A tribute to my husband and his all-time favorite band: Yo La Tengo.
My husband and I met 20+ years ago, when I was fresh off the boat. Back then I didn't speak much English, and I could hardly understand what other people said to me either. I didn't know anyone there, and it wasn't easy. He was the one who came to introduce himself to me, patiently talked to me even though I didn't understand much of what he said.
Later, he introduced me to various music bands, old classic movies, the history of baseball games -the American's pastime, American football, people's history of the United States, and etc. And more importantly, he introduced me to his family, my open-minded and accepting American family! They accepted me without any hesitation or conditions. They opened their arms wide to welcome me into the family. Over the years, they taught me a lot of things, and they are one of the factors that made me who I am today. So, I thought today is a good day to pay a tribute to him and his favorite band: Yo La Tengo. :)
Yo La Tengo is an American indie rock band formed in Hoboken, New Jersey in 1984. Despite achieving limited mainstream success, Yo La Tengo has been called "the quintessential critics' band" and maintains a strong cult following.
Yo La Tengo, is a Spanish name. It means “I have it”, or “I got it”. There is a story behind this name.
The name came from a baseball anecdote. During 1962 season, New York Mets Center Fielder Richie Ashburn and Venezuelan short stop Elio Chacon found themselves colliding in the outfield. When Ashburn went for a catch, he would scream, “I got it!” only to run into Chacon, who spoke only Spanish. Ashburn learned to yell, “Yo la tengo! Yo la tengo!” instead. In a later game, Ashburn happily saw Chacon backed off. He relaxed, positioned himself to catch the ball, and was instead run over by left fielder Frank Thomas, who understood no Spanish and had missed a team meeting that proposed using the words “Yo la tengo!” as a way to avoid outfield collisions. After getting up, Thomas asked Ashburn, “What the hell is a Yellow Tango?”
“Today Is the Day”was released in 2003 on Matador Records. I decided to choose this song the second when I heard the first note. The music is simply beautiful! Hope you'll enjoy it too. Happy filling in the blanks! :)
Today Is the Day
I followed you (foolishly)
You were at a (smoky) bar, you were out till three
Sat alone inside my car, it was nearly four
Couldn't wait for you all night, so I (broke) the door
I was gonna spend the night, coulda been okay
We were gonna talk all night till I went away
Remember how you (used) to say, "Can't stay up late"?
A minute later and I'm older now, I can't stay awake
I'm driving by your parents' farm in the Chevrolet
I remember that (rusty) car like it was yesterday
Saw my brother driving by the other day
Wish that I'd gone (out) to him, but he drove away
Saw my sister standing there, (accepting) blame
Then I thought about nothing that feels the same
Another day come and gone
Don't think I can ever sing that song
Little () we bring along
I'm taking my time
(Trailing) behind, I (thought) of you
Another day come and gone
Don't think I can ever sing that song
Little (secrets) we bring along
Today is the day
Today is the day I think of you
Another day come and gone
Don't think I wanna sing that song
It's always (trouble) that makes us (strong)
Today is the day
Today is the day I think of you
Here is another nice song from this band that both he and I like:
I Threw It All Away
I once held her in my arms
She said she would always stay
But I was cruel and treated her like a fool
I threw it all away
One side's mountains in the palm of my hand
Rivers that ran through everyday
Now I must've been mad or I never knew what i had
I threw it all away
Love is all there is
And it makes the world go round
Love and only love it can't be denied
No matter what you think about it
You won't be able to live without it
Take a tip from one who's tried
So if you find someone
Who gives you all of their love
Take it to your heart
Don't let it stray
Because one thing is for certain
You'll surely be hurting
If you throw it all away
Just don't throw it all away
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