I chose 1981 music as my theme this year. My newest novel The Summer of Princess Diana is set in the summer of 1981, and oh! the music! Let’s take a look back at a pivotal time in the music industry.
Why not begin with my favorite Beatle? Here is George Harrison’s May 1981 release, a tribute to his fellow Beatle John Lennon, who had been murdered in December 1980 outside his apartment. What I love about this song, besides the lyrics, is that Ringo Starr plays drums and Paul and Linda McCartney fill in background vocals.
I’m shouting all about love
While they treated you like a dog
When you were the one who had made it so clear
All those years ago
I’m talking all about how to give
They don’t act with much honesty
But you point the way to the truth when you say
All you need is love
Living with good and bad
I always looked up to you
Now we’re left cold and sad
By someone the devil’s best friend
Someone who offended all
We’re living in a bad dream
They’ve forgotten all about mankind
And you were the one they backed up to the wall
All those years ago
You were the one who imagined it all
All those years ago
All those years ago
All those years ago
Deep in the darkest night
I send out a prayer to you
Now in the world of light
Where the spirit free of lies
And all else that we despised
They’ve forgotten all about God
He’s the only reason we exist
Yet you were the one that they said was so weird
All those years ago
You said it all though not many had ears
All those years ago
You had control of our smiles and our tears
All those years ago
Martha Reynolds Writes 
It only makes sense but I had not made the connections to John Lennon. I also like your tip about the remaining Beetles playing on the song. Always something to learn! Great Post M! ZD
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Look at you, catching up on all my posts! Thank you, Dennis.
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George was my favorite Beatle as well. He put out the best solo albums of the four lads. “All Those Years Ago” is a wonderful song.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out Battle of the Bands
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What a profound song by George Harrison, my favorite Beatle as well, and a song I hadn’t heard. Brought back countless memories. An 18 year-old boy in our community was killed in a hit and run accident. I can still see the people filling the church for his wake as “Imagine” rang out by John Lennon, it was Danny’s favorite song… music transports us so easily to our memories…
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Great lyrics!
Ronel visiting for the A-Z Challenge My Languishing TBR: A
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Excellent pic. I have loved some of their tracks. 😀
“Living with good and bad”
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*pick/selection
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This song reminds me of hearing it at the swimming pool in the Summer of 1981 when I was 7. At the time I was just becoming aware of the Beatles’ music and “all those years ago” seemed a lot farther back to me than they really were.
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Seven! Oh my, Liam. I was 23. But I’m glad you remembered!
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Wow. This will be really interesting. How poignant your first choice
https://bethlapinsatozblog.wordpress.com/
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Thanks, Beth! It was an interesting time for music.
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Now this takes me back. I was 10 in 1981. Still can’t believe how long ago that was. I look forward to seeing what other songs you come up with for the rest of the alphabet. This will be fun.
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Ten! I was 23, and yes, it was forever ago (and still, blink of an eye)….
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I haven’t heard that one before. Thank you.
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No? Oh Jacqui, George was my favorite Beatle. 🎶
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Beautiful. What a nice way to start.
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Thanks, my friend!
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Hari OM
Oh yes, an excellent theme!!! I look forward to hearing some familiar faves – and lots I may have missed even then. I too am doing the alphabet – but via the Indian setup (a bit less ‘listy’ and ‘judgy’). Hope might enjoy popping by when you can. Now, let’s dance! YAM xx A=Arrival
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Thank you, Yamini! ♥️
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I enjoyed this so much! In my blog on the ‘70s I have put some words to songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s but not links to the music. Maybe I should. I am looking forward to music of the ‘80s. I was busy having babies but hopefully had time to listen to music as well.
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Linda, I love your blog posts!
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Love it! What a great theme. Looks like I will be dancing in my chair all month.
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Haha, Cheryl! This theme was fun for nostalgia. 🎶
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