The random song lyric

 

There's Billy Joel, the "big Mets fan."
"But the Yankees grab the headlines every time."
"And pick the Yankees up for free."

Song lyrics, much like movie quotes, can quickly enter our consciousness.

They can stick in our brains to the point that they become a cliche.

While talking about something else tonight, I uttered the words, "straddle the line," and couldn't help myself. I added, "in discord and rhyme."

"Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran, of course.

They just stay with us sometimes.

While doing research for the latest edition of The Owner's Box Horse Racing Podcast, I discovered our guest, track announcer Pete Aiello, is a big Don Henley fan. So I began quoting song titles. Trust me, I could have really gotten bad but I stopped before it got to that point because, as you know, I will not go quietly.

I kill myself.

The point is the song quote (or title) can easily roll its way into almost any conversation.

Even today, I somehow weaved "Baby Got Back" into a discussion I was having.

And I can not lie. You other brothers can't deny.

Let's not start on Huey Lewis, of course. I can't say, "If this is it," without, "Please let me know."

I can't say "Sooner or later" without at least thinking "Some of my lies are true."

You have to be a deep fan to know that one.

Of course, I've uttered, "New York, New York" and followed that up with, "Isn't everything they say and no place I'd rather be" too many times.

Naturally, The Beatles are where it's at.

"I read the news today," always leads to, "Oh boy."

My poor niece Eleanor has to deal with me asking her about all the lonely people.

God forbid I say that we can drive my car because "Yes, I'm gonna be a star" will inevitably follow. 

And, of course, one can't talk about anything that was twenty years ago today. 

Let's not even deal with "Help" or "Get Back."

Billy Joel can also lead that way.

Try -- TRY -- to help someone move. If you have any regard for Mr. Joel and his music, I dare you to not hum "I'm moving out, mmm hmmm. Oooh hoo. Uh huh."

Which, eventually, you'll be onto Anthony and the grocery store and Mama Leone and the heart attack-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack.

I mean, you oughta know by now, right?

Or, of course, you go to the wine store. A bottle of red? A bottle of white?

It all depends upon your appetite!

"Pressure" always includes a synthesizer anytime I hear that word.

And, perhaps my best example? There are literally countless conversations where I've said, "You may be right..."

SING ALONG! "I may be crazy."

I realize this is all a little nonsensical but I guarantee you know what I'm talking about and you have your own examples.

Tell me, for instance, you can mention a "hater" without thinking of them as they "hate hate hate hate hate."

So, I suppose I'm being a little silly tonight, but I'm willing to bet we've barely scratched the surface of song lyrics that somehow pop up in any old conversation.

I'm open to others.