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Happy Birthday Uncle Shelby
Posted: September 25, 2009 9:33 am
by Bicycle Bill
Today would have been the 79th birthday of poet/singer/artist/author Shel Silverstein; born in Chicago on this date in 1930.
Probably best known
(depending on your age and gender) for either his children's books or his contributions of doggerel and drawings to "Playboy" magazine, he was also a prolific songwriter and wrote several songs which went on to become hits, including "The Unicorn", "A Boy Named Sue", "The Cover of the
Rolling Stone", and "Sylvia's Mother".
Shel died a little more than ten years ago in May of 1999 in Jimmy Buffett territory (Key West). It would be interesting to find out if their paths ever crossed, as I can very easily visualize Jimmy and Shel collaborating on WDWGDAS, for example.
-"BB"-
Re: Happy Birthday Uncle Shelby
Posted: September 25, 2009 10:03 am
by popcornjack
How many slams in an old screen door? Depends on how hard you shut it.
How many slices in a loaf of bread? Depends on how thin you cut it.
How much good inside a day? Depends on how good you live 'em.
How much love inside a friend? Depends on how much love you give 'em.
Just read that a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love it. Happy Birthday Shel.
Re: Happy Birthday Uncle Shelby
Posted: September 25, 2009 10:04 am
by BFinnsUp
Happy b-day
Re: Happy Birthday Uncle Shelby
Posted: September 25, 2009 10:06 am
by pair8head
Re: Happy Birthday Uncle Shelby
Posted: September 25, 2009 12:27 pm
by VanillaGrl
"This bridge will only take you halfway there,
to those mysterious lands you long to see.
Through gypsy camps and swirling Arab fair,
and moonlit woods where unicorns run free.
So come and walk awhile with me
and share the twisting trails and wonderous worlds Ive known.
But this bridge will only take you halfway there.
The last few steps you have to take alone.”
Happy Birthday, Shel.
Re: Happy Birthday Uncle Shelby
Posted: September 25, 2009 9:52 pm
by Marnin Grita Guy
My first exposure to a Shel written song, still a favorite just for the funny truth.
I knew of what he wrote.
She falls through the doorway and rolls down the hall
She bounces off the sofa and walks into the wall
It's easy to see that she buckles and bends
She's doin' qualudes again.
Qualudes again qualudes again
If you've got aurora you know for shorra
She's your friend
She's doin' quaaludes again.
She fumbles and stumbles and falls down the stairs
Makes love to the leg of the diningroom chair
She's ready for animals women or men
She's doin' qualudes again.
Qualudes again again again qualudes again and again
And if you've got a lemon a dog and three women
Then she's your friend
She's doin' qualudes again...
I managed a Rock Bar, OK! Thats like the G rated portion of my time working there.
Re: Happy Birthday Uncle Shelby
Posted: September 27, 2009 8:59 pm
by CindaBee
I was introduced to Shel's work by my former in-laws who were huge fans. Their favorite was Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book. I have given copies to my keets and grandkeets and we all quote from it often...particularly Ernie who lives in the ceiling and eats eggs. Catch Ernie, catch!!!!
I miss running into him in Key West..never knew when he'd show up somewhere obscure.
