Summary

The article reflects on the significance of "our song" in a relationship and its role post-breakup, using the personal experience of the author with the song "Oh Me Oh My" by Lulu.

Abstract

The author discusses the emotional connection people often have with a song they consider "theirs" with their partner. This bond is exemplified by the author's own experience with the song "Oh Me Oh My" by Lulu, which she shared with her ex-partner of eight years. The article delves into the mixed feelings that can arise when hearing this song after a breakup, questioning whether it should be despised or cherished as a reminder of the past relationship's good times. Despite the breakup and the inability to discuss these feelings with her ex, the author maintains her affection for the song, emphasizing that the love for the music and the memories it evokes can outlast the relationship itself.

Opinions

The author has a broad taste in music, ranging from pop to alternative and rock, and holds singer-songwriters in high regard for their ability to craft songs, particularly the bridges.
There is a sense of nostalgia and fondness for the song "Oh Me Oh My," despite the author's initial confusion over the lyrics referring to "finger size."
The author and her ex, both smokers, found a personal connection to the song's lyrics about blowing a genie from a cigarette, interpreting it as a wish for togetherness.
The article suggests that songs associated with past relationships can evoke memories of good times and should not necessarily be disliked after a breakup.
The author asserts that her ex cannot diminish her love for the song, which remains a source of joy and nostalgia for her.

“Our Song”

What happens to it if you break up?

Lulu on stage as part of 2010's Here Come the Girls tour in Glasgow. Photo by Lubripetition on Wikimedia Commons.

Chances are, you and your mate have a favorite song. You call it “your song.”

When you hear the first note, your instinct is to be with your significant other. If you’re in separate rooms, maybe you’ll run to find the other. Maybe you’ll dance. If you’re physically distanced, maybe you’ll call or text when you hear it. These are the kinds of songs that do that to you.

My taste in music varied widely from my ex-partner’s. He was strictly a pop guy and preferred songs from the past. I enjoy that as well, but I also like many genres he did not: alternative, indie, Led Zeppelin, and psychedelic rock. I idolize Diana Ross and singer-songwriters like Sheryl Crow, Adele, and Alanis Morissette. (I love the way they write bridges.) Karen Carpenter had a heavenly voice, and Whitney Houston sang from her gut. (Hmmm, all ladies. Except for Robert Plant. Was it the music, or was it his bulge?)

Lulu (born Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie) is a Scottish singer and actress. Lulu made her acting debut in the 1967 movie “To Sir With Love” alongside Sidney Poitier. She also sang the title song that achieved many milestones: most weeks at number one by a female solo artist (five), was the biggest selling record in 1967, and Billboard ranked it as the year's number one song.

“Oh Me Oh My” was her third single released in the U.S. in 1970, and it peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. It has been covered by many other artists, including Aretha Franklin.

“Oh Me Oh My” was our song, our being my partner of eight years. It never made it to the top 20, making it slightly obscure (although I recently heard it in my neighborhood Smith’s grocery store!)

It’s a slow-moving ballad about a couple in love. As simple as that. It does have some interesting lyrics, which include:

I’ll stage a ballet on a table top,

Command performance finger size.

Though I ain’t got no tune my show won’t flop,

’Cause I’ll find the music in your eyes.

We had no idea what she was saying in the second line above, so we Googled the lyrics. All we could find was how to size one’s finger for a ring. What is finger size???

Both being smokers, we particularly liked the second verse:

We’ll blow a genie from a cigarette,

We’ll take a magic carpet ride.

We’ll tell our smoky friend now don’t forget,

You must keep us side by side.

You must keep us side by side.

What happens to your song if you break up? Do you despise it, or do you memorialize it? How does it make you feel when you hear it?

I want to ask my ex these questions, but since he will not talk to me after nearly three years apart, I guess they will go unanswered.

Maybe your relationship wasn’t ideal. That doesn’t mean you should disown your song. Chances are there were plenty of good times. It’s kind of like how humans forget the pain. Songs remind us of the good times. Why dislike something you once loved?

As for me, it is a song I always loved anyway. He can’t take it away from me, and he can’t ruin it for me.

Oh Me Oh My

I’m a fool for you baby

Just let your love light shine on me.