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VIVA VERMONT!
(Actual exchange with the Vermont Arts Council) © Spaff.com 1999+
Dear Mr. Aldrich (et al.), I read on the Internet that the Vermont Arts Council has decided to toss out Vermont's old state song ("Hail Vermont") and is in search of a replacement. You were quoted in Reuters, in fact, as saying, "Oh my God, we need a new song!" May I say, I couldn't agree more. You're not the only one who thinks the lyrics "were not memorable and nobody could sing it." (Reuters again.) May I also say, your search is over! Thanks to the miracle of the Internet (Yahoo! News), your plea has been heard by me--a songwriter. What serendipity! I have written countless songs, and while you may not have heard many of them, and while I hadn't ever written a state song per se, I am sure you will not be disappointed. I have incorporated elements that will free this from the bonds of crotchety old state songs (like, ahem, "Hail Vermont") and send it swirling into the new millennium. As you will discover, it has what we in the industry call "teen appeal." If you were to have it recorded by a popular/professional singer, or someone from Vermont, it could become a hit record, played in dance clubs and on MTV (if you shoot a video for it). Think of all the publicity that would generate for the Green Mountain State! Anyway, without further ado, here is the new state song: "VIVA VERMONT!" VIVA VERMONT!
CHORUS:
You welcome all who come to thee!
CHORUS!
Could Rhode Island whip you? No sirree!
CHORUS! (ELECTRIC GUITAR SOLO)
Forget New York! Adieu, Quebec!
(MULTICULTURAL SECTION: SWITCH TO LATIN BEAT)
Livin' la vida Vermont!
(BACK TO NORMAL MUSIC)
Yes, Ben and Jerry! They're from here!
CHORUS!
I love your trees! I love your air!
CHORUS! (BONGO or STEEL DRUM SOLO) (GLOCKENSPIEL SOLO) REPEAT CHORUS (3x)! As far as royalties are concerned, I trust that we can work out something equitable. For the time being, it's enough just to announce my name as composer at each public performance of the song. Maybe you could put a blurb about me in the constitution. Patriotically yours,
MATTHEW SPAFFORD
P.S. Once I come up with a rhyme for Norman Rockwell, I'll be happy to add a verse about him.
Very clever and humorous. Unfortunately, a little late!
Thanks for your interest.
Sincerely,
Alex Aldrich
Alexander L. Aldrich
Mr. Aldrich,
Thank you for your encouragement! Alas, it sounds like you have already
selected a new Vermont State Song, and that is indeed unfortunate, both for
me and for Vermont.
But I propose that it is not too late to name "Viva Vermont!" the First
Runner-Up to the State Song. (As I'm sure you're aware, it is important to
have a First Runner-Up on hand in case the victor ever becomes unable, for
whatever reason, to fulfill its responsibilities as State Song.)
Looking forward to your concurrence,
Matthew Spafford
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