Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Wow! (03/11/10)
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TITLE: Beatle Daze | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sharon Eastman
03/17/10 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
In 1964 an event occurred that revolutionized American culture and music to this day – the British invasion by the rock and roll group, the Beatles. I was in junior high and just the right age to enjoy this phenomenon.
On that special Sunday night my cousin, Barb, and I were watching the Ed Sullivan Show on a 17” black and white television. We suffered through an insipid vocalist and a corny comedian. Our anticipation and curiosity for the Beatles still kept our eyes glued to the TV. Finally, amid screaming hysterical girls, Ed Sullivan proclaimed, “Here’s the Beatles!”
Barb and I couldn’t believe our eyes. At first we didn’t know what to think. Then, we started screaming at the TV. The Beatles looked unsavory to the adults with their long, shaggy hair and outrageous clothes. But, the kids adored this rebellious style. Their music had a new energy, and it was played to the backbeat of ole-time rock and roll. Barb and I loved it. Because of the “mod” creativity of the band, we were drawn into the net of Beatlemania.
It seemed like the entire junior high kids at my school had watched this “sacred event.” Normally, we wouldn’t watch the Ed Sullivan Show; unlike Bonanza and Andy Griffith, it was too “square.” As we couldn’t contain our curiosity, we sat through it to see the Beatles.
As the excitement grew, the first question asked by all the kids was, “Did you see the Beatles?” This question was followed by, “Who’s your favorite Beatle.” Barb’s favorite Beatle was George, and my favorite was Paul. I liked the cute choirboy type, and she liked the handsome, serious musician.
As more and more of their records and albums were released, I’d lay late at night in my bed and listen to Beatle music on my transistor radio. I dreamed that Paul was singing only to me. My heart was crushed when I read that he had a girlfriend, Jane Asher.
The Beatles became more popular than ever, and their phenomenon was exploding. Girls from my school formed fan clubs. We’d sing and dance to Beatle songs. We’d tell stories and dreams about marrying them. Martha was my best friend, and she had a great sense of humor. She’d say ridiculous, witty things, and we’d laugh and laugh until we were breathless.
One time our group went to a Beatle convention. A local radio station produced it, and they played Beatle music all day long. The walls were covered with Beatle pictures and posters, and vendors displayed records, trivia, and Beatle “junk.” In our foolish minds we thought the Beatles would appear. Naturally, they didn’t, and the radio station and the vendors won our loot.
One other time Martha and I went to our areas premiere of a Hard Day’s Night, the first Beatle movie. We proved that we were true Beatlemaniacs because we stood in line for two hours just to see this movie. And, believe it or not, there were others lined up behind us. We had so much fun screaming during the movie that we could hardly speak when we left.
Beatlemania was a lot of fun; it is a time in my life that I treasure and will always remember. To my dismay, I never had the opportunity to see them in live concert. As the Chinese say, “It was an interesting time,” and I say “Wow!” to that.
Today only two Beatles remain, Paul and Ringo. John and George have passed away. Some of their songs like “Yesterday” and “Something” are classics. They may have been outlandish for their times, but they left a legacy of great music.
I can’t compare my fanfare for the Beatles to my love and adoration for the Lord. I worship Jesus and only Jesus (the Trinity), the holy Creator.
Although I adored them, the Beatles never knew me or cared about me. But, Jesus created me for a purpose, and he knows me. He loves me so much that he died for me. With this act he forgave my sins, gave me eternal life, and gave me the abundant life. With him by my side I have a purpose, goals, and direction.
My praises for the Beatles died forty years ago when they disbanded. They were mortal with feet of clay. My praises and adulation of Jesus will last forever and always. And, to that I say, “Halleluiah!”
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