The Story
Welcome to Pronouns: The Musical.
Some may ask, “Pronouns?”, but we at A Frank Angle say, “Why not pronouns!”
A subset of nouns, pronouns serve as a substitute for nouns and noun phrases. These bits of linguistics and grammar are versatile and can almost refer to anything.
Although pronouns can be personal, objective, possessive, indefinite, relative, intensive, demonstrative, interrogative, reflexive, and reciprocal, this musical extravaganza focuses on selected pronouns.
Program
Act 1: I
Act 2: You
Act 3: Me
Act 4: He
Act 5: Him
Act 6: She
Act 7: Her
Act 8: We
Act 9: Us
Act 10: They
They succeed, because they think they can. (Virgil, Roman poet)
If they exert it not for good, they will for evil; if they advance not knowledge, they will perpetuate ignorance. (Frances Wright, writer)
Machines are worshipped because they are beautiful and valued because they confer power; they are hated because they are hideous and loathed because they impose slavery. (Bertrand Russell, philosopher)
Some men have thousands of reasons why they cannot do what they want to, when all they need is one reason why they can. (Martha Graham, dancer)
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. (Mahatma Gandhi, leader)
When they are alone they want to be with others, and when they are with others they want to be alone. After all, human beings are like that. (Gertrude Stein, author)
Men fall in love with their eyes – they like what they see – and women fall in love with their ears – they like what they hear! (Zsa Zsa Gabor, author)
Guidelines
Songs must have They in the title
Cautions
- No duplicates songs regardless of artists
- Foreign language equivalents unacceptable
- Contractions are acceptable at the discretion of The Producer
Production Notes
To prevent browsers crashing from loading too many videos, please
- Include the song title and artist in your text, and
- Paste the URL as part of your last line (not a new line).
- The latter will provide a link, thus not embed the actual video … but I don’t mind unembedding, so apologies are not necessary.
Announcement
Welcome to the latest musical by aFa Productions – Pronouns: The Musical.
They is an interesting word because some see it as the opposite of us (the previous act). They is a third-person reference to others, both generically and negatively. Nonetheless, they is a common pronoun. For the opening act, we are fortunate to secure a true American classic. Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for a loud welcome to one of music’s favorite crooner – Tony Bennett with They All Laugh.
Act 10: Them (next Saturday)
Pronouns, pronouns, pronouns… what about amateurnouns?
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😀 😀 😀
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Ray,
LOL … well played … and let us not forget prenouns and postnouns. Given you started us with a chuckle, this is a perfect place enter the way-back machine for a blast from the past by a one hit wonder. They are Coming to Take Me Away (Napoleon IV) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fn36l_z3WY
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Ha ha, Frank! I forgot about this one, otherwise, I sure would have chosen it…
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OH yes … it’s very you. 🙂 I remember when it was a hit, and yes – it even pops into my mind at times. I think it would have been a great choice for B. 😉
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Hah! I’ve used it more than once in a situation… 😉
As for B…Hmmm… maybe, just maybe!
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We can dedicate it to him in honor of his low participation in the musicals.
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It’s funny, because we were chatting and I told him your email was imminent… and not five minutes later, Poof! There it was. Thought I’d manage to entice him to play… but nope 😉
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It was my first thought!
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Ha. Ha !
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Excellent choice, dear Frank! Tony Bennett is a winner any time, in my books…
So… after much deliberation, I’m going to go with Sonny and Cher’s “Why Don’t They Let Us Fall In Love” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRKPhjn4jyQ
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Heavens Dale – you went even further back than I did 🙂
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I was trying to be nice and leave more “obvious” ones…
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Oh you are nice – I searched for ages and found three – I picked the best of the lot 🙂
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Dale,
Good one to start … and wow – an early one from the famed duo. This one doesn’t ring a memory bell for me, but I like it!
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I just wish there was a video…. that would have been cool
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Mr Bennett is a class act – and cannot be beat. Therefore, I shall go back in time – way back in time – to 1978 and The Band doing their Last Waltz: ‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down’. https://youtu.be/6dDbnwQlCek
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What a wonderful choice! Love, love, love this one! Dang… why didn’t I think of it? 😉
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I was just wondering if this was one of the ‘obvious’ ones ….. I just loved The Band’s music back then.
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Pauline,
Tony Bennet is both classy and a classic. I wanted to use the duet version with him and Lady Gaga, but couldn’t find a video an acceptable video – so this one was perfect. Your choice popped up on my radar very early, so I decide to leave it out there, so thanks for using it!
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Lowe and Lerner “They Call the Wind Maria” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByqYEzugleE from “Paint Your Wagon’
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Gary,
Oh my my … is that one ever a wonderful song from the days when musicals seemed to sing about anything. I always wait for a chorus to starting singing “We know where you are going” as a person leaves for the bathroom.
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Love these old musicals, Paint Your Wagon especially. Gary – Great choice! Now I’ve a hankering to hear Lee Marvin’s “I Was Born Under a Wandering Star”!
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Going way way way back, because going back seems have been added to the theme, a ragtime from Robert Johnson’s ‘They’re Red Hot’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOXXh24HnmY
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Classic. I like the way he switches voices. I had to listen to “Come On, In My Kitchen,” too.
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Now I had to listen to it also. One of my favourites.
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🙂
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Yahooey,
WHOA … Not only do I not know this one, I surely didn’t expect it. Love it … just love it! Well done!!!!
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Well thank you Frank 🙂
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Love me some ragtime blues, Yahooey. Love this!
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I’m going back a bit, too, with this beautiful song sung by Joan Baez. It was part of the sound track to my Cold War anxiety, and now it seems timely again. “What Have They Done to the Rain?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhbjrPrBGe4
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Beautiful choice, Merril. It does seem timely, doesn’t it?
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Yes, unfortunately.
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Merril,
A definite flashback to a tumultuous time. Like she says, a gentle song – but one with a defined protest. Baez is a classic artist, and thanks for this addition!
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I’m way behind on my AFA’s due to taking time last week to perfect my golf game down at Hilton Head SC. Will start today though to catch up by working backwards on your Post-break posts with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers doing their thing in “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuufFgAMkGE
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Tim,
Welcome back from your golfing expedition. Now there’s a classic video and song. Many forget that Fred Astaire also had a good voice, let alone dance. Glad the clip included both. The dancing was outstanding.
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I dunno about “good” voice 😉 It was decent, for sure!
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Lovely version, Tim. I almost went with Billie Holiday’s!
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These last pronouns are gonna be really challenging but my choice for “they” is a number by the R&B group, The Spinners:
They Just Can’t Stop It (The Games People Play) https://youtu.be/K_Y7Dv717xs
P.S. Great selection with Tony who is always a classic. Happy weekend.
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Monika,
Great choice to add to the variety of genre in this act. This is a classic and has to give listeners a little bounce.
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A weekend bounce was the idea! 😉
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Such a mellow voice… Love this one, Monika,
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Thanks, happy weekend! Hope it’s as gorgeous your way as it is ours 🌞
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It is! I just went out to take a picture of my fire bush 😉
It’s windy but warm. Too bad I have to work at 3..
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Sorry you have to work but hopefully you’ll get to enjoy a portion of nice weekend weather.
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I’m off tomorrow, then on Tuesday and Wednesday so, hopefully, I’ll be able to get out and click away whilst Zeke runs around me. Of course, the temps are going way down… 😦 But the sun should shine. Fingers crossed.
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🤞🏼
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Happy Weekend. Cool air this morning but with warm into the 50s. Blue sky but strong winds schedule for this afternoon – but no storms. Cheers to your gorgeous start!
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Cheers to yours as well!
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Have to go with Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us” as done by prison inmates https://youtu.be/mKtdTJP_GUI
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John,
Oh wow … it’s been a while since I’ve seen that one. Classic video! Great choice!!!!
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*Whew*
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SUCH a great choice, John! I figured this song would pop up… never thought it would be this great version. I remember seeing it a good while ago so thanks for bringing it back.
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I’m a sucker for danceing in unison.
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Hola aFrank,
Limited amount of songs in this category. BUT … I remembered this one. Love Santana … Willie with him is a SUPER BONUS. Time to get the Mrs. for a little Cha Cha Cha … Enjoy
Happy Saturday …
Isadora 😎
They all Went to Mexico https://youtu.be/TL3bxRlRYtc
ps: I always enjoy a little Tony Bennett – He’s #1 in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn : )
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Isadora,
Good morning to you. Glad you enjoy a bit of Tony Bennett that started this act. This Santana song is new to me. If I didn’t know the artist, I would guess Jimmy Buffett. Seems Willie gives it that feel. Cha Cha works … and so does Rumba.
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I thought Jimmy Buffet was singing too. I smiled as Willie sang in Spanish. He has a big American accent. I never tire of his singing or songs. Glad you liked my selection. Yes – a rumba can work too.
Happy Saturday 👍😀😎
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Great points! 🙂
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Funny how no mention of Willie Nelson 😉 Wonderful choice, Izzy
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Thanks, Dale. I could tell it was Willie by his voice. He’s great 👍 glad you enjoyed my selection. Happy Saturday 😊😎
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No one can take Willie for another… He is so distinct!!
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Willie has a distinct voice and a guitar style like no one else. His song writing always leaves me wishing I could be that talented at poetry and writing. There aren’t too many like him. I’m so happy you liked my selection, Dale. Thank you … 😎
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I know what you mean..
There are a few FF writers who make me feel that way as well as a few that I follow…
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It’s the artistic insecurity peeking out saying, “Gotcha’”. I’ve lived as an artist too long. Mmmm … change??? Naw 😂😂😂 sorry 😐 aFrank 😎
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It seems to me that the greatest difference between they and we, is that in the image of we, we commit ourselves, take responsibility for our part of the action, thought or whatever. Since we have no part in ‘they’, we can imagine them as a conglomerate force, and attribute to them exaggerated power or threat. I liked the quote from Zsa Zsa Gabor. Haven’t heard from her or of her for years. She was a very bright student of human nature.
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Soo… where’s your song? 😉
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I’m a little weak in that area, coming as I do from a completely different culture. Actually, Frank’s blog is often a challenge for me because many of the issue discussed are not well known to me. But occasionally I do find subjects that are right down my alley, so I continue to follow (and learn).
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I’ll take care of a song for Shimon later.
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Shimon,
If my memory is correct, you enjoy jazz. Here’s one from one of the great crooners of all time – Frank Sinatra with They Say It’s Wonderful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Leba3dEM8j4
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thanks for the Tony jam – was enjoyable as was the post – peace
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I would give you a song, as you did not add one, but shall not overstep my bounds… It IS Frank’s blog, after all 😉
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I do not know what you mean, awesome Dale? I did not add one? should I have in my reply – ? I was noting I liked his ending song of
Tony Bennett with They All Laugh
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Yes indeed… you should have in your reply 😉
I’ve a couple in backup if you’re stuck…
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oh you are a true blog friend – and Frank already gave me a Reba song – and I am now officially schooled on what to do ’round here —
thanks again
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I saw that 😉 Plus… I would NEVER go on Frank’s turf…
Always 😉
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🙂
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Yvette,
Thanks for stopping by for the musical. Many wonderful songs here, but my policy is that if a commenter doesn’t have a song, I provide one! … so … here’s one for you – Until They Don’t Love You (Reba McEntire) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIgp__dxEfc
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Excellent choice, Frank… I was gonna offer Sting 😉
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oh I did not know this was the way to comment here (feel so out of the loop – and thx)
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I take care of my visitors. 🙂
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🙂
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I decided to add one that’s a little out of my usual lane, but I didn’t think anyone else would come up with it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erCOGM1_4DA Have you heard Conway Twitty’s “Who Do They Think He Was?”
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Oh, wow, Debra… What a wonderful choice… Though brought up on Conway Twitty, I don’t remember ever hearing this one.
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Debra,
Well now – yes – your choice here surprised me – but I welcome it! Well done!
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Working overtime! I’ll be back with a THEY!!!!
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Okay! Home now! Grateful Dead https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuGvO_L4plE They Love Each Other
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Good one, Resa!!
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Thanks, Dale!!
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Resa,
Very good choice – especially because the Grateful Dead hasn’t made it into many musicals here. Well done!
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They always were a sort of cultish band, in that their followers were total die-hards.
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Here’s a song for Dale, the official maître ‘d of the musical series here. Still They Ride (Journey) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX3lao_fj-Q … Thanks you, Dale!
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Thank you, kind sir! You are most kind and generous and I thank you for giving me such leeway!
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And Frank… From me to you… some Sting with “They Dance Alone” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS_bN5ECJTI
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Dale,
Thank you! I initially was going to give you this one, but that changed once you mentioned it.
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Well there you go. It was meant to go up in your comments! 😉
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I had to come back with a song that I expected to see. Bob Dylan and The Times They Are A-Changin’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlPV4wtZ6HE.
aFa Note: If the link doesn’t work, try this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7qQ6_RV4VQ
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Excellent addition, Yahooey.. so love this.
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Yahooey,
I am surprised this one wasn’t used earlier – so thanks for returning to add it (and waiting to give others the chance to use it). Definitely classic Bob Dylan. The video wasn’t available to me, so I added a second link to your comment.
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Thanks for adding the second link.
I’m a little surprised it wasn’t available for you – it’s an official release with 1 million + views. Digital rights are more complicated than they should be.
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Sorry, for my late entry. I have been tied up with so many things. My “They song is….drum roll please.
(They Long To Be) Close To You – The Carpenters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT86AoSGEL8
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Drew,
A big hit from back in the day. Many don’t realize the song’s full title!
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Exactly. Wasn’t sure if you were going to accept it.
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The Producer is on top of these productions.
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