1977 - World Reform
The new reform movement was in full motion. I kept his vow to
create his ‘World Theme Song’ and the momentum for change sent it
to the top of the charts.
“Pretty good results for a wash out, “ I told his new wife. “You
can hardly go anywhere without ‘World Reform’ coming out of a
radio, or being played in a record shop.”
I turned on his radio, and recognized the familiar strains as the
song came up again in the rotation.
World's gonna change and I'm gonna change it.
Turn out the old, rearrange it.
We can't get by on what they dictate on high.
Reform! Be reborn!
I couldn’t help himself as he jumped up on the table and started in
on a little guitar improvising, without the benefit of a guitar. He
took a couple of Townshend-style swipes at the air, and sang out
with the radio.
Look out the window and what do I see?
L.A. smog coming after me.
My eyes are burning and heads are turning to me.
Reform! Be reborn!
I took on the solo with a vengeance, and jump off the table, barely
missing cracking his head on the ceiling. He calmed down a bit as
the music mellowed.
I can't do it alone, help is on its way.
If you'll help me along, we'll see a new day.
The main theme reintroduced, he belted it out:
Political upsets are getting me upset.
Branding our minds so we can forget.
The situation that exists in our nation means:
Reform! Be reborn!
Angela was so happy to see the positive changes reflected in I over
the past few months. The music press retracted the stories of
suicide, and embraced the new socially conscious efforts of this
once over the top, but now down to earth version of “The World’s
Greatest Musician.”
Their wedding had been a quiet affair, with a few friends and
family in attendance. All four members of Golden Fingers were
there, which fueled a few rumors of a reunion, but they were really
there to support I and Angela. Buddy and Annette and Henry and
Juliette were overjoyed, never thinking in a million years that
there would be a matchup between Angela and I, and amazed that
their friendship of more than twenty years would produce such
fruit. Spike served as I’s best man, and Isaac and Ozzie were
groomsmen.
Angela’s maid of honor, was I’s “cousin” and her best friend
Elizabeth Stone. Betty was her good friend from high school, and a
confidante in Angela’s secret crush on I. Elizabeth was a couple of
years older than Angela, and had never revealed to her that she had
been briefly involved with I back in High School. Her bridesmaids,
Marilynn Spencer and Marie Jordon had been fast friends themselves,
known as the “M” girls in the Golden Fingers fan club. They were
realizing one of their own private dreams by being involved in an
event such as this.
Sam Martin and his wife, Samantha, sat in the special guest row,
and even Sandy Daly had sobered up long enough to make a
presentable appearance.
I had even composed a new song for the event, based on his own
transformation, and the couple used it for their vows.
I began:
I need someone and that someone's got to be you.
Though you've been there all along you're just like a
dream come true.
If it wasn't for you
I know I couldn't make it through my life
If it wasn't for you
If it wasn't for you
You have a love that is true
And I know you'll make me a fine wife
You have a love that is true
You have a love that is true
Angela, unaccustomed to singing in public, was a bit nervous, but
she continued the story:
Change
Change your life, change for me
You can if you try
You must to get by
Change
Life is change, understand
Yes, I'll be your wife
Yes, I'll share your life
I resumed his vows:
Friendless, lonely, there I was,
A star no longer.
I'd been brought down all because
I wanted to be stronger
I need someone and that someone's got to be you.
Though you've been there all along you're just like a
dream come true.
He continued his confession, with Angela joining in
counterpoint:
If it wasn't for you
I know I couldn't make it through my life
If it wasn't for you
If it wasn't for you
You have a love that is true
And I know you'll make me a fine wife
You have a love that is true
You have a love that is true
Change
Change your life, change for me
You can if you try
You must to get by
Change
Life is change, understand
Yes, I'll be your wife
Yes, I'll share your life
I resumed a solo vocal:
Now I've seen where my faults lies
You've got to help me.
It's clear to me I've got to try.
I need the key, so tell me.
Angela responded with her solo call for change
Change
Change your life, change for me
You can if you try
You must to get by
Change
Life is change, understand
Yes, I'll be your wife
Yes, I'll share your life
Their vows concluded, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.