Monday 20 August 2012

Sam and Janet Evening

I've discovered that I have a rare form of Tourettes - Singing Tourettes.

The truth has finally dawned upon me after Mrs Rine summoned up the courage to confront me with it yesterday.

It's true. I burst into unexpected song the minute I hear someone utter key words which link to a distant part of my musical Cerebral Cortex and without really knowing it, I'm suddenly the Go-to Go Compare man of Norfolk.

For example, if the Postman says "This may have been returned from the sender" I will seamlessly come out with "She wrote upon it, ..." in my best Presley imitation. Another key word and I'm doing "Spanish Castle Magic (with wah wah effects)", "Concrete and Clay" or "Movin' on Up!" - it's all sounds pretty random.

It isn't just trigger words from the environment that set me off. Sometimes I can spend several minutes with a current earworm going round on my built-in Rockola Juke Box and suddenly, without warning, I'll translate that inner song into free vocal expression to the bewilderment of those around me. I haven't been escorted from Sainsburies yet but suspect it's only a question of time. (As I typed "question", I felt a "Question Mark and the Mysterions - 96 Tears" welling up. I'm getting worried now.)

The other day I was told that I should stop suddenly coming out with "Spice up Your Life!" after it had festered somewhere in my brain from the Olympic Closing Ceremony. We were in the Spice department of aforementioned Sainsburies so it could have been nature or nurture - I didn't realize at the thyme.

I'll see if I can get things under control but worry it may be genetic. I remember my father used to come out with sections of "Teddy Bears Picnic" at incongruous times (ie when we weren't having picnics with Teddy Bears).

"Everyday it's a-gettin' closer
Goin' faster than a roller coaster...."

16 comments:

Z said...

Oh Rog, I do it too, but silently. It's a terrible affliction, but at least it only affects me and not those around me. My loving sympathy to Mrs Rine.

Nota Bene said...

If you've reached the Spice Girls stage it's serious. Probably incurable. When Mrs Rhine told you to be quiet, did you sing back "Silence is golden"?

Ms Scarlet said...

Do you come over all South Pacific whilst pondering over shampoo in the toiletries aisle?
Sx

Sir Bruin said...

i have been known to break into a version of "salmon chanted evening" Or "we'll kipper welcome in the hillside"
when buying fish with the smaller bear. She usually says stuff...

Rog said...

Z: I'm not sure silently counts. But thanks for your support!

Nota : I normally opt for "Freak Out"

Scarlet: I'm gonna wash that thought right out of my head

Sir B: I'm not surprised. I would try P.J.Proby's "There's a Plaice for Us"

Tim said...

I was packing up some stuff in an old kit bag, to take down to Wales tomorrow. You can guess the rest.

Rog said...

Tim: it's a long way to Abergwili ....

Tim said...

I know. That's why I often stop at Llandarog (at least 3 miles less) for lunch. I know they'll keep a welcome there...

Rog said...

Tim: Land of Rog is in Norfolk surely?

Zig said...

I have it with lines from movies or worse old adverts, I can't hear anyone say aha without saying "a happy birthday to Toby"

dinahmow said...


And I sing the Two Ronnies' parody of Lincolnshire Poacher. All the time. Can't help it.
"Off in lorry with Winnie and Florrie..."

allotmentqueen said...

Er... I was following these comments until I started reading the last one .... but I'm afraid I was just thinking how my MIL used to be so annoying because she could sing a response to just about anything. She's now incarcerated in looney bin.

Unknown said...

It is very hard NOT to sing an apt response, when one presents itself (mine tend to be from Gilbert and Sullivan). It is even harder not to carry on singing the rest of the verse, indeed the rest of the song. I usually only stop when my audience starts throwing things (wouldn't mind if it were pennies). In view of the unpopularity this habit incurs I've been trying to break meself of it for years. So you're not alone in this one Rog.

Rog said...

Zig: I came out with "5 wonderful flavours, Punch and Judy Toodle Paste" the other day to consternation all round.

Dinah: No THAT is serious.

AQ: That's most encouraging news!

Mike & Ann: You are the very model of a model Gilbertarian

Pat said...

I've just done it on FB with 'What did Delaware boys?' to the bemusement of Jenean and friends.

mig bardsley said...

You're doing fine Rog. The next stage is not being able to remember them when you want to.

OMG. I've just remembered the opal fruit advert. Well perhaps I'm not at the next stage after all. Woe.