The Great Defector

Listen while you read:  https://youtu.be/zYXQgKBl-6s

I am the defector, and you're the farmer's daughter
You been teasing us farm boys
Till we start talkin' about those rabbits, George
Oh, won't you tell us 'bout those rabbits, George?

I am the defector
I give it what it need
Let's make a new world order
Let's make it rhyme

You're the chocolate at the end of my Cornetto
I love the way your underwire bra
Always sets off that X-ray machine

Comin' in to land and now
I love the color of it all
Blue lights on the runway
I love the color of it all

~  Bell X1

Slainte! Of course today's song choice would have to be by an Irish artist, and of course, my first thought was Van Morrison. But, as happens too often to believe it's only coincidence, a song popped into my head, so here it is. Bell X1's "The Great Defector" was the big hit on the 2009 release Blue Lights on the Runway. Check out the linked video if a) you don't know the song or b) you forgot about how great the song is and just have to hear it again. Bonus:  it's a live performance of Bell X1's appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman on March 17, 2009. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I have legitimate Irish cred. I descend from the Noonans of County Cork and the O'Briens of County Clare. And I have been to Ireland; it was an amazing trip. I got very excited to see that the lead singer of Bell X1 is also a Noonan (Paul), but my guess is that we are not related, as he is from County Dublin, not County Cork. Then again . . . he is the Great Defector, so it's possible?

Noonan says that the song is about "timing your life between runways," a nod to his homesickness while touring. I suppose we all time our lives between something, be it seasons or holidays or work schedules/priorities or school years. And when we do that, there is always that excitement with anticipation, anxiety about the present, and regret about denouement. And while I'm throwing out literary terms, I hope all my former students know about the rabbits and who George is. Think, people. You know this. (Hint:  "Gonna live off the fatta the land!")

I will admit that most of these lyrics are somewhat silly. But I love the underwire bra one! I have set off the X-ray machine in the security line many times, even when my bra does not contain an underwire. Makes one wonder, right? In the middle of the song, Noonan sings, "I wish I didn't bite my nails," apropos of nothing. I just love this stuff! Oh, and speaking of cool lines, a Cornetto is a branded frozen dessert cone, like a Drumstick. You're the chocolate at the end of my Cornetto. It doesn't get much more romantic than that!

Enjoy your Irish Cream, your soda bread, your corned beef, your cabbage, and your green beer! And play some Irish music! Slainte!