When I was about 7 years old, I was introduced to one of the greatest American singers of my generation. Sure, you may not have heard of her, but I thought she was the BEST. Her name was Amy Grant and she inspired my short-lived love for pop music.
What a gorgeous velour dress!
My grandparents bought my sister and I some new cassette tapes for Christmas. I was given one of Tina Turner’s tapes and my sister received Amy Grant’s tape called “Heart in Motion.” My sister and I shared everything, so this meant that essentially, we both received two new tapes. And even if she didn’t want to share Amy with me, she had no choice. We shared a room and there was nothing she could do to prevent me from hearing these magical tunes.
This tape included such hits as “Baby Baby,” “That’s What Love is For,” “Good for Me,” “I Will Remember You” and “Every Heartbeat.” I listened to these songs over and over. Her music was so meaningful and full of life. “Baby Baby” was my favorite track. The best part was that I was allowed to listen to her as much as I wanted because her music was kid-friendly, unlike a certain famous musician of the time who always seemed to be wearing oddly shaped braziers and no top.
It turns out that Amy was already a highly successful Christian musician by the time I learned of her. I guess she decided to cross into the mainstream and thank goodness for that. This particular album proved to be widely popular, hitting the top of the charts and even winning her a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year (she lost).
As you know, life is full of changes. For some reason, as time passed by, Amy drifted out of my musical repertoire. She was substituted with other musicians, including Ace of Base, Mariah Carey and Rod Stewart. Eventually Amy’s songs no longer played on the radio and it seemed that everyone had forgotten about her.
Approximately 20 years later (this summer), I jumped on the Apple bandwagon and bought my first iPhone. First of all, this is probably the best purchase I’ve made in years. I’m still trying to figure out how Blackberry is still in business. Anyway, shortly after buying my phone, I discovered the joy of downloading music directly from iTunes to my phone. I had taken a long hiatus from keeping up with music because I dreaded dealing with my ancient computer when transferring songs to my iPod. I finally bought a new computer and once I had my new phone, I went on a music-buying binge, purchasing song after song until my iTunes giftcard no longer carried a balance. Even when that happened, I kept purchasing.
Among the plethora of songs added to my collection was the entire “Heart in Motion” album. I’m not sure why Amy popped into my head out of nowhere, but this was a long overdue reunion. The second I heard the first part of “Good for Me,” I was instantly taken back to my childhood. I could still remember exactly how the song went and took a lovely walk down memory lane. This continued for several tracks, until I got to the song titled “Hats.” I had already decided I must have had great taste in music as a kid, but suddenly I started to rethink this. This was the worst song I had ever heard.
I have a bad habit of listening to songs for years before I actually pay attention to the words. I decide I like a song based on the overall feel and don’t always consider the message that is being conveyed. This usually makes me feel like a horrible person. I’ll suddenly decide to listen to the words one day and realize the beautiful love song I’ve cherished for years is actually a song about physical abuse or death. I’m not kidding, this happens all the time.
I assume this is what happened with “Hats.” This song isn’t grim or depressing like many songs turn out to be. No, this song was just awful and somehow I never took notice the first time around. I didn’t remember anything about it as an adult. Clearly it didn’t make a big impression, but still, how could I have heard this and not had some serious concerns? It’s about a woman who has many responsibilities (mother, wife, employee, etc.). Therefore, she wears many hats. That’s fine I guess, but still, the song is not good at all. If you would like to hear it, look it up, I don’t know how to link to songs. Here are the lyrics (they’re lengthy, just peruse the first few parts and you’ll get the picture):
The sun goes up
The breakfast show
Can’t you see me running?
It’s crazy, don’t you know?
(Don’t you know, don’t you know?)
The moon is high
I’m workin’ through the night
Will somebody tell me
Where do all the hours go?
(I don’t know)
Well, it don’t stop
No, it’s never gonna stop
Why do I have to wear
So many things on my head?
(HATS!)
One day I’m a mother
One day I’m a lover
What am I supposed to do?
(HATS!)
Working for a livin’
All because I’m driven
To be the very best for you
The water is hot
(So hot)
The phone don’t stop
(Hello, good bye)
So how do I manage
To hold on to my sanity
(I don’t know, baby, I don’t know)
The red dress on
Time for having fun
(Time for having fun)
But can I really be
The girl you think you see me?
The spirit is willing
But the flesh is weak
Why do I have to wear
So many things on my head?
(HATS!)
One day I’m a mother
(One day I’m a mother)
One day I’m a lover
(One day I’m a lover)
What am I supposed to do?
(HATS!)
Working for a livin’
(Working for a livin’)
All because I’m driven
(All because I’m driven)
To be the very best for you
(HATS!)
One day I’m a mother
(One day I’m a mother)
One day I’m a lover
(One day I’m a lover)
What am I supposed to do?
(HATS!)
Working for a livin’
All because I’m driven
To be the very best for you
This may be a dream come true
This may be poetry in motion
This may be a dream come true
But when it all comes down
It’s an often lot to do
It don’t stop no it’s never gonna stop
Why do I have to wear
Thing on my head?
(HATS!)
One day I’m a mother
(One day I’m a mother)
One day I’m a lover
(One day I’m a lover)
What am I supposed to do?
(HATS!)
Working for a livin’
(Working for a livin’)
All because I’m driven
(All because I’m driven)
To be the very best for you
(HATS!)
One day I’m a mother
(One day I’m a mother)
One day I’m a lover
(One day I’m a lover)
What am I supposed to do?
(HATS!)
Working for a livin’
All because I’m driven
To be the very best
Very best nah, nah, nah
(Nah, nah, nah)
(HATS!)
What am I supposed to do?
(HATS!)
Working for a livin’
(Working for a livin’)
All because I’m driven
(All because I’m driven)
To be the very best
It don’t stop
No, it’s never gonna stop
Why do I have to wear?
Why to I have to wear?
(HATS!)
One day I’m a mother
One day I’m a lover
What am I supposed to do?
(HATS!)
Working for a livin’
All because I’m driven
I suppose we all make mistakes. As much as my blood curdles every time I hear this song, I can’t turn my back on Amy. Her other hits are too great to dismiss. I will continue to listen to Amy’s songs for years to come. I’ll tell my children and grandchildren about her, insisting that she was the greatest musical act of my time, much like my parents try to do with The Beatles. Okay, okay. I know you’re up in arms over that comment. I’m just kidding. I love The Beatles and appreciate their contributions to music. But I also love Amy Grant. Sure, they may not be comparable, but she helped form my personality and did not influence me to do drugs, unlike a certain band did with an entire generation.
