OUR ANNIVERSARY
Now and again, any composer of songs can consider themselves very lucky indeed to “write” one, that, with the passage of time, remains popular with the listening public. Some songwriters accomplish this, while many more are not as lucky, and even though “their” songs might be considered “above average,”they “come & go” with monotonous regularity, much to the disappointment of the songwriters’ concerned.
It is not an easy business, this song-writing.
Firstly, there are the composers of music that have no idea of writing “lyrics” & of course, there are the lyricists who cannot write the “music” of a song.
Secondly, There are superb song-writers who simply write the songs that “suit” themselves. Everything is great, the music, the lyrics, the “arrangement”, the band or orchestra that accompany them, but most of the people who want to listen, soon get fed-up with this type of song & switch over to something else.
Thirdly & most importantly, songwriters’ generally, have to depend of someone else to actually “present”
their song. Composers, sometimes cannot sing a note, and would’nt dare to “record” their own compositions.
I have been extremely lucky in this regard. As I always say, it was a “gift” from a generous God that I have cherished and am truly appreciative for.
God gave me the gift of writing both the lyrics & music to over a hundred songs, songs that are meaningful &
“commercial”, in that they are not pieces of music that are forgotten moments after they have been heard.
One example is “Dream-World” which I wrote around 1952 ( both words & music), is still popular in 2016, is so very “commercial” that one only has to sing the opening line, “I’m living in a dream world” and ANY SRI LANKAN, anywhere in the “World” will sing you the rest of the song. I am so very proud if this and appreciate it even if some of them cannot sing a note!, the main thing is that they remember the song.!
In the 1930s a song titled “Anniversary Song” was written, later to be immortalized by the great Al Jolson.
This song was “sung” for years by many entertainers who were requested to perform it for countless couples celebrating their anniversaries all over the Planet. This particular version has now been replaced by many other songs in the same vein, and so I thought it high time to introduce another special anniversary song, to which I have, again, written both the music and lyrics.
Through my good friends Neil Jayaselera, Jude Goonewardane, reviewer Joe Vanlangenberg & others too many to mention, I hope to have this song recorded, to become, in time, another great ANNIVERSARY SONG.(here’s hoping, + the “Lyrics”.)
“OUR ANNIVERSARY”
( to be sung by a male vocalist )
THIS IS, FOR YOU & ME, ON OUR ANNIVERSARY
JUST A SWEET LOVE SONG, FROM MY HEART & ME
I WANT YOU TO KNOW, THAT DARLING, I LOVE YOU SO
THAT’S THE ONLY WAY, I WOULD WANT IT TO BE
FROM THE DAY WE MET,SWEETHEART I CANNOT FORGET
I WAS FEELING SO BLUE, SUDDENLY, THERE WAS YOU
STANDING RIGHT BY MY SIDE & YOU MADE SUCH A LOVELY BRIDE
THEN, THIS HUSH INSIDE, AS YOU WHISPERED “I DO”
MUSICAL INTERLUDE (AS ARRANGED), TO :-
AS THE YEARS PASS BY, MY DARLING, JUST YOU & I
HAVE TO FACE THIS WORLD & WHAT IT MAY BRING
BUT, SWEETHEART,FROM ME, ON OUR ANNIVERSARY
IS THE SPECIAL SONG, THAT I ALWAYS WILL SING.
Note. The lyrics tell the story, the music is absolutely sweet, simple & tender, to match the lyrics & the song will undoubtedly be a number 1 “Hit” around the World
provided it is “recorded” as it should be.
LYRICS & MUSIC BY DESMOND KELLY.
DES KELLY’S UNFLINCHING COMMITMENT: Once again, the twinkling star of ELanka has produced another gem of an original, which has the potential in becoming a chart-topper, depending on how it’s recorded & by whom it will be sung. That will need to be figured out, by any prospective recording studio producer, willing to throw in his/her lot, in anticipation of a positive upshot. The lyrics are extremely heart-warming & emotionally-moving in their entirety; encapsulating the love & respect, partners in life feel for one another. Being the romantic at heart, one of our tear-drop nation’s music pioneers, adds considerable grist to the mill of meaningful lyrics & music, composed by none other than Des himself. It’s a very special song emphasizing the importance of true love, steadfast dedication & unflinching commitment, all of which are central to a relationship; be it de-facto, an engagement, marital, or anything in between. All what matters is how partners in life relate to one another, learning to tolerate each others’ flaws & failings, making adjustments when the need arises & riding the crest of the most formidable wave, even when their boat gets rocked sporadically, by life’s sudden & unpredictable changes. ” OUR ANNIVERSARY”, is a song with a potpourri of sweetness, smoothness & one for easy listening. Des Kelly’s rich, bassy vocals enriches the beautiful lyrics; gilding the lily if you like. It’s a number specially designed for the working man or woman, after a hard, sometimes hassle-laden day at the office, or where ever he or she may be employed. It’s softness can drain out pent-up stress, making people forget about life’s troubles for awhile. For Des Kelly, there was the grind behind the glamour of fame; fame which transformed him into one of the most sought-after performers in showbiz many years back in his ”LOVELY ISLAND HOME”. Since then as stated earlier, Des Kelly has progressed in leaps & bounds, releasing hundreds of originals, which have won & continue winning him widespread acclaim, while simultaneously endearing him to an amalgam of fans along the way. ”OUR ANNIVERSARY” could turn out to be the cream of the crop. Des Kelly is wished only the very best in his future endeavours. Once again, a stupendous song, destined for greater heights; one which could very well be, any recording studio producer’s cherished dream. (REVIEWED BY JOE VAN LANGENBERG).