This week April 5, 2026 our fantastic host with the most Jim Adams has requested we find : A Song written or performed by someone who was born in the month of April, for this week’s Song Lyric Sunday Well there were so many to choose from. Then I remember one song we all used to dance around to at work….not just us the customers too!
I have chosen a song by Alan Blakely of the Tremeloes. This song, is, I believe their best ever single. Call Me Number One.
In1969. I wassixteen working in a boutique as a window dresser. I had already been with hubby for a year and we would not marry until 1971. At work we had the new Radio 1 on all day so we had plenty of time to hear our favourite music .
Alan David Blakley (1 April 1942 – 1 June 1996) was a British musician and record producer. A founder member of the Tremeloes from 1958 to 1996. As a producer, he worked on the hit song “She’s Gonna Win” for Bilbo, and nearly all the studio albums for glam rock sensations The Rubettes.
Blakley is best known as the rhythm guitarist and keyboard player with the Tremeloes. He was the co-writer of most of their hits until January 1972, when he started writing for other bands. His credits include co-writing (with Len Hawkes) various hits for the Tremeloes, co-producing the UK No. 42 hit “She’s Gonna Win“, with Bilbo, and co-producing singles and albums by Mungo Jerry with the group’s leader, Ray Dorset. He subsequently rejoined the Tremeloes in 1979 until forced to retire for health reasons.
“(Call Me) Number One” was their first single written solely by members of the group (Blakley and Hawkes), and it was released with the B-side “Instant Whip”, written by the other two members (Dave Munden and Rick Westwood). Whilst it did not reach the top of the UK Singles Chart, nor the charts published by the New Musical Express and Melody Maker (on all three, it was held off the top by the Archies‘ “Sugar, Sugar“), it did reach the top of one UK newspaper chart, Top Pops & Music Now, for two weeks. Elsewhere, the song topped the charts in South Africa.
At the time, member Alan Blakley said that they had “come to hate all those happy records, even the ones that sold hundreds and hundreds of thousands”, with Len “Chip” Hawkes adding that they had gotten “into the carefree, singalong thing and we found the more it worked for us, the harder it became to get out of the rut”. After writing “(Call Me) Number One”, the Tremeloes played it to some friends, who were “universal in their praise, but equally sure that it was the wrong type of song for the group”. The success of the song was a surprise for the group, given their recent releases, with Blakley saying that “people have bought it thinking it was a good record, and not because it was the Tremeloes”.
I picture the rain on windows And I think of home I wonder if you remember Did you ever know
Walshie-walshie-walshie-walshie
Places I dream about I will be getting out Then I can follow the sun
You will be with me I know you will give me a Hand to get everything done
Call me number one Call me number one
Will I be afraid to tell you That I’m coming home I’m ready to take the highroad I’ve been away to run
Walshie-walshie-walshie-walshie
Places I dream about I will be getting out Then I can follow the sun
You will be with me I know you will give me a Hand to get everything done
Call me number one Call me number one
Places I dream about I will be getting out Then I can follow the sun
You will be with me I know you will give me a Hand to get everything done
Places I dream about(Walshie) I will be getting out(Call me) Then I can follow the sun(Number one)
You will be with me(Walshie) I know you will give me a(Call me) Hand to get everything done(Number one)
Ping went my phone! It was LindaGHill with her prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday. This week, she said: “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “hide.” Use it way you’d like. Enjoy!”
As it is Easter I have put my thoughts together on the prompt, as to how Jesus might have felt in the Garden of Gethsemane before he was betrayed by Judus and arrested by the Romans. Whether or not you celebrate Easter I wish everyone a happy weekend.
All alone the young man sat and wept. He had no where to hide. He had spent forty days and nights in the desert praying and pondering his future. He knew he had to face his ordeal…he could not hide from what lie ahead , he could not hide from his father who was all seeing. He knew he had to suffer for all mankind to be forgiven but still he was afraid…he could not hide from that.
There is no escape This poisonous future looms Why must I suffer He asked of the cold morning light. Hide me father please help me.
Jennie and I came up with the idea that the children in the Aquaroom might like to find out about England..well my part of England. So we hit upon the idea of Gloria coming to stay so I could show her around. The Aquaroomers could follow my blog … And I would fill her Journal with stories and photos, for those who are there in Jennie’s class now and also future Aquaroomers. Jennie and I thought this was a great idea. So did Gloria. Below is a post aimed at The Aquaroomers I hope you and they like it!
Day 14 Gloria meets Ben the Grenadier Guardsman.
Gloria asked Earl if she could go out to willows garden to see the flowers . When she noticed that there was someone at the flag pole next door. They were changing the flag! “What is going on ” she asked Earl ? Earl looked out and replied. ” Ah! that is Ben, Gloria, he lives nextdoor when he is not looking after the King and Queen at either Windsor or Buckingham Palace. He is a Grenadeir Guard. ” “Oh! ” Said Gloria “I see….. What is a Grenadeir Guard Earl?” Earl smiled “let’s ask willow if she will ask us out to ask him.”
Now the picture above is not Ben but that is exactly what Ben dresses like when he is at work it is called a uniform.
willow took Gloria out to meet Ben, who was very pleased to meet Gloria…they shook hands and Gloria asked Ben what a Grenadier Guardsman was. Ben smiled and said . “The Grenadier Guards are one of the British Army’s oldest infantry regiments. It was formed in 1656 in Bruges by King Charles II as part of his bodyguard. Originally the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards, they were renamed in 1815 after defeating the French Imperial Guard at Waterloo. Known for their scarlet tunics and bearskins, they serve a dual role of elite frontline fighting and high-profile ceremonial duties protecting the Royals.”
Gloria was very impressed and asked “do you really look after the King and Queen and the other Royals?” “Yes ” said Ben “I do.”
“What are you doing to the Union Jack flag Ben?” Asked Gloria. “I am taking it down and putting up my Regimental Colours to fly while I am at home. ” “What are Regimental Colours when they are at home? Ben? ” Ben laughed ” It’s me at home Gloria…the flag of the Grenadier Guards is formally known as a Regimental Colour, which, unlike the Queen’s Colour, is often based on the Union Flag rather than being a plain crimson field. As the most senior infantry regiment in the British Army, the Grenadier Guard’s flags are steeped in royal history and are heavily laden with battle honours, symbolizing the regiment’s 360-year-old tradition” Ben paused there and Gloria said..” Wow! 360 years.. that is old… Are you that old Ben? ” “No Gloria , I am not! “
After Ben had put up his regimental colours he took a photo of Gloria climbing up to inspect the flag. Then Ben saluted Gloria and said goodbye, he was going off for his run…. A soldier, especially a Grenadeir Guard has to keep fit!
Then Gloria went into the back garden and had a look at some of willow’s flowers.
After all this information about the Grenadier Guard’s Gloria was tired so after she told everyone else about the new flag they all read Goodnight Moon.
This week out host for Tanka Tuesday is Yvette . Who says ” We are at the end of March and at the precursor to the fun (and sometimes annoying) holiday of April Fools Day! There are many theories about how this holiday originated. For this week, write a poem about types of fools or fun or annoying pranks. Find a syllabic poetry form that works for you, and let your inspiration flow. Need help finding a form? Click here.
I have chosen to write an Abhanga poem. The fool is known to all and sadly around all year long.
Mockingly the knave bows, Golden mirrors shatter. Bombs drop, hear the clatter It is no joke.
I want it all he screams! Haha says the sad clown His words spreading a frown There’s nothing left.
Gone, blown to kingdom come Fuel no more a worry No sense left to parry Has fool the won?
Di at pensitivity101 has reminded me of the wonderful Sue Vincent , Mother, partner, priestess,blogger,poet, author, teacher , friend and wonderful human being, died four years ago today. …Sue was an inspiration to all whose lives she touch mine included. We miss you still Sue five years on
Jennie and I came up with the idea that the children in the Aquaroom might like to find out about England..well my part of England. So we hit upon the idea of Gloria coming to stay so I could show her around. The Aquaroomers could follow my blog … And I would fill her Journal with stories and photos, for those who are there in Jennie’s class now and also future Aquaroomers. Jennie and I thought this was a great idea. So did Gloria. Below is a post aimed at The Aquaroomers I hope you and they like it!
Day 13 Gloria learns about cataracts
Earl was having a lay down, he was tired. Gloria and Olivia were chatting about nothing in particular, just girly talk. When willow came across to join them. She sat down with Olivia.
“Hi everyone I have some news for you all” they all sat up and looked at willow. “What’s going on?” asked Olivia looking startled. “Yes” asked Gloria, “what’s going on ?” Earl snored.
“Well”said willow , “I am going to a hospital to get Lazer surgery to remove a cataract from my left eye. ” Gloria and Olivia looked horrified? …”Lazer surgery… A Cataract? What on earth” they both said together!
Gloria stood up and Olivia moved across to the window . ” Earl got up and calmly said. “Now calm down everyone, willow and I will explain it to you both. ” … Everyone way quiet and looked at willow. “Right, a cataract is a common, age-related condition. As I have got older the natural lens inside my eye has become cloudy. That makes me have blurry vision. It’s just like looking through a foggy window. ” Gloria looked sad, Oh willow does that mean you will not be able to read Goodnight Moon 🌝” and Olivia added ” Or weigh my food out?” They both looked worried 😟.
willow was about to answer when Earl put up his paw and continued. ” No you too it won’t come to that. Nowadays a cataract can be treated with a quick, safe outpatient surgery that removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear, permanent artificial lens to restore vision. It’s as simple as that. Though I know for a fact willow is nervous and not really looking forward to tomorrow 💜”
Gloria and Olivia then asked “what will happen to us while willow is having her operation? ” Earl said, ” that’s not a problem hubby will be here to look after us. And I shall look after everyone while hubby drops willow off and then after the op while he picks willow up again. That also means, Gloria we might not get to do your blog for a couple of days as willow is taking a little break from all blogging while her eyes recover. ”
Gloria and Olivia were relieved to hear that . Then Ozzie and Jingles came across and they all read Goodnight Moon 🌝. Then as a special treat willow read it again to Gloria.
Our eurdite and knowledgeable host for Song Lyric Sunday, Jim Adams has set us a cerebal prompt: “This week the theme is to find a song related to Sigmund Freud’s id exhibiting instinctual drives that seek immediate pleasure or gratification without regard for reality. “
My apologies I do not have much time this week so a quick wink and kiss to you all here’s my choice. …. Let’s face it Freddie was the king of Freud’s me me I, I pleasure syndrome.
I have chosen Queen’s I want it all.
“I Want It All” is a song by British rock band Queen, featured on their 1989 studio album, The Miracle. Written by guitarist and vocalist Brian May (but credited to Queen) and produced by David Richards, it was released as the first single from the album on 2 May 1989. “I Want It All” reached number three on the singles charts of the United Kingdom, Finland, Ireland and New Zealand, as well as on the US BillboardAlbum Rock Tracks chart. Elsewhere, it peaked at number two in the Netherlands and charted within the top 10 in Australia, Belgium, Germany, Norway and Switzerland. With its message about fighting for one’s own goals it became an anti-apartheid protest song in South Africa.
I want it all (yeah, yeah) I want it all I want it all, and I want it now
Adventure seeker on an empty street Just an alley creeper, light on his feet A young fighter screaming, with no time for doubt With the pain and anger can’t see a way out “It ain’t much I’m asking”, I heard him say “Gotta find me a future, move out of my way” I want it all, I want it all, I want it all, and I want it now I want it all, I want it all, I want it all, and I want it now
Listen all you people, come gather ’round I gotta get me a game plan, gotta shake you to the ground But just give me, huh, what I know is mine People, do you hear me? Just gimme the sign It ain’t much I’m asking, if you want the truth Here’s to the future, for the dreams of youth
I want it all (give it all, I want it all) I want it all (yeah) I want it all, and I want it now I want it all (yes, I want it all) I want it all (hey) I want it all, and I want it now
I’m a man with a one track mind So much to do in one lifetime (people, do you hear me?) Not a man for compromise and “where’s” and “why’s” and living lies So I’m living it all, yes, I’m living it all And I’m giving it all, and I’m giving it all Oh, ooh, oh-yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
It ain’t much I’m asking, if you want the truth Here’s to the future Hear the cry of youth (hear the cry of youth, hear the cry of youth) I want it all, I want it all, I want it all, and I want it now
I want it all (yeah, yeah, yeah) I want it all, I want it all, and I want it now (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
The song was first played live on 20 April 1992, three years after its release, during The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, performed by the three remaining members of Queen, with Roger Daltrey of The Who singing lead vocals and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath playing rhythm guitar. Freddie Mercury himself never performed the song live, as he died in November 1991 from AIDS at the age of 45, and his final performance with Queen was at the end of The Magic Tour, at Knebworth Park on 9 August 1986. The record is sung mainly by Mercury, with May singing backing vocals on the choruses and a solo-and-duet bit with Mercury on the middle eight.
The song, according to John Deacon, was one of only a few which was already written before the band entered the studio in the beginning of 1988 for what would become The Miracle album. According to May, it was the first song they did in the studio, recorded as a live band take without any drum machines or technology (except the sequencer section added later). The song was inspired by May’s conflicted feelings after his breakup with his first wife, Christine Mullen, and his new relationship with Anita Dobson.
“I Want It All” is notably heavy and features themes relating to rebellion and social upheaval. Songwriter May, however, claims that it is about having ambitions and fighting for one’s own goals; because of this, the song became an anti-apartheid song in South Africa and has also been used as a gay rights protest theme and a rallying anthem for Black American youth.
The song was a live favourite, and has been a fixture regularly performed on Queen’s “Queen+” tours, both with Paul Rodgers and subsequently Adam Lambert.
Ping went my phone and it was LindaGHill with the prompt for SoCs this week. Here’s what she had to say:”Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “portrait.” Use it way you’d like. Have fun!“
Perfectly captured a portrait of now Oh! They are here and in plain sight. Reality is screaming their names. Too late we see them waiting. Ready to overpower us. Already they’ve fingers on the buttons. It’s too late to stop them now Truth is it, is our own fault.
Welcome to my “Heartland Echoes,” where I aim to share my poems with the world, along with my survival story and autobiography of childhood abuse, motivational quotes, and much more. Through my words, I hope to inspire others to share their own stories and experiences. Each poem is a piece of my heart and soul, along with a story of a traumatic past, crafted with inspiration, Hope, faith, love and passion. I believe that by sharing our art and emotions, I’ll be able to connect with others on a deeper level and create a sense of community.
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