Baseball
Artist: Natural Resource
Album: n/a
Released: 1996



Negro League Baseball Lyrics

Check it, check it
"First batter up, first-first batter up"

Now, entering the batter's box
is a guy who wears champion socks and likes rings with rocks
throw up my middle finger to the umpire
cause niggaz just choosin the new talent just, need to retire
Check the signals from my manager, the first base coach
He's throwin signs, tellin me the label's just playing cutthroat
Yo, I hit em with a tape or should I say I take a check swing
I hear the crowd sing, go meet plug and the telephone ring
He says I need more beats, wait a minute, no doubt
My temper runs out, three pitches later, I strike the fuck out
Yo shit like this happens to the real mc's
Because the labels wanna sign up the commercial wannabes
and if, it ain't that, it's just a little bit more, sayin
"Umm, can you put on a screwface and scream lyrics that's hardcore?"
I adore, this whole rap persona, but some of you A&R's
must be mixin coke witcha marijuana, talkin
*sniff* "Oooh, he got the new shit
I'm on his dick but that's an MC that come out with one baby hit"
I split atoms, blow up as if I was atomic
Labels talk so much shit yo I laugh at them like they was comics
Check the scoreboard, we're up by one
Two more hitters to go, and the song ain't even done, Baseball..

"First batter up well here's the pitch that's a curve
Second batter up because the first got served"

From the kids in the batting cages to the pro players (what-what)
to the labels and the mob and the beaches making waves (what-what)
Looking at the pitcher like, "Man what gives?"
They got one-arm fugitives throwin with prosthetic limbs ("eeewww")
look from the team to the umpire means that the
man got demoted from stadiums to refereein gyms
Synonyms from big cheese to the independent label couldn't
pay up they debt so they got cut like unpaid cable
B.. E.. I.. S..
B-O-L, accent on the (o goallll)
Feel the sweat trickling down the back of my neck
Tighten my grip on the bat, take a swing
and it's a technical foul (wait a minute)
Nah that's basketball whatever, good call
How come when black men hit the field, they were throwin bottles
now they throwin million dollar deals
When I steal bases I do it with pride
for Jackie Robinson certified, forerunner for us
Homeruns we must, hit em straight out the ballpark
I'm not patriotic, so I won't sing the National
Underlying stipulations playing underhanded ways
It pays to have your representative stay
or you'll have, top executives gettin all possesive
of your money, and it's not funny
But when uhh loot is involved all problems get solved
Umm, maybe because you supply they cocaine fetish?
To finish this, this business ain't nothin but corrupt
Forget all this garbage, I'd rather play tennis

"First batter up well here's the pitch that's a curve
Second batter up because the first got served"

Baseball was never for blacks
It used to be a pasttime for whites
Now it has mad Puerto Ricans
but that's not the point of the song
The point of the song and I make it mad simple
when I be flipping this script
is that the industry is all over the mound
pitching but nobody's makin any hits, hmm
Baseball is not just a sport
It's the verbal, mental, physical, spiritual
emotional level that we are on
It's about time that all you devils was gone
like charm, I said it and meant it
If you can not handle it then for your ears it's not intended
You can play the documented, all athletes quoted
Cause when you speak to be exploited then your spot will get exploded
Bases are loaded, but there is no RBI's in the stadium
where players try, to be hard as titanium
I got your cranium movin, when I be showin and provin
Now you fear, that your career, is goin down the tubes
and it'll be, along industry, that's withering
and was left oceans, about to blow to smithereens
I bring, lyrical formats that you'll admire
And to the Hall of Fame I'm going when I retire
They'll set your world afire, there is nobody to fear
when every umpire and A&R is screamin that you are outta here
And to your amazement, a tax writeoff is your replacement
You gotta face it, there is no other crew adjacent
With sounds from the basement, we rise
We energize, to take up the whole enterprise
By now you realize, that when we're in the place
That we will come fat, over piano and the bass
If you're looking for security then you can end your chase
Come home, to Negro League, and you'll be safe.. Baseball

No doubt, Negro League is in the house
No doubt, no doubt, knockin runs outs
Cause we do it like this, we do it like that
I was rockin stage just like to a bat
Sent to home back when umm, be doing my thing
Hit a homerun, with the Negro League theme
Do it like this, do it like that
I was rockin stage just like to a bat
Sent to home back when umm, be doing my thing
Hit the homerun with the Negro League swing

Day 29: Gasolina

Starting pitchers have a routine all their own. The only players to be listed in the lineup up to four days before they are scheduled to pitch. Pitch on Monday, golf on tuesday, study the charts, the videos, talk with the scouts on Wednesday, more golf on Thursday, then pitch again on Friday. On the day they toe the rubber, most are left to themselves. Left to be quiet, left to simmer their emotions, bottle them up and take them to the mound. Their teammates knowing better then to disturb them on such a day. A watched pot never boils, unless the flames are fanned with Gasoline, and it's the day for Johan Santana to pitch.

Today's Baseball Song of the Day is "Gasolina" by Daddy Yankee hailing from Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Gasolina was the song that was played in the locker-room and over the loudspeakers in Minnesota when two-time Cy Young award winner Johan Santana took the mound during his 2004 - 2005 seasons in Minnesota. It's Latin/hip-hop Reggaeton with dancehall riddims and rough riding rapping makes it a very popular genre in Central America, the Carribean, and Puerto Rico.

While translations of slang may vary, the loose translation of some of the lyrics are:

so my babes turn on the engines... ready to catch what's coming, Hard!....She likes gasoline...She likes gasoline (give me more gasoline!)

From the May 23, 2005 issue of Sports Illustrated...

Sunday, 11:45 a.m. The place should be as quiet as a church, no? A massive winning streak is on the line today, a man will be knocking on history's door, a man will take the ball and walk out to perform before thousands. He must have silence. He must be left alone. That's baseball's way: No one bothers the starting pitcher. No one talks to him, no one touches him; superstitious teammates don't even look his way.

He's supposed to use this time before a game like a monk, mulling weaknesses and strengths, communing with his arm, staring daggers into his locker until his passion rises and adrenaline builds and he's primed to spring toward the mound like a bucking bronc Wait. Who dialed up the volume?... A ella le gusta la gasolina Dame mas gasolina! Como le encanta la gasolina Dame mas gasolina!

This can't be good. Those players back there, rapping along with Daddy Yankee near the trainer's room, don't they know better? No: Three of them giggle now as music fills the Minnesota Twins' clubhouse, then lean forward to gather in their throats a pitch-perfect imitation of an enraged baseball lifer and shout in English, "Shut the f--- up!"

Message: No shutting up around here. But won't the starter Never mind. The three straighten up, laughing louder as the beat pounds the walls and the singer brags, and you can see. One of them is the starter. Johan Santana steps back to his locker, huge grin on his face. He grabs a clear bottle the size of a rummy's fifth, no label, filled halfway with liquid the color of tobacco juice. He sits down, uncorks it, swishes it once under his nose. He pours a bit into his right palm, then rubs the locally produced liniment into his stomach, calves, upper thighs; once he breaks a sweat, it will give his muscles a nice, tight burn. He stands up, and the music nudges him--Duro! (Hard!)--and he dances a few quick steps. Soon he will try to win his 18th straight game, two shy of Roger Clemens's American League record. His teammates jabber at him, and he gives it right back. He sits, and with his right hand massages that precious left arm, shoulder to triceps to elbow. It's the only giveaway: He's pitching soon.

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BSOD 29: Gasolina
Artist: Daddy Yankee
Album: Barrio Fina
Released: July 2004

Gasolina Lyrics

Subele el mambo pa' que mis gatas prendan los motores,
Subele el mambo pa' que mis gatas prendan los motores,
Subele el mambo pa' que mis gatas prendan los motores,
Que se preparen que lo que viene es pa q le den, Duro!

Mamita yo se que tu no te me va' a quitar (duro!)
Lo que me gusta es que tu te dejas llevar (duro!!)
to los weekenes ella sale a vacilar (duro!!)
mi gata no para de janguiar porque

A ella le gusta la gasolina (dame mas gasolina)
Como le encanta la gasolina (dame mas gasolina)

Ella prende las turbinas,
No discrimina,
No se pierde ni un party de marquesina,
Se acicala hasta pa la esquina,
Luce tan bien q hasta la sombra le combina,
Asesina, me domina,
Anda en carro, motoras y limosinas,
Llena su tanque de adrenalina,
Cuando escucha el reggaeton en la cocina.

A ella le gusta la gasolina (dame mas gasolina!!)
Como le encanta la gasolina (dame mas gasolina!!)

Aqui nosotros somos los mejores,
No te me ajores,
En la pista nos llaman los matadores,
Haces que cualquiera se enamore,
Cuando bailas al ritmo de los tambores,
Esto va pa las gatas de to colores,
Pa las mayores, pa las menores,
Pa las que son mas zorras que los cazadores,
Pa las mujeres que no apagan sus motores.

Tenemo' tu y yo algo pendiente,
Tu me debes algo y lo sabes,
Conmigo ella se pierde,
No le rinde cuentas a nadie

Subele el mambo pa' que mis gatas prendan los motores,
Subele el mambo pa' que mis gatas prendan los motores,
Subele el mambo pa' que mis gatas prendan los motores,
Que se preparen que lo que viene es pa que le den, Duro!

Mamita yo se que tu no te me va' a quitar (duro!)
Lo que me gusta es que tu te dejas llevar (duro!!)
to los weekenes ella sale a vacilar (duro!!)
mi gata no para de janguiar porq

A ella le gusta la gasolina (dame mas gasolina!!)
Como le encanta la gasolina (dame mas gasolina!!)

...

Day 28: I Can Change

As a child, Derek Jeter grew up watching and admiring Dave Winfield. The Hall of Famer Winfield was a legendary athlete who not only performed at a high level in many sports (Winfield won a Big-Ten Basketball Championship as a member of the Minnesota Golden Gophers in 1972), but also performed where it counts most, off the field. Winfield was one of the first athletes to form his own charitable foundation, The Winfield Foundation.

Following in Winfield's footsteps, Jeter has created his own charitable organization named, Turn 2 Foundation. The Turn 2 Foundation was started in 1996. The goal of the mission is:

To create and support signature programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and "TURN 2" healthy lifestyles. Through these ventures, the Foundation strives to create outlets that promote and reward academic excellence, leadership development and positive behavior. Turn 2's goal is to see the children of these programs grow safely and successfully into adulthood and become the leaders of tomorrow.

Recently, Jeter held a celebrity golf tournament in Tampa, Florida. From an article on the mlb.com web site, Jeter is interviewed by ex-big leaguer, Harold Reynolds who was a terrific shortstop himself.

Artists like John Legend provided the entertainment for Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation event. (MLB.com)

"And my dad is a drug-and-alcohol-abuse counselor, and this is something that I think hits every family, regardless of your race (or) how much money your family makes -- it's an issue that everyone has to deal with. And we thought it was fitting to start the foundation after my first year, and here we are 12 years later."

Jeter's charity weekend included a launch party on a big yacht with music from John Legend, a silent auction and the golf tournament. Oscar winner Freeman showed up along with some baseball stars and even Jeter's former bench coach and buddy for life, the irrepressible Don Zimmer.

In fact, when asked by Reynolds how he gets all these big names to continue to turn up at Turn 2 events, Jeter smiled. "It's been fairly easy, with the exception of Zimmer," Jeter quipped. "Everyone else, I just call them and they come. (With) Zim, you gotta send cars, you gotta pay him a little appearance fee and things like that."

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From DerekJeter.com... On Saturday night, guests were treated to a soundtrack courtesy of Jeter family friend DJ Premier and, of course, a short set by Legend, whom Jeter was very proud to have in attendance.

"It's kind of amazing all the support we've gotten throughout the years, and now we have arguably one of the most talented musicians in the world out here to help out the foundation and give his time for a few days," Jeter said.

Legend said he wouldn't have missed such a special and important event.

"I'm happy to participate," he said. "I think Derek's doing a great thing working with the kids in the city, giving them something constructive to do, and I'm proud to be a part of this."

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Today's Baseball Song of the Day is from the artist who performed at Jeter's celebrity charity event, John Legend. After appearing on countless other artists works (Lauryn Hill, Kanye West, Jay-Z et all), Legend released his first album "Get Lifted" in 2004. Growing up in family surrounded by music and performing in his local church, Legend's music is a mix of gospel, Philly hip-hop, and old school soul.

Today's BSOD is in honor of Jeter's foundation, and the idea that it's never too late to be able to change and make your life better. The song is titled, "I Can Change." Tying into the idea of the baseball term of "turning two" to get the double play, joining in with Legend to complete the second half of the song is Snoop Dogg.

BSOD 28: I Can Change
Artist: John Legend
Album: Get Lifted
Released: September 2004



I Can Change Lyrics

Snoop talking
Hey yo nephew check this out man
Now I know you got that bad chick right there
You aint even tripping off of her
But she doing all of that for you
She got this, she got that
She’s off the hizzle
I mean when you find one like that
You got to make that change man
Cuz they don’t come too often
And when they do come
You gotta be smart enough to know when to change
Like Sam Cooke say change gon’ come nephew
And you better believe that

As I look back on all that I've done to you
My biggest regrets
The things that I never could do
I see the light now baby it's shining through
Gotta give up the game
Yeah I got some changin’ to do

I won’t get high if you want it
Get that straight
9 to 5 if you want it
Keep my ass home at night if you want it
Whatever you need me to do

When you talk I’ma listen
Give you all that attention you missing
Girl I swear I’ma handle my business
Just like a real man should do

I can change
I can change (you know I can change baby)
I can change
For you (you know I can stop baby)
I can change (you know I change baby)
I can change
I can change
For you (you know I can stop baby)

I’ll give up all the places I used to go
Stay out the club
Stay home because I’m with you
I’ll give up all those girls that I used to know
They don’t compare
Baby I swear it’s the truth (you know it’s the truth baby)

So I’m through with the women
Yeah that’s right
I give up on the pimpin’
Girl I’m gonna repent from my sinnin’
If that’s what you want me to do

I’ll get right if you want it
Go to church
Get baptized if you want it
Girl you opened my eyes and I’m gonna
Be much better for you

Baby believe me
Baby believe me

I can change (you know I can change baby)
I can change (know I can change baby)
I can change
For you
I can change
I can change
I can change
For you

Snoop’s Rap
Take me to the river
And baptize my soul
I’m so outta control
Needing someone to hold
Man it’s cold
I aint been clubbin’, drinkin’, or smokin’
I’m focused
Bowin’ down every night prayin’ and hopin’

I’m trying to figure out a way
But I just don’t know how to say
But I’m rearrangin’
Hopefully I’m changin’
And you can see that
Baby cuz it’s hard for me
Kinda sorta odd for me
But aint nothing to it
If you need me to do it
I guess…

I can change
I can change
I can change
For you (I’ll give up on the pimpin’ for you)
I can change
I can change
I can change
For you (sing it again y’all)

I can change
I can change
I can change
For you
I can change
I can change
I can change
For you

You know I can stop baby

Gotta believe me (you gotta belive me baby)
Gotta believe me (mmm yeah)
I telling the truth

You know I can stop baby

Gotta believe me (believe me)
Gotta believe me (believe me yeah)
I’m telling the truth

Get baptized if you want it
This time I mean it

Gotta believe me (this time I mean it)
Gotta believe me
I'm telling the truth

Related Links:
www.derekjeter.com
www.johnlegend.com

Day 27: Keeping Score

"Baseball and music together. That's how it should be."

Wow! How about that? And we here at BSOD didn't even state that quote, or have to pay for it (this time at least). Instead it was from retired Snohomish High School Choir Teacher Pat Castro who is holding a concert to raise money for a scholarship award in his name.

In an uplifting article from the HeraldNet web site, Mr. Castro, who taught for 22 years at Snohomish High in the State of Washington, has established the Patrick Castro Excellence in Vocal Music Award. The award will bestow a college scholarship for vocal music students.

"I was blessed as a teacher. I was pretty good, and sometimes I thought I was (famed conductor) Arturo Toscanini, but I didn't deserve it. I was just blessed."

Over the years Castro also has performed, often as a tenor soloist, with such organizations as the Walla Walla and Port Angeles symphony orchestras, the Everett Chorale and the Seattle Chorale Company.

Castro, who now lives in Marysville, has kept busy since retiring in 2005. He works as a courier for Compass Health as well as a football spotter and basketball statistician for KRKO (1380 AM) radio in Everett.

A sports fan, he also is the official scorekeeper for the Everett AquaSox and was instrumental in getting the baseball club to audition community members to sing the U.S. and Canadian national anthems at games.

"Baseball and music together. That's how it should be," he said.

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As a salute to Mr. Castro, we here at BSOD dedicate today's song, titled "Keeping Score" by Michelle Malone to you. It seems that if you add up your scorecard, it's been a life well led so far. Keep up the good work!

click the link to amazon.com to hear a sample of the song; Keeping Score

BSOD 27: Keeping Score
Artitst: Michelle Malone
Album: Home Grown
Released: August 1999

Snippet of the lyrics:

Life isn't worth living
if you're not giving your heart

....

Live like no-one's keeping score

Day 26: Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors

Today's Baseball Song of the Day comes from an interview of the Indie British Alt-Punk Band called the Editors. It turns out that watching late night tv is actually good for something. In this case, for getting a new fan of baseball.

The Editors got their very first single to sell out in only 24 hours. The song, "Bullets," flew off the shelf faster than botox at a Beverly Hills pharmacy. It was an incredible selling until you find out that they only made 500 singles of the song. They followed that up with the song, "Munich" which they later performed on the Conan O'Brien show. It seems their fond of late night telly. In January of 2008, they were nominated for a Brit Award for...get this...of all things, Best British Group.

The following is an excerpt from an interview in the Seattle Times,

Q: Do you have any plans for Detroit?

A: I've already been to my favorite place, which is the Magic Stick. I don't know. I'd quite like to go to the Detroit Tigers. I'd quite like to go and watch them play. I'm a bit of a baseball guy. They've got that new field.

Q: How did you become a baseball fan? Seems a little odd for a guy who grew up in Ipswich.

A: When I had a [crappy] job, I was trying to break the monotony by staying up really late and going out with my friends and stuff, and whenever I would get back home, they would have late-night sports on this TV channel. And it was invariably American sports because of the time delay. So I'd get in at midnight and there's a game just starting, so I used to watch all sorts. Ice hockey was pretty good, but it's very difficult to see. I had very bad reception on my telly so you could never see the puck. So I settled for baseball because it's boring enough to send you off to sleep and you don't really miss anything if you do fall asleep for a bit and then wake up. It's still going on and not much happened. Great boredom sport.

Q: What's your favorite team?

A: For some reason, I was quite into the Arizona Diamondbacks. I don't really understand why. All my different favorite teams are in different cities. My favorite football team is the Chicago Bears because I used to have a Chicago Bears top; it was a picture of a teddy bear holding a football running along on my Chicago Bears jersey. So I followed them. Then I have the Toronto Maple Leafs because I don't really understand why they're called the Maple Leafs and not the Maple Leaves. So I dig them.

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There best showing to date in the UK Charts is today's BSOD. SOtHD reached #7 on the UK singles chart.

To view the video for the song, click here.



BSOD 26: Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors
Artist: Editors
Album: An End Has a Start
Released: June 2007

Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors Lyrics

Pull the blindfold down
So your eyes can't see
Now run as fast as you can
Through this field of trees

Say goodbye to everyone
You have ever known
You are not gonna see them ever again

I can't shake this feeling I've got
My dirty hands, have I been in the wars?
The saddest thing that I'd ever seen
Were smokers outside the hospital doors

Someone turn me around
Can I start this again?

How can we wear our smiles
With our mouths wide shut
'Cause you stopped us from singin'

I can't shake this feeling I've got
My dirty hands, have I been in the wars?
The saddest thing that I'd ever seen
Were smokers outside the hospital doors

Someone turn me around
Can I start this again?
Now someone turn us around
Can we start this again?

We've all been changed
From what we were
Our broken parts
Left smashed off the floor

I can't believe you
If I can't hear you
I can't believe you
If I can't hear you

We've all been changed
From what we were
Our broken parts
Smashed off the floor

We've all been changed
From what we were
Our broken parts
Smashed off the floor

Someone turn me around
(We've all been changed from what we were)
Can I start this again?
(Our broken parts smashed off the floor)
Now someone turn us around
(We've all been changed from what we were)
Can we start this again?
(Our broken parts smashed off the floor)

Day 25: Danza de Los Gigantes

Nature or nurture? Hard work or luck? Your god given destiny or your ability to choose your own way? For most people, from the day you are born, you amble your way through life finding something that suits you. For a select few, it seems that perhaps their path was chosen for them. However agreeing to take it, is a whole 'nother thing.

Take the case of the Bonds' Family. The elder Bonds, Bobby; was a terrific player who played mostly for the SF Giants during the early part of his career which lasted from '68-74 and then for seven different teams in seven years thereafter. Known as the "30/30 guy" (30 Home Runs & 30 Stolen bases in one season), Bobby was an all around talent who went on to hit 30/30 a record five times and in both leagues as well. He was named the NL Player of the Year in 1973 by the Sporting News. He finished his career with a .268 avg, 332 HR's, and 1,024 RBI's.

After retiring Bobby turned to a career as hitting coach, bench coach and working in the front office mostly for the Giants. He was with the Giants in 1993, when his son Barry joined the team, and went on to legendary status becoming baseball's single season HR Champ (73) as well as the All-Time HR Champ (762). Together, they are baseball's most prodigious team as far as a a father-son combination in the statistics of HR, RBI, & SB's.

There are others famous bloodlines in baseball. The Griffeys (Ken Sr. and Ken Jr.), the Boone Family - who had three generations of ball players (Ray, Bob, and Bret), and the Bell Family (Gus, Buddy, and David) with three generations as well.

However, sometimes, the son (and grandson) of a famous player decides to take another path. In the baseball loving country of Cuba, a third generation of players found himself at the crossroads at a young age, and eventually stayed true to his family's roots. Only this time, the path chosen was to stay with playing music and not to stay playing baseball.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Jazz pianist, composer, and arranger, Chuchito Valdés, Jr. is a member of one of the most prolific Cuban jazz piano dynasties in history. With his grandfather, Bebo Valdés, and his father Chucho Valdés, Chuchito has helped to carry on their family's legendary musical name.

Growing up listening to Jazz music, and studying classical music, Chuchito abandoned music when he was in his early teens to go after another passion of his; baseball. He played for the Cuban National Team (in his age bracket), before he decided to return to music. In an article/interview on Jazz.com, he stated, "My mother was the person who encouraged me to pursue a career as a musician. She told me that I had a gift for music, that I was a “natural.” Believe it or not, I started as a baseball player. . . but my mother always encouraged me to believe that I had options and that I didn’t have to stick to one thing."

From an article on the Jazz Police web site...

In the late 90s, Chuchito led the famed Cuban band Irakare, the band that heavily influenced him as a teenager. "I have to say that the first Irakere band is my favorite. I would go with my father every day to rehearsals and see how Arturo Sandoval and Paquito D'Rivera would practice their passages. I experienced a great innovation in Cuban music, and it's one of the best things that's happened to me,” says Chuchito.

Seeing as Chuchito followed in the steps of the Giants in the Latin / Jazz / Cuban Music genre, today's Baseball Song of the Day is: Danza de Los Gigantes (Dance of the Giants).

BSOD 25: Danza de Los Gigantes
Artist: Chuchito Valdés, Jr.
Album: Encantado
Released: February 2002

Links of interest:

http://www.jazz.com/features-and-interviews/2008/1/28/in-conversation-with-chuchito-valdes-jr

http://www.brosociety.org/acts/chuchito/ChuchitoBios.htm

http://www.jazzpolice.com/content/view/7141/116/

Day 24: La La La La La La La

Some things just aren't explainable, such as putting ketchup on a hot dog, putting a stamp on a pre-paid postage envelope, or putting yourself in the Aqua Teen Hunger Force tv show.

Recently, ex-baller and Baseball Tonight analyst John Kruk appeared as a siren along with Neko Case and Kelly Hogan on the Adult Swim Aqua Teen Hunger Force tv show on Cartoon Network. In the episode, Kruk performs his song, "La La La La La."

Watch the Kruk-er sing via the video below, then immediately go take a shower. As he once said, "I ain't an athlete, lady, I'm a baseball player." He ain't no singer either.


Cartoon Network

We apologize for today's Baseball Song of the Day, "La La La La La La La." by John Kruk and the Sirens.

BSOD 24: La La La La La La
Artist: John Kruk
Released: not really..just performed on the show
Album: we hope that it doesn't come to that - ever

La La La La La La lryics

la la la la la la lah
la la la la la la lah
la la la la la la lah
lahh lahh lahhhhhh lahhhh (...fades)

Day 23: Straight to the Bank

As a fan of both baseball and music, sometimes in reading and researching material for articles for each Baseball Song of the Day, I'll find an article that reflects perfectly the premise behind the issues of today, how it affects the participants involved, the industry involved, and eventually in the end, the enjoyment (and pocketbook) of those who fund the participants; the common fan.

Today's find is such a day.

The following is a portion of an article titled, "Steroid scandal reaching beyond high-profile sports figures" published in the Appleton Post-Crescent (WI) by Reg Wydeven. Mr. Wydeven is a partner with the Appleton-based law firm of McCarty Law LLP.

..............................................

Former Sen. George Mitchell's 20-month investigation into performance enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball resulted in a voluminous report that named names. The biggest name listed was that of Roger Clemens, the seven-time Cy Young award-winning pitcher.

Clemens was one of 20 New York Yankees named in the report after his former trainer, Brian McNamee, informed Mitchell that he injected Clemens with steroids and HGH about 16 to 21 times during 1998, 2000 and 2001 before MLB banned performance-enhancing substances.

As a result of the Mitchell report, Matthew Mitchell (no relation) is now suing Clemens' New York Yankees. He's suing the team for $221, the amount he paid for tickets to five Yankee games he attended between 2002 and 2007. His claim is filed under "failure to provide goods paid for," as the players were "artificially enhanced."

If Mitchell gets the money back for his tickets, he may seek refunds for CDs he purchased, too. Several performers, including R&B music star Mary J. Blige, and rap musicians 50 Cent, Timbaland and Wyclef Jean were identified in an Albany investigation as possibly having received or used performance-enhancing drugs.

(read the entire article by clicking here)

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Today's BSOD is "Straight to the Bank" by popular rapper 50 Cent. "Fitty's" lyrics point right to the core of the main reason why all these athletes and performers are doing anything and everything that they can to stay in the game, and at the top of the game. Money, and lots of it. We should also mention that one of 50 Cent's album's is titled, "Get Rich or Die Trying." 'Nuff said.


BSOD 23: Straight to the Bank
Artist: 50 Cent
Album: Curtis
Released: September 2007

Straight to the Bank lyrics (warning: explicit)

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

yeah...

when im out in NY
boys, blunts and phillies
when im out in LA
boys, wraps and switches
now bloods walk to this
now crips walk to this
now throw it up, raise it up
for that gangsta shit
now bloodwalk to this
now cripwalk to this
now throw it up, raise it up
for that gangsta shit

im in my lambo maggot, my 4 4 faggot
doors lift up im like go go gadget
see the shit i got on homie i'd hate to
my teflon on but my government issue
i hit your vertabrate bullets rip through tissues
yo wife on the futon hugging the shitzu
homie you a bitch u got feminine ways
heard you got 4 lips and bleed for 7 days
i got 4 fifths and bananas on the k's
i got mo' whips than a runaway slave
me and yayo go back like some hot top favs
when i made 50 mil, Em got paid
when i made 60 mil, Dre got paid
when i made 80 mil, jimmy got paid
i aint even got to rap now life is made
said i aint even got to rap, im filthy maan

I'm laughing straight to the bank with this
ha ha,ha ha ha ha, ha ha, ha ha ha ha
im laughing straight to the bank with this
ha ha,ha ha ha ha, ha ha, ha ha ha ha
im laughing straight to the bank with this
ha ha,ha ha ha ha, ha ha, ha ha ha ha
im laughing straight to the bank with this
ha ha,ha ha ha ha, ha ha, ha ha ha ha
im laughing

i pay nothin but hundred dollar bills in the bank roll
i got the kind of money that the bank cant hold
got it off the street movin bundles and oh
'73 caprice old skool when i roll
breeze pass with the E-Z pass fuck the toll
no more platinum im wearing gold
im internationally known as the kid with the flow
that brings enough dough
it's never enough dough, shit i need more
nigga shit out the store baby blue its all
fresh off the flow dash box by the dash box
in case they want war make the purple bring the green even
fuck the law im also raw im hot im sure
im like the coolest mothafucka round the globe boy
set the club on fire i told ya
im the general salute me soldier

I'm laughing straight to the bank with this
ha ha,ha ha ha ha, ha ha, ha ha ha ha
im laughing straight to the bank with this
ha ha,ha ha ha ha, ha ha, ha ha ha ha
im laughing straight to the bank with this
ha ha,ha ha ha ha, ha ha, ha ha ha ha
im laughing straight to the bank with this
ha ha,ha ha ha ha, ha ha, ha ha ha ha
im laughing

now break it up now
shorty work it out
i wanna see you break it down
now back it up now
you know what im about
its like a bank job
i'm in and im out
now work it out now
work it out, work it out
now work it out now
work it out, work it out

words

Day 22: Blackmail

Things just seem to get stranger and stranger by the day with the rumors and stories concerning The Mitchell Report and performance enhancing drugs within baseball. The person to inject life into the story a few years ago by writing his book "Juiced", Jose Canseco is back in the limelight with the latest twist.

According to the NY Times, Canseco who is in the process of writing a second book concerning players and their steroid/hgh consuming ways, titled "Vindicated", was said to have offered to keep Detroit Tigers Outfielder Magglio Ordonez' name out of the new book if he invested into a film project of Canseco's. Ordonez was not one of the persons named in The Mitchell Report.

...........................................

From the NY Times article on 1/24/08, "Canseco Is Said to Seek Favor to Omit Name"...

Four people in baseball confirmed that referrals were made from Major League Baseball to the F.B.I. regarding Canseco’s actions relating to the six-time All-Star outfielder Magglio Ordóñez, who was not mentioned in Canseco’s earlier book or in any other report on performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. All four insisted on anonymity because they said they didn’t have authority to speak about the events...

...Canseco denied that he — or any associate of his — ever asked Ordóñez for money to keep his name out of a book titled “Vindicated.”...

Canseco said he tried to contact Ordóñez several months ago to talk about his books but did not hear back from him. Canseco refused to say whether Ordóñez would be named in connection with performance-enhancing drugs in his second book. “You are going to have to buy the book to see that,” he said.

Reached at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Wednesday, Ordóñez said he did not want to talk in detail about Canseco. Although he criticized him for writing his tell-all book, he said he did not want to get involved with any formal investigation.

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Today's Baseball Song of the Day is from a hard-rocking punk band called "The Runaways" that was fronted by Joan Jett of "I Love Rock and Roll" fame. The all-girl teenage band was best known for songs such as "Cherry Bomb" and "Born to Be Bad."

Our BSOD is aptly named, "Blackmail." The Runaways also spawned metal rocker / and 80's hair queen Lita Ford and the 1989 hit "Kiss Me Deadly" that reached #6 in the Billboard charts.

BSOD 22: Blackmail
Artist: The Runaways
Album: Best of the Runaways
Released: 1987

Blackmail Lyrics

You didnt care you went and broke my heart
Ill get ya back you know its gonna start
You gave me pain thats whatcha done to me
When I get through youll be sorry you met me

Youll wish you were never born
Blackmail, blackmail
Ill make you pay
For the life that you tore
Blackmail
Black
Mail

You put it to me and now well play my game
Ill wrap you up and youll go insane
It took so long and I waited my turn
You pay your debt Im gonna make you burn you know

Youll wish you were never born
Blackmail, blackmail
Ill make you pay
For the life that you tore
Blackmail
Black
Mail

I know about you and Im gonna tell
The way I planned youre gonna go through hell
Now you listen to what Im about to say
Or you wont live to see the light of day, you know

And what article written that mentions blackmail could be complete without a mention of Monty Python and their terrific blackmail sketch. Enjoy!!!

Day 21: Nolan Ryan, He's a Hero To Us All

Ok, you're picking your team. You can have anyone that you want, whom do you pick first? How about a 60 year old ex-flame throwing right hander? The Texas Rangers are looking to do just that. Now, before you start writing the screenplay about an old timer looking to break into the big leagues nearing his AARP years, and make millions in Hollywood, it's important to remember that this is no "sleeper pick." This is Nolan Ryan, and this is a report about him possibly becoming the next President of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club.

Since retiring from his playing days, he's been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, worked with the Rangers and Astros in "personal services contracts", and is the owner of two minor-league clubs, the Triple-A Round Rock Express and the Double-A team, the Corpus Christi Hooks.

....................................................................

According to an article written by Jeff Wilson of the Star-Telegram titled, "Ryan getting Rangers' vote for presidency?"

Rangers owner Tom Hicks met with Nolan Ryan over lunch in Georgetown on Friday and might be trying to lure him away from the Houston Astros and back to the Rangers.

The bait might be the club presidency.

Ryan confirmed the 90-minute meeting with Hicks, son Tommy Jr. and Rangers vice president Jim Sundberg, and said that the team’s search for a president did come up in the conversation.

....................................................................

With over 5,000 strikeouts, 7 no hitters, a member of the HOF, the Nolan Ryan Express just may be making another pitch. Today's Baseball Song of the Day is "Nolan Ryan, He's a Hero to Us All" written and performed by the outlaw country musician, Jerry Jeff Walker.

Mr. Walker's most well known song, was the hit "Mr. BoJangles" which he first wrote and recorded in 1968, but reached #9 on the billboart chart in 1971 when it was sung by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

BSOD 21: Nolan Ryan, He's A Hero To Us All
Artist: Jerry Jeff Walker
Album: Navajo Rug
Released: August 1991


To hear a sample of the song, click on the album, and on the page that appears, there are links to listen to the song.

Nolan Ryan, He's a Hero to Us All lyrics

Well, our story starts in Texas, where he's tempered by the heat
That skinny Alvin boy believes his fastball can't be heat
So he brings it and he brings it and it passes every test
They're talkin' he's a wild man might be the fastest in the West

Well, he's drafted by New York, he's gonna pitch up there in Shea
With those amazing Mets, he'll help them take it all the way
He gets a World Series ring, he stays modest, he don't boast
Now it's off to California, where he'll make history on the coast

Chorus:
Nolan Ryan, he's a hero to us all
Nolan Ryan, he stands straight, he stands tall
He don't mess around boys
He just throws a mean fast ball

Tom Morgan is the angel, gets Nolan in second gear
Then he pitches four no-hitters in about as many years
He's working for Gene Autry, they're calling him the Ryan Express
He throws one ball a hundred, now he's the fastest in the West

But after eight years on the left coast,
He says he wants to come home
So he signs on with the Astros,
He'll bring magic to the dome
As he throws his fifth no-hitter,
They're talkin' about he might be the best

In Texas people know, he's the fastest in the West

Chorus

Now he's a Texas Ranger, but he don't tote no gun
He'll mow you down with the heater, you smell leather, hear it hum
He throws a sixth no-hitter, the Oakland A's just met Big Tex

Now they're gonna judge all the rest,
Boys, against the fastest in the West

Now let's count up some numbers, he's forty-three years of age
He's got 5200 strike-outs, six no-hitters to date
There's 57 shut-outs, right up against 300 wins
And on the very first ballot, the Hall of Fame's gotta take him in

Day 20: Joe DiMaggio Done it Again

The great American songwriter and observer of the common folks' way of life, Woody Guthrie penned today's Baseball Song of the Day; "Joe Dimaggio Done it Again." After World War II, Guthrie and his wife moved to Mermaid Avenue in Coney Island where they started their family and had four children, one of which; Cathy who died in a fire at only fours old. It is this period, that many think he produced some of his best work.

In 1995, one of Woody's other three children, daughter Nora, contacted Englishman Billy Bragg about putting music to many of Woody's unfinished words and lyrics. He accepted her offer and in turn, contacted the American band Wilco about contributing to the project which eventually was titled, Mermaid Avenue. It was such a well received recording (they received a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album), that both Bragg and Wilco reunited in the effort to produce a second go-around in Mermaid Avenue, Vol. 2.

It was Nora's hope that the songs would help to introduce Woody's historic talent to a new generation. With their free hollarin', yip yapping, banjo-picking, and wonderful harmonies, this one is a pure delight that instantly puts you in a good mood reminiscing about a baseball legend doing what only legends can do, which is producing results over and over again, and lifting the spirits of all who are lucky enough to witness his tremendous feats.


BSOD 20: Joe DiMaggio Done it Again
Artist: Billy Bragg & Wilco (lyrics by Woody Guthrie)
Album: Mermaid Avenue Vol. 2
Released: 2000

To hear a sample of the song, click on the album, and on the page that appears, there are links to listen to the song.

Joe DiMaggio Done it Again lyrics

Joe DiMaggio's done it again
Clackin' that bat, gone with the wind
Joe DiMaggio's done it again

Some folks thought Big Joe was done
Some just figured Joe was gone
Steps to the platter with a great big grin
Joe DiMaggio's done it again

I'm gonna tell you just the way I feel
Man can't run without his heel
Watch that raggy pill split the wind
Joe DiMaggio's done it again

All three fielders jumped their best
Trying to climb that high board fence
They all growed whiskers on their chins
Joe DiMaggio's done it again

Up along the clouds where the eagles roam
Joe cracked that ball to whine and moan
His buddies all laugh as they trot on in
Joe DiMaggio's done it again

Grandma's home by the radio
On the television watching Joe
She jerks the beard off of Grandpa's chin
Joe DiMaggio's done it again

The puppy dog barked at the pussycat
How does it look from where you sat?
Looks like a cyclone slidin' in
Joe DiMaggio's done it again

Day 19: China Blue

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre (left) and vice president of the San Diego Padres Dave Winfi eld (right) pose for photos with young Chinese baseball players during a press conference in Beijing. (Photo: AP) read story at China Daily

Major League Baseball announced on 1/24/08 that the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres will be the first MLB teams to play the sport in China. Hosted by the China Baseball Association, the games will be held on March 15 & 16 in Beijing at the Wukesong Baseball Field, which will be the venue for the 2008 Olympic Games.



From MLB.com...

"Major League Baseball's international growth has been nothing short of remarkable, and we are thrilled that the Padres and the Dodgers will showcase our sport to the people of China by playing in MLB China Series 2008," Commissioner Bud Selig said. "I would like to thank the Dodgers and the Padres, the Major League Baseball Players Association, the China Baseball Association, Wukesong Group and all the parties who have made this momentous trip possible. We are greatly anticipating this wonderful opportunity."

...International ventures are nothing new for the two franchises. Most recently, the Dodgers played the Mets in a Mexico City exhibition series in 2003, and established relations in China in 1980 by building the first practice field in Beijing and funding construction of a baseball stadium, named Dodger Stadium, in Tianjin, 75 miles southeast of the capital.

"The Dodgers' ties to Asia date back more than half a century, so it's only fitting that as we celebrate 50 years in Los Angeles, we are fortunate enough to take part in this historic series," said Dodgers owner and chairman Frank McCourt. "The opportunities to expand this great game into China are limitless, and we hope this trip will solidify the Dodgers' role at the forefront of the globalization of baseball."

View a Joe Torre video concerning the games in China

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Today's Baseball Song of the Day is "China Blue" (30 second listen) in honor of the Dodgers traveling and playing two exhibitions games in China. The track is from ex-Free and Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers, who in 2000 put out a terrific solo album titled "Electric." China Blue opens with an asia-styled guitar riff and reminds one of the long trip over the oceans and around the world to a land foreign and yet wonderfully new to us all. With the ever-expanding roster of International players into the major leagues, one can only assume that in a matter of a few short years, MLB will follow in the footsteps of the NBA and will soon see players arising out of the blue from China.


BSOD 19: China Blue
Artist: Paul Rodgers
Album: Electric
Released: 2000


To hear a sample of the song, click on the album, and on the page that appears, there are links to listen to the song.

And will you wait for me
as I cross the raging sea
and i wait for you
China Blue

And will the stars looking down
remember the sound
of your tears and the wind
China Blue

Oh the seasons may change
from the green to the gold
but my heart will remain
true to you

Save your smile for the sun
and your sighs for the moon
I'll save my love for you
China Blue

Oh the seasons may change
from the green to the gold
but my heart will remain
true to you

Day 18: Paradise Valley

Arizona Diamondbacks head groundskeeper Grant Trenbeath (right) paints the Paradise Valley logo behind home plate on Monday. (Christie Cowles/MLB.com)

With all the talk of baseball and steroids and negative information floating around, its great to read a recent story about what positive effects baseball can bring about to a community. Recently at Paradise Valley High School in Arizona, nearly 50 groundskeepers from 25 of the Major League Baseball Clubs spent their time and many talents in completely upgrading the field.

The groundskeepers were there as part of their annual three-day conference, in which the final day is practiced as "community day" as they graciously use their talents to smooth and rake the dirt, put in new bases, paint logos, baselines, and bring their major league talents to some high school hope for future stars.

To view a slideshow of images at MLB.com, click here.

Today's Baseball Song of the Day is titled, "Paradise Valley" from the artist known as Kostas. You may not be familiar with his name, but the number of hits this man has written for others, puts him in the major league of song writers.

Paradise Valley is a sweet song about longing for a place that remains close to your heart. A wonderfully simple, stripped down acoustical journey through Paradise Valley, Kostas strums his guitar and melodically tells of the beauty of nature and the surroundings of Paradise Valley.

The song actually refers to Paradise Valley, Montana, however with lyrics such as such as, "up over the mountains across the sky, the stars are falling over paradise valley, a lot of wishes, are coming true tonight", and the work that the MLB groundskeepers generously gave, its easy to believe that this season, the Paradise Valley Trojans will be on their own field of dreams.

View the Paradise Press Paradise Valley web site

Kostas Biography from MySpace:

Kostas and his family immigrated to Montana from Greece when he was seven years old. He now has homes in Montana and Nashville, and aside from songwriting and performing, he enjoys hunting, fishing and raising vintage guitars on his "guitar ranch." Kostas received his first No. 1 Country hit with his first single release. The single entitled, "Timber I'm Falling In Love," was recorded by Patty Loveless. He also penned the songs "The Lonely Side Of Love," and "On Down The Line" for her follow-up albums which also reached Top 10.

Kostas went on to write many more Top 10 singles including: "Heart Full Of Love," by Holly Dunn, "Turn It On, Turn It Up, Turn Me Loose," and "Nothing's Changed Here," by Dwight Yoakam, "Lord Have Mercy On The Working Man," by Travis Tritt, "Going Out Of My Mind" and "Love On The Loose, Heart On The Run,” by McBride and The Ride and "Life ..9" by Martina McBride. He also scored two more No. 1 country hits with Dwight Yoakam's "Ain't That Lonely Yet" and Patty Loveless' first Epic release, "Blame It On Your Heart," which was BMI's most performed country song of 1994.

BSOD 18: Paradise Valley
Artist: Kostas
Album: Paradise Valley
Released: January 2006


To hear a sample of the song, click on the album, and on the page that appears, there are links to listen to the song.

I'm going down to Paradise Valley
Spend a little time there
to see an old friend
She's a little bit South
of a town called Bed****
where the wind blows round in circles
and the river never ends

sitting on a rock in yankee jim canyon
looking down the river below
ohhh yankee jim he's looking up at me
telling me stories
from the long ago

cowboys and injuns and wild horses prancin
pretty girls dancing to and fro
the sun wakes up, the young romancers
and lays them down in the soft moon glow

i'm going down to Paradise Valley
to spend a little time there, seeing old friends
just a little bit south of a place called bedrock
where the wind blows in circles
where the river never ends

first time i saw her, she was dressed in August
beautiful as creation, looking so divine
i stayed with her, until the snow fell
and she said it's alright if you leave me behind
if you look out the window, you can see the moonrise

up over the mountains across the sky
the stars are falling over paradise valley
a lot of wishes, are coming true tonight

i'm going down to Paradise Valley
to spend a little time there to see an old friend

Day 17: I'll Take You Home

Trivia Question...Can you name a baseball player who also is in the Rock & Roll Hall of fame? Another hint, this multi-talented person received the Order of the Palmetto, which is the highest award a civilian can receive (in the state of South Carolina). He also participated in the Normandy Invasion, and received four bronze stars. Although he was a pitcher, he'd be proud to raise his WHIP ratio by letting you know that his musical team offered up the following hits: Save the Last Dance for Me, There Goes My Baby, Money Honey, Up On the Roof, Under the Boardwalk, Some Kind of Wonderful, This Magic Moment, Such a Night, Honey Love, and even White Christmas (featured later in the movie Home Alone).

Answer: Bill Pinkney of The Drifters. Pinkney pitched from 1949 to 1951 in the Negro Baseball League with the New York Blue Sox.

This past Sunday, The South Carolina Department of Transportation dedicated a portion of old US Highway 521 in Dalzell to Bill Pinkney. Between Highway 441 and Charles Jackson Road, part of Highway 521 will be named "Bill Pinkney of the Original Drifters Memorial Highway" in honor of the legendary singer.

So in honor of the road that will now take many people home bearing his name - is today's baseball song of the day.

BSOD 17: I'll Take You Home
Artist: The Drifters
Album: tbd
Released: 1963

Everybody knows you came with him but another girl caught his eye-ee-eye (I'll take you home)
Now you're sitting there all alone watching them dance by (I'll take you home)
And I know you're wondering what you'll do if he doesn't come back to you
But, don't worry, I'll take you home so, little girl, don't you be blue

Now I know that you wore that pretty red dress just for him to see (I'll take you home)
Mm-mm-yeah
But I wanna tell ya that red dress looks good to me (I'll take you home)
Whoa, I know you feel like you wanna die but try pretending that I'm your guy
And don't worry, I'll take you home so, little girl, now don't you cry

I'll take you home when the dance is over
I'll take you home, just wait and see
You're gonna dance the last dance with me

Let me tell you now

I know the way that you feel, I can understand (I'll take you home)
Mm-mm-mm
'cause I had a date just like you when the dance began (I'll take you home)
But the girl I came with just wasn't true, she's the girl who took him from you
So you see now, I'll take you home 'cause little girl, I'm lonely, too

Ohhhhhhh, let me tell you now

I know the way that you feel, I can understand (I'll take you home)
Mm-mm-mm
'cause I had a date just like you when the dance began (I'll take you home)
But the girl I came with just wasn't true, she's the girl who took him from you
So you see now, I'll take you home 'cause, little girl, I'm lonely, too

Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
I'll take you home 'cause, little girl, I'm lonely, too
Mm-mm, mm-mm, yeah

I'll take you home 'cause, little girl, I'm lonely, too



Links of Note:

http://www.vocalgroup.org/inductees/the_drifters.html

http://browneyedhandsomeman.blogspot.com/2007/07/original-drifters-come-to-rest-bill.html

http://www.originaldrifters.com/