If Only
If only we could go back to those days that used to be,
When far more folk were loving, and the catchword wasn’t “Me”.
When more folk thought of others, when far less sought to impress,
When “sorry” was heard more often, and criticism, heard less.
If only we could go back to the time folk seldom swore,
When crudity appalled, and obscenity, appalled more.
When sexual behaviour largely stayed in marital beds,
And when beauty, not immodesty, saw men turn their heads.
If only we could go back to that time not long ago,
When couples stayed together, when most single girls said “No”.
When just romance was in mind, when most young men wouldn’t dare,
When chivalry was common, and divorce was some-what rare.
If only we could go back to when more folk made a stand,
When the sexually explicit was condemned outright and banned.
When women didn’t dress like men, when folk seldom slept around,
When censors really censored, when adultery would astound.
If only we could go back to when music didn’t pound,
When music still had beauty, a soothing or cheerful sound.
When singers sang good lyrics, and also, dignity displayed,
When talent was more wholesome, and discretion hadn’t strayed.
If only we could go back to when people had more sense,
When they were far more truthful, and seldom caused offense.
When principles and values were upheld and not discarded,
When morals tried and proven, society’s well-being guarded.
Yes, could we turn the clock back, what a difference it would make,
Though sadly, that’s unlikely, as a miracle it would take.
However, much can still be done that’ll help turn things around,
But we had better hurry, as each day we’re losing ground.
By Lance Landall
A Lament
It seems that those days are gone where crooners graced the air-waves, and had us listening like some captive slave,
Yes, beguiled by singers who truly knew how to sing, unlike those over which the younger set now rave.
Oh, how we appreciated the beauty of a gifted voice, a song well sung, and easy on the ears;
Singers and songs that have faded into the background, or that have sadly disappeared over the years.
Yes, there is nothing like a beautiful voice, or a harmonious blending of talented voices,
And given the many good singers and great material back then, we were spoilt with teasing choices.
And also with lush orchestrations that backed those singers, and that fell with giddy favour on the ears,
Only to lose out to the commercial, money driven groups and bands, that have robbed of those pleasant years.
Yes, times have changed, and few young people have such an appreciation, having never known such beauty,
Their ears tuned to music that knows nothing but beat and noise, and they, more than happy with banality.
And as a consequence, now amongst the crowds whose hearing is damaged, given amplification rules,
And where a desire for music that’s worthy to be called such, and beneficial to the soul, quickly cools.
No, the music wasn’t perfect way back then, for that time had its less than worthy singers and songs too,
And backing that also yielded little growth, but rather, stunted ones taste for better, hence that, “No thank you!”
Yes, those curled up lips at the thought of such beauty that once graced the air-waves, now lost to much younger ears,
And isn’t that the way, for as the years go by, more and more of anything worthy slowly disappears.
By Lance Landall
