Saturday 9: Got My Mind Set On You

Saturday 9: Got My Mind Set On You (1987)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 
1) In this song, George Harrison tells us he's willing to devote his money, patience and time to his girlfriend. Of those three things, which can you most easily spare?  Hmm, I think I'll go with money. I need my patience too much with the grandkids and those I work with and time? Well, there's never enough of that

 

2) This song had long been a favorite of George's. He first heard it in 1963 when visiting his sister in United States. He couldn't get the tune out of his mind and bought the record by James Ray. Do you have an earworm -- a song that, once you hear it, keeps repeating in your head?  Many. The most recent was Dancing In the Moonlight.

3) Months later, in February 1964, the Beatles made their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. 73 million viewers saw them, and an astonishing 45.3% of the TV sets in America were tuned in to the show. In addition to the Beatles, Ed Sullivan used his show to introduce Elvis, The Rolling Stones and The Jackson 5. The Ed Sullivan Show ran for 23 years and reruns are now shown in syndication. Have you ever seen it?  I think I remember watching it when it was originally on. I've never seen it in reruns.

4) While most of the best loved and most recognized Beatles songs were written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, it was George who penned "Something." Frank Sinatra called that song "the greatest love song of the last 50 years." What's your favorite love song?  Annie's Song by John Denver.

5) This praise represented a big change for Frank, who predicted in 1964 that the Beatles would be "of no lasting importance." Tell us about something you have changed your mind about.  The only "big" thing I can think of is my faith. When I was young I had zero interest in hearing about Jesus Christ. Now He is the most important part of my life.

6) Tom Petty, who went on to have more than 25 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, credits George Harrison as a major influence on his music. Tell us about someone who influenced your professional life.  I can't really think of anyone. I don't even think in terms of having a "professional life." I've had jobs.

7) In 1987, when George's recording of "I Got My Mind Set on You" was popular, a squirrel unexpectedly made headlines. The furry fellow closed down the Nasdaq Stock Exchange when he chewed through a phone line. Do you often see squirrels where you live?  Every single day. We have a large and thriving squirrel community in our neighborhood. In the last two years or so a mutation has shown up and we have one with a white tail and a couple of others with white legs.

 

8) Also in 1987, third generation race car driver Marco Andretti was born. Naturally the skills required by a race car driver are unique. For example, while we know he can control a car at upwards of 230 mph at Indy, we have no idea if Marco Andretti is good at parallel parking in front of the local post office. How about you? Do you struggle with parallel parking?  Yes, I try to avoid it at all costs. I will walk a lot further so I don't have to do it.

9) Random question: When you woke up this morning, were you ready to face the day? Or do you wish you could have rolled over and snoozed a little longer?  I'm doing this on Friday evening. It's nearing 11:30 and given that I have to get up in the morning and get going because we are driving 3 hours north to visit my biological father...it's going to be a safe bet that I'll be wishing I could sleep longer.

Thanks, Sam, for the music and questions!

Play along here.