State Fair (Breen)

by Mike Breen

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A cut off of my cd "Past Lives" describing the Arizona State Fair with a little bit of Lenape Park influence. A harkening back to a simple, more romantic time.

lyrics

Here's one where I combine some of my favorite State Fairs and my hometown amusement park: The Arizona State Fair, Lenape Park and The Kentucky State Fair. There are a couple of lyrics that have confused some folks so I included an explanation.

STATE FAIR (BREEN)

With explanations of obscure references and lyrics.

CHICKEN SCRATCH MUSIC (also known as waila music) is a kind of dance music developed by the Tohono O'odham people. The genre evolved out of acoustic fiddle bands in southern Arizona, in the Sonoran desert. These bands began playing European and Mexican tunes, in styles that include the polka, schottisch and mazurka.

LADMO BURGER - FEATURED AT The Wallace and Ladmo Drive-Ins� were also Wallace and Ladmo food stands at the Arizona State Fair. Wallace and Ladmo had an extremely popular kids show in Arizona.

FLIP THE FUNNY HYPNOTIST I met Flip years ago and booked him on lots of shows. This is from his website: “Since Flip Orley has burst onto the comedy scene he has single – handedly reshaped the image of hypnosis from its Vaudeville image, to an act hip and edgy enough for all ages. Flip’s appearance on the “Today Show” brought rave reviews and stopped traffic in midtown Manhattan. His one-man show has set comedy club attendance records from coast to coast. Faithful fans and new comers alike find themselves screaming with laughter as Flip ignites his volunteers’ subconscious minds and transforms reality.”

HORCHATA is a rice-based drink from Mexico.

GUADALAJARA is a well-known MARIACHI song.

“It’s your turn to grab that ring…” Lenape Park in Lenape, Pennsylvania was within walking distance of where I lived and
I spent many an hour on the Carousel where you could grab the brass ring. (From the web) “The 48 hand-carved figures of�the Lenape Park carousel were meticulously cared for by John V. Gibney, (a distant relative of mine), who owned�the park for over fifty years. Lenape Park survived the demise of the trolley line in 1929 and�continued as a popular attraction until 1976, when Gibney, then 92 years�old, sold it.”

State Fair (Breen)

This time every year when the leaves are on the ground
When the days are getting shorter and the grass is turning brown
When the last trace of summer disappears in cool air
we get to put on our jackets and go to the state fair

For me it’s always the same routine
I like the roosters and the rabbits and the really big pigs
And a Ladmo Burger with a grape snow cone
and chicken scratch music at the All Indian Rodeo

and if it’s life your after, well, look around
grab a can and drink it down

At the State Fair it’ll be alright
At the State Fair, well I’ll see you there tonight

Now, there’s the petting zoo and pie contest
Flip the funny hypnotist
Down to Little Mexico for a cold horchata
and the Mariachis playing “Guadalajara.”

And it’s your turn to grab that ring
I’ll hold you tight while you spread your wings

At the State Fair it’ll be alright
At the State Fair, well I’ll see you there tonight

When the sun goes down at the end of the day
and the lights come up on the midway
and the crazy carnies start talking’ trash
“Hey Man, it’s three tries for a dollar and
you can win that baseball cap.”

And there’s no describin’ how free it feels
when you ride the zipper and ferris wheel

At the State Fair it’ll be alright
At the State Fair, well I’ll see you there tonight
it’ll be alright
At the State Fair, well I’ll see you there tonight

From Mike’s CD “Past Lives”

credits

released September 6, 2023
Produced, Recorded and Performed by Mike Breen on the Cd "Past Lives" on Basilbone Records published by Breensongs Pub BMI copyright 2000.

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Mike Breen Phoenix, Arizona

Over the years Mike has gained an enthusiastic following for his "story songs."

"​Mike Breen may be an unfamiliar name but his songs have that warm. lived in quality that lodge themselves firmly within the subconscious..." John O'Regan - Rock-N-Reel

One of..."the best of the real indies..." Carolyn Adams - WDIY-FM ... more

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