田納西華爾滋 Tennessee Waltz

我讀中山國小,是個重視音樂教育的學校.每個班都要參加班級樂隊比賽.也不知為何,我從一年級開始,就被指定吹口風琴一直到小學畢業.我與這樂器的 love-hate 關係,在此不表.

在6年級的時候吧,有一次學校要集合各班的所謂菁英,組成一個代表學校,可能是準備參加校際比賽.有將近幾個月的時間,幾乎每天都要集合練習.練的曲子,就是田納西華爾滋.

很多很多年之後,我在美國唸完書都在工作了.有一次開車下班時,在收音機上聽到紀念 Patti Page 的節目,裏頭撥放了她唱的版本.那時才猛然察覺,自己竟然從未把這曲的歌詞弄清楚過.回家 Google 一下,讀清楚了才知道,這是首多麼悲傷的歌.嚴格說來其歌詞的意境不算高,感覺和一些描述悲情苦戀的台語歌曲十分類似.

但想當年為什麼主辦人會挑這首為指定曲,是個耐人尋味的問題.如果單就那悲恨的意識形態,其實頗有兒童不宜之顧慮.難道單純的只是因為旋律簡單動聽,適合10歲左右的小孩?還是因為主事者的喜好,甚至對她/他來說此曲有特別的意義,sentimental value?從這方面繼續想像,似乎可以擴張成一部電影,或十集日劇的好題材…

From:  http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/emmylouharris/tennesseewaltz.html

"Tennessee Waltz"

I was dancin' with my darlin to the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend I happened to see.
I introduced him to my darlin' and while they were dancin'
My friend stole my sweetheart from me.

I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Now I know just how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darlin' the night they were playin'
That beautiful Tennessee Waltz

Now I wonder how a dance like the Tennessee Waltz
Could have broken my heart so complete
Well I couldn't blame my darlin', and who could help fallin'
In love with my darlin' so sweet

Well it must be the fault of the Tennessee Waltz
Wish I'd known just how much it would cost
But I didn't see it comin', it's all over but the cryin'
Blame it all on the Tennessee Waltz

She goes dancin' with the darkness to the Tennessee Waltz
And I feel like I'm falling apart
And it's stronger than drink and it's deeper than sorrow
This darkness she left in my heart

I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Cause I know just how much I have lost
Yes I lost my little darlin' the night they were playin'
That beautiful Tennessee Waltz