Issue No. 43 of Johnny Be Good features one of 45 songs from the book, Anatomy of a Song: The Oral History of 45 Iconic Hits That Changed Rock, R&B and Pop, by Marc Myers. Read John Pearson's review here. Order from Amazon here. Listen to the book on Libro (9 hours, 34 minutes). Each blog will spotlight a song from the book and a guest blogger’s color commentary. Click here to subscribe. Each issue of Your Weekly Staff Meeting will highlight the latest blog.
“She embraced her quirkiness.”
Today’s guest blogger: Callista Dawson
Song: #43 of 45
Title: “Time After Time”
Musician: Cyndi Lauper
Released: January 1984
I APPRECIATED THIS:
Learning about the collaborative spirit behind “Time After Time” was truly fascinating! The chapter dives into how Rob Hyman crafted the music with Cyndi Lauper's voice specifically in mind. It goes far beyond a songwriter saying, "Hey, sing this melody!" Hyman envisioned a powerful, emotionally-charged vocal delivery, and Lauper absolutely delivered.
Witnessing this back-and-forth between songwriter and singer, where they shaped the lyrics together—to perfectly complement both the music and Lauper's unique style—that’s what makes this story so inspiring. It's a beautiful reminder of the magic that can happen when creative minds come together, pushing each other to new heights and creating something truly special.
This collaborative process isn't always sunshine and rainbows, but in the case of “Time After Time,” it resulted in a timeless pop anthem. The label of “timeless” can sometimes be frivolously applied, but in this instance, the truth stands. For a song to be embraced by multiple generations over multiple decades is the mark of musical genius. Based on my quick research, there are currently 177 songs that cover or sample this track!
Read more about the song in Marc Myers’ WSJ article, Dec. 1, 2015, “How Cyndi Lauper Wrote Her First No. 1 Hit, ‘Time After Time.’ The 1984 ballad appeared on the debut album ‘She’s So Unusual’ and later caught the attention of Miles Davis.”
View the official video of “Time After Time,” by Cyndi Lauper (more than 545 million views!). Callista Dawson notes, “No reflection on this song can be complete without also mentioning the AMAZING cover by Eva Cassidy.”
MY FAVORITE NOTES & QUOTES:
The stand-out moment in this chapter, for me, was when Marc Myers quoted Rob Hyman saying of Cyndi Lauper: “She wasn't afraid to be different. She embraced her quirkiness.”
This quote resonates with me. It's a great reminder to be yourself and not be afraid to stand out. It’s so tempting to imitate those you admire, especially if they are successful at what you are trying to do. It’s important to embrace what makes us unique. Otherwise, the world will fall into a boring state of sameness.
WHERE WERE YOU WHEN YOU FIRST HEARD THIS SONG?
“Time After Time” premiered three years before I was born, so I can’t fondly reflect on where I was or what I was doing when it first entered the zeitgeist. However, because of the fact that this song grew to become a timeless classic, I can say that it has been an ever-present component in the soundtrack of my life!
It has been included in many of my favorite films and TV shows. It has played on the radio repeatedly (in its original Cyndi version as well as the many covers and samples), and I even danced to it at MANY school dances throughout my adolescence (it truly is the perfect song for an awkward teenage slow dance).
JOHNNY BE...GOOD, BETTER, OR BEST?
• GOOD: "Time After Time" is undeniably catchy. The melody burrows into your brain, and Lauper's vocals are stunningly haunting. It's a song that will have you singing along even if you're initially resistant.
• BETTER: Beyond the catchy exterior lies a relatable story, a truth bomb many of us can identify with, making the song more than just a fun earworm. Personally, this aspect of the song stings because it so poetically reminds me of a painful relationship from my past that will always be a part of my story. (I’m sure many can empathize.)
• BEST: Released in 1984, it still resonates with listeners today. That staying power, combined with its infectious melody and relatable theme, elevates it above the vast ocean of music that has filled peoples’ hearts and the airwaves of the past century. It takes a product of genius to endure and inspire the way this song has.
Callista Dawson is also a singer/songwriter/musician. When not making music, she is the Learning Experience Design Manager at Los Angeles Pacific University.
THIS ISSUE'S COMMENTARY BY Callista Dawson
CALLISTA DAWSON writes, “As a singer/songwriter/musician myself, I have spent the majority of my life making music! My parents nurtured my musical gifting from a young age, and I have written and recorded many songs with my father, Edward Barrett (fellow guest blogger). I credit my dad with exposing me to many genres of music and ensuring that my musical knowledge was well-rounded.
Editor’s Note! Callista’s dad, Ed, is especially proud that his daughter has released a CD, “Arms Around You.” Ed wrote the lyrics and Callista wrote and arranged all the music. She also played the piano and sang all of the songs—and designed the CD cover. Listen to “Arms Around You” on YouTube. The CD is available on iTunes, CD Baby, and Spotify.
Visit Callista on Instagram here.
NEXT UP: Song #44 of 45, “Nick of Time,” by Bonnie Raitt, with color commentary by Dave Barton.
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It all started in 2023, when John Pearson read and reviewed a "fun" book, Anatomy of a Song: The Oral History of 45 Iconic Hits That Changed Rock, R&B and Pop, by Marc Myers. Read John's review here. Order from Amazon here. Listen to the book on Libro (9 hours, 34 minutes).
And thanks to our guest bloggers, including John Ashmen, Dick Nelson, Suzy West, Dave Barton, Patsy Barton, Paul Palmer, Bill Butterworth, Jim West, Melinda Schmidt, Jason Pearson, Gary Rea, Callista Dawson, John Walling, Ed Barrett, Larry Beatty, Skye Matlock, Scott Anderson and others. Click here to subscribe to this blog and enjoy the toe-tapping musicians in each weekly blog post—reminding you of these iconic songs of yesteryear.