OH SAY CAN YOU SING

Is there something you ever wanted to do,that most people can do ,but you can't?. How is that for a convoluted sentence? Something that takes you right out of the norm? For me it is singing. You see for years, I really thought I could. Those times that people laughed when I was singing, I just thought the lyrics were tickling them and I would laugh too. Gosh, singing was fun.


I mean, hadn't I been in the school choir when in grade school? I can only say I must have had a good day at try out. My mother really thought I could sing and bought me a ukulele to further my musical skills. That helped to convinced me I could sing. Kind of the same fuzzy logic that owning a gun makes you a marksman.


The uke didn't help the quality of my singing but it sure made me loud. Mothers always think you are talented, brilliant, graceful and beautiful. You really can't trust their opinions. I just this minute realized that I can't recall either of my parents singing, so perhaps it is hereditary.


What I heard in my ears was pretty good singing. What others heard was painful. I have no range so 90% of my notes are struggle notes. Perhaps it is why I can't watch American Idol today. I relate only too well with the poor dreadful singers who pain our ears. Shhhhh, they really don't know how bad they are. Although when Simon gets through with them, they may finally realize it. I could have used a Simon when I was younger. Karaoke showed me I was not alone, Idol convinced me.


I think the majority of people are passable singers. They can carry a tune even if they are not Susan Boyles. Church sings, "Happy Birthday", "take me out to the ball game", and lord luv a duck ,the National Anthem bring forth the "extremely soft sing" from me that I have mastered.


These are the dreaded group sings when my lips move but very little sound can be heard by anyone, even those right next to me. It always helps to position yourself beside a dyed in the wool "belter." The Ethel Merman want a bes. They can drown out people 3 rows forward and back. Just love them. Wish I could rent a belter for special occasions.


But knowing what I know doesn't stop the closet singer in my soul. Singing is a joyful exercise and who doesn't what to be joyful? Thank goodness for cars and radios. Blazing down the highway by my self, windows up, radio cranked to its fullest, I let er rip. Tis a grand feeling. No one is offended and while I know I am awful, I don't care. I am not a severe critic and I am having fun. Getting the words right is all that counts.


Do you have a closet wish for a common skill most people have but you don't? Just one little flaw in you otherwise perfect self? Perhaps to be a good dancer, easy conversationalist, a good cook, understand electronics, have a green thumb, comedic timing, or just everyday confidence? Some of those I have, just don't EVER ask me to sing.