Musical Moods
“Greensleeves” shares a melody with this Christmas carol.
What is “What Child Is This”? Both songs evoke deep emotions. “Greensleeves” is an old folk song dating to the 16th century, most likely originating in England.
Traditionally, the Broadway curtain rose at 8 p.m. unless you were seeing one of these afternoon performances.
What is a matinee? The word originally comes from the Latin matins, meaning “morning prayers.” Today, Broadway matinees start between 1 and 3 p.m.
Run for cover
What is to seek shelter? If you’re outdoors during a thunderstorm, you should run for cover—inside, not under a tree.
This summary of the investigation into President John F. Kennedy’s assassination was made public in 1964.
What is the Warren Report? President Lyndon Johnson and members of the Kennedy family privately disagreed with the findings of the report, as do many Americans today
This singing duo is known for performing “The Beat Goes On” on their TV variety shows.
Who are Sonny and Cher?
This is another term for church songs.
What are hymns? Hymns are religious songs sung during worship. The word hymn comes from the Greek word hymnos, meaning “a song of praise.”
In the afternoon, avoid a beverage containing this so you can get a good night’s sleep
What is caffeine? Enjoy a decaffeinated version of your favorite beverage, or help yourself to a tall, refreshing glass of lemonade.
Cry over spilled milk
What is to cry over past events that cannot be undone? Rather than dwelling on past events that didn’t turn out as expected, learn from mistakes, if applicable, and concentrate on the present and the future.
This race took place from the 1950s to the 1970s between the United States and Russia.
What is the space race? The Cold War competition was fierce and led to advances that might not otherwise have occurred so quickly. The first launch was the Soviets’ artificial satellite, Sputnik.
This state is still on our minds, thanks to Ray Charles.
What is Georgia? Charles’ rendition of “Georgia on My Mind” is considered the definitive version and is the state song of Georgia.
A patriotic tune on both sides of the Atlantic, the English version is “God Save the King/Queen,” and its American counterpart is this.
What is “My Country ’Tis of Thee”? It’s no accident that the songs share the same melody. American colonists deliberately chose the melody of “God Save the King/Queen,” the British national anthem, and added new lyrics as a way of trolling the Crown.
On a bicycle built for two, you are riding in this manner.
What is tandem? Couples who want to ride a tandem bike must be synchronized, which means that the back rider must put full trust in the front rider, who has control of the bike. The front rider is called the captain; the back rider is called the stoker
Born with a silver spoon in the mouth
What is to be born into a wealthy family? The idiom reflects the advantages of having money from birth.
In the 1970s, she was “king” of the tennis courts.
Who is Billie Jean King? She won 31 Grand Slam titles, including 20 Wimbledon titles. In 2009, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The world said “Hello, Dolly” to this iconic actress when she originated the role of Dolly Gallagher Levi on Broadway in 1964.
Who is Carol Channing? Channing won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance.
This is the term for performers singing without instrumentation.
What is a cappella? Cappella means “chapel” or “choir”; a cappella means “in a church or in a choir.” Gregorian chants are performed without instrumentation.
Late afternoon is the time for this formal British tradition served at a table with guests seated at high-backed chairs.
What is high tea? The earlier afternoon tea is served in a less formal setting, such as comfortable seating or in the garden. Food for both includes scones, sandwiches, and small fruits and cakes.
Gray matter
What is the brain? The brain is comprised of gray and white matter.
On November 4, 1979, the American embassy in this city was overtaken.
What is Tehran, Iran? The occupants of the embassy were held hostage for 444 days until finally being released the day of President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration in 1981.
The love theme from the film Casablanca was written for the characters Rick and this woman.
Who is Ilsa? When Rick says, “Play it, Sam,” the love theme “As Time Goes By” is the song Sam plays on the piano.
Imagine coming out of the eye doctor’s office, prescription for new eyeglasses in hand, and hearing this apropos tune by Johnny Nash as background music.
What is “I Can See Clearly Now”? Would you break out laughing? Perhaps it should be titled “Eye Can See Clearly Now.”
What famous Mr. Rogers phrase welcomed kids into his home every weekday afternoon?
"Won’t you be my neighbor?"
Nepo baby
What is a baby born to a famous person? Nepo is an abbreviated form of nepotism.
When it opened in 1942, the presidential getaway now known as Camp David was originally known as this.
What is Shangri-La? President Eisenhower changed the name to Camp David because he felt Shangri-La was a bit too fancy for what was then a rustic retreat.
This celebratory song was tied up in court with copyright issues until a U.S. federal judge ruled in 2015 that all copyright claims were invalid and the song is in the public domain.
What is “Happy Birthday to You”? The copyright covers only specific arrangements, leaving you free to sing “Happy Birthday” at private or public gatherings without worrying about copyright infringement.