Over the transom… The best mis-heard lyric ever: “Carry a Laser”, plus the return of Mandolin Boy

Hi, Ann,

My mental jaw is still on the floor after your post about Mr. Mister’s “Kyrie”. I was born in November, 1976, and I can remember the day that my mother got that tape brand new in her first shipment from the Columbia Record & Tape Club. I’ve heard it for years on the radio, and I used to think it said “Carry a Laser”…like, I’m packin’ my Han Solo blaster; I’m untouchable…” Even after discovering Tradition, and thinking, boy, that really sounds like he’s saying “Kyrie Eleison”, I refused to believe it. No way, I thought, could that make it past enough music-industry decision-makers to get on the radio and remain heavily played to this day, even in Canada.

Were the ’80’s really like that? I’m starting to look back to them now the way I imagined the ’50’s not too long ago. We didn’t really appreciate what we had, or imagine how much lower things could sink in thirty, forty years.

On this topic, thanks for putting up that old Don Williams video; my children and I love that song, and my little five-year-old daughter thinks “Madeleine Boy” (sic) is just a riot, with his red jogging-suit and guitar-faces.

God bless you.

B


The HUGE allegory in this performance is MANDOLIN BOY.  Don Williams, the bass player, the keyboardist, and even the percussionist are reserved.  But then, there, ever-present in the background is MANDOLIN BOY, dressed in solid bright red, the color of the Passion, of martyrdom… and of PENTECOST.  There is MANDOLIN BOY bouncing and smiling, rocking out his mandolin solos, reminding us all that God hears the prayers of His people, and that YES, God is “planning a good day for me.” Let’s call that the understatement of the day, shall we?

But, as it is written: That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that love Him.
Sed sicut scriptum est : Quod oculus non vidit, nec auris audivit, nec in cor hominis ascendit, quae praeparavit Deus iis qui diligunt illum :

1 Corinthians 2: 9

I hope this helps.  #TeamMandolinBoy

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