When I was born it was 1966. My family consisted of two wonderful parents, two great sisters,Mary and Debbie, and one very special big brother Colin. My siblings were teenagers when I was born, very typical music loving teenagers. My brother, the oldest, in his mid-teens. played in a band. He was the drummer, and as drum kits are not very portable, all the rehearsals took place in my parents basement.
With three teenagers the house had music going all the time. Looking back, I realise how patient and supportive my parents were of their kids. Mind you, they were out numbered by teenagers at the time. As for me, I was very loved, or should I say well spoiled. My older brother, and sisters were a very active and nurturing part of my life, as is true today. Thanks to my siblings I was exposed to some great music, and given an appreciation for a very special musical era.
As is the way in life, all things must pass. Colin was killed in a car accident in 1970, he was 20 years young, and I was turning 5 years. This turned my families existence into a very painful struggle. Although I was a young child, I could feel the magic was gone forever. Over time we survived and pulled together. When I was a few years older I would play the record albums belonging to my brother.
Of all the music Colin had owned, it was The Beatles I played over and over. Although their music was always captivating, the older I grew the more I would understand the lyrics. It was like looking at a familiar painting and noticing new colours you had never seen there before. Most of the songs evolved for me with time. However, In My Life is one song that touches home the more trips one makes around the sun.
I would listen to Beatle songs to remove sadness, listen to make a great day even better, listen simply because The Beatles created a magnificent collection of years of music. Sometimes I find I can be transported to a time when my family was complete. When life was still very magical.
Of course one cannot know of The Beatles and not hear Liverpool's influences. The obvious being Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane. On a subtle level is the Liverpudlian accents that shape the famous vocals. Sometimes you can hear the movement of the mighty Mersey River, or the ambience of the industrial metropolis, if you listen carefully.
I had the opportunity to visit England with some friends in the early 80's. My friends had moved here from Manchester, they were going home for a visit, and invited me to join them. I had a wonderful time.
When they took me to Liverpool I was spellbound. I felt that The Beatles had been a part of my beginnings, and now I was getting a chance to see where they spent their beginnings. Very exciting. We did all the Beatle tours and travelled on our own to visit some more Beatle land marks.
A few years later I returned to Liverpool. I know the Liverpool The Beatles lived in had long gone, time changes everything. However, I enjoyed the people I met, the over all humour, and, matter of fact personalities.
One of the shops that I repeatedly visited was a small record shop. On my first visit to the shop I excitedly explained that I had just been to Birkenhead and back and asked for a copy of "Fairy across the Mersey" by Gerry and the Pacemakers.
The look on the employees face was priceless, like he was face to face with an alien. He smiled and politely said,
"Well let's have a look."
He looked as if he would rather call security. Amongst all the pop posters, and latest and greatest records he found a copy. Perhaps I should have just asked for the record and not mentioned the fairy ride.
I made regular visits to that record shop. When the staff realised I wasn't a misplaced time traveller, or a half thawed igloo dwelling Canadian, we had many great chats. They were proud to educate me on the new Liverpool bands, what places I should visit, and proper Scouse lingo...very key when in Liverpool. I educated them on my exciting city Toronto.
They did seem disappointed to hear that I had never travelled by dogsled, had never seen an igloo, or even knew a lumber jack. They, on the other hand, had never been to the original Cavern or even met a Beatle....so,we were even.
I was made welcome in a very honest, down to earth way. It was like someone inviting you into their home and saying, 'Glad to see ya. Sit down, relax, and we'll have a visit. Then later can you give us a hand with the dishes'. The people of Liverpool made me feel at home, never like an outsider, or unwanted visitor. I had a good time and a laugh, what else could you want.
Although it was a bit of a long and winding road that led there, I am very glad my path has crossed through Liverpool. I will visit again someday, without doubt. It is like waiting to see an old friend. Years pass but you still care.
e-mail Jo-anne