Locked down with my Ukulele 44

These are strange times and at times like these you need friends.

I did my teaching qualification in a group of my peers. One guy was an already experienced University lecturer but as he was going to teach in a college, he had to take the teaching qualification. Different levels and ages of education require a verity of teaching techniques. So the training was an expectation of the establishment.

He related an experience that I’ve relied on for quite a few years.

He taught phycology. He, in the past, worked for an eminent University outside the British Isles. His department decided to get an eminent psychiatrist to come in for an educational workshop. So said eminent experts were booked and the expected day was waited with expectation.

The eminent authority, as it turns out, was considerably past his prime. As I was informed he had “gone the way of many highly intelligent academic’s.” According to my colleague he became a raging alcoholic. Half a bottle of whiskey on his cornflakes for breakfast. So given that these events tend to span the middle of the day it was promising to be an interesting workshop.

Introductions duly made and the day got under way. Speaker after speaker was introduced and said his /her piece and they waited for intellectual gems. Silence.

As my colleague related to me “they then wheeled out their tame Schizophrenics.” (Sorry if this phase grates but I feel an obligation to tell the story as it was told to me). Silence.

They continued. After a while they directly approached the learned gentleman and said directly. “Do you not have any insights into our discussion?”

He struggled to his feet and the room feel silent. He then raised a crooked finger and pointed around the room.

He bellowed” Youse! Youse! And Youse!”

He swayed a little and then gave his evaluation of the situation.

“Youse got no friends!”

He then walked out. Leaving behind a stunned silence.

I did find myself wondering what was the point? My colleague obliged by translation. He explained that if you don’t have friends or communicate with people you spend your time in your own head. You unhealthily rerun situations in your life and become introverted.

He went onto say that phycology is about self healing. Talking things out so you find the solutions yourself. If you spend the time in your own thoughts you start to hear voices of yourself in conflict. Then you really do start to hear disturbing voices.

It’s good to have friends to genuinely pour your heart out to. The phase “No man is an island” is a true statement.

I was told all of this when I was going through a tough patch and in the golden glow of sodium street lights in the college car park. I think it was the best piece of free therapy I was ever given. It does mean that British telecom was right “it’s good to talk.”

You got a friend in me (Randy Newman)-You got a friend (Carol King)

I couldn’t split myself between these tunes. The message from both is similar but exercised in very different ways. The song titles are so close I’m sure they are mixed up on a frequent basis.

You got a friend in me was written by Randy Newman and used in the excellent Pixar film series Toy Story. It was nominated for an Oscar but was beaten by Pocahontas. A film I have never seen but really should. Come to that I’ve not seen Toy Story 4. The films are an exception to the rule that sequels are never as good as the original. I assume there is a very critical script supervisor that makes the decision, if it isn’t good you don’t make it. I’m sure the key cast members are able to say whether it’s good or not. I have only heard about the fourth one and am told it’s just as good as the others. So I’ll take that on board and say all the films stand up to criticism.

I heard Newman play the song on a huge grand piano. I was surprised that “pipey” opening sounded so great and I was convinced that was the way it was done. Then I saw the opening performed on the clarinet. Now I’m just confused.

The song, with Newman’s unique personal vocal, is just right for the emotion of the lyrics. I saw an interview with him and he said he wrote the song, with the meaningful lyrics, recorded it and then handed it over to the studio. He felt good about and then when the song appeared in the film and it was covered in dialog.

You've got a friend in me You got troubles, I've got 'em too There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you We stick together and see it through 'Cause you've got a friend in me

You got a friend was written by Carol King. As are a massive chunk of songs written in the second half of the twentieth century. It was written for her iconic album “Tapestry”. If you’ve not heard it, listen to it, it’s the album to her, that Sargent Pepper is to the Beatles.

James Taylor did one of the most popular versions of this. He sung it soon after it was written. I saw him on television, I think around 2010, and he said he didn’t expect to still be singing it 30-40 years later. Now every performance it’s expected of him.

This song is more mature. The chorus describes the friend she promises to be.

You just call out my name And you know wherever I am I'll come running, to see you again Winter, spring, summer or fall All you have to do is call And I'll be there You've got a friend

We all need to be a friend that does that and knows when they should.

Stay safe