The Games People Play | Filed under General
Come play a game with me, do you know what is on my mind? Watch out now, remember I’m a Lady well at least a Belle so no that is not at all what I was thinking. My mind was on Joe South, a Georgia singer/songwriter who was born Joseph Alfred Souter in Atlanta on February 8, 1940. He grew up in a working-class household and developed an early interest in music. By the age of eleven, he had a weekly guest appearance on a local country music radio show. During his teenage years, South played in integrated bands with black musicians like Frankie Redmond, and was conversant with the rock ‘n’ roll and R&B styles of the period. He released several singles on Bill Lowery’s N.R.C. label, and wrote songs for soul artists like Atlanta’s Tams, who were recording with Lowery at the time. In 1962, he had his first number one hit as a writer as the Tams took his song Untie Me to the top of the charts.
In addition to his connections with Atlanta’s soul and R&B scene, South still maintained close ties to country music. In 1957, he had joined Nashville steel guitarist Pete Drake’s band, and he moved to the country music mecca in 1962, as his songwriting career was shifting into high gear. During the mid ’60s he worked as a session guitarist in Nashville and Muscle Shoals, playing on records by Bob Dylan, Wilson Pickett, and Aretha Franklin, among others.In 1968, he released his first solo album, Introspect, on Capitol records, and in 1969 had a hit with his song Games People Play Best, which won Grammys in the categories of Best Contemporary Song and Song of the Year. South released multiple albums for Capitol, and had several other hits, including Don’t It Make You Want to Go Home and Walk a Mile in My Shoes, but his biggest successes still came in the field of songwriting. Lynn Anderson’s 1971 recording of his song (I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden spent five weeks at number one and cemented South’s reputation asa hit writer. Other artists who had hits with material South wrote include Billy Joe Royal (Down in the Boondocks) and Deep Purple (Hush).
South dropped out of the music business at the height of his success after his brother Tommy (also a musician) committed suicide in 1971. After a brief reappearance in 1975, he disappeared almost completely, and has remained reclusive since that time. His success as a songwriter makes him one of Atlanta’s best-known native sons, but as the testimony of Frankie Redmond shows, he was a dynamic and positive influence on the local Atlanta music scene long before he achieved international fame.
So play a game with me but I bet you would like a little music so come on hum along with me…
The Games People Play
Oh the games people play now
Every night and every day now
Never meaning what they say now
And never saying what they mean
Every night and every day now
Never meaning what they say now
And never saying what they mean
And they while away the hours
In their ivory towers
‘Till they’re covered up with flowers
In the back of a black limousine
Though we make one another cry
Break our hearts when we say goodbye
Cross our hearts and we’ll hope to die
Said the other was to blame
Neither one will ever give in
Though we gaze on an eight by ten (note 1)
Thinking ’bout the things that might have been
And it’s a dirty rotten shame
Talking about you and me
And the games people play
People walking up to you
Singing glory hallelujah
And they’re trying to sock it to you
In the name of the Lord
Gonna teach you how to meditate
Read your horoscope and cheat your fate
And furthermore to hell with hate
Come on get on board
Look around tell me what you see
What’s happening to you and me
God grant me the serenity
To remember who I am
‘Cause you’ve given up your sanity
All your pride and your vanity
Turn your back on humanity
And you don’t give a damn
Talking about you and me
And the games people play
Now I ask you to please play a game, answer one or more from the following. And as always, thanks for visiting and playing.
Best compliment you’ve ever received.
Things you would do if you weren’t afraid.
Who do you blame for your mood today?
What makes you laugh?
Name one blogger who does not visit us here at the porch that you think would enjoy OUR Pourch.
Remember to come back soon where you will always find friends, food, love and so much more. Until the next time May your Life be Simply Good as it is here with Ms. Vickie
January 10th, 2006 at 8:06 am
Wow those questions have made me stop and ponder. Will get back to you on that one.In the mean time, take care and have a blessed day.
January 10th, 2006 at 11:24 am
Thing(s) you would do if you were’nt afraid.
Commit to a relationship.
What am I afraid of?
ME!
January 10th, 2006 at 12:03 pm
Best compliment: About my compassion for others and my inner strength that they see.
Things you would do if you weren’t afraid: Too many to mention here.
Who do you blame for your mood today? Me.
What makes you laugh: Just about everything that can be laughed at. Some days it’s either laugh or cry and I’d rather laugh.
Blogger: Suzanne http://suzannerslife.blogspot.com/
Have a wonderful day, my friend. Love & hugs!
January 10th, 2006 at 12:11 pm
Ms Vickie, that song is so perfect. I almost think you were reading my mind. And I wanted to say thank you for that history lesson on Joe South.
Your questions:
Best compliment: “You are an awesome Dad.” (I had to choose this one over the physical compliment as beauty fades)
What would I do if I wasn’t afraid?
Open my heart freely instead of being stingy with my feelings.
My mood today? Only me, no one else.
What makes me laugh? Oh you silly girl, all sorts of things. My children, babies, when a lady compliments me on the physical, my job, my friends, life (except for car accidents)
Travels with Dick and Huggy. I found him at Susan’s site and he is as sweet a man as I have ever found. He’s travellin’ in an RV south from Seattle.
His site is: http://www.rvtravelswithhuggy.blogspot.com/
Keep smilin’ Ms. Vickie, Life is Simply Good. (Hugs, love and prayers)
January 10th, 2006 at 2:11 pm
Hi Vickie, Joe south wrote some great songs, not least of all, the Games People Play.
My mood today I blame on all my friends, because I am in a wonderful mood.
Laughter comes from so many sources, things seen or read, said by friends or perceived as being funny by my strange sense of humor.
January 10th, 2006 at 3:04 pm
Neither one will ever give in
Though we gaze on an eight by ten
Thinking ’bout the things that might have been
And it’s a dirty rotten shame
That hit home hard! Thank you for the history lesson and the lyrics.
As to your questions…..
Best compliment you’ve ever received.
I think the best compliment i’ve ever gotten was when my father told me what an awesome parent he thinks I am.
Things you would do if you weren’t afraid.
Oh so many! The biggest one would have to be to fly free.
Who do you blame for your mood today?
Myself.
What makes you laugh?
All sorts of things. As long as it’s not someone else being hurt.
Name one blogger who does not visit us here at the porch that you think would enjoy OUR Pourch.
I think Vince would like it here.
http://sydwynd.blogspot.com/
(((hugs)))
January 10th, 2006 at 3:38 pm
Best compliment you’ve ever received?
That I am the best mommy in the world.
Things you would do if you weren’t afraid?
Put myself out there for someone again.
Who do you blame for your mood today?
Nobody’s fault by mine.
What makes you laugh?
My son.
Name one blogger who does not visit us here at the porch that you think would enjoy OUR Porch.
Sue www.cdnsue.blogspot.com
Have a great day!!
January 10th, 2006 at 4:26 pm
Being hired for my present job, skydive, God, life, my friend CT
.
January 10th, 2006 at 5:06 pm
What makes me laugh?
Life.
What makes God Laugh?
My plan for what I need to have done.
January 10th, 2006 at 6:36 pm
I love that song!
you and your questions…okay:
Best compliment: You do NOT have a son that old!
If I wasn’t afraid? Speak my mind even if it meant taking a chance something wouldn’t work out.
My mood? Myself. I’m not the confident person I started thinking I was.
Makes me laugh? Life in general.
A blogger? Poopie? I haven’t noticed her in here and she would fit right in.
January 10th, 2006 at 7:15 pm
You do make a person think…HARD! My brain hurts. *sniff sniff*
Best compliment you’ve ever received.- I’m always being complimented about my eyes. I’ve been told too many times that they are mesmerizing. I know you’ve heard that one yourself girlie!
Things you would do if you weren’t afraid. - I have a fear of rides that are really fast and I have no control over. I wish I could really enjoy a good roller coaster without having to feel like I’m going to fly off of it.
Who do you blame for your mood today? - Mom. I feel abandoned. Even though I know it was purposely and there is nothing I can do about it. I still feel so sad and angry.
What makes you laugh? - I make myself laugh. Because no matter how down I get, I can always pick myself up with my own insightful humor of the things around me.
Name one blogger who does not visit us here at the porch that you think would enjoy OUR Porch. - Chris L. from Recovering & Discovering Self. He needs to be more social. I’m working on it!
January 10th, 2006 at 7:17 pm
TYPO above - Even though I know it WASN’T purposely.
January 10th, 2006 at 9:02 pm
Oh I love playing games with you Miss Vickie, you’re just so much fun!
Best compliment you’ve ever received.
Someone used to think (and tell me all the time) that I was “gorgeous”, even though I know I’m not.
Things you would do if you weren’t afraid.
Drive, and be outdoors in the worst of the wasp season.
Who do you blame for your mood today?
I’m in a good mood, and I blame me.
What makes you laugh?
Oh my, a good sense of humour, and some of the things I do.
Name one blogger who does not visit us here at the porch that you think would enjoy OUR Pourch.
I think Rhonda Elizabeth would love it here. And she’s a southern lady too!
January 10th, 2006 at 11:31 pm
Joe South used to come in where I worked and chat with me sometimes. I’ve since moved away and not seen him in many years. Good Song.
Best compliment you’ve ever received.
Thanks, From my dad.
Things you would do if you weren’t afraid.
Own my own business
Who do you blame for your mood today?
Me. I’m usually in a good mood anyway
What makes me laugh?
All the crazy things I think of everyday.
January 10th, 2006 at 11:36 pm
“Things you would do if you weren’t afraid.”
Run away.
January 11th, 2006 at 12:06 am
Compliment - “I always tell people you were the best step-mom my dad ever married”.
If not afraid - Sky dive from a plane about three feet from the earth.
My mood - myself, but, it’s better now that I’ve visited with you on the porch!
What makes me laugh - myself, especially when I answer stupid questions I’ve asked “myself”
Gee, Vickie, I haven’t had this much fun in a long time!!
Hope you’re feeling as well as possible today. ((((hugs))))
January 11th, 2006 at 5:04 am
Dont know why, but I accidentally posted my comments for today in yesterdays post. So here it is again for todays reading enjoyment.
This sounds like fun!!!!
lets see now…..
The best compliment I ever got…My husband once told me “You are getting more like your mother every day!”
If I wasnt afraid…
Id learn to ski, skydive, travel to remote places and play the stock market!
My mood for today …
I blame on myself. I believe we have control over our emotions. We choose to be angry, offended or cheerful. We more or less choose our moods and responses to outward stimuli.
What makes me laugh?
My crazy puppy. Ridiculous sex positions, (the previous 2 items are not interconected in anyway!) I also laugh at myself quite often.
I dont believe WALKER (blog site named “Lost Here and Beyond”) ever comes here. He is a fellow canadian who is currently on holiday in New Zealand, visiting his Girl Friend whom he met thru his blog. You can find a link to his site on my site. He is a very interesting man with a great, albeit often dark sense of humor.
January 11th, 2006 at 5:21 am
Best compliment you’ve ever received.
Thank you
Things you would do if you weren’t afraid.
Get into politics
Who do you blame for your mood today?
I Always myself
What makes you laugh?
A funny comedian or a politician. That’s the same right?
Name one blogger who does not visit us here at the porch that you think would enjoy OUR Pourch.
DOT
January 11th, 2006 at 1:26 pm
1.Best compliment you’ve ever received.
My priest held my hand and said, “You truly have Christ’s heart.”
2. Things you would do if you weren’t afraid.
Go to the top of the Empire State Building.
3. Who do you blame for your mood today?
ME.
4. What makes you laugh?
Random silly things….but Jeff Foxworthy and Chris Rock do too!
5. Name one blogger who does not visit us here at the porch that you think would enjoy OUR Pourch.
flubberwinkle.blogspot.com
THAT WAS FUN!
January 11th, 2006 at 7:09 pm
Best compliment: When our Rector told the congregation that, if anyone ever asked them if there really is a Jesus Christ, s/he should move in with Curtis and me for a little while and observe us…s/he’d see Christ in our love, in our relationship, in our lives.
What I’d do if I wasn’t afraid: Snow ski…the mere thought of plummetting down a steep slope with two planks clamped to my feet, terrifies me.
Who I blame for my mood today: The big evil Monster that is assaulting my body.
What makes me laugh uncontrollably, hysterically: Penguins in motion.
A blogger oblivious to this blog who would enjoy it: flax at www.beyonddepthoffield.com/flax
January 11th, 2006 at 10:11 pm
Oh Lord, honey - I haven’t thought about Joe South in years! His music was part of my growing up - remember when there was only AM radio? They’d play his music right along side Purple People Eater. Talk about juxtaposition! Odd, what you remember sometimes isn’t it?
So - your questions - lots of that going around these days. Hmmmmm….
Best Compliment:
Don’t even know where to go with this - two jump immediately to mind. When I was singing and one of the audience members came up and told me I sounded like Streisand, and when my best friend said I was just like a sister to her.
What would I do if I wasn’t afraid:
Hell - I’m with Walker on the politics thing. Unfortunately - I’ve lived a very full life - done things, been places. All that would jump up and bite me in the ass should I try for a political future.
Who do I blame for my mood:
No worries, mate - I’m feelin’ just fine, today!
What makes me laugh:
So many things - my critters, my friends, a good joke, a funny film - too many to count.
Who should stop by:
Well - I was gonna say Trucker Bob - but I see he’s here already. Hey there, sweetie! How’re you doing today?
January 11th, 2006 at 10:22 pm
Hi Vickie, hope you’re well today. I remember that song– Hank Williams, Jr. also recorded it
Let’s see…
Best compliment: That I have a beautiful singing voice.
If I weren’t afraid: Go whitewater rafting.
Blame for todays mood: Last nights dreams. (I posted about them today)
Who makes me laugh? My new puppy.
Blogger: Tobiejo in Georgia www.frommypen.blogspot.com
Thanks for the fun post
January 12th, 2006 at 2:06 am
You okay? I know you were off to see a man about a horse, but just worrying a bit here.
Hugs, love and lotsa prayers.
BFFIWWW
January 12th, 2006 at 3:11 am
The best compliment I ever received was a couple of Christmases ago. I made my family an hour long DVD all set to music (about 14 songs worth) that looked incredibly professional. I used fades and transistions and all that good stuff from professional video editing software. I sent about 4 months scanning in and cleaning up over 600 photographs, starting from when my parents were very young. The video went all the way up to a family photo i shot a week before I gave my family the gift! The entire family was in tears, and my mom said it was the nicest thing anybody’s ever done for her.
Ah shucks, now I’m getting all tearing eyed….
January 12th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
Best compliment you’ve ever received. Tough one since I don’t pay much attention to compliments for me.
Things you would do if you weren’t afraid.
Live life to the fullest
Who do you blame for your mood today?
drug abuse by youngest daughter
What makes you laugh?
the chatter of grandchildren playing mind games with me.
January 13th, 2006 at 8:06 pm
Hi Miss Vickie: A Very Belated Happy New Year after my well documented computer problems have resolved! Elvis also reorded “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” live in Vegas! So That’s who Joe South is. I learn something new every time I stop here. lol!!!
January 13th, 2006 at 11:01 pm
Hi Vickie, good post as usual, great song too. Now the questions; The BEST COMPLIMENT I have ever recieved was from my daughter” mommy you are the best mom in the world” , and as for my MOOD TODAY, I am to blame for it. I am in a quiet, feeling kind of low, blue, worrying about my future kind of mood.It is in my head and nobody else can take credit/blame for this one.Also if I WEREN’T AFRAID, I would be more trusting in my relationships, but I am afraid of being hurt, so I am guarded, and suspicious.Just thought I would share these.Hugs Vickie,
January 14th, 2006 at 8:23 am
How can one blame another for the way we feel??? We only have sole control of our mood.
January 14th, 2006 at 1:41 pm
Hey Miss Vickie, just popping in to say hi, and hoping you’re okay!
January 15th, 2006 at 2:53 am
Best Compliment: My hubby telling me how pretty I was right after I gave birth to our daughters.
What I would do if I wasn’t afraid: Skydive, bungee jump, scuba dive
What makes me laugh: my children
Great game Miss Vickie. I thoroughly enjoyed playing.
January 15th, 2006 at 5:02 pm
Thinking of you on the Sunday morning. Just wanted you to know.
January 15th, 2006 at 6:23 pm
Hey BFFIWWW, you okay? Missing you and just wondered if everything was okay. Big hugs. . . .