My Sister, My Brother-in-law, The Doors and Metallica…

Sometimes all you need for a good time is post-Christmas shopping in an SUV packed with your two favourite people – my sister and my brother-in-law – on the way home from the mall in Indiana. Memories of sneaking out when I was in high school, to break my parents’ curfew flooded my mind. Before I dared do that, I always did wonder what the cool kids in high school did. I had no doubt in my mind that if I missed the party at Matthews’ on Saturday night that my life would be over as I knew it. Just watch any John Hughes movie from the 80s; those were the truth. (I recently saw the movie “Take Me Home Tonight” which is the best rendition of a Hughes 80s movie I’ve seen in years.) When I finally did cross the line to the wild side sneaking out with my friends Steve and Rahul, my world was opened to endless nights of driving around town and listening to tunes. And that’s when I discovered Led Zeppelin, the Stones, the Doors, the Who, Metallica, Whitesnake, Guns ‘n Roses, Motley Crue, etc. I had hit the jackpot.

And so I was transported back yesterday on our ride home from the mall. With Q95 Indy tuned to our radio station, The Doors cranked over the car speakers, and all of us dropped into song. My sister rocked out. I’ve known a lot of rockers, but no one can rock out like my sis. Axl Rose consults with her on his moves; while she just believes he’s misunderstood. Coincidentally, not only can she rock out, she also rocks.

“Come on, come on, come on, come on
Now touch me, baby
Can’t you see that I am not afraid?
What was that promise that you made?
Why won’t you tell me what she said?
What was that promise that you made?
Now, I’m gonna love you
Till the heavens stop the rain
I’m gonna love you
Till the stars fall from the sky for you and I”

I thought we were kids again, smiling inside thinking I couldn’t be happier.

I was wrong.

And then Metallica blasted away.

From the first notes, things escalated from awesome to awesomeness. Instead of turning left to my parents, we turned right and drove around the block. We were truly in high school again.

“Say your prayers little one
Don’t forget my son
To include everyone
I tuck you in
Warm within
Keep you free from sin
‘Til the sandman he comes
Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight

Exit light
Enter night
Take my hand
We’re off to never never-land

Something’s wrong, shut the light
Heavy thoughts tonight
And they aren’t of snow white
Dreams of war
Dreams of lies
Dreams of dragons fire
And of things that will bite, yeah
Sleep with one eye open
Grippin’ your pillow tight

Exit light
Enter night
Take my hand
We’re off to never never-land

(Whisper)
Now I lay me down to sleep (x2)
Pray the lord my soul to keep (x2)
And if I die before I wake (x2)
Pray the lord my soul to take (x2)

Hush little baby don’t say a word
And never mind that noise you heard
It’s just the beast under your bed
In your closet in your head

Exit light
Enter night
Grain of sand
Exit light
Enter night
Take my hand
We’re off to never never-land
We’re off to never never-land
Take my hand
We’re off to never never-land
Take my hand
We’re off to never never-land
We’re off to never never-land”

Thought you’d like a few different versions of the iconic song, each verse a different link, the last one being Mariano Rivera – aka The Sandman – and his last game, walking out to his signature song, the last #42 to ever wear the number, fitting last person to represent Jackie Robinson.