This Blog is my homage to Ricky Nelson and his poignant, psychedelic song “Garden Party”. In this song, Nelson name-checks John Lennon, Yoko Ono, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley; the major superstars of that music era.
There are two dimensions to this Tribute blog – 1) the Main Course – the Song as well as 2) the Dessert – the Garden Parties.
The Main Course – The Song
“Garden Party”, released in 1972, was written by Ricky Nelson, performed by by Nelson and his Stone Canyon Pony band about performing at Richard Nader’s Rock ‘n Roll Revival concert on 15 October 1971 at Madison Square Garden. Hence the “Garden” referenced in the song title. The other concert performers were 50’s legends, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Fats Domino.
To me, “Garden Party”, like Don McLean’s “American Pie” song, has fascinating images and fun references. It was Nelson’s last top 40 hit, reaching No. 6 on the US Billboard pop chart. Sadly, Nelson died, aged 45 years young, in a plane crash in 1985 in Texas.
The song is about Life, the life of a rock idol, the fleeting interests of their fickle fans. and getting on with one’s Life.
Here’s some of the poignant parts of the “Garden Party” and their hidden meaning that touched me:
“I went to a garden party
To reminisce with my old friends
A chance to share old memories
And play our songs again”
“When I got to the garden party
They all knew my name
But no one recognised me
I didn’t look the same” >> Nelson now grew his hair long, in keeping with the psychedelic hippie fashion.
“But it’s all right now
I learned my lesson well
You see, you can’t please everyone >> fans of rock singers and bands are fickle
So you got to please yourself”
“Someone opened up a closet door
And out stepped Johnny B. Goode >> Chuck Berry is Johnny B. Goode
Playing guitar like a ringing a bell
And lookin’ like he should”
“People came from miles around
Everyone was there
Yoko brought her walrus >> Yoko brought her husband John Lennon
There was magic in the air”
“And over in the corner
Much to my surprise
Mr. Hughes hid in Dylan’s shoes wearing his disguise” >> George Harrison (Mr. Hughes) was Nelson’s friend and neighbour. George attended Nelson’s concert that night wearing his customary disguise which included a borrowed pair of Bob Dylan’s shoes
“I played them all the old songs
I thought that’s why they came
No one heard the music
We didn’t look the same” >> the 50’s legendary concert performers like Chuck Berry and Fats Domino had now grew their hair long, in keeping with the psychedelic hippie fashion.
“I said hello to “Mary Lou” >> referencing Nelson’s hit song “Hello Mary Lou”
She belongs to me
When I sang a song about a honky tonk >> referencing the Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Woman” song
It as time to leave” >> Nelson’s fans only came to the concert to hear his old hits, not other band’s songs
“If you gotta play at garden parties
I wish you luck
But if memories were all I sang
I’d rather drive a truck” >> Elvis Presley used to drive a truck before he became famous as an iconic singer
I remember as a young lad, upon hearing the song whenever it was played on the radio, I would always wait for the phrase “People came from miles around / Everyone was there / Yoko brought her walrus / There was magic in the air”. The “walrus” was of course, referring to John Lennon. Lennon wrote the psychedelic song “I Am The Walrus”.
The Dessert – The Garden Parties
I always equate “Garden Party” to be a nice utopian tea party in the garden; infused with some “wondrous herbs”, English tea and a handful of jolly friends.
The ultimate English Tea Party (above image). From the inner sleeve of George Harrison’s “Living In The Material World” album. Harrison, the gracious host, is posing at his manor grounds surrounded by luxurious food and his music buddies who contributed to the making of his album, Ringo Starr, Jim Keltner, Gary Wright, Nicky Hopkins and Klaus Voorman.
It’s always nice to enjoy some occasional Garden Parties once in a while with fun like-minded friends (as mentioned below). No “wondrous herbs” though. Laughter helps with food digestion and it chases the blues away.
I have many groups of friends with various cool interests, hobbies and past times, so each of my Garden Parties are always fun but different.
But I must say the Bestest of all Garden Parties are spent communing with my Beloved Family.
As my friends know of me: All fun meals are about the Company, the Food comes a close second.
My opulent version of George Harrison’s Garden Party – my gorgeous dinner at Seaside Sea Food and Wine Party at Greenwood Fish Market at Sentosa Cove (above image). Hung out with old friends and met new friends. A nice occasion to wear my Panama hat. Simply, the best seafood restaurant in Singapore and Sentosa. Thanks, David Lee, for the invite, sumptuous seafood and laughs.
Note: While typing this blog, the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” came on the air (2.28pm on 90.5 FM). The great song happens to be my wedding march song, a splendid (wedding) garden party song.
Last night (19 December) was spent laughing, dining and drinking with my Elvis Presley Impersonator buddies (Jeffhery, Jega and Khit) at a popular local coffee shop (above image). Two of them have been to Graceland!
My usual “CHEF Western Food” gang comprising Star Wars 501st Garrison gang and Jeffrey Koh of Flabslab (above image). Whenever Hansen (guy on right) organises dinner at CHEF, it sometimes mysteriously does not open for business, which explains all our cheeky smiles and Hansen’s sneer.
My Star Wars 501st Garrison merry makers – local and international (above image). Nice teeth, guys!
My creative Toy Designer buddies (local and international) grabbing a bite after a successful Designer Toy Convention (above image).
My Hard Rock Cafe Manager buddies (above image). Cheers, Mark and Jeremy.
My Toy Collector buddies – Mike Ozzo, Hon Beng, Jeffrey (above image).
And sometimes it is great to have a fun garden party of just two old friends, one who also happens to be my former scout and disciplinary master – Victor Wee. Victor always ends our meals by thanking me for remembering him.
Reminder to myself: Fun people will always be remembered and be invited to fun Garden Parties.
