Songs to Do Things To

I had the pleasure of waking up in Winchester yesterday and so of course I had to pay a visit to its cathedral. Two reasons: * I am fond of cathedrals. What can I say? I like big buttresses, cannot lie! Since 1992, every time I ride my bike in a jaunty manner - some might describe this as pootling - I find myself singing Winchester Cathedral by the New Vaudeville Band. Every time. I was going to write a thoughtful piece about the way women are represented in the cathedral, but instead I thought. More importantly, do I have any other activity-specific earworms? Of course I bloody do. Here is an incomplete list of activities and their accompanying theme tunes: Cold Water Swimming When I am swimming in cold water, I only sing When I Think of You by Janet Jackson. (Mostly the “Ning ning ninga-ning ning ning” bit from the intro, if you know what I mean? Horseriding: Once when riding a horse (a thing I have done a lot less than my accent would suggest), I had If Everybody Looked the Same by Groove Armada rocketing round my head and so now if ever I have the chance to ride again, back it comes. Walking in the Rain I eschew umbrellas as a selfish pavement-space stealer and also you get wet feet and hands anyway, so why not use the Power of Song to keep you if not dry, then at least cheerful. I am British and therefore spend enough time in the rain for this activity to have two theme songs: 1. Obviously I know every word to this. Worth a listen to this version for the deliciously swoopy piano. Also, watch it in Top Hat to see one of my favourite things, which is where they start dancing at 1’40” in. If you like music, or dance, or flirting - seriously, it’s the flirtiest thing on celluloid - watch it. I adore it. I DIGRESS! * Other walking in the rain song: I’m aware that this and its alternate are rather on-the-nose themewise, but that’s okay, I think. Walking in cold, dry weather: This is especially good if you are running a little late and need to get a move on. Those sleighbells really get your blood pumping. Doing Mountain Climbers Talking of getting the blood pumping, I occasionally do those mountain climber things at my Bottom Strengthening Classes for Vigorous Older Women and I have to sing this (but faster than this) while doing it: Doing CPR: (Obviously) Anyway, this week, my husband confessed that a sound he finds very difficult is “people singing”. Shit. I think I’m people. In Not Entirely Unrelated News: Today I got the official paperwork confirming my ADHD diagnosis. How am I feeling about it? Vague. Vindicated - I’ve known about this for a long time, now I’ve got it in writing. Annoyed - Those people who called me a weirdo were right, damn them. Grateful - that I’ve been privileged enough, and supported by so many people, to manage so well until now. Unchanged - Still me, acronyms notwithstanding. Energised - I’ve had a quadruple shot espresso to help me focus to the end of this newsletter. Upcoming Live Gigs In case you fancy it: Manningtree, 17th April. Portsmouth 25th April Newquay 26th April (can’t find ticket link but it’s at Sailor’s - because GLAMOUR) That’s it for April. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit louiseleigh.substack.com