Red Rubber Ball
A Multiple Versions Monday discussion and playlist ...
It’s Monday. It’s raining. It’s still January and January has already felt over a year long. But we’re here, and we’re going to get through it. With music!
I love a good cover. Often more than I like/love the original. While I don’t always love a cover more than the original, I do this week!
Let’s dive right into this week’s song, shall we?
Red Rubber Ball
The song, written by Bruce Woodley (of The Seekers) and Paul Simon, was first recorded and released by The Cyrkle in early 1966.
The story of the song follows someone looking back on a relationship where he/she felt unappreciated. Ending that relationship brings them relief and freedom.
It’s a short, bouncy (see what I did there) tune with descriptive lyrics.
The story's in the past with nothin' to recall
I've got my life to live and I don't need you at all
The roller-coaster ride we took is nearly at an end
I bought my ticket with my tears, that's all I'm gonna spend
The Original & The Covers
The original is fine and dandy. But this is one of those times I much prefer the covers. The original is a bit perfunctory vocally, though I do appreciate the punchy delivery of the guitar.
My favorite cover? Neil’s, closely followed by the Simon & Garfunkel version. Why? The emotion and storytelling of the vocals. The live version by S&G is that little bit more raw, more emotional, and their blended vocals are simply gorgeous.
And Neil? He’s the consummate story singer. He slows things down a bit with his vocals without slowing the music. It’s a skill. Am I biased? A bit. I love Neil!
This is the last Monday in January. Thank goodness. But this is far from the last Multiple Versions Monday playlists. I’ve got a long list, full of my own selections and many of your suggestions. If you’d like to recommend an original for me to check out and seek my favorite covers, leave me a comment!
"The morning sun is shining, like a red rubber ball..."
One of the more underrated of the many hit singles of the '60s.
I didn’t know this song but it’s lovely. I like them all and am inclined to agree that the covers surpass the original. I really enjoyed the Nellie McKay cover. She’s not an artist I’ve come across but something in her vocals reminds me of Kirsty MacColl.