It has occurred to me that Tom Jones’ (arguably) three most famous songs put together tell a story.
The songs were written years apart by different creators, with no intended connection between them. Nevertheless, they could form a short musical play. Maybe even a full musical with more songs.
The plot goes like this:
It’s Not Unusual. The protagonist is in love with a woman, but he sees her hanging around with other men. This upsets him and makes him cry.
Delilah. The protagonist passes his lover’s house. Through a window he can see her with another man. In the morning he confronts her. She laughs at him and he kills her. He waits for the police to arrive.
The Green Green Grass of Home. The protagonist returns to his home town. Friends and family come to see him. Then he awakes, and knows it was just a dream. He is in prison on the morning of his scheduled execution.
This game is a challenge for you to find a similar trio* of songs that tell a story.
*or quartet, or more, I’m flexible.
Preferably they should have notable performances by the same singer or band. I can accept songs by three different singers, but it’s much better if it’s the same one.
The only essential rule is that the songs must not have been written with a deliberate connection in mind.
(Moderators, I was in two minds which forum to post it in, but I think it’s more of a game than a discussion of music. Move it if you must.)
How’s this:
Johnny Cash
A Boy Named Sue tells of a person who was saddled with something embarrassing from when he was young, maybe a name (like “Percy”), or an affliction (like a birthmark or handicap) that caused him to be ostracized, and his desire to become accepted by any means necessary.
I Walk the Line where the boy, now a man, meets a woman who accepts him, warts and all, for who he is. But the man has been angry for so long, it’s an impossible challenge for him to change, and to be a better man for her.
Delia after years of trying to improve himself, the man stumbles and his inner demon comes out, either in physical form where he inflicts pain or death upon the woman, or emotionally that causes the woman to ultimately turn away and leave the man. Either way, he “kills” his chance at happiness.
Three singles from Lesley Gore’s early career, arguably the three best-known songs she did.
It’s My Party. Her boyfriend Johnny breaks up with her and starts dating Judy, who starts wearing his ring.
Judy’s Turn to Cry is an actual intended sequel. Lesley kisses another boy at a party to make Johnny jealous. He punches him and gets back with Lesley.
You Don’t Own Me is not an intentional sequel from what I can tell, but it fits. There’s soon trouble in paradise. Johnny has staked his claim on Lesley with his violent assault on the boy she kissed. Now he’s trying to tell her what she can and can’t do, and she ain’t having it. She’s young, wild, and free, and Johnny better deal with it.
All by different singers, but…
“Wolverton Mountain” – A young man plans to visit the girl he loves, despite the hostile reception he expects from her father.
“I Walk the Line” – They are together, and he is sure he’ll always be faithful to her …
“Pffft You Were Gone” – … but she leaves him.
“Walking the Floor Over You” – He is miserable without her.
“If You’ve Got the Money I’ve Got the Time” – But eventually he goes looking for another girl to keep him company.
(Claude King, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Ernest Tubb, and Lefty Frizzell)
Duck soup!
Evie by Stevie Wright
Part 1 “let your hair hang down”
Part 2 “I’m so in love with you”
Part 3 “I’m losing you”
11 minutes of rock opera.
The infamous Gary Puckett suite.As a woman I know famously observed, “What a pig!”
Young Girl I’m hot for you, but I don’t want to go to jail
** Lady Willpower** You’re old enough now, so how about it?
This Girl Is a Woman Now Hot damn! She said yes.
Woman Woman Uhh, I think I opened Pandora’s Box here
Don’t Give Into Him The horse is already out of the barn, but maybe I can beg her to stop cheating
Gary Puckett and the Union Gap:
Young Girl - he’s attracted to her (and vice versa), but she’s too young so he puts her off
Lady Willpower - she’s old enough now.
This Girl is a Woman Now - the obvious has happened
Woman, Woman - she’s seeing someone else. The relationship is falling apart
Over You - she’s gone
Tom Lehr:
Boy Grows Up in a highly dysfunctional Environment: May Home Town
Meets woman with similar tastes; Masochism Tango.
They grow old together sharing their similar interests: Poisoning Pigeons in the park
But eventually she gets too old to maintain his interest: When you are old a gray.
So he does away with her: I hold your hand in mine