New original tribute song in progress

[thatcrazycajun]

This started writing itself on me late last night after hearing the sad news of Walter Cronkite's passing. Melody still under construction.

TELL US THE NEWS, UNCLE WALTER Music and lyrics by Matt G. Leger When TV was in its young childhood And I was in my own as well, It seemed not to be good for much more Than cars or detergent to sell. But when news reporting was needed, Your network was first to be there And the smartest thing Bill Paley ever did do Was park you in that anchor chair! Chorus: Tell us the news, Uncle Walter, Tell us what happened today; Give us the good news and give us the bad In your own unmistakable way. You helped hold this nation together When it seemed she would be torn apart, And though you were only a face on the screen You will always live on in my heart. As far back as I can remember Your deep voice would smoothly intone All the things that we needed to hear of And things we might never have known. When John and then Martin and Robert Were slaughtered and all our hearts broke, You gave us the word within minutes And no one cared if your voice choked. Repeat Chorus

You came to our living rooms daily With news of more deaths in the war; Just once did you speak out against it, But because of that, your words meant more. When astronauts on the Moon landed, The world got the glad scoop from you; Without you at all those great moments I've no idea what we would do. Repeat Chorus Since you gave your last nightly broadcast, The business that you left behind Has changed, and not all for the better— But you I don't need to remind. Old David and Chet, Frank and Peter, Max, Barbara, Katie and Dan, Though they gave it their best ev'ry evening Not a one ever beat you...or can. Repeat Chorus

Original music and lyrics ©2009 and beyond by Matt G. Leger. Any use for profit requires prior written consent and payment of royalties per ASCAP/BMI standards, payable as donations to the Newseum in Washington, DC, USA (www.newseum.org). All other uses freely permitted so long as this notice is retained unaltered.

Comments

[archiver-tim.livejournal.com]

Is it me, or is this scanning to Piano Man?

[fringefan.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking something closer to "Rosin the Bow"/"Acres of Clams" (but not the refrain).
<-----7-19-2009-----MSG----->

[thnidu.livejournal.com]

Oh my God, yes. I need to hear this one, Matt.

[acelightning.livejournal.com]

[technoshaman.livejournal.com]

Nice one. I think he'd find it odd to have a song written about him, but I think he'd report it in the same matter of fact way he did most everything else...

Only Apollo 11 ever really got to him. That and maybe Jack Kennedy.

[sodyera.livejournal.com]

The chorus melody that came to my mind's ear "Tell us the news" had the opening notes of Neil Diamond's "September Morning".

I knew I could count on you to reactivate the emotions I'd just parked. I'm sure I won't get through this without crying once I hear it.

[ericavdg.livejournal.com]

Beautiful. My sentiments exactly!