After all the chocolate we consumed last week while watching that man dance around his desk, I thought this week we’d all need to do some exercise. No, I’m not taking you back to the gym, but to the swimming pool. As I can’t swim (and water terrifies me), I’ve got my rubber water-wings ready. Time to change into our bathing costumes, while I take us in Hugh’s music time machine to the year 2003.
Yes, I admit it. I can’t swim! I took lessons at school and could not coordinate my arms and legs to move in the water at the same time. I also refused to let my breath out, so my Father’s dream of me becoming an Olympic swimmer was soon dashed! Oh, and there was the movie Jaws. I’ll never go in the water again! Anyway, it seems that our featured singer has no problems with the water. Over to you, Will…
If you don’t know it, British born, Will Young was the first winner of the UK reality TV show, Pop Idol. It won’t be long before the UK descends into its autumn and winter scheduling of popular TV reality shows and I, for one, can not wait. Will did very well out of winning Pop Idol, becoming an award winning singer who went on to sell millions of albums around the globe. 16 years on, since he won Pop Idol, and he’s still singing and appearing on TV in the UK, most recently as a judge on the not so popular BBC’s summer’s reality show, Pitch Battle.
‘Friday’s Child’ was Will’s seventh single and did very well peaking at number 4 in the UK charts. However, it wasn’t his best selling single, but I took an instant liking to it because I was born on a Friday. There is also a much longer extended version of the song which, as far as I am concerned, is one of the most enjoyable audio sounds to have ever entered my ears. At just under nine minutes long, it’s sheer delight.
The video for the short version of the song does have some strange clips in it, but I’m at a loss as to what to think about the ending. I can’t decide if it’s sad or funny? I don’t think even Will knows. Maybe you can decide for us?
Do you have a favourite song sang by somebody who was in a TV reality show? Share a link to that song in the comments section.
Thank you to everyone who left a link to a favourite song in the comments section of last week’s post. And a big thank you to Ruth, Barbara, and Marie who joined in with publishing a blog post of a favourite song.
Want to join me in building up your 51 favourite songs from the past? Leave a link in the comments section below and showcase your next song.
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I love how you introduce us to so many songs/artists that I have missed somehow. Not sure what rock I was living under! Thanks for spotlighting Will Young for us!
You’re welcome, Donna. I epically like it when I introduce an artist who some have not come across before.
Oh! I have always liked Will and this song, but today the words made me cry : At the hands of Mr. Right
Who cares about no other
I see a mother who lets her children use her up
I know a father to sacrifices his wayward son
I wonder
What you give that someone else is needing nothing
Next to nothing
I am such a mess at the moment but we all have a cross to carry and moaning does not help so onwards and up wards.
Talking of pop idol I liked Darius, Simon Cowl hated him but he is still about producing.
Have a good weekend Hugs 💝💜💗💝💜
Sorry my featured song produced a few tears, Willow. I do love the sound of Will’s voice, even when he talks. It’s so gentle and soothing. I think he’s one of the UK’s most underrated singers.
I like Darius as well, although not heard much about him recently.
Take good care of yourself. I hope your weekend will be full of laughter and smiles.
Take care.
xx
I am sorry I had a little wobble making an effort to smile ..
Keep smiling in the end you mean it.
Will young is just a gentle person a really lovely being. 💗
No need to apologise, Willow. We all have those wobbles from time to time. Just make sure you take care of yourself. You’re the important one.
xx
Thank you Hugh just had a two hour walk by the Thames feeling a little calmer 💗🌹
Fun song! I get a kick out of these post, because I learn about singers I’ve never heard of! Sorry to hear that you don’t swim and are fearful of the water. I teach adult swimming lessons and bet I could get you back in that water. Do me a favor and wear a lifejacket rather than the “water wings of death”, LOL!
If we were nearer, I just might be tempted to have those lessons, Terri. As for a life jacket – yes, I agree. However, it’s unlikely I’ll be going in the water. It still terrifies me. Not just being in it, but the thought of what’s in it. I blame watching the movie Jaws. Steven Spielberg has a lot to answer for. 😀
I lived in San Diego when Jaws came out and I was a regular beach-goer. I swear you could hear crickets at the beaches that summer, but it didn’t stop us from going. They say we have a better chance of winning the lottery than getting attacked by a great white 🙂
Thanks for the reassurance, Terri. 😀 You just reminded me to go and do the lottery. I’ve been doing it since 1995…and yes, you’re right. 😀
Hmmm, that is an interesting ending. I do feel that it is sad- after all his accomplishments he is alone and yet, if he truly loves swimming, maybe he’s happiest. One of my kids is a swimmer- entered high school not being able to dive and was swimming varsity and team captain by graduation. 🙂
Well, I guess he does go back into the water, Kat, so maybe he is happier when swimming. I’ve had some interesting comments about what the ending of the video means. Thanks for joining in.
I love mysterious endings- it causes people to use their imagination. 🙂 You never know what someone will come up with.
Very true, Kat. I much prefer them as well. It gives the reader the chance to decide what is actually happening or what is about to happen.
I’m a Friday boy too. But if we’re talking birthdays … https://youtu.be/mCPqaG8sVDE oh and yes Will is a star, not just his voice but the way he conducts himself. A gent I’d say. Much like you…
Snap, Geoff! I thought there was something that connected us. Now we all know it’s Friday. 😀 As for crying at parties, only when there was no jelly and ice cream. 😀
And thank you for the lovely compliments. I’m sure Will be just as pleased as I am. 😀
Lovely song. A new song and singer for me. I am fond of a cappella and love this version of a Leonard Cohen classic. https://3rsofretirement.com/2017/08/03/hughs-51-weeks51-hits-from-the-past-week-31/
Thanks, Marie. I enjoy Cappella as well.
I’d have to pick this – https://open.spotify.com/track/6XlcraQqLY6wGnXpoVeoko?si=e58craUO
I’m not Spotify, so could not hear the track, but was it a Simon and Garfunkel track?
Sure was 🙂
Were they on a TV reality show? Which one?
PopStars the rivals 😉
OMG, I remember the show but had no idea they were on it.
Yeah, I thought they won it, no? Lol
No idea. I’m about to crawl back under my rock. 😀
Well, once again, I’ve not heard that song before, or of Will, but I loved it! It amazes me how many songs from across the pond don’t make it over here. UK has some brilliant talent. Thanks for sharing Hugh. And I’m no Olympic swimmer either if it makes you feel better. 🙂 ❤
It does, Debby, but I’m betting you can swim – yes? 😀
Will Young is a very underrated singer. I’ve been to one of his concerts and it was a wonderful evening of music. I’ll never tire of his singing or of hearing his voice.
💕
Not the greatest but can tread water if I had to try and save my life, lol. We weren’t taught to swim as kids, whatever we know is self taught – like many things, lol 🙂 xx
You can tread water? Now, that’s magic. ✨ Well, it is to me 🔮 How do people stay up with nothing solid to tread on? 🤔
xx
It’s called the dog paddle, lol. If dogs can do it, so can we. 🙂 xx
The ending depicts the 15 minutes of fame or the public question, “What have you done for me lately.” Neither sad not happy. Just a comment on the human condition. Super choice, Hugh
Ah, thanks, John. That sounds the exact answer I was looking for. I’ve been pondering what the ending was all about, and you’ve struck gold with your answer. Thank you.
Thank you, Hugh. You bring some interesting questions that makes one need to think. Thank you. 🙂
I’m always asking myself questions, John. Blogging is a great way in getting them off your chest. And the blogging community always come up with the answers. So, thank you.
I’ve never actually seen that video! But always loved the song. He has a great singing voice, and is such a genuine nice guy. I actually remember watching him in Pop Idol. Thanks for the blast down memory lane. 😊 Hope all is good with you, Hugh. Xxx
You’re welcome, Ali. Will has done so well since winning Pop Idle (does that make me sound like a teacher?🤔) I’ve enjoyed all the music he’s given us since he won. The longer version of Friday’s Child is one that I constantly play. I never get fed up with listening to it.
Hugs to you.
xx
I never knew he did a longer version… I’ll have to check it out. 😊
I love ‘Leave right Now’ by Will young, and enjoyed his appearance on Pitch Battle, which was fabulous!! (I do so love a choir)!
My favourite winner is Alexanda Burke https://youtu.be/xaWLsgxDzuw
Thanks, Judy. Seeing that Christmas tree on the stage reminded me to buy my Christmas cards. 😀
I agree, Ms Burke has a fantastic singing voice. And, best of all, she wasn’t just a one hit wonder.
Oh Hugh, it is too early for Christmas!! Yes Alexandra is a very talented young lady 🙂
Hugh, I can’t swim either… But I was born on Wednesday, not Friday. Always wished it had been Friday. I never liked the “Wednesday’s child is full of woe” thing. 😉 Hugs on the wing!
I’m glad to have met another non-swimmer, Teagan. I don’t know about you but when I tell people I can’t swim, I get some rather odd looks. 👀
Have a huggable Thursday.
Yes — I get incredulous looks… Have a thriving (and huggable) Thursday!
Your video choice this week was another new one for me. I enjoyed hearing it, and the top video was wonderful! Not sure about the ending. Was it all just a dream of his, being an Olympic swimmer? … Here’s my entry … enjoy! http://wp.me/p3RE1e-3pQ
Reading some of the other comments, I think the ending is all about how we all have that 15 minutes of fame, Barbara. I’m not sure I’ve had mine yet. Then again, maybe I have and I’ve already forgotten about it. 😀
I love Will Young, whatever the song…
Agreed, Ruth. I have all his albums, but Friday’s Child has a special place in the CD rack.
Like him…never heard of him before today. I chuckled at the end 🙂 .. just because it seems so true of how things are but I do have a rather warped sense of humor 🙂 . Poor you not being able to swim! Maybe you were trying too hard to be perfect? Maybe at least focus on floating so you are safer near water 🙂 (Don’t be bringing out the worried Momma Bear in me Hugh!). 🙂 Have a beautiful day!
I can’t even float, Elizabeth. The water seems to want to always suck me under it. I’ll go in up to my ankles, but that’s it. 😀 I’m more of a ‘sit in the shade’ person. Having fair skin doesn’t help, but I prefer to cool down with a beer. 🍺
Glad you enjoyed Will’s music. In my opinion, he’s very underrated. I think he should sing the next ‘James Bond’ movie song.
Have a great Thursday.
Consider yourself lucky that your blogshere mother hen (me😊), doesn’t live there as I’d come scoop you up and go to a pool until you could float. Water safety would worry me too much so I’d drag your cute little Hugh self there and I’d make ya learn as I’ve taught plenty to float. Yes, I’m super fair skinned too so I hear ya there – I’ll get water blisters if I’m in the sun too long – urrr! I agree and liked Will too! Have a beautiful week Hugh!
lol, point taken, Elizabeth. Now I’m off to buy a snorkel. I hope you can fight sharks.🦈 I’ve never watched Jaws since that first time I saw it. And don’t get started on Jellyfish. 😀
Yes, I’m not a shark or jellyfish fan either so we can stick too maybe a pool with a swim up bar👍
Haha… you made me chuckle! But the first video also reminded me of the endless swimming lessons of my kids… so glad that is over… lol!
I loathed swimming lessons, Erika. It’s the only thing I tried doing and was never able to do…even just a little.
And still, you have found your way … on the dry land😄
Thanks for sharing that song Hugh, I cannot say that is one I remember but loved the video. 🙂
You’re welcome, Rose. I’m not sure what to think about the ending of the video. I wanted to laugh, but couldn’t bring myself to do so.
I think it was a little sad, you are there in the news one minute and within the blink of an eye folk have moved onto something else. Great blogs though Hugh so thanks 🙂
Very true. Thanks for your thoughts on that ending, Rose. 😀
I appreciate learning about Mr. Young. thank you
You’re welcome. He’s got a great voice.
Grest song choice Hugh! Love a bit of Will Young!
Me too, Ritu, even though I could not join him in the pool. 😀
Lol!!! I dare not show lil Princess the video as she is desperate to go swimming at the moment and we haven’t been able to go!
Oh dear. I hope she gets to go by the time the summer holidays are over.
We go to Brum.next week. We always go swimming there!!!!