Vincent Young

I wouldn’t call it an earworm (or ohrwurm) as defined by EarwormsResearch.org – “the earworm phenomenon – getting a catchy, annoying little song, tune, or jingle stuck in one’s head“ – though the song has been stuck in my head.

Then again worms aren’t all bad. Slimy and squirmy, the earthworm feeds the earth – enriching soil in its wake. From daisies to tulips, corn to cotton, the earthworm helps keep soil healthy so we can plant and grow and clothe and feed. The earworm might just as effectively cultivate the mind.

It was pop in its day but a classic today. It’s the song I have the strongest memory of from my father’s record collection. It popped into my head when I wrote about Rosanne Cash’s List. It’s the music my father listened to. It’s the music I listen to. And I think my kids like it too – I’ve played it for them once or twice – now and then.

The Platters’ Twilight Time.

Heavenly shades of night are falling, it’s twilight time
Out of the mist your voice is calling, ’tis twilight time
When purple-colored curtains mark the end of day
I’ll hear you, my dear, at twilight time.

Deepening shadows gather splendor as day is done
Fingers of night will soon surrender the setting sun
I count the moments darling till you’re here with me
Together at last at twilight time.

Wow.

Purple-colored curtains mark the end of day – Deeping shadows gather splendor as day is done – Fingers of night will soon surrender the setting sun…

These are the lines my mind has them sing over and over again. These are the lines I wait for as I hit the back button on my iPod over and over again.

I like the imaginary of Cinemascope Technicolor curtains flowing gently downwards to hide a theater stage that closes a Hollywood heyday musical about zealous lovers.

I like the imaginary of a fist slowly unclenching, palm up, silhouetted fingers peeling back to reveal a bright orange fruit.

Bob Dylan – Jim Morrison – Patti Smith. I don’t question their lyrics as poetry – images from words that exist without instrumental accompaniment. “Twilight Time” reminds me there is a legacy of great writing out there.  I just have to keep my eyes and ears and mind open.

I Googled “Twilight Time,” “Twilight Time Song”,” and ended up at a Wikipedia entry informing me the lyrics were written by Buck Ram (who according to another Wikipedia entry was a songwriter, producer, and arranger most known for his work with The Platters. The music written by a group in the 1940s called The Three Suns.