Writings in the Sand

They're Coming To Take Me Away - Ha, Ha!

When I say this song reminds me of my sister, it has nothing to do with her mental state. Growing up in the sixties, my musical tastes were highly influenced by older siblings. I remember the differences in the styles of music they preferred. Things were changing rapidly. For my eldest sister, there was Elvis and Tom Jones. The next sister was all about Bob Dylan and Peter, Paul and Mary. My brother was into Dylan, too, but the later Dylan with the electric guitar who wrote the mysterious songs and was no longer just a folk singer. I appreciate all of their contributions to my musical memory archives.

This song added nothing to the richness of my musical experience. My sister had it on a 45. The reverse side was the song in reverse. If you know what a 45 is or had one, you are older than dirt like me. And you don't care that this record was no great musical achievement. You're just glad you can sing all the words. For me, it reminds me of my sister (who could say all the words - she couldn't sing a note).