Anecdotes

This section lists my anecdotes about the song lyrics I chose with a little more info on each song and any personal connections I may have. Not every song elicits much background, I just like the lyrics and melody in the context of an entrepreneur. It’s as simple as that.


YouTube Links

I’ve included links to YouTube videos where available and you can always find the complete songs on your favourite music app. Remember that these are music videos so turn up the volume or use ear buds.

Song Lyrics


“I fell in to a burning ring of fire. Went down, down, down. And the flames went higher. And it burns, burns, burns… “


“Ring Of Fire” Johnny Cash


“He said he seen my enemy, he said he looked like me.”
LOOKING IN THE MIRROR? ( JUNE 5, 2023)
Same Mistake James Blunt


“You must be crazy or half insane.”
YOU WANT TO OPEN A RESTAURANT? ( Mar 29, 2023)
“You’re Insane” Rod Stewart (Official Video)


“Take good care of my business, when I’m away”
RESTAURANTS REQUIRE CONSTANT ATTENTION ( Mar 1, 2023)
“Takin Care of Business” by Bachman-Turner Overdrive Live At The Roseland Ballroom NYC


“The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades”
LOOKING AHEAD ( Feb 8, 2023)
“The Future’s So Bright” by Timbuk 3 Official Music Video


“Confront your enemies, avoid them when you can”
KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE AND YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER? ( Jan 13, 2023)
“Englishman In New York” by STING. Official Music Video


“Oh the sweet smell of success”
THE THINGS I’M PROUD OF AS A RESTAURATEUR ( Dec 9, 2022)
“Handle With Care” by The Traveling Wilburys. Official Music Video


“Who’s gonna drive you home. Tonight?”
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF OPERATING A LICENSED EATERY ( Nov 29, 2022)
“Drive” by The Cars. Official Music Video


“Let me pour you a good long drink”
THE WORDS I LIKE TO HEAR AT THE END OF A HECTIC WEEK ( Nov 8, 2022)
“Tonight’s The Night (Gonna Be Alright) by Rod Stewart. 1976


“It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to”
IT’S MY BLOG AND I’LL WRITE WHAT I WANT TO ( Oct 28, 2022)
“It’s My Party” by Lesley Gore. Melbourne 1989


“I felt so good, like anything was possible”
RUNNIN’ DOWN A DREAM ( Oct 14, 2022)
“Runnin’ Down A Dream” by Tom Petty.
With The Heartbreakers.


“You’re up one day and the next you’re down. It’s a half an inch of water and you think you’re going to drown”
ROLLER COASTER OF EMOTIONS ( Sept 27, 2022)
“That’s the Way the World goes Round” by John Prine. John died on April 7, 2020.


“Using words as ammunition”
WORDS MAKE A POWERFUL WEAPON ( Sept 13, 2022)
“Violin” by Amos Lee. PBS Season 5 – Recorded 333 ft below ground, deep inside Tennessee’s Cumberland Caverns.


“And I’ve been putting out the fire with gasoline”
MY BUSINESS WAS STRUGGLING, SO I ADDED A BISTRO ( July 26, 2022)
“Cat People (Putting Out Fire)” by David Bowie. Not a live version but this video emulates the haunting feel of the 1982 movie.


“Pressure!”
THE PRESSURE OF RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL/CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED RESTAURANT (July 8, 2022)
“Under Pressure” by Queen with David Bowie. Wembley, 1985.


“Did I disappoint you? Or leave a bad taste in your mouth”
DEALING WITH INVESTORS WHEN YOUR BUSINESS FAILS (June 3, 2022)
One” by U2. Paris, 2015.


“I got nothing to do, and all day to do it”
WHEN YOU OWN A RESTAURANT, YOU NEED DOWNTIME (May 24, 2022)
Too Much Time On My Hands” by Styx. Chicago, 1996.

“Oh, that magic feeling, Nowhere to go”
WHEN YOU OWN A RESTAURANT, YOU NEED DOWNTIME (May 24, 2022)
“You Never Give Me Your Money” by The Beatles. Abbey Road (Studio Album)


“This is the end”
KNOWING WHEN IT’S OVER? (May 13, 2022)
“The End” by The Doors. Toronto, 1967.


“Wasted all those years”
WERE MY YEARS AS A RESTAURATEUR WASTED? (May 6, 2022)
“Holding Back The Years” by Simply Red. This song just gets better when accompanied by a 40-piece orchestra.


“I wish I knew what I know now, when I was younger”
TOO SOON OLD, TOO LATE SMART (Apr 26, 2022)
“Ooh La La” by The Faces. Rod Stewart hooked up again with Ronnie Wood in 2015 at Hurtwood Park.


“Cause I’m in need of some restraint”
WHEN YOU THINK YOU CAN’T LOSE (Apr 15, 2022)
“Sympathy For The Devil” by The Rolling Stones. The Rolling Stones Sympathy For The Devil Live: Zilker Park, 2006.


“Where everybody knows your name”
THE CONTRAST BETWEEN A BAR PATRON AND A RESTAURANT PATRON (Apr 8, 2022)
“Where Everybody Knows Your Name” by Gary Portnay.
“Cheers” theme song with lyrics.


“Changes, like a seed to a flower, like a boy to a man”
GROWING UP (Mar 29, 2022)
“So Blind” by Alan Frew. From Alan Frew’s solo album. He was a member of Glass Tiger.


“I’m a loser”
BEATING THE DEFEATIST FEELING (Mar 18, 2022)
“I’m A Loser” by The Beatles. The Beatles 1964 performance on Shindig. Note the milk commercial at the start.


“It’s the chance of a lifetime, in a lifetime of chance”
HOW MANY CHANCES DO WE GET TO CHASE OUR DREAMS? (Mar 11, 2022)
“Run For The Roses” by Dan Fogelberg. Dan Fogelberg left us too soon. Prostate cancer took him at just 56 years old.


“Ain’t you hungry for success, success, success, success?”
DO WE LEARN MORE FROM OUR MISTAKES OR OUR SUCCESSES? (Feb 22, 2022)
“Shattered” by The Rolling Stones. Another performance (Tempe, Arizona 1981) of this song that I already used for a previous post.


“Well, if you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand”
INVESTORS THAT LOSE WILL BE BITTER (Feb 11, 2022)
“In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins. Check out the percussion rich video from the 2004 Paris concert with Phil, Chester Thompson, and Luis Conte performing “Take Me Home.”


“Shout, shout, let it all out”
MY BRIEF BARTENDING JOB IN A NIGHTCLUB (Feb 8, 2022)
“Shout” by Tears for Fears. Night Of The Proms – Antwerp, Belgium 2006


“Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends”
I EMPATHIZE WITH COMIC STRIP CARTOONISTS (Feb 4, 2022)
“With A Little Help From My Friends” by Joe Cocker. Lennon & McCartney wrote this song for Ringo to sing the lead. This video is Joe Cocker’s iconic version at 1969 Woodstock.


“At last”
CONSTRUCTING A RESTAURANT IN AN OLD BOTTLING PLANT; WHAT WAS I THINKING? READY TO OPEN (Feb 1, 2022)
“At last” by Etta James. Etta James’ rich voice adds to this sentiment. I couldn’t find any live versions of this song.


“Only the beginning, only just the start”
THE FIRST TASTE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP (Jan 25, 2022)
“Beginnings” by Leonid & Friends. Another Chicago song cover. Obviously, I’m a big fan of this Russian band.


“Regrets, I’ve had a few”
DO I REGRET GOING INTO THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS? (Jan 18, 2022)
“My Way” by Elvis Presley. The King performed Sinatra’s iconic song in 1973 in Hawaii.


“And as I try to make my way to the ordinary world, I will learn to survive”
THE ORDINARY WORLD (Jan 14, 2022)
Ordinary World” by Duran Duran. This song struck a chord that resonated with my outlook after filing for bankruptcy.


“Tuesday afternoon”
MY RESTAURANT ROUTINE (Jan 4, 2022)
“Tuesday Afternoon” by The Moody Blues. This song was written by Moody Blues lead singer Justin Hayward, who explained: “I sat down in a field, smoked a funny African cigarette, and that song just came out. It was a Tuesday afternoon.”


“There’s such a lot for me to learn”
THE LEARNING NEVER ENDS Dec 21, 2021)
“Caesar Rock” by Paul McCartney. Paul McCartney is still churning out the songs. Caesar Rock is from his 2018 album “Egypt Station.” As expected, there is no live version.


“money money money money, money”
MONEY, IS IT THE ENTREPRENEUR’S TRUE MOTIVATOR? Dec 14, 2021)
“For The Love of Money” by The O’Jays. This line is repeated six times at the start of the song. That’s 30 times that “money” is chanted. The bass beat is classic.

“Did your money make you better”
MONEY, IS IT THE ENTREPRENEUR’S TRUE MOTIVATOR? Dec 14, 2021)
“The Wall Street Shuffle” by 10cc. 10cc released this song in 1974. This live performance is from 1993.

“Now give me money, (That’s what I want)”
MONEY, IS IT THE ENTREPRENEUR’S TRUE MOTIVATOR? Dec 14, 2021)
“Money (That’s What I Want)” by The Beatles. The Beatles live performance from 1963. You can almost hear them sing. This is one of the few songs that they didn’t write. Berry Gordy (Motown) & Janie Bradord hold that distinction.


“If the door is open, it isn’t theft”
SHRINKAGE IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY (Nov 26, 2021)
“Cedarwood Road” by U2. U2 performed this song in Paris in 2015 after postponement due to the Nov 13th attacks by Islamist terrorists.


“Ticking away the moments that make up the dull day”
I GET BORED EASILY (Nov 19, 2021)
“Time” by Pink Floyd. Pink Floyd set aside their differences to reunite and play live.


“You should always let the sun go down on your anger”
EMOTIONS CAN HURT YOU IN BUSINESS (Nov 16, 2021)
Party of One” by Brandi Carlile. Brandi Carlile’s duet with Sam Smith is rich and comforting.


“Psychobabble, all psychobabble”
PSYCHOBABBLE (Nov 9, 2021)
Psychobabble” by Alan Parsons Project. This song was released in 1982 on the Eye In The Sky album.


“When a young man slips into his self-destructive streak”
FORGETTING TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF (Oct 12, 2021)
“Where I Am Now” by Don Henley. There’s no video available with the sound or music. This one is just the lyrics with a montage of Henley photos. It’s another song from his Cass County album.


“Still a man hears what he wants to hear, and disregards the rest”
STUBBORN OR JUST FOCUSED? (Sept 28, 2021)
“The Boxer” by Paul Simon. Paul Simon’s penned this 1969 song when he felt he was being beaten up by the critics and was inspired by The Bible, which he sometimes read in hotels. This YouTube video is from The Concert in Central Park.


“Back in the U.S.S.R.” & “Well, the Ukraine girls really knock me out”
MY MOST BIZARRE DINING EXPERIENCE (Sept 24, 2021)
“Back in the U.S.S.R.” by Paul McCartney. Do you think I would have used any other song for this post? Paul McCartney’s classic song from The Beatles’ White Album. This video is a live performance from Red Square. Note Putin grooving to the tune.


“I got crows at my window and dogs at my door, but I don’t think I can take anymore”
HALFWAY THRU CONSTRUCTION, I RAN OUT OF MONEY (Sept 17, 2021)
“I Don’t Know” by Paul McCartney. Beatlemania enveloped me when I was in grades 5 – 6 and McCartney is still writing and performing over 50 years later. Maybe he needs the money.


“And if you don’t give up, and don’t give in, You may just be okay”
BANKRUPTCY IS NOT THE END OF THE DREAM (Sept 10, 2021)
“Living Years” by Mike & The Mechanics. This song is about regret of an unresolved conflict between a father and son. Mike Rutherford is also known as a member of Genesis.

“I’m a shattered, shattered”
BANKRUPTCY IS NOT THE END OF THE DREAM (Sept 10, 2021)
“Shattered” by The Rolling Stones. Mick Jagger sure sounds upbeat for being shattered.


“You only beat me if you get me to hate”
CUISINES KNOCK DOWN BARRIERS AND BRING THE WORLD TOGETHER (Sept 3, 2021)
“Great Wall of China” by Billy Joel. This isn’t a kick at China, but a reference to the magnificence of the wall. It’s really about Billy’s former manager and brother-in-law who screwed him over financially. It was released on Billy Joel’s twelfth studio album “River of Dreams.”

“Take a walk on the wild side”
CUISINES KNOCK DOWN BARRIERS AND BRING THE WORLD TOGETHER (Sept 3, 2021)
“Walk On the Wild Side” by Lou Reed. Lou Reed performed this song at Live at Farm Aid 1985.


“Good things, in life, take a long time”
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE, EVEN IN BUSINESS (Aug 24, 2021)
“(I’ve Been) Searchin’ So Long” by Leonid & Friends. Leonid Vorobyev is the music producer of this Russian band that’s covered many Chicago tunes, among other artists. Their cover of “I’m a Man” is one of the best versions of this Steve Winwood classic.


There is no monopoly on common sense
COMMON SENSE IS NOT THAT COMMON (Aug 17, 2021)
“Russians” by Sting – Moscow concert. “Russians” by Sting – Chilean concert. I have an obsession with Russia as I grew up during the cold war. I had the incredible opportunity to travel across that vast country in 1978 and Sting’s rendition still evokes the oppression I felt.

“Oh, those Russians”

We were summer young and livin’ for a Friday
TGIF. AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT MEANING IN THE RESTAURANT COMMUNITY (Aug 13, 2021)
“Freedom Was a Highway” by Jimmie Allen & Brad Paisley. Would this be considered a rockabilly or a country rock song? Either way, it’s got a great beat, rhythm, pulse, whatever.


“I ain’t no wise man, but i ain’t no fool. And I believe that Mother Nature is taking us to school”

Maybe we just took too much and put too little back. It isn’t knowledge, it’s humility we lack”
MOTHER NATURE’S PISSED. CAN YOU BLAME HER? (Aug 6, 2021)
“Praying For Rain” by Don Henley. Droughts in Henley’s home state of Texas were the catalyst for this song. The song is from his Cass County album that was his dabbling into country music. His back-up singers are of note.


You’d think that waitress could get my order right the first time
COMPING MEALS & DRINKS – THE BAD (July 30, 2021)
“Ain’t Hurtin Nobody” by John Prine. Prine performed this song on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 1995. The song includes one of his best lines: “There’s a rooster layin’ chickens, and chickens layin’ eggs.”


“Hey big spender
COMPING MEALS & DRINKS – THE GOOD (July 27, 2021)
“Big Spender” by Peggy Lee. This song comes from the 1966 musical “Sweet Charity.” Peggy Lee’s silky voice adds to the rich sound of this very sexy song. Shirley Bassey is also known for this song. It contains the classic line: “I don’t pop my cork for every guy I see.”


I’m going off the rails on a crazy train”
THE FIRST NEW YEAR’S EVE WAS LIKE A DEER CAUGHT IN THE HEADLIGHTS (July 23, 2021)
“Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne. This was Ozzy’s first solo single after leaving Black Sabbath. Crazy can best describe the restaurant business at its worst or best. It depends on the moment.


“What are you doing New Year’s, New Year’s Eve?”
THE FIRST NEW YEAR’S EVE WAS LIKE A DEER CAUGHT IN THE HEADLIGHTS (July 23, 2021)
“What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” by Ella Fitzgerald. One of my favourite female singers.

“Summertime” by Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong. I had to add this song from Ella’s songbook and her collaboration with Louis Armstrong while I have an opportunity to tout it. It’s my go-to song for a hot summer afternoon on my deck with a cold beverage, where the living is easy.


On a beau l’aimer plus que tout, En devenir fou”
BACKGROUND MUSIC SETS THE MOOD FOR DINING & DRINKING (July 20, 2021)
“On a Beau” by Diane Tell. Translating these lyrics to English is difficult because it’s essentially poetry – “No matter how much you love him to the point of insanity.” All I remember is the melody and backdrop of my bistro in the Old Strathcona district that reminded me of cafes in Europe. Escapism at its best.


Bet you’d sell your mother, You can buy another”
MY MOTHER WAS MY FIRST BOOKKEEPER, AND I HAD TO LET HER GO (July 13, 2021)
“The Wall Street Shuffle” by 10cc. This song about corporate greed further highlights the dark side of commerce.


Well, a high wire is a dangerous game, but a hard act to follow”
AFTER OWNING A RESTAURANT, WHAT DO YOU DO FOR AN ENCORE (July 2, 2021)
“Size of Sorrow” by Tears for Fears. There isn’t a video of a live version of this song. The graphics for this video are still soothing to watch though.


Dreams (dreams, dreams) D-d-d-dreams (oh oh oh)”
DO DREAMS ABOUT WORK QUALIFY AS OVERTIME? (June 22, 2021)
“Dreams” by Beck. Beck performed this song at KCRW (Los Angeles) in 2017. This is how your eyes would look after three espressos loaded with sugar twin.


Sometimes you get the best light from a burning bridge”
DON’T BURN ANY BRIDGES? (June 15, 2021)
“My Thanksgiving” by Don Henley. Henley returned to his Texas roots in 2000 to perform this song at a concert in Dallas. Finally, he seemed to be at peace with his career, family, & life.


When I bit off more than I could chew”
GO BIG OR GO HOME? (June 8, 2021)
“My Way” by Frank Sinatra. This video is from a performance at Madison Square Garden, NYC in 1974. Paul Anka adapted it from the French song “Comme d’habitude”. It became Sinatra’s signature song, although he was known to have a real hate on for it.


I drive my car without the brakes”
BEING FEARLESS CAN’T HURT. CAN IT? (June 4, 2021)
“Mountain At My Gates” by Foals. The line of lyrics I used from this song are specific to my post, and as always, the context I use matches the post’s theme. There are many different interpretations of the song that focus on confronting the mountain. Another post in the workings?


Who gotta a match?”
I WAS THE TARGET OF AN ARSONIST (June 1, 2021)
Burning Down The House” by Talking Heads. This performance was recorded in 1983 in Los Angeles. There are more songs on YouTube from this concert and they showcase the incredible energy level that David Byrne would bring to his shows.


Walk a mile in my shoes”
OFFERING AN APOLOGY (May 28, 2021)
“Walk a Mile In My Shoes” by Joe South. Joe South wrote and released this song in 1970 and Elvis Presley was also known for performing this song. The phrase means that you should try to understand someone before criticizing them. What a novel idea.


It’s under my skin but out of my hands”
DON’T LET WHAT YOU CAN’T CONTROL EAT AT YOU (May 21, 2021)
“Women in Chains” by Tears for Fears. Oleta Adams provides the female voice to this emotive song. It focuses on the abusive relationship between a man and a woman, which is still too common. The lyrics are powerful and poignant. What is even more disturbing is that the man, a boxer, is so gentle with his pigeons. Weak best describes his character.


Now we’re cookin”
FIRE – NOW WE’RE COOKING (May 18, 2021)
Crockpot Girl” by Rebecca Lappa. There are so many references to food in the lyrics by this local (Edmonton) musician. Ironically, I first heard the song on the wfmu.org non-commercial radio station in Jersey City, NJ that was suggested by my son.


Because your mind is on vacation and your mouth is working overtime”
OPENING A RESTAURANT? EXPECT FEEDBACK FROM EVERYONE (May 14, 2021)
Your Mind Is On Vacation” by Mose Allison. Mose Allison was making music during the popularity of beatniks. Beatniks were cool and associated with the Beat Generation. They stressed artistic expression and alienated themselves from the conventional or “square” aspects of society.


It’s the good advice that you just didn’t take”
OPENING A RESTAURANT? EXPECT FEEDBACK FROM EVERYONE (May 14, 2021)
Ironic” by Alanis Morissette. Alanis performed this signature song on Howard Stern’s radio show in 2004. Irony seems to be prevalent everywhere these days and more common than usual. Head-scratching at best.


I’ll be watching you”
OBSERVE, IF YOU WILL (May 11, 2021)
Every Breath You Take” by The Police. A supposed love song that actually references stalking and jealousy. I read that some couples even played it at their wedding. That’s creepy. It was released in 1983 on the Synchronicity album. The YouTube link is from a performance at the Tokyo Dome in 2008.


Time is on my side, yes it is”
START EARLY, SO YOU CAN RECOVER IF YOU DON’T SUCCEED (May 7, 2021)
Time Is On My Side” by The Rolling Stones. This video is from The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. The band was on a fall concert tour and this appearance generated over a million dollars in ticket sales. Although it brought the ire of conservative adults who thought the band was a scruffy bunch, they did capture the attention of the American audience.


“Closing time, one last call for alcohol so finish your whiskey or beer” ” … but you can’t stay here”
CLOSING TIME IN A BAR (May 4, 2021)
“Closing Time” by Semisonic. Two lines of this song were used for this post. The first time I heard “last call for alcohol” as well as “drink ‘em up before we pick ‘em up” was in 1977 during the Christmas break at a strip club in San Diego called Pacers. I had won a trip to California and I brought along two close friends. We decided to check out all the tourist sites. The prize also included an RV for two weeks. A recipe for much shenanigans for 3 twentysomething guys.


“I don’t need you anymore, I don’t need you anymore”
FAREWELL FACEBOOK (May 3, 2021)
“Believe” by Adam Lambert. Originally recorded by Cher, this cover by Adam Lambert at the 41st Kennedy Center Honors showcases his incredible voice. No wonder he was the best choice to replace Freddie Mercury in Queen.


“If it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have no luck at all”
IF IT WASN’T FOR BAD LUCK (April 30, 2021)
“Born Under a Bad Sign” by Cream. You don’t have to be in business to have this sentiment every now and again. Cream typified the classic British rock & roll band and could truly play the blues. The YouTube link is their 1993 performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.


“On the summer side of life”
WHAT SEASON OF LIFE DO YOU THINK YOU’RE IN? (April 23, 2021)
“On The Summer Side Of Life” by Gordon Lightfoot. This YouTube video is from a BBC live performance aired in 1972. The song was released just as I graduated from high school and it obviously struck a chord.


“Can I handle the seasons of my life”
WHAT SEASON OF LIFE DO YOU THINK YOU’RE IN? (April 23, 2021)
“Landslide” by The Chicks. Stevie Nicks wrote and recorded this song in 1974 and The Chicks recorded it on their 2002 album Home. Definitely a spiritual question.


“We’re all in this together”
NEW RULES FOR THE RESTAURANT GAME (April 13, 2021)
“We’re All In This Together” by Sam Roberts Band. A driving beat with a simple message that we can all identify with these days. No one’s getting off this planet soon, no matter what Elon Musk says. The YouTube video is black&white which created an apocalyptic feel. It includes a studio perspective during the recording of the song resulting in an extended video.


“…remember to breathe”
REMEMBER TO BREATHE (March 26, 2021)
“Remember to Breathe” by Sturgill Simpson. The YouTube link is just the audio with a cover shot from the album “Sound & Fury.” There is another video of the song, but the animation was too violent for my taste.


“You’re not the boss of me now, You’re not the boss of me now, You’re not the boss of me now”
WHO WANTS TO BE HIS OWN BOSS (March 19, 2021)
“Boss Of Me” by They Might Be Giants. Keep repeating this lyric and maybe it will come true. This was the theme song for the sitcom TV series Malcom In the Middle that ran from 2000 – 2006. Bryan Cranston has really shown his acting chops since then.


“Moneys too tight to mention”
I FINANCED MY RESTAURANT AT CREDIT CARD RATES (March 16, 2021)
Moneys Too Tight (To Mention)” by Simply Red. This song was written and first recorded by The Valentine Brothers in 1982 and covered by Simply Red in 1985. The video is from the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1992 and takes a poke at Ronnie Reagan’s fiscal policies as U.S. President. His trickle-down economics shit on the middle class. I know all too well about money problems. If this song doesn’t get your toes tapping, you’re comatose.


“To forget about life for a while”
THE ESCAPISM OF A RESTAURANT (March 9, 2021)
“Piano Man” by Billy Joel . This is the second tidbit of song lyrics I grabbed from Billy Joel’s Piano Man as the words fit the premise of this post so well. The video is another version of Billy in a bar/lounge. “Don’t grope the server!” needs to be repeated until this practice stops. Politics be damned.


“You make me wanna cry”
COVID-19 & THE SCAVENGERS (March 2, 2021)
“Cry” by Godley & Creme. The song was released in 1985. Godley and Creme were members of the rock band 10cc. Their rich vocals are as good as it gets. This video was one of three that used transitioning faces in black & white. I refer the “you” in the lyrics to be pointed at the overall dire situation in the world these days, specifically COVID-19.


“You don’t know me, you don’t know me at all”
IF YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL, ARE OTHERS SURPRISED? (February 23, 2021)
“You Don’t Know Me At All” by Don Henley. This link is from a David Letterman show in 1996. Poor video quality but the sound is only marginally better. Many of Henley’s song lyrics can be acerbic as he gets perturbed quite easily. His combative relationship with the media is notable, i.e. “Dirty Laundry.”


“When I wore a younger man’s clothes”
IS THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS A YOUNG MAN’S GAME? (February 2, 2021)
“Piano Man” by Billy Joel. I was in Los Angeles scouting furniture and eateries before I started construction on my restaurant. My mentor and I went to this upscale lounge in Beverly Hills and I was amazed by how good the resident piano player was. He reminded me of Billy Joel. I forgot where we were and how rich the talent pool is in L.A. It was the only lounge we visited twice and the cocktail server even remembered our drink order from the previous night. Classy joint.


“You wouldn’t believe what I’ve been through”
CONSTRUCTING A RESTAURANT IN AN OLD BOTTLING PLANT;
WHAT WAS I THINKING! (January 22, 2021)

“Cat People (Putting Out Fire)” by David Bowie. I remember listening to this song when I’d go running at night after another crazy day in my restaurant. It seemed appropriate at the time. The YouTube video blends some great video with tidbits from the 1982 horror movie that starred Nastassja Kinski and Malcolm McDowell.


“I got gas in the tank, I got money in the bank”
YOU NEED JUST TWO THINGS TO START A RESTAURANT (January 12, 2021)
“The Man” by The Killers. I hadn’t thought about using music lyrics in my blog until I heard this song. When I first heard it, I thought that this captured the simplest requirements to be an entrepreneur. A bit of a cocky attitude as well.


“Heads on straight and that’s all that matters”
I WAS A RESTAURANT ENTREPRENEUR – THIS BLOG IS MY THERAPY
(January 4, 2021)
“King of El Paso” by Boz Scaggs. A cool song by a very cool musician. If you check the many song lyrics websites, you’ll find that it states “My Hearts” instead of “Heads.” Heads makes more sense anyway. Great advice.


“Just listen close I’ll tell you how I feel, you need to know so I’ll talk slow, I always keep it real”
KEEP IT REAL
“How’m I Gonna Find You Now” by James McMurty. McMurty’s lyrics and rockabilly rhythm are catchy with the right amount of grit. Note that I don’t approve of the customer’s tipping manner with the bartender in the YouTube video.

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Irma Favero
Irma Favero
3 years ago

excellent clips i really enjoyed listening to them

Gary Prince
Gary Prince
2 years ago

Well, I’m finally going to bite. Love the insight. Those restaurants had a great vibe to work in. I’ll never forget the late night water fights at the small restaurant. I will post more comments as time permits but I will say your “Beans” was a very special place. I will also say that the economics of our National Energy Program in Canada caused the oil and gas industry to leave completely and there were no New restaurants that survived through that time. I wonder why your journey had to include this misfortune and I wonder if there is a blog to post about forgiveness? I imagine things got pretty ugly when shit hit the fan. Glad to see you’re doing well.